Tips from locals
Every local has their favourite addresses in their home town. Here are a few recommendations (especially for food and drink) that you might miss as a tourist.
One of the cosiest and hippest coffee bars in town, right in the centre. You can sit inside, or enjoy the terrace at the back. Don't feel like a coffee? They also serve delicious homemade ice tea. Beware: hipsters love this place.
Just two streets from the Market Square, you will find this small and homely coffee and tea shop, tucked away in a little street. It is run by a mother and her two daughters, who will spoil you with delicious hot drinks and home-made pastries. They also serve a delicious breakfast.
For delicious breakfasts all day long, That's Toast is the place to be. That is right, they do all-day breakfast. You can sit inside in the bright interior, or on the nice terrace in the sun. They serve hip, modern dishes and also have plenty of alternatives for people with allergies!
The best bagels in town can be found at Sanseveria. This bagel salon is located in an idyllic spot near Bruges' oldest bridge. Here you will be spoiled with the most delicious modern and classic bagel creations.
Le Pain Quotidien is hard to miss, as it is located in the middle of Bruges' main shopping street. Here you can also have breakfast, lunch or enjoy a delicious pastry and drink. They make delicious artisanal bread here as well. You should definitely take a seat on the back terrace if you have the chance. It is a mini paradise.
Honestly, as a tourist, this one is impossible to miss. Da Vinci is probably the most popular gelateria in town. Here you can choose between dozens of artisanal and unique flavours.
Opposite Gelateria Da Vinci is another ice cream shop, Oyya. But they do not only sell ice cream. They also sell delicious Belgian waffles and frozen yoghurt.
At The House of Waffles you can enjoy the most delicious Belgian waffles with all the extras you can think of.
Tucked away in a little nook between the Market Square and Burg Square, you find the cosy little Go.fre shop. They offer some of the best and most creative Belgian Waffles, even on a stick!
Bruges is flooded with chocolate shops, but one of the best and not to be missed is probably The Chocolate Line.
No, we are not in Ireland, but this Irish Pub is worth a visit for their delicious food and drink.
Delicious burgers, that are not expensive, in a fun and trendy restaurant? Then Bohemian Burgers is the place to be.
Here, too, you can enjoy delicious hamburgers in a hip and original establishment.
A trip to Bruges is not complete without a delicious tub of fries from a typical Belgian fryhouse. One of the best in town is Brugsch Friethuys, in the city centre.
A cosy address in the centre of Bruges, where you can enjoy typical Belgian cuisine in grandmothers' fashion.
Besides grandmother's kitchen in Odette, we find grandmother's spaghetti in Bavet. A great fun restaurant where you can enjoy the best spaghetti (and other sauces too). Here you really do get a bib (Bavet is dialect for bib) while eating, to complete the experience.
A delicious touch of Greek cuisine in a Flemish city, and definitely recommended! This take-away is a bit hidden between a lot of chocolate shops.
For sushi lovers, this cosy place is highly recommended! The sushi is amazing and you are served with a big smile.
A stylish establishment with amazing food and service. Here you will enjoy an elegant and stylish interior and will find something for everyone.
This charming bar is located in Flanders Hotel. You will enjoy top service and the best crafted cocktails, fine wines & artisan beers. There's a daily happy hour and complimentary fingerfood.