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Belgium is famous for their unique brews – and it would be a shame not to get a taste of their world-renowned beer while visiting Bruges. Whether spending One Day in Bruges or an entire week in the city, travelers should make time in their sightseeing schedules to sit down for a sample.
As we are quite fond of beer, our trips to Bruges have been highlighted by brewery tours, beer tastings and a fair bit of bar hopping. Based on our personal experiences, we have rounded up a list of our top picks of the Best Beer Bars in Bruges, Belgium!
Best Bruges Beer Bars
Our list features the best bars in Bruges for tasting an array of Belgian beers as well as some fun beer experiences in the city. Use the map at the end of the article to find your way to each establishment.
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#1 Brouwerij de Halve Maan
MAP. Ranking as the most famous brewery in Bruges, Belgium, Brouwerij de Halve Maan has a history that stretches back to 1856. That said, the family-run brewery is forward-thinking and innovative. Half Moon brew their beers in the heart of the Old Town, but have installed an underground pipeline that runs 2 miles to their bottling plant.
The Brugse Zot Blond is their signature beer (and our favorite!), but they produce a range of traditional Belgian brews.
In addition to their bar and restaurant, Halve Maan also offers guided brewery tours. The engaging and humorous tour was a highlight of our first Bruges trip!
#2 Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres
MAP. Located on the canal – with an exceptional waterside terrace – the Bourgogne des Flanderes Brewery is a fantastic place to enjoy a local beer on a sunny afternoon. The history of the brewery can be traced to 1765, but the current operation was only recently revived and brought back to the city center.
Using secret family recipes, they brew traditional Flemish beers. Their most popular beer, Pure, is brewed on site, then blended with aged lambic to create a reddish-brown beer with a distinct taste. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities with a guide to learn more about the process.
#3 Bieratelier Brugge
MAP. One of the legendary bars in Bruges, Bieratelier is a fantastic place to sample several regional beers. The pub itself is adorned with currency from around the world, notes scribbled on coasters by inebriated patrons and random pieces of clothing hanging from the ceiling. Honestly, it all feels a bit more Bourdon Street than Belgium, but when in Bruges…
The tasting flight at Bieratelier features an ample sample of 12 different local brews. Just be aware, the beers are on the pricey side at this bar.
#4 Beers Yesterdays World
MAP. Having a brew at Beers Yesterdays World actually feels like stepping back in time. Somewhat of a hidden gem in plain sight, the nostalgic setting is a combo vintage shop and quaint pub.
The staff is welcoming and helpful and the interior is quite cozy. You will likely end up chatting with your neighbor at the next table! While the bar is small, they manage to offer an astounding number of beers – and tastings, too.
#5 Bierpaleis
MAP. A fun Bruges beer shop, Bierpaleis has a rotating tap list and an extensive collection of bottled beers. The space is a bit cluttered, but the beer options are exceptional.
With limited indoor seating, there is an inviting backyard beer garden, plus a few tables on the sidewalk at the front entrance. Even though Bierpaleis is in the tourist zone, it attracts a number of locals who banter with the friendly owner.
#6 ‘t Brugs Beertje
MAP. An old-school bar, ‘t Brugs Beertje is festooned in beer memorabilia – and features a massive list of more than 300 Belgian beers. Hailed as one of the best pubs in Bruges, the long-standing ‘t Brugs Beertje is as classy and cozy as they get. That can sometimes mean there is a wait to get a seat, but it is worth it!
#7 Vlissinghe
MAP. Steeped in history, Café Vlissinghe first opened in the year 1515 – making it the Oldest Pub in Bruges. The space is styled as a traditional beer hall and promotes a jovial ambiance for both locals and visitors. Plus, they have really good beer snacks!
#8 De Garre Brugge Beer Bar
MAP. Located along an inconspicuous alley between Grote Market Square and De Burg Square, De Garre is one of the bars in Bruges’ center that manages to retain an authentic vibe. The Tripel van de Garre is the most popular brew served, but they have a long list to choose from. As a bonus, each beer is served with a complimentary cheese snack.
#9 2be Bar
MAP. Home of The Beer Wall, 2be is both a tourist attraction and a bar. The Beerwall is an exhibit of the best Belgian brews displayed alongside their matching glassware. It’s fun to look at the immense collection – but even more enjoyable to sip a brew at one of the canal side tables.
#10 Café Terrastje Bar
MAP. A neighborhood pub offering a relaxing atmosphere, ‘t Terrastje feels far from the touristic center. In addition to the large beer selection, guests can order a ‘Taste of Bruges’ that features samples from the two local breweries. Their tapas are really tasty, too!
#11 Café Rose Red
MAP. With a great selection of Belgian brews, plus really good tapas and sharing plates, Café Rose Red is charming and convivial. It was our go-to bar in Bruges on our first trip – as we stayed in the hotel upstairs (which we highly recommend!).
#12 Le Trappiste
MAP. One of the most atmospheric Bruges bars, Le Trappiste is housed in a 13th century cellar, complete with dim lighting and stone arches. They offer more than 20 beers on tap, a huge bottle list and tasting flights, too!
#13 ‘t Poatersgat
MAP. An underground beer hall, ‘t Poatersgat is a fun place to sample a range of brews with fellow beer aficionados. It’s slightly off the main tourist route – and take note that they only accept cash payment.
#14 Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar
MAP. For brews with a view, this location right on Grote Markt Square is hard to beat! While their draught list is somewhat limited, they more than make up for it with a massive selection of bottled Belgian beers. Proost!
Map of Bruges Beer Bars
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our map of Bruges, Belgium bars below.
Beer Tastings and Experiences
While hopping from bar to bar is a fun way to experience beer in Bruges, those who prefer a formal introduction to the history of Belgian brewing can join an organized tour. We already mentioned touring the two breweries in Bruges, but want share a few more of the top-rated beer activities.
The Bruges Beer Experience
Learn about the history of beer in Belgium with an immersive experience at the Bruges Beer Museum. Basic tickets allow entry and self-guided tour, but upgraded packages include beer tastings. Get the details!
Beer Walk
Join a knowledgeable guide for a deep dive into the history of beer – with plenty of sips along the way! The tour meanders through the Old Town, visiting multiple bars and passing by the top city sights. Find out more!
Waffle and Beer Workshop
Combining two of Belgium’s favorite things, the Beer and Waffle Workshop takes participants through the process of making waffles. While doing so, you’ll also sample local beers. Check availability!
Tips for Drinking Beer at Bars in Bruges, Belgium
Before you set off on a pub crawl, we have a few tips about drinking in Bruges.
Be Mindful of ABV: Belgian beers can be strong! It’s smart to check the ABV before ordering.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration leads to hangovers that can crush your sightseeing plans for the next day. Carry a water bottle; there are plenty of places to refill.
Eat Snacks: Most of the bars on our list offer pub snacks, so fuel up when you need a bite to eat!
Keep Your Wits: While it’s fun to drink in Bruges, no one likes a sloppy, drunk tourist.
Start planning your trip to Belgium! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Belgium Travel Guides
- What To Do in Bruges in One Day
- The Best of Brussels
- Top Things To See in Antwerp
- Sightseeing in Ghent
- Our Perfect Belgium Itinerary
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