Eating and drinking in Bruges is not among the cheapest options compared to other European cities. However, you can find my favorite affordable foods here that will help you stretch your budget a little more.
1. Carrefour
When I visited Bruges, my best friend was the Carrefour supermarket. (There are many Carrefour Express stores in the city center of Bruges.) Considering how high the beer prices are in bars, I had a great picnic in front of the beautiful Sint Janshuismolen mill with a few beers. Another day, we made a simple lunch in the main square with bread rolls (4-pack multigrain rolls €3.09), ham (Serrano ham pack - €2.09), olives, and chips. Sometimes these simple meals are the ones that stick in your mind.
2. Bruges Beer Experience
Address: Breidelstraat 3, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.
This is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of beer making and taste different beers. You can skip the tour and go directly to the bar to taste 4 Belgian beers for €12 - the best deal in the city.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 18:30
3. Chocolatier Dumon
Address: Eiermarkt 6, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.
This is the right place to get chocolate in Bruges. This award-winning chocolate shop is the best place to taste and buy chocolate. You can choose from mouth-watering truffle chocolates or praline chocolates with various fillings. Whatever you choose, these fine chocolates produced daily by Madame Dumon and her children are a feast.
Opening Hours: Closed Tuesday, Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 - 18:00, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
4. Vlissinghe
Address: Blekersstraat 2, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.
One of the oldest cafés and pubs in the world! This inn offers great food, beers, and also has a lovely terrace and outdoor pétanque area.
In winter and autumn, there is a heater available where you can sip a beer while snacking on something. This 500-year-old establishment is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the Saint-Anne area.
To give you an idea about prices, a bowl of soup and bread is €7, spaghetti with pesto is €15, and meat stew with potatoes is €22 - not cheap, but that's the price in Bruges.
Opening Hours: Closed Monday - Tuesday, Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 - 22:00, Sunday 11:00 - 19:00
5. Bocca
Address: Dweersstraat 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Bocca is a success story opened in Bruges in 2007 by Sabine Vermeesch (now in Ghent and 4 other locations). The menu is based on her grandmother's recipes. You can expect various filling and delicious pasta dishes like Spaghetti Bolognese (€13.50) and Arribiata, as well as lasagna. The soup of the day (€6) and large salad bowls (€14.90) are available here. Beers start from €3.50 (Vedett) and go up to €7 (Aperol Spritz) - a bargain for Bruges!
6. Tasty Bruges Sandwich Shop
Address: Sint-Jakobsstraat 2, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
If you love a good sandwich, this is the place to go. I had the Chicken Curry Sandwich, while Sabrina opted for the ham cheese panini. Not only affordable but also a great meal! Sandwiches start at €4.50.
7. Ribs and Beer
Address: Ezelstraat 50, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
I'm not a fan of ribs, but my friends visiting Bruges are enjoying all-you-can-eat ribs here. The ribs are prepared in two ways: super tender, slow-cooked ribs or classic grilled ribs. Guests can enjoy their ribs with a variety of signature sauces, from sweet beer and chocolate sauce to smoky barbecue sauce. The all-you-can-eat rib buffet starts at €26.90, so bring your appetite, maybe skip lunch 🙂
Where to Stay in Bruges
1. Hotel Albert 1
If you're looking for a central and comfortable place, Hotel Albert 1, located in a historic Bruges house, is an excellent choice, even if it's a bit pricey. Great effort has been made to manage the traffic in the historic center, making this area relatively pedestrian-friendly and quite quiet. The interiors are comfortably furnished in an English country house style with all kinds of modern comforts. The rooms here are very comfortable, offering great beds and a hearty breakfast buffet.
Address: Koenig Albert 1-laan 2-4, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.
Prices start at €80 per night, and you can book through Booking.com.
2. Snuffel Hostel
This stylishly designed hostel is centrally located in the old part of Bruges. Just 500 meters from the Market Square and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. With a nice bar, regular live music, a fully equipped kitchen, and no curfew, it's a perfect place to explore the city. With free breakfast included in the price of a night’s stay, Snuffel Hostel is ideal for budget travelers.
Address: Ezelstraat 42, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.
Prices start at €50 for private rooms and €22 for a 4-bed dorm, and you can book through Hostelworld.com.
3. Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
Although it may not suit any budget, Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce deserves a mention in any guide about Bruges due to its starring role in the film ‘In Bruges’. Located in the heart of Bruges, it's just a 2-minute walk from the Groeningemuseum. Many other historical landmarks in the city, such as the Market Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Church of Our Lady, are within easy walking distance of the property.
Address: Wollestraat 41, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.
Prices start at €180 per night, and you can book through Booking.com.
Don't forget to check out my previous guide on the best things to do in Bruges.
PS If you plan to explore more of Belgium, check out my previous guide on the best things to do in Ghent.
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