Romantic weekend in Bruges: our favorites

Looking for some quality time with your partner? Then take the train to Bruges, the perfect destination for a weekend of romance! Nobody can resist loving Bruges with all its beautiful buildings, charming canals and delicious delicacies.

Go on a romantic walk 

Start your weekend with a walk at the Minnewater (Lake of Love) (Wijngaardplein 1), one of the city's most idyllic and dreamy spots and home to the city's swans (also the city's emblem). There's no better spot for some wonderful relaxation! Also, legend has it that couples that come and make a wish here stay together forever.

Continue walking to the nearby Béguinage (Begijnhof 30), that is classed as UNESCO world heritage and lies just a stone's throw from the lake. You will be amazed by the Beguine nuns' tiny homes in this exceptional and charming place. Meanwhile the Beguine nuns are long gone, and the houses are now inhabited by nuns and single women from Bruges.

Feel free to leave the tourist trail for a while and simply enjoy each other's company as you disappear down the narrow lanes and alleys. Bruges is not a large city, so it's easy to find your way back again.

Accessibility: The Minnewater is easy to reach from Bruges station (+/- 800 m).

Hotspots for the foodies!

Take the opportunity during your weekend in Bruges to taste some of its delicious specialties. The chocolate and beer museums are well worth a detour.

Mad about chocolate? Then Choco-Story, the Chocolate Museum in Bruges, will certainly be right up your street! During your visit you will be immersed in the land of the Aztecs and the Mayas and learn everything about cocoa. Those with a sweet tooth will love it!

Address: Wijnzakstraat 2

Do you prefer hops?Then don't miss a visit to the Bruges Beer Experience. During an interactive tour all the secrets of Belgian beer-making will be revealed and ... of course, the visit ends with a refreshing tasting session.

Address: Breidelstraat 3

Accessibility: Hop off at Bruges station. You can either take a walk of 1.9km or and take bus 4 to the stop ‘Brugge Stadsschouwburg’. Choco-Story is just 150 m from the bus stop. From there you can walk to the Bruges Beer Experience (300 m).

Shop ‘till you drop! 

Bruges is just bursting with tiny boutiques which you are sure to adore. Here are the addresses of some of our favourites.

• Ruth you'll find a subtle mixture of Belgian, Scandinavian, French and Italian brands. The extra touch you are looking for in your wardrobe.
  Address: Sint-Jakobsstraat 55
• Fan of Comic Books? Then don't miss popping into De Striep, the place to be when it comes to comics. Special editions, gadgets, posters: they have everything you could ever dream of to complete your collection.
  Address: Katelijnestraat 42
• Goûts et Couleurs will inspire you for your interior. Pure and natural materials are the recurring theme in the store's concept.
  Address: Ezelstraat 1 & 5
• Depot d’O is a real Aladdin's cave for those that love to nose around looking for that rare find.
  Address: Riddersstraat 21

Sit down for a tête-à-tête 

How about dinner for two? Tanuki, a renowned Japanese restaurant, is the place to be! Chef Ivan Verhelle has spent two years in the land of the rising sun and now serves a really wide selection of healthy dishes to tantalise every taste bud.

Address: Oude Gentweg 1
Accessibility: Tanuki is easily reached on foot (1 km) from Bruges station.

Discover Bruges and its surroundings by bike 

Have you already discovered all of Bruges' hidden corners? Rent a bike and go off on an adventure. Our favourite route goes from Bruges towards the charming village of Damme, and takes you along the famous canals.

After your bike ride you can catch your breath in the Koningin Astridpark (Queen Astrid Park). With its small pond and kiosk, it's the perfect place for a romantic picnic.

Address: Magdalenakerk

Listen to some live music 

A last glass before waving goodbye to the Venice of the North? There's no better place to do that than in Bistro Zwart Huis, where you can enjoy a snack or simply soak up the jazzy ambiance with a nice drink. It's also a lovely spot to listen to some live music with its historic and cosy setting.

Address: Kuipersstraat 23

Accessibility: Get off at Bruges station and take bus 4 to the stop ‘Brugge Stadsschouwburg’. The bistro can be found just 130 m from the bus stop.