Isaac is the TI budget travel correspondent. An expert in finding alternative adventures, Isaac has just returned from a 10 month overland trip from the UK to West Africa – crossing 18 countries by road.
Belgium is world famous for its unique take on beer production, and the near coastal town of Bruges is no exception. Home to a world-class brewery and truly riveting history, Bruges is a popular day trip from Brussels.
However, we think Bruges is so much more than a day trip. Beyond its fascinating history, many travelers are surprised to find the city has such a vibrant nightlife. In fact, with so many interesting bars in Bruges, this may well be the best beer city in Europe…
Glossy canal in Bruges old town (Source: civilatis.com)
It’s good to note that most beers in Belgium are served in a 33cl size glass and are stronger than regular beer, varying from 6-10%. If you are used to drinking pints of 5% lager, the smaller glass kind of compensates for the extra percentage.
Flights or Pints?
Beer flights are a good way to test the waters as you can sample a few different styles and not commit to one. A lot of bars in Bruges offer 4-6 smaller 10cl glasses served on a paddle. This means you can try the different beers to figure out what you like.
A flight of beer is a selection of different styles (Source: picnictime.com)
Where to drink beer in Bruges
If you are looking to try something new or for a unique experience, Bruges is the perfect place to head. With so many places to choose from, it can often be difficult to find the best spots in town.
Here is our list of the best bars in Bruges for an ideal day of drinking across the old town. Better yet, join a local-run drinking tour of Bruges for an evening on the town!
Midday
1. De Halve Maan Brewery
Start off the day with some education at De Halve Maan, a family-run brewery in the heart of the old town. This is one of the most popular brewery tours in Belgium and for good reason. You’ll need to book online beforehand.
The classic tour takes about 45 minutes and includes one drink, and you can choose from a selection of three beers. During the tour, you will be guided around the old building and learn about the brewing methods of past and present.
After the tour, head to the bar for a chill-out. There are three beers on tap to choose from and ten by bottle, all produced on site. They also have a popular restaurant on site. Grab a bite to eat, perfect for lining the stomach ahead of the day’s drinking.
Recommended drink: Straffe Hendrik Tripel 9% – the only place to enjoy this beer on draft is at De Halve Maan brewery.
The view from the brewery tower (Credit: Isaac Thorn)Bruges on a cloudy summer day (Credit: Isaac Thorn)
Afternoon
2. 2be at the Beer Wall
Popular with beer fanatics and tourists alike – and for good reason: 2be at the Beer Wall has 12 beers on tap. Choose an interesting beer and head to the outdoor patio, sit riverside and enjoy your drink. Additionally, they have a decent selection of snacks to accompany your ale.
The taps at 2be (Credit: Isaac Thorn)Mongozo Coconut beer and Kasteel Mint from 2be (Credit: Isaac Thorn)
The beer wall has become a popular tourist sight; 100s of beers with their glasses built into the wall and displayed behind glass. Here you can also find the Beer Wall souvenir Euro banknote, which you can purchase for €2 from a vending machine at the entrance of the alleyway.
Recommended drink: Kasteel Mint 4.7% – freshen up with this exclusive beer, sold on tap exclusively at 2be.
View of the river from the 2be patio (Credit: Isaac Thorn)
3. The Monk
A good place to catch the football, The Monk is a modern sports bar where you’ll be greeted by friendly staff. The Monk offer 18 beers on tap and around 150 by bottle. Downstairs, along with the bar, is the contemporary seating area with many TV screens.
Soaking up the vibes in The Monk (Credit: Isaac Thorn)
If sports aren’t your scene, head upstairs to the games area and challenge your buddy (or a fellow patron) to a game of pool. Or if you’re visiting solo, have a play around on one of the pinball machines.
Recommended drink: Delirium Tremens 8.5% – the term for the confusion and hallucinations caused by withdrawal from alcohol. Do not miss out on this gorgeous beer when visiting the bars in Bruges.
Strolling along a picturesque cobbled street to one of the bars in Bruges (Credit: Isaac Thorn)
Evening
4. Poules Moules
Belgium goes hand-in-hand with beer and mussels, after an afternoon of drinking, go local with this traditional restaurant. Offering five choices of mussels, the varied menu also includes meat and fish dishes along with two vegetarian options.
(Source: Poules Moules)
When it comes to the ale, Poules Moules has three solid beers on draft but over 20 by bottle. Consider trying Brugge Zot Blonde, a solid beer brewed right in the city of Bruges. It’s flawless and an easy pairing with whatever you choose for dinner.
Recommended drink: Brugge Zot Blonde 6% – the multi-award winning modern classic, first produced in 2005.
The interior of Poules Moules restaurant (Source: Poules Moules)
5. Le Trappist
Head down below street level with the ominous steps and enter a wonderful medieval cellar. Wait at the entrance to be greeted by a friendly older Belgian man. Passionate about his bar, he will lead you to a table and present you the thick catalog menu where you can choose from 27 beers on tap and over 150 by bottle.
Le Trappist is one of the coolest bars I’ve been to in a while (Credit: Isaac Thorn)
A casual place, down here the ambience is pronounced but stylish. Surrounded by brickwork and interesting beers, you can expect a good vibe. Travelers and punters alike, the audience here comprises of many interesting people to strike up conversations with which is why it’s one of the best bars in Bruges.
Recommended drink: Cherry Chouffe 8.5% – A lovely little sweet treat to finish the day.
Beyond Bruges
Are you traveling Europe with the intention of sampling some of the best beers? Then it’s worth considering the short one-hour bus ride from Bruges to the French city of Lille. Don’t miss our Lille beer guide for the best insights on how to best experience Lille.
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