Best Places to Shop in Bruges

Concept stores and creators are introducing innovative ideas to the historic medieval streets of the Belgian city. These are the places to go shopping in Bruges. 

L’héroïne

In 1987, Martine Goethals launched L’héroïne on Noordzandstraat in Bruges, becoming the city's first supporter of the Antwerp Six, a group of innovative Belgian fashion designers such as Ann Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten. Today, the space resembling a gallery is most recognized for showcasing works by the innovative creators who started it all, as well as other talented designers from Belgium.

This includes the comfortable Christian Wijnants cotton dresses, the uniquely styled Dries Van Noten pieces, and the boldly printed bags. However, Goethals and her team also assist upcoming Belgian designers and brands by carrying products such as flowy tie-dye, just in Case dresses, Raff Collective cashmere jumpers, and bold jewelry by Wouters & Hendrix. 

Otto Waffle Atelier

Located next to St John's Hospital, which dates back to the 12th century, is Otto Waffle Atelier, a bakery known for its innovative approach to the classic treat, on the intersection of Mary's Bridge. Crafted using oats rather than wheat, and molded in the shape of a lace flower as a tribute to Bruges's lace-making heritage, this version is worth waiting in line for as it attracts a line along the street.

Toppings include a variety of fresh berries, chopped nuts, ice cream, and edible flowers. Brussels and Liège also have their own unique signature versions, but the authentic experience can be found in Bruges. 

Atelier Twee

Founded by Francine Jansseune and Astrid Van Pamele, creators of Leather Be and Méli et Mélo, Atelier Twee is a boutique that offers a thoughtfully curated collection of accessories and homeware from their brands and other sustainable Belgian makers. All the leather handbags, purses, belts, and backpacks are crafted in the store and are available in vibrant colors, ranging from plum to Yves Klein blue, as well as the traditional tan.

Additionally, there are collections made from vegan leather made from apples. Leather Beholds a Handmade in Brugge certification, recognizing its role as a community-based establishment offering handmade goods that enrich the city’s cultural heritage. 

The homeware includes colorful ribbed glassware and lovely velvet patchwork cushions, along with handmade candles, as well as hair accessories and bouquets of fresh peonies. Another notable individual is Harald Lamon, the owner of Lepelhuis, a woodwork store known for his skillfully handcrafted bowls, spoons, and other delightful kitchen items. 

The Chocolate Line

Visiting The Chocolate Line is more akin to attending a lively event than going to a regular chocolate store: energetic music plays, a large tattooed Snow White is displayed, and a life-sized safari truck showcases the chocolatiers' worldwide cocoa-seeking journeys. The chocolate is churned by the machines behind a glass wall.

Certain options are available in bold flavors, like rich beetroot praline, pea with mint, and hazelnut with puffed rice. In Market Square, Elisabeth offers a selection of truffle pralines and signature melocakes in a white-and-gold-arched shop for those who prefer a more classic treat. 

Marianne Vandenbussche

It is common to find the artist Marianne Vandenbussche at her pottery wheel, welcoming guests with a big smile while working on her clay creations, her apron marked with clay. Her studio and shop, made of red bricks, and located in the historic Ezelstraat Quarter, is a sanctuary for unique earthenware and creative porcelain designs.

Her inspiration comes from the ocean floor, leading to the creation of vases resembling coral and shapes influenced by the ebb and flow of tides, all using a simple color scheme inspired by the earth. It's important to save room in your carry-on for her hot molten bowls and dip-glazed plates, or handmade candleholders in natural speckled clay. 

‘t Apostelientje

During the 19th century, roughly one-fifth of the city's 50,000 residents participated in the lace industry. Currently, located in the peaceful St Anna neighborhood covered in ivy, 't Apostelientje is the final store in Belgium that exclusively sells handcrafted lace.

Upon entering the historic home and carefully maneuvering through the small doorway, guests will discover a complex layout of interconnected rooms filled with various items like shawls, headscarves, framed patterns, and rolls of lace spanning from the 17th century to modern times.

This store is particularly excellent for purchasing trims (such as cuffs and collars) to embellish blouses or evening coats. Additional information about the city's craft history can be discovered at the Lace Museum located just a few doors away. 

De Kaasbolle

De Kaasbolle originated as a family-owned grocery store but transitioned into a cheese vendor upon relocating to the picturesque Smedenstraat Boulevard. Carl Top, the son of the owner, has assumed control of the business and is now stationed behind the counter.

It offers enthusiastic recommendations on a wide selection of meticulously selected cheeses, ranging from the signature creamy Lucullus to a Tartarin Cognac (featuring Turkish raisins soaked in cognac) and a genuine Greek feta marinated option. 

Alfa Papyrus, De Loge van Marec, and Van de Wiele Antiquariaat

Located close to the busy Rosary Quay, Alfa Papyrus offers a variety of cards, scrolls, leatherbound books, and gift boxes decorated with Japanese paper. Postcards featuring a variety of themes such as bicycles, fish, nudes, and the Belgian royal family are displayed throughout the entire store.

De Loge van Marec, a café-cum-cartoon shop, located towards Market Square, offers prints, postcards, and books by cartoonist Marec for sale. Located near Saint Saviour's Cathedral, Van de Wiele Antiquariaat is the top destination for antique art catalogs, unique atlases, and illuminated manuscripts. Its classic mementos of Bruges are beautifully illustrated prints. 

Rombaux

Benedict Minne, together with his parents, owns and operates Rombaux, a music store featuring authentic 1920s design, such as art nouveau stained-glass windows. Beneath the impressive rafters, this store offers a wide variety of jazz and classical CDs and vinyl, but the true treasures are located on the upper level.

Minne's beautifully crafted acoustic and flamenco guitars, along with a choice of ukuleles and mandolins. After learning about guitar craftsmanship in Barcelona, Minne now creates custom models and fixes other string instruments.