Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favorite Places, Cafés, Chocolate & Photo Spots

The Markt is usually one of the first places visitors find themselves in when arriving in Bruges.

Surrounded by colourful historic buildings, cafés, and the famous Belfry Tower rising above the square, it feels like the heart of the city and a natural starting point for exploring.

No matter where I seemed to be heading in Bruges, I somehow kept finding my way back to the Markt. If you're up for climbing the Belfry Tower, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over the city's rooftops and canals, making it one of the best viewpoints in Bruges.

Rozenhoedkaai is one of the most photographed locations in the city, and once you arrive, it's easy to understand why. The canal, the historic buildings, and the reflections on the water create one of Bruges' most recognisable views.

I visited at sunrise on my first morning in Bruges and later returned around sunset. Seeing the same place under completely different light made it feel like two different locations.

If you scroll through the two photos below, you'll see just how different Rozenhoedkaai looks at sunrise and sunset. Personally, sunrise was my favourite moment to be here!

If you're looking for one of the most photogenic spots in Bruges, Boniface Bridge should be high on your list.

Hidden just below the Church of Our Lady, this small bridge offers one of the most beautiful canal views in the city and feels surprisingly tucked away despite its popularity.

I arrived just before sunrise and watched the first light illuminate the Church of Our Lady in the background. The reflections on the water and the warm colours on the historic buildings created one of my favourite photography moments in Bruges.

For photographers and early risers, sunrise is easily the best time to visit.

Beyond the main squares, Bruges reveals its most charming side along the canals.

Walking beside the water was one of my favourite ways to explore the city. The historic houses, stone bridges, and passing boats create the postcard scenes Bruges is famous for.

I never followed a specific route and instead wandered wherever the canals led me. In many ways, that's the best way to experience this part of the city.

Canal-side streets

Stone bridges

Canal boat tours

If you enjoy seeing a city from the water, canal boat tours are also one of the most popular activities in Bruges and offer a completely different perspective of the historic centre. You can easily book a canal cruise in advance here.

Minnewater, often called the Lake of Love, offers a different side of Bruges compared to the busier streets around the historic centre.

Surrounded by trees, walking paths, and open water, it's one of the best places to slow down for a while and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

I visited without expecting much, but it ended up becoming one of my favourite walks in the city.

If you're spending more than a day in Bruges, it's definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Just a few minutes from the Markt, Burg Square showcases a different side of Bruges.

Home to landmarks such as the City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, it's one of the city's most historically significant squares.

Compared to the lively atmosphere of the Markt, Burg Square feels more focused on Bruges' history and architecture, making it a worthwhile stop while exploring the historic centre.

There are plenty of waffle shops in Bruges, but Otto Waffle Atelier was the one I kept recommending afterwards.

Located right beside the canal, it's the perfect place for a relaxed breakfast or afternoon break while watching the boats pass by.

What makes Otto different is that their waffles are made using oat flour and alternative ingredients, making them naturally gluten- and dairy-free without sacrificing the texture of a traditional Belgian waffle.

The canal-side setting makes it a lovely place to take a break while exploring Bruges, and the waffles are a great bonus.

If you're looking to try traditional Belgian food in Bruges, De Gastro is well worth considering.

I ordered the Flemish beef stew, slow-cooked in dark Belgian beer and served with fries, while my husband chose the steak tartare with fries. Both dishes felt exactly like the kind of local food we hoped to try while visiting Belgium.

The atmosphere is welcoming, the portions are generous, and it's a great place to experience classic Belgian cuisine after a day of exploring the city.

Reservations are recommended, especially during the evening.

The Old Chocolate House is one of the most popular places in Bruges for hot chocolate, but what makes it special is the experience itself.

Instead of being served a ready-made drink, you receive a cup of hot milk alongside homemade chocolate cups filled with pralines and chocolate pieces. You simply drop everything into the milk and stir until it melts into your own rich Belgian hot chocolate.

I chose the praline version, while my husband went for the Baileys hot chocolate, and by the time we left, we were already talking about coming back for another one.

Before leaving, don't miss their chocolate shop next door, where you can pick up some of the same chocolates to take home.

The Chocolate Line was easily one of the most memorable chocolate stops during my time in Bruges.

Unlike many traditional chocolate shops, this one is known for experimenting with unexpected flavours while still staying true to Belgian chocolate craftsmanship.

You can build your own box of pralines, which makes it a great place to sample a variety of flavours rather than choosing just one.

One chocolate in particular stood out to me: the Defender praline, filled with hazelnut praline and popping candy. The crackling texture instantly reminded me of sweets I loved as a child, making it one of the most memorable chocolates I tried in Bruges.

If you're visiting, I'd definitely recommend building your own selection box and trying a few different flavours for yourself.

You can also explore The Chocolate Line’s full praline collection and seasonal flavours before your visit, where you can see the different chocolates and learn more about each one.