WHERE TO STAY
* Hotel de Orangerie : Kartuizerinnenstraat, 10, 8000, Bruges, West Flanders
* Hotel Heritage [Hotel] : 11 Niklaas Desparsstraat, Bruges 8000
* De Corenbloem [B&B] : St. Jorisstraat 6, 8000, Bruges, West Flanders
* The Pand Hotel [Boutique hotel] : Pandreitje 16, 8000, Bruges, West Flanders
* Relais Ravestein [Boutique hotel] : Molenmeers 11 8000 Brugge
* Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce : Wollestraat 41-47, 8000, Bruges, West Flanders
* Hotel Ter Duinen [Hotel] : Langerei 52, Bruges 8000
* Huyze die Maene [B&B] : Markt 17, 8000, Bruges, West Flanders
* Hotel Prinsenhof Bruges [Hotel] : Ontvangersstraat 9, Bruges 8000
* Hotel De Tuilerieen [Hotel] : Dijver 7, Bruges 8000
WHERE TO EAT
* Pergola Restaurant : Meestraat 8000 | Hotel Die Swaene, Bruges 8000
* Hertog Jan : Torhoutsesteenweg 479, Bruges 8200
* Park Restaurant : Minderbroederstraat 1, Bruges 8000
* Gouden Karpel : Huidenvettersplein 4, 8000 Brugge
* Bistro Kok au Vin : Ezelstraat 19/21, Bruges 8000
* Den Gouden Harynck : Groeninge 25, Bruges 8000
* De Stove : Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat 4, Bruges 8000
* Tanuki : Oude Gentweg 1, Bruges 8000
* Assiette Blanche : Philipstockstraat 23-25, Bruges 8000
* Sans Cravatte : Langestraat 159, Bruges 8000
* Visscherie : Vismarkt 8, Bruges 8000
* Kardinaalshof : Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 14, Bruges
* Bistro De Schaar : Hooistraat 2, Bruges 8000
. . . for a coffee break and something sweet : Bittersweet café or Patisserie Van Mullem
. . . and for a special evening, we suggest Le Mystique or Patrick Devos “Zilveren Pauw”
WHAT TO SEE
* Castle ten Berghe : Proot Dudzeelsesteenweg 311, Bruges 8000
* Groeninge Museum : Dijver 12 8000
* St. Walburga’s Church : Sint-Maartensplein, 800
* Palace of the Liberty of Bruges : Burg 11
* Burg : [see map]
* Memling Museum : Mariastraat 38, 8000
* Church of Our Lady : Vrouwekerkhof Zuid, Bruges 8000
* Diamond Museum : Katelijnestraat 43, Bruges B-8000
* Beguinage [Begijnhof] : Wijngaardstraat
* Arentshuis : Dijver 16, Bruges 8000
* Choco-Story | The Chocolate Museum : Wijnzakstraat 2 | Sint-Jansplein, Bruges 8000
* Historium Brugge : Markt 1, Bruges 8000
* Historic Centre of Bruges : [see map]
WHAT TO DO
01 | Enjoy an afternoon picnic on Minnewater Lake; not only are the views picturesque, but so very refreshing; a lovely spot to unwind, and take a step away from the hustle and bustle.
02 | The Lace Center [Kantcentrum] is certainly a must, as one can enjoy the museum and also, live demonstration. In fact, the live demonstration is a wonderful way to appreciate the process and ask questions of the craftspeople.
03 | Spend the morning at The Markt — a fabulous shopping destination, brimming with hundreds of gift shops and places to dine, certainly worth a visit during your stay.
04 | Be sure to tour the city by boat through the canals — showcasing a different view of the city entirely — it is truly a must while you are visiting Bruges.
05 | If you are so inclined, dip into the very best of chocolate-tasting by starting off with a visit to the Chocolate Museum. Observe chocolate-making live or book into a workshop and learn how to make the most decadent pralines, truffles, and more!
06 | If you are a fan of beer, Belgium is certainly a place to enjoy a glass or two! If you are inclined, stop in at Bacchus Cornelius or Bierbrasserie Cambrinus.
07 | Head to Rolweg [street] and its historic folklore—one of the most lovely and charming streets in all of the city. One will discover a re-created cobbler’s workshop and even an inn. [click here for more information]
WHERE TO SHOP
* Chronos Antique Gallery [antiques] : Braambergstraat 12
* Delvaux [accessories] : Breidelstraat 2
* Dille en Kamille [concept store] : Simon Stevinpleini 17-18
* Rue Blanche [ladies fashion] : Simon Stevin Plein 16
* Galante [shoes] : Vlamingstraat 32 8000
* Printemps Couture [ladies fashion] : Zuidzandstraat 5
* Meire [concept store] : Geldmuntstraat 6
* Designed by Callebert [home décor] : Wollestraat 25
* Knapp-Targa [concept store] : Zuidzandstraat 20-22 8000 Brugge
* De Corte [fine pens, etc.] : Noordzanstraat 23
* Peter Quijo [jewelry] : Breidelstraat 18
WHAT TO TAKE HOME
Well certainly, chocolates! You may also discover a wonderful antique piece for your home from one of the many lovely antique shops, be it a fabulous painting or chair perhaps. You might also pick up a piece or two of jewelry or fashion, all designed locally.
[see full list of our recommendations, under where to shop, above]
WHAT TO PACK
If you plan to visit during the Springtime, and as you will be near the water’s edge, it might be best to plan in light layers. Be sure to pack your classic, favorite trench for daytime strolling, an umbrella, and some scarves for keeping cozy and stylish, as temperatures and rainfall may occur at any time, and weather is said to be unpredictable [though rest assured, even on the most grey of days, the city is incredibly lovely].
—Sarah
