These Bruges hidden gems are easy to overlook or are located away from the tourist crowds.
We’ll reveal our favorites that you shouldn’t miss alongside the main sights and attractions.
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Hidden Gems in Bruges: Our Favorites
Whether you’re spending just one day in Bruges or visiting Bruges in winter (like we did recently), there are many unique things to see here!
These are our discoveries and favorites for the city of Bruges:
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View of Medieval Bruges
Next to the Royal City Theater and the Papageno statue, there’s an inconspicuous device.
With this virtual telescope or AR binoculars, you can see for free how the city of Bruges looked during the Middle Ages.
Simply approach it, start the device with a tap on the display, and you’ll learn more about the history and former appearance of the city.
This is a special tip if you want to learn more about medieval Bruges but don’t have time to visit the Historium or the museum in the Belfry.
Photo Spot with Dreamy Water Reflections
It’s just a short walk from the historic center to our next hidden gem. Our guide Anne revealed this to us.
The view of the water and the reflections of the houses is her favorite photo spot. You can find this canal at Gouden-Handrei.
Fun Fact: One street over, on Gouden Handstraat, is the former studio of Jan van Eyck. Back then, his required products, such as paints, could be delivered by ship via the canal.
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Photo Spot with the Leaning House
From Jan van Eyckplein, the side street Genthof leads off.
Here are two interesting photo spots.
From the middle of the street looking back towards Jan van Eyck Square, you can see the leaning house facade on the right, as well as the tower of the Poortersloge.
There’s also the house at Genthof 7.
The upper part of the facade is made of wood, a rare sight in a city predominantly made of bricks.
Hidden Gem: View of the Swans
Swans are simply part of Bruges’ cityscape. You can observe them in front of the walls of the Begijnhof (Beguinage).
However, a special hidden gem is the small inner courtyard in the Begijnhof.
Few people know that you can enter through a small gate here.
Inside is a hidden courtyard with a house. From here, you have a beautiful view of the water and the swans.
⭐️ Fun Fact: The largest and oldest Beguinage in the world is in Leuven. You can easily explore Leuven in one day and see the Great Beguinage.
Bruges Tips for Food and Drink
– Waffles: Authentic Bruges waffles at Otto Waffles Atelier
– Fries: The best fries are at Frituur Faluche or Friterie 1900
– Chocolate and pralines from Bruges chocolatiers at Chocolaterie Sukerbuyc or the Leonidas brand
– Belgian beer from Bruges at the De Halve Maan Brewery or the Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery & Distillery
Both breweries can be visited on a tour. De Halve Maan also has a restaurant with very good food.
Tip: In the linked article, you can read more about the chocolate shops and breweries, as well as a chocolate and beer tour in Bruges.
> Book a guided chocolate and beer tour in Bruges
Hidden Gem for Shopping
Look for the “made in Brugge” sign. Here you can get souvenirs and products created by locals and businesses based in Bruges.
A special shop is next to the Begijnhof (Beguinage) in the Sashuis. Here you’ll find unique products from local artists, specialty producers, and jewelers.
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Conclusion on Unique Things To Do in Bruges
Just a little off the beaten path from the most famous sights in Bruges, you’ll find these hidden gems that we can heartily recommend and that you definitely haven’t heard of before.
If you’re planning your city trip to Bruges, these articles are helpful for your travel planning:
– Bruges in One Day: The Best Sights and Highlights
– Tips for Bruges in Winter
– Bruges Highlights Video
Want to visit multiple cities in Belgium? Then we recommend Ghent and Leuven! Check out our tips for:
– Ghent Attractions
– Ghent In One Day
If you found this article helpful for your travel planning and you’d like to show your appreciation, please consider sharing the article link or buying me a coffee. ☕️
* Affiliate Links: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link, I receive a commission. However, this does not result in any additional costs for you.
Disclosure: I was invited by Visit Flanders and Visit Bruges on this research trip. My opinion remains unaffected.
zuletzt aktualisiert am April 10, 2025