The very best 12 nightlife spots in Bruges, Belgium

Welcome to Bruges, where the magic of the day transforms into a whimsical nightlife extravaganza! Get ready to dance, laugh, and maybe even stumble a little (no judgment here!) as we unveil the best 12 nightlife spots in this Flemish fairytale city. Whether you're into cozy pubs that'll make you feel like a hobbit, rooftop clubs with stunning views fit for a fine Flemish masterpiece, or quirky bars where you'll meet locals with more stories than you can handle, Bruges has it all. So grab a pint, put on your dancing shoes, and let your inner Belgian night owl spread its wings!

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1. Café Rose Red

4.7 (1344)

Cordoeaniersstraat 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Hidden away in the heart of Bruges, you'll stumble upon Café Rose Red, a charming establishment that seems as cozy as your grandma’s hand-knit sweater. With an inviting interior that combines the charm of a medieval dungeon and the comfort of a warm embrace, Rose Red will transport you to a magical world where beer flows like a mystical river and time disappears faster than a scoop of ice cream on a sunny day. Don't be surprised if you find yourself falling head over heels for their vast selection of unique beers, but be warned, the enchanting atmosphere might make it harder to leave than a sticky candy shop.

www.rosered.be

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2. The Celtic Towers

4.2 (1221)

Sint-Michielshelling 5/6, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Nestled in the heart of Bruges, The Celtic Towers stand tall and proud, giving visitors a quirky yet charming experience. With their distinctive architectural style resembling a mishmash of stonehenge meets medieval fortress, these towers will leave you scratching your head in confusion and awe. Inside, you'll find a delightful blend of Celtic folklore, Belgian waffles, and the occasional bagpipe rendition of a classic Flemish tune - a bizarre combination that somehow works like a magically brewed potion.

celtictowers.be

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3. De Garre

De Garre, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Nestled within the enchanting labyrinth of cobblestone streets lies De Garre, a hidden gem that offers more than just a pint of beer. Prepare to embark on a quest for this elusive establishment, where only the keenest explorers will be rewarded with a seat. As you squeeze through the narrow doorway, be prepared to test the bounds of your social skills as you cozy up to fellow patrons in this tight-knit, merry cider-land.

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4. The Bauhaus

4.4 (652)

Langestraat 135, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Welcome to The Bauhaus in Bruges, a place where modernism meets medieval charm in the most delightfully confusing way! Step into this quirky haven and prepare to be astounded by a mishmash of minimalist aesthetics amidst centuries-old cobblestone streets. Marvel at the bold architect's vision of a simplistic paradise, where industrial chic clashes with picturesque canals, resulting in a true architectural identity crisis.

www.bauhaus.be

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5. Café Vlissinghe

4.6 (1693)

Blekersstraat 2, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Nestled in the picturesque streets of Bruges, Café Vlissinghe awaits like a mischievous gnome ready to charm your taste buds. This historic establishment goes way back to 1515, a time when people thought selfies required paint brushes and GPS meant Galloping Ponies System. Brace yourself to enter a time capsule that combines Belgian beer with Flemish coziness, as though Granny's living room was transformed into a boozy playground.

www.cafevlissinghe.be

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6. 't Brugs Beertje

4.7 (1604)

Kemelstraat 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Prepare to enter a beer paradise at 't Brugs Beertje in the picturesque city of Bruges. This charming little pub, nestled in the heart of cobbled streets and enchanting canals, is like a magical beer vortex. With over 300 heavenly brews to choose from, you'll soon find yourself pondering life's great mysteries, like whether it's possible to have a love affair with a pint.

www.brugsbeertje.be

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7. Le Trappiste

4.7 (2574)

Kuipersstraat 33, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Welcome to Le Trappiste, the holy grail for beer aficionados and hardcore monks! Nestled inside the charming city of Bruges, this hidden gem is where beer dreams come true. With more beers on the menu than you can shake a frothy mug at, be prepared to spend your time mastering the art of sipping and savoring rather than sightseeing. Step into Le Trappiste, and you'll find yourself in a celestial beer nirvana, where the heavenly fragrance of hops embraces you like a warm embrace. Its cozy interior, reminiscent of an ancient monastery, invites you to grab a stool and indulge in the divine combinations of malted magic. Just remember, excessive enthusiasm may lead to baptisms by Belgian beer, resulting in stumbling serenades and excessive hugging of newfound friends. While Le Trappiste boasts an impressive collection of holy brews, be forewarned that this pilgrimage may lead to heavenly sinning against your liver. So, drink responsibly, or at least try your best while succumbing to the allure of that final pint. A gentle reminder: the Holy Monks might judge you silently, so make sure to raise your glass in toast, thanking them for the holy experience they've bestowed upon you.

www.letrappistebrugge.be

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8. De 'Vuurmolen'

4.2 (505)

Kraanplein 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Welcome to the enchanting city of Bruges, where you'll find the charming De 'Vuurmolen'! Don't be fooled by its name; this place doesn't actually grind fiery millstones! Instead, get ready to be whisked away to a delightful time in history as you explore this perfectly preserved windmill that stands proud amidst its picturesque surroundings. The De 'Vuurmolen' promises not only stunning panoramic views from its top, but also a chance to learn about the fascinating world of traditional miller's secrets - because who wouldn't want a bit of flour power in their life?

devloamsetrine.be

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9. 't Poatersgat

4.6 (1320)

Vlamingstraat 82, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Welcome to 't Poatersgat, a charming and slightly quirky drinking spot tucked away in the cobbled streets of Bruges. This hidden gem, known as the "Monk's Cellar" in English, is where time seems to stand still and beer flows like a never-ending fountain. As you step inside, you'll feel like you've entered the secret lair of beer-loving pirates, with its low ceilings, dimly lit medieval ambiance, and more beer options than you can shake a pretzel at.

www.facebook.com

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10. 2be Beer Wall

4.6 (3918)

Wollestraat 53, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Hidden within the picturesque streets of Bruges, lies the whimsical refuge known as 2be Beer Wall. This beery haven boasts a boundary-breaking collection of over a thousand beers, which bring patrons from all walks of life and limb. Prepare your taste buds for an adventure as you embark on a quest to decode the beer menu filled with concoctions more diverse than a chameleon's mood board.

www.2-be.biz

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11. De Republiek

4.4 (2341)

Sint-Jakobsstraat 36, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Welcome to De Republiek in Bruges, a charming haven for beer enthusiasts and foodies alike! Step inside this historic building and be transported to a glorious world of tasty treats and incredible brews. With its quirky atmosphere and friendly staff, this place will make you feel like a tourist in your own stomach - and trust me, it's deliciously satisfying!

www.republiekbrugge.be

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12. Comptoir Des Arts

4.6 (409)

Vlamingstraat 53, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Welcome to the enchanting world of Comptoir Des Arts in Bruges, where creativity and waffles collide! This charming art café is nestled in the heart of the city, like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by culture-savvy travelers. Step inside and let yourself be whisked away by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of local artists doodling away, turning napkins into masterpieces – who knew doodling could be an art form too!

www.comptoirdesarts.be

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bruges by plane is to fly into Brussels Airport and take a train or bus towards Bruges. The airport is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Bruges. Another option could be to fly into Ostend-Bruges International Airport, which is located closer to Bruges, and take a bus or taxi from there.

Car

Driving to Bruges is a good option if you're coming from nearby cities. There are various highways that connect Bruges to other cities. However, driving within Bruges may be difficult due to the narrow streets and limited parking. It is recommended to park outside the city center and use public transportation or walk to the city center.

Train

If you're traveling within Europe, taking the train to Bruges is a good option. From Brussels, you can take a train towards Bruges. There are frequent trains departing from Brussels Central, Brussels Midi, and Brussels North stations.

Boat

There are no direct options to reach Bruges by boat, but you can take a scenic boat tour along the nearby canals. These tours depart from various locations within Bruges and provide a unique perspective of the city's beautiful architecture and landscapes.

Bus

Taking a bus to Bruges is a good option if you're traveling on a budget. Flixbus runs services from various locations across Europe to Bruges. There are also local buses that run from nearby cities such as Ghent and Brussels.

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