Shopping in Bruges, Belgium
Throughout the tourist center of Bruges, there are stores of the most diverse types and that sell a little of everything. There are clothes, accessories, souvenirs, the famous Belgian chocolates and beers, among other items. Most establishments are open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6:30 pm, and on the first Sundays of each month (except holidays), from 1 pm to 6 pm. This is not to say, however, that some do not work on other Sundays of the month.
It can be said that the region of the Grote Markt, the central square of Bruges, concentrates most of the shops in the city. In addition, every Wednesday, there is a food fair, from 8 am to 1:30 pm, from Wednesday to Saturday, from 8 am to 1:30 pm, there is a lot of activity at Vismarkt, the traditional fish market. The market is a short walk from the square and both it and the fair are excellent opportunities to learn more about local customs, even if there is no intention to buy anything.
Other addresses that you can not miss, if you are interested in spending a few euros in Bruges, are Zuidzandstraat, Steenstraat, in addition to Geldmuntstraat and Noordzandstraat. On Saturdays and Sundays shopping, these areas become unique pedestrian paths and are super pleasant for a good walk.
Are you a chocoholic on duty? So Bruges will definitely not disappoint you, as there are countless – and eye-popping – specialty stores in the city. Let’s start by mentioning Godiva, whose store at the Grote Markt also sells chocolate-covered strawberries in the hottest time of the year and hot chocolate in the fall and winter. Other must-see spots there are Leonidas, where you will experience wonderful truffles, The chocolate line, Dumon and Pierre Marcolini.
For those who wish to spend less, the tip is to visit a Carrefour Express store (there is one on the corner of the Grote Markt) and buy chocolates from well-known Belgian brands such as Lindt, Côte d’Or, among others. Another section of the supermarket that pays a visit is the Belgian beers, where you will find labels like Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik (from the local brewer Halve Maan), Chimay, among many others, all at very good prices!