Here’s our Bruges Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local
For a lot of people, Bruges is still a hidden gem in Belgium. If you think of Belgium, you probably think of Brussels first, and that’s understandable since it’s the capital and an incredible city. But Bruges is just as amazing, and that’s probably why you’re here. Check out our Bruges Anti-Tourist Guide and go explore!
How many days should I save to visit Bruges?
This is a tricky question because, like in most places in Europe, you could easily spend more days than you originally thought. But if you only want to see the main highlights in Bruges, you probably don’t need more than one day. If you want to take it a bit more chill and relaxed, you could easily spend two or three days in the city.
What are the main highlights of Bruges?
1. Bruges’ Music Scene
a) Live Music in Bruges
You will be able to find some nice spots in Bruges where they have live music. So is 27B Flat in the touristic heart of the city a restaurant and place where jazz music is heard in the weekends. While enjoying the performances you can eat some great food. So is Café Comptoir des Arts also a great place for some blues jam. A couple of times each month, Long Tall Danny and a starting band invites some guest musicians. Some of them are upcoming talents and some of them are doing music already for some time. Another fun spot where they often have some live music is at Delaneys. This Irish Pub organizes a lot of events and also live music events!
b) Festivals in Bruges
In Bruges there are a lot of small festivals that takes place during the year. For example is there the Light Festival. This festival is a light spectacle all over the city with a lot of wonderful lights and music in buildings but also on the water! Besides that is there also the Cactusfestival. This is a real festival where a lot of famous names appear. Mostly Dutch and Belgian artists but the festival also invites some international known artists! When you are in June in Bruges, you maybe want to take a look at the Retro Nation Open Air Festival! This festival is very known in Bruges and is absolutely worth a visit. It is also at the water in Bruges which makes it even more worth it!
2. Where to eat in Bruges
Bruges has a lot of good restaurants. But if you are searching for the hidden gems, you can start at Curiosa. This restaurant is in the middle of the city at all the touristic attractions which makes it perfect when you are visiting these. But because it is underground, it is very good hidden! The food is very affordable and delicious! You can also pay a visit at De Stoepa. This cozy place is located close to the train station and has a garden terrace which is ideal for in the Summer. They serve Asian fusion comfort food which is great if you are visiting Bruges with some friends or family. You can’t leave Belgium without trying some of the best beers in the world. You can combine this with a great dinner at The Rose Red. This is also a hotel but they serve some great food. And obviously can you enjoy the Belgian beers while doing some sharing dishes!
3. What to see in Bruges
a) Bruges’ Movie Walk
Bruges was the place where they filmed In Bruges. It’s a comedy-drama crime thriller film directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. It’s a popular movie and it’s about two Irish hitmen from London who hide in Bruges. You can walk a route that goes by some famous places in the city that were also in the movie.
Minnewater
Minnewater is a romantic spot in Bruges. It’s also called “the Lake of Love.” It’s located between Bruges and Gent on the canal. There are lots of beautiful spots with bridges and castles. In the movie, the gangster boss enters Bruges over the stone bridge over the canal.
The Gruuthusemuseum
This museum used to be the home of the Lords of Gruuthuse, and it became a museum in 1955. It’s a gorgeous building that’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Bruges. They spend some time here in the movie, both in the museum and around the beautiful area. When you visit the Gruuthusemuseum, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
The Bruges Belfry
The Belfry of Bruges is an impressive tower that stands at 83 meters. It’s already a sight to behold from the outside, but you can also climb to the top. After taking the 366 steps, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the whole city.
b) Coupure
When you visit the Coupure of Bruges or one of the canals, you’ll immediately think you’re in the South of France. There’s always a cozy, holiday vibe, thanks to the boats on the canal and the beautiful houses around it. The Coupure of Bruges is a must-visit if you need a moment of rest and peace.
c) Torture Museum
The Torture Museum in Bruges is pretty obvious, given its location in the heart of the city. It was the old prison a couple of hundred years ago. The museum displays one of the darkest pages of humanity with a lot of torture machines. If you’re looking for something different to do, it’s definitely worth a visit!
4. Alternative places in Bruges
2be Beer Wall
At Major’s house, you’ll find a wide selection of Belgian beers and plenty of accessories related to beer, particularly Belgian beers. They’ve got a huge beer wall with tons of different beers — it’s pretty impressive. They’ve also got a shop where you can buy beers and souvenirs. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always grab a beer (or two ;)) in their bar, which has 16 different taps, mostly Belgian beers!
House of Time
House of Time is the place to be in the city if you’re looking to chill. This unique spot has everything you need for a relaxing day or evening. There are ateliers, tents, and bunkers that have been transformed into cozy spots. There’s also a bar and a kitchen for anyone who is thirsty or hungry. This seems like the perfect place to end a day of visiting the Venice of the North
5. Not sure where to stay?
Our friends at the Bauhaus Hostel are the place to go! Greatest vibes in the city, beautiful architecture and the best staff.
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