Bruges is filled with charming local spots where you can grab a drink and soak up the city’s relaxed vibe. During my time in Belgium, I mostly stuck to beer—because, let’s be honest, Belgian beer is amazing! That said, many bars offered mixed drinks and other N/A options too. My favorite beer in Belgium was Brugge Tripel—it’s crisp, flavorful, and absolutely worth trying if you get the chance. Now, let me share five of my favorite bars in Bruges, Belgium:
@ The Pub:
My most frequently visited bar while visiting Bruges, (seriously I went there almost every night) was @ The Pub. They had everything I love about a bar: friendly bartenders, tons of drink options and beautiful decor.
@ The Pub has both indoor and outdoor seating, and honestly, I loved spending time in both! Inside, there’s a cozy vibe, while outside, you can enjoy the fresh Bruges air. One of my favorite things about this spot was the bookcase full of games—you can grab one, head back to your table, and let the fun begin. Oh, and let’s talk about the jukebox! It’s super retro and fun—pick your favorite tunes and play DJ for the night. Every evening, they bring your first round of drinks with borrelnootjes (a.k.a. “drink nuts”), and let me tell you, of all the places I had them, @ The Pub’s were hands-down the best! When in Bruges I will definitely visit this bar again. https://g.co/kgs/QbKtb8y
2Be Beer
One of the best bars to grab a beer (the list is endless) and enjoy scenic views of the canal. This bar offers an entire beer wall that is worth checking out as well as two floors of merchandise, making it a great stop to find trinkets for your loved ones at home.
2Be Beer bar is a great place to people watch and try a ton of different Belgian beers. They have plenty of outdoor seating but it can get really busy when the weather is nice. They also have small snacks you can purchase at the bar.
*Look out for the table to the left as soon as you walk out to the outdoor patio*—if you are really lucky you can snag the table with a window literally over looking the canal. https://g.co/kgs/mfGnk7Z
Café Vlissinghe
With written record dating back to 1515, Café Vlissinghe is one of the oldest continually running bars in Bruges and a must visit. I sat inside and was blown away with how quaint the building was and how beautiful the surroundings are as well.
Hidden down an offbeat path, this bar was so fun to “stumble” upon. It really felt like I was drinking a beer in a pub from way back. They also offer a decent sized menu with delicious food as well. This bar was a great place to take a step back and pretend I was drinking in the past. https://www.cafevlissinghe.be
Click to check my reviews of the food at Café Vlissinghe and other cheap eats in Belgium: https://tryitwithfish.com/cheap-eats-under-20-euros-in-brussels-bruges-belgium/
Bauhaus Bar
I stumbled upon this bar on my last day while waiting to head to the train station and wish I would have found it on my first night! It felt like a bar that is mostly all regulars and full of people who are there to have a good time and enjoy a delicious beer or two. Bauhaus bar offers over 50 different types of beer as well as mixed drinks. They serve food and of course I had to try their Belgian cheese with mustard. Above the bar is a hostile that seems like it could be super fun to stay at and affordable. https://g.co/kgs/uyfxV5d
Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar
Considerably a more “touristy” bar I visited but 100% worth checking out! It is conveniently located in the Market Square. For me it was a must visit because they offer different Duvels than what you can usually find in the States. I was really excited because they offered two different flights you could choose from each costing 15 euros.
I ended up trying the Devil’s choice and really enjoyed all three beers. The pours were also generous and I thought 15 euros was a great deal.
Pro Tip: They open at 11am and I highly suggest getting there early and getting a drink and sitting on the 3rd floor that over looks the market square. This was such a fun way to people watch and enjoy Bruges. However they only have about 12 seats, so they fill up fast. https://g.co/kgs/9gGvGcf
Did you visit Bruges, Belgium? If so what was your favorite bar you went to? What did you get to drink? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you!
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