Ever since my first visit to Bruges during a school trip in 2011, I vowed I would go back and take Scott with me. Not only did I get to make good on this promise this past summer, it was extra sweet because Emma and her husband, Nathan, joined us as well!
Bruges is a city that feels like stepping into a medieval dream—cobblestone streets, winding canals, and charming squares make it one of Europe’s most magical destinations. If you’re looking for a romantic escape filled with history, beer, and chocolate, here’s how to spend some time in this Belgian gem.
Where to Stay: Hotel Biskajer - A Charming Adults-Only Retreat 🏨
We stayed at Hotel Biskajer, a small, adults-only boutique hotel right in the heart of the city. It was the perfect mix of comfort and charm, with cozy rooms and a quiet atmosphere that made it easy to relax after full days of exploring. Plus, the location couldn’t have been better—we were just a short walk from the Markt square, where all the magic happens.
Cathedrals and History - Of course!
One of the first items on our “must-see” list was a visit to one of the most sacred sites in Bruges—the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Inside, we saw the relic of Christ’s blood, believed to have been brought back from the Crusades. The interior is very ornate, with gold accents and colorful stained glass. We happened to visit during a time when the relic was on display so, even though this particular practice is not a part of my personal faith, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join the queue and respectfully pass by the little vial.
Just a short walk away, we stepped into the Church of Our Lady, home to one of Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures, the Madonna of Bruges. What could be better? Renaissance art inside a Gothic church - I could stay here all day! Fun fact - This was the only Michelangelo sculpture to leave Italy during his lifetime. The delicate yet solemn expression of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus was breathtaking - Michelangelo never disappoints! The church itself was beautiful as well, with soaring Gothic architecture and intricate altars.
🍺 Brewery Tour at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan
Everyone knows Bruges is famous for beer. So, even if you’re not one to indulge, a visit to Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan is a must. This historic brewery has been crafting beer for six generations and is home to the famous Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik brews. We took a guided tour and learned about their underground beer pipeline (yes, an actual pipeline that transports beer across the city!). At the end, we got to taste their signature Brugse Zot, a crisp, refreshing Belgian ale as well as their rich, malty Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel—a strong dark ale that packs a punch! I may or may not have spent a small fortune importing some of this as a surprise gift after our return ;)
Let’s talk about the food….
🍽 Breakfast at Tattie’s
We kicked off our first full day with breakfast at Tattie’s, a small, welcoming café known for its fresh, hearty dishes. Their homemade bread and perfectly cooked eggs were the ideal fuel for our day of exploring. The relaxed, friendly vibe made it a spot we’d definitely return to!
Chocolates at Dumon
We couldn’t visit Bruges and not indulge, so we set out to find some authentic Belgian chocolate, and we struck gold at Dumon, a family-run chocolatier. The shop had a charming, old-world feel, and the chocolates were handmade daily. We picked out pralines, rich truffles, and chocolate-covered caramel delights. So good!
Lunch at Cambrinus
For dinner, we headed to Cambrinus, a cozy Belgian beer brasserie known for its incredible selection of over 400 beers and hearty Flemish dishes. Scott ordered the Flemish beef stew (Stoverij), which was slow-cooked in dark Belgian beer, creating a rich, velvety sauce. While it was very good, it wasn’t quite at the level of the stew we had in Brussels…not sure anything could top that! I opted for chicken this time with "Flemish Old Brown" beer- very tasty!
🧇 Waffles at Chez Albert
Of course, no visit to Belgium is complete without a proper Belgian waffle. After our beer tour, we made a beeline for Chez Albert, a well-loved waffle stand near Markt Square. The waffles were crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, just as they should be. We topped ours with melted Belgian chocolate, caramel, and a mountain of whipped cream. Safe to say, not a crumb was left behind.
🍻 Beer Tasting at The Monk
To sample even more of Bruges’ legendary beers, we stopped at The Monk, a laid-back beer café with an amazing selection of local brews. We opted for a beer tasting flight, which included a great selection. The flavours ranged from light and citrusy to deep, malty, and complex, making it a fantastic way to experience Belgium’s beer culture in one sitting. Sipping outside in the warm sun and relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect spot to unwind in the midst of a busy day of experiencing Bruges.
Dinner at Ribs n Beer
For our last dinner in Bruges, we went all out at Ribs n Beer, famous for all-you-can-eat ribs. We tried multiple flavors, but the highlight was their beer and Belgian chocolate-glazed ribs—unexpected but absolutely delicious! The ribs were so tender they fell off the bone, and the portions were beyond generous. The most any of us could eat was a rack and a half!
Stroll Through Bruges
Before leaving, we took a stroll along Bruges’ canals, meandering past picturesque bridges, ivy-covered houses, and hidden courtyards with medieval buildings reflected perfectly in the still waters. It was the perfect, peaceful way to end our trip.
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