Brugge (Bruges) is the capital of West Flanders in Belgium, a UNESCO-listed medieval city of canals, the Belfort tower on the Markt, Flemish Primitive paintings and Belgian beer, about 15 km from the North Sea coast.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Belgian chocolates
Price: EUR 10-40 (~$12-46)
Belgian beer
Price: EUR 3-15 (~$3-17) per bottle
Brugge lace
Price: EUR 10-100 (~$12-116)
Speculoos and waffle biscuits
Price: EUR 3-10 (~$3-12)
Tintin and comic-book souvenirs
Price: EUR 8-40 (~$9-46)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Wednesday Market on the Markt
Produce, cheese, bread and flowers
Where: Brugge
Hours: Wednesday 07:00-13:00
Saturday Market at 't Zand
General goods, produce and clothes
Where: Brugge
Hours: Saturday 07:00-13:00
Brugge Flea Market (Vlooienmarkt)
Antiques, brocante and crafts
Where: Brugge
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, March to November, about 10:00-18:00
Christmas Market on the Markt
Seasonal gifts, mulled wine, ice rink
Where: Brugge
Hours: Late November to early January, daily about 11:00-21:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Steenstraat and Zuidzandstraat
Best for: Fashion and chain stores
Wollestraat, Simon Stevinplein and Zilverstraat
Best for: Chocolate, lace and beer
Noordzandstraat
Best for: Local boutiques
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Prices are fixed in shops; bargaining is not customary.
Flea market sellers may accept small discounts on larger purchases.
Check chocolate labels for 'handmade' (artisanal) versus factory pralines.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Opening Hours: Many shops close on Sunday morning and Monday morning; tourist shops open daily. Shops close around 18:00.
Payment: Cards accepted nearly everywhere; carry small cash for markets.
Tax Refund: Non-EU residents can reclaim 21 percent Belgian VAT on purchases above the minimum spend per shop; ask for the Tax Free form and have it stamped at the airport customs desk (verify current rules at belgium.be).