Guide to Bruges: City of history, romance and beer

By Malin Norman

Bruges is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. With its dreamy backdrop, this is the unofficial capital of romance. But the Venice of the North is also a great beer destination, with charming beer bars, a popular long-standing beer festival, and even a beer line running underneath the city.

In the Middle Ages, Bruges was one of the most important trading centres in Europe, and the historic city centre is now listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The preserved centuries-old buildings, cobbled streets, winding canals and arched bridges breathe history. Often called the capital of romance, Bruges is the perfect destination for a summer break.

The arteries of the city for centuries, the canals wind through Bruges with tree-lined benches and stunning views around every bend. Discover the secret gardens and medieval facades during a stroll or a canal boat trip. One of the most beautiful, and most photographed, spots in the city is the Rosary Quay, where the Dijver and Groenerei canals meet.

For some proper romantic scenery, the Lake of Love Park (Minnewaterpark), is a must. Tucked between the green Ramparts and the Lake of love, it is just a short stroll from Beguinage. This world heritage with white-painted houses, tranquil garden and cobblestone streets was founded in 1245. For centuries, it has been a serene site inhabited exclusively by women.

Photo: Visit Bruges © Jan Darthet

From Flemish Masters to digital art

Bruges is considered to be the birthplace of the Flemish Masters. The group of painters elevated the city’s status to that of an internationally renowned centre for art in the 15th century. You can still see many of their works, for instance at the Groeninge Museum. Must-sees include The Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele by Jan van Eyck, the famous Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling and masterpieces by Hugo van der Goes, Hieronymus Bosch and their contemporaries.

The art gallery BRUSK is set to become the city’s new artistic hotspot. Located in the Museum Quarer, the brand-new gallery opens on 8 May with two leading exhibitions; one gives a cultural historical perspective to Bruges’ historic past (Bigger Picture) and the other is an AI-driven digital art experience (Latent City).

Apart from its impressive art scene, Bruges is also home to one of Europe’s best concert halls, the iconic Concertgebouw Brugge, which attracts more than 150,000 visitors per year. The internationally renowned MA Festival is a must too, with concerts and experiences in some of the city’s most beautiful locations.

Photo: VisitFlanders © Kris De Smedt

Brugse Zot and Bourgogne des Flandres

Not only does Bruges offer beautiful architecture, romantic sites and an outstanding art scene, it is also a fantastic beer destination with rich brewing traditions, famous breweries and cosy beer bars.

The beer of the city is Brugse Zot, brewed by De Halve Maan. The family brewery stretches back six generations to 1856, and is the last remaining brewery within the city walls. In 2016, the brewery laid a three-kilometre underground beer pipeline to the bottling plant – with beer flowing directly under the city. Join a tour and taste an unfiltered version of Brugse Zot.

Photo: Visit Bruges © Jan Darthet

If breweries can be considered romantic, Brouwerij Bourgogne des Flandres certainly is with its brewing loft, courtyard and waterfront terrace. Dating back to the 19th century, this brewery is behind the iconic Bourgogne des Flandres. An example of Flemish beer blending tradition, Bourgogne des Flandres Pure is brewed on site and blended with lambic from Timmermans.

Just outside the centre of Bruges, you will find Brewery Fort Lapin. Established in 2011, Fort Lapin is focused on the best quality and only brews with Belgian hops. The line-up includes for instance Tripel Fort Lapin 8 and Quadrupel Fort Lapin 10.

Photo: Visit Bruges © Jan Darthet

For a classic beer café, head to Café Vlissinghe. First licenced as a bar in 1515, this is the oldest in Bruges yet full of life. “I’ll admit the beer list isn’t huge, but all the classics are on the menu. But I don’t go there to tick off new beers, just sitting in this wonderful room is enough for me,” says Paul Davies, founder of AleHunters and UK ambassador for Belgium Beer Week. “Attentive servers keep you stocked up with beer, the best cheese and salami plate in town and local Flemish crowd pleasers on the food menu. In summer, you can seat yourself in the beer garden and even try your hand at krulbol on the rink next to it. This place exudes magnificence.”

Photo: Brouwerij Bourgogne des Flandres

Beer experience and long-standing festival

More than a museum, Bruges Beer Experience is essential for those who want to discover more about the Belgian beer heritage, with interactive experiences for all the senses. Learn about brewing and ingredients, women and beer, food pairing, Trappist and abbey beers, and more. There is also a kids’ tour with an exciting story about the Bruges bear. The bar offers tasty beers and a view of the Market Square.

Photo: Bruges Beer Experience

Not to be missed is the 18^th edition of Bruges Beer Festival, which takes place 12-13 September at Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre (BMCC). Around 50 breweries will take part and more than 350 beers will be served to thirsty visitors. The 2026 edition is set to be extra festive, as it also marks the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO recognition of Belgian beer culture as well as the 20th anniversary of the organiser, Bruges Autonomous Beer Tasters (BAB).

Photo: De Halve Maan

Fancy a beer?

Check out these top picks by Paul Davies, founder of AleHunters and UK ambassador for Belgium Beer Week.

‘t Brugs Beertje, Kemelstraat 5

World-famous for good reasons. This brown bar has a relaxed vibe and exudes excellence. I’ve been visiting for 34 years and never tire of it. The beer list is huge as always. When founder Daisy sold it, new owner Dries kept the vibe the same with some added touches. The rare beer list from my friend Jef’s former beer collection contains many rare beers. But the guest beers at the back of the menu feature newer, smaller producers and more session-strength beers. Wonderful.

Le Trappiste, Kuiperstraat 33

If a loud, heavy playlist backed up by a draft list of 27 classic and rare Belgian beers appeals to you, then Regnier’s basement bar is for you. Loud, hot and beery, there’s an amazing bottle list to back up the taps if you just can’t get enough good beer. Regnier used to run the Bier Temple shop on Maarkt many years ago and knows how to curate a good menu.

De Garre, De Garre 1

Infamous as the bar that’s hard to find, unless you know where to look. Expect classical music, free cheese on doilies, a superb beer list and their house Tripel brewed at Van Steenberge (who now own the bar). It’s hard to get in despite the bar now having three floors. Once seated, it’s hard to leave. A place to contemplate over a beer and cheese. And decide on your next beer.

Paula Mostaert, Gelmundstraat 9

Situated on the lesser of Brugge’s two main shopping streets, this wonderful little bar is an inclusive space for everyone. The trendiest bar serving in the city will keep you hydrated with up and coming Belgian craft beer. The playlist is very cool and doesn’t interfere with conversation. Board games, conversation and the best hot dogs anywhere, apparently.

‘t Hof van beroep, Langestraat 125

Locals’ café down the end of Langestraat towards the Kruispoort. The usual banter of folks returning home from work and having a cheeky one or groups planning a night out together and ending up stuck at this excellent bar – you don’t want to leave! Belgian craft beer, lambic, quality wine and spirits plus local events. Light snacks are served, but if you want something more substantial, try Lion Belge nearby.

Cafe DeHOPtimist, Rijselstraat 60

If you fancy leaving the city centre and exploring the outskirts of the ring road. Packed full of local lads, lasses, families, grannies – there’s lots of laughter, all encouraged by an excellently curated beer list. It’s a decent stroll behind the railway station and if you’ve had one too many, you can hop on a bus back to the centre. Hungry? The cheese and meat platter is legendary. Wear your big pants, the plates are daunting. They hold their own Toer de Geuze on 19 May.

Cultural highlights in Bruges:

BRUSK

Opening on 8 May

The new art gallery BRUSK opens in the historic city centre. Two exhibitions will be on show: the prestigious cultural-historical exhibition Bigger Picture and the digital art exhibition Refik Anadol. Latent City.

bruskbrugge.be/nl

Procession of the Holy Blood

14 May, from 2.30pm at the Dijver

Taking place every year on Ascension Day, the historic-religious event brings to life the story of faith, culture and connection. Dating back to 1304, the tradition has stood the test of time.

www.bloedprocessiebrugge.be

SMA(A)K Food Truck Festival - Zeebrugge x Seafront

14-17 May

The food truck festival SMA(A)K is coming to Zeebrugge, transforming the Old Fish Market into an atmospheric open-air festival. Come and enjoy delicious food and drinks, listen to live music, and unwind by the seafront.

smaakfestival.be

Sculpture Trail in the White Village

12 June to 20 September

The Sculpture Trail in Lissewege takes you through the picturesque village, where contemporary art and historical heritage blend seamlessly. Discover a variety of artworks outdoors and indoors.

www.visitbruges.be

Feest in 't Park

27 June

For one day, Feest in 't Park kicks off summer in Minnewater Park. The 35th anniversary of the free festival offers concerts, workshops, exhibitions, the world market, and delicious world cuisine.

www.feestintpark.be

MA Festival

31 July to 9 August

The MA Festival aims to bring innovation to the world of music. A dialogue between today's artists and audience, the festival combines tradition with a contemporary vision and presentation. This year, the ten-day festival opens with the Baroque orchestra Il Pomo d'Oro.

www.mafestival.be

Bruges Beer Experience

Open seven days a week
Museum: 10am to 6pm
Bar/Shop: 10am to 6.30pm

mybeerexperience.com

Bruges Beer Festival 2026 (BBF26)

When: 12-13 September, 2026

Where: Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre (BMCC)

www.brugsbierfestival.be

More information on what to see and do in Bruges:

www.visitbruges.be and www.visitflanders.com