10 Best beer bars in Bruges

A visit to the medieval city of Bruges is simply not complete without having sampled a good few litres of local Belgian beer. Our local Bruges expert Steve Wise has helped us pick out the major HOPspots, so be sure to keep them in mind for when you’re touring Bruges’ beer scene. If you’re a lover of beer then these local beer bars are must-visits during your stay in the charming city of Bruges. Here are the 10 best beer bars in Bruges for local pints, tasting flights and exclusive homemade brews… 

Looking for somewhere affordable near the city centre to stay? Check out

The Bauhaus hostel

1. ‘T Brugs Beertje

Kemelstraat 5, 8000 Brugge

You won’t be short on Belgian beers to try when you drop by ‘T Brugs Beertje – they have over 300 brews to choose from with 5 of those on tap. Once you’ve picked your poison with help from the friendly bar staff, you can enjoy it amongst an authentic local Belgian pub setting. It’s only a small place so you may need to hang around a few minutes before getting a table, but when you do you’ll find it’s well worth the wait. 

2. Le Trappiste

Kuipersstraat 33, 8000 Brugge

Head beneath ground level to this crypt-like bar and throw back a beer or two while feeling as though you’ve been transported centuries back to medieval times. Le Trappiste serves up a huge selection of beers for you to choose from, one of which is their very own brand. Order a flight to get a taste of a few of the local favourites while you soak up the buzzing atmosphere of this basement level bar. It may look like a hidden gem on the outside, but we bet once you’ve descended that staircase you’ll be surprised at just how busy it is inside.

3. ‘T Poatersgat

Vlamingstraat 82, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

This one is a little tricky to spot at first, but once you notice the hole in the wall of this old, medieval building, descend the stairs and enter one of the best hidden bars in Bruges. With 120 quality Belgian beers on offer, it’s impossible for the atmosphere NOT to be amazing in this underground cellar bar. The helpful staff will gladly give you a hand at choosing a good beer, they will even give you a small taste of a few if you want, so you can pick a great one straight off the bat.

4. Cafe Rose Red

Cordoeaniersstraat 16, 8000 Brugge

Right in the heart of the city yet somehow shielded from the main flock of tourists is this charming Belgian pub with a huge beer offering. Cafe Rose Red is described as one of the most romantic spots in Bruges, which must be thanks to the many roses hanging from the ceiling. Pull up a seat at a table and order from their extensive beer menu with a few well-paired bar snacks on the side, or opt for their flight selection to try a few of the bartenders’ favourites. Cafe Red Rose is also home to one of not-so-many bar terraces, so you can enjoy your beer with the sunshine. 

5. De Garre

De Garre 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

The close-knit tables create a cosy, friendly atmosphere in this charming, old bar. De Garre can be found tucked away down a tiny alleyway but the effort of finding it is worth it for it’s delicious selection of beer. Each beer comes with a sample of heavenly Gouda cheese, but the main attraction is without doubt the infamous ‘Tripel van De Garre’ beer, only dared to be served here. At 11% alcohol volume, even you heavy weights will be stumbling back to the hostel after a couple of these bad boys.

6. Cafe Vlissinghe

Blekersstraat 2, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

It may not have the largest selection of beer on this list, but it’s still worth a visit just for being the oldest pub in Bruges for the past 500 years! Vlissinghe Cafe was built in 1515 but its interior has been beautifully preserved giving it a real medieval charm. We recommend trying its delicious house beer in the beer garden on a sunny day, but don’t forget that this pub is cash only! That’s what you get for going old-school…

7. The Bauhaus

Langestraat 133-137, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Begin your beer journey at the Bauhaus. You can get involved in its nightly beer tasting sessions for just €12.50 and the knowledgeable staff will be able to help you choose a pint to die for from its selection of 40 Belgian brews. On top of this, they serve the best pizzas in town for just €5 and (if you’re not much of a beer drinker) €1 shots! It’s no wonder this hostel bar is one of the most popular beer spots for backpackers and locals in the city.

Check out the Bauhaus Bar

The Bauhaus is also the best (and liveliest) hostel in town, so if you need a bed then check out 

St Christopher's Inns Bruges

8. De Halve Maan

Walplein 26, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

This one is a beer lover’s dream. De Halve Maan is a 16th century brewery, owned by the same family since 1856 and is without a doubt one of the best Belgian beer tours you’ll find in Bruges. For €9 you can get a 45 minute tour and a free taster however for the true beer buffs, €19 will get you on a 90 minute ‘XL’ tour and 3 great quality tasters at the end.

This joint also overlooks the canal, an idyllic spot to tuck into some food and wash it down with some beer while admiring the view.

9. 2BE Beer Wall

Wollestraat 53, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Fancy trying something a bit more exotic than a standard lager or bitter? This place has a whole WALL of beer to choose from. Within this humungous selection of beers are the obvious Belgian classics, plus 16 beers on tap, however you could also opt for something a bit more out-there like a coconut beer! Even beer sceptics will find something to suit their taste buds. Enjoy your chosen brew on the large beer terrace that overlooks Bruges canal when the sun’s out. A paddle of 4 tasters with nuts, salami and cheese will only set you back €10.

10. Duvelorium

Markt 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Attached to the Bruges Historium, this watering hole welcomes everyone whether you’ve paid the museum a visit or not. The Duvelorium is the world’s one and only Duvel-themed cafe and with amazing panoramic views of Bruges Market Square from the terrace, this one is certainly worth sampling. For just €10 you can buy 3 beer tasters that come with matching praline chocolates. Do you really need another reason to get drinking?

Find all these Bruges beer bars on the interactive map below…