In a nutshell
- We’re sharing 8 genuine Bruges hidden gems – authentic, less touristy, and seriously worth your time.
- For sightseeing away from the crowds, we’ve got 5 lesser-known spots in Bruges that most visitors walk right past.
- Hungry or thirsty but not sure where to go? We’ll point you to 3 extraordinary bars and cafés that locals actually love.
- Our personal favorite Bruges insider tips are the Jerusalem Church, the Centrale Begraafplaats, and Retsin’s Lucifernum.
5 Beautiful Places in Bruges That Not Everyone Knows
Jeruzalem Kerk
What do you need to know? The Jerusalem Church is a grand private church belonging to the Italian merchant family Adornes, who settled in Bruges in the 13th century. Its design was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Admission is free.
Is it worth it? The Jerusalem Church isn’t right in the center — it’s tucked away in the Sint-Anna neighborhood, one of the most beautiful areas to stay in Bruges. That’s exactly why so few people make it out here. But we went back for a second visit because it’s so stunningly beautiful, rich in detail, and honestly a little eerie. Both times we were completely alone inside — incredibly atmospheric.
Centrale Begraafplaats
What do you need to know? The Centrale Begraafplaats, dating from 1787, is a cemetery in Bruges-Assebroek — and actually the oldest cemetery in Belgium. Spread across 12 hectares, it’s the final resting place of Bruges’ elite: artists, architects, and historians. It’s easily walkable from the city center.
Is it worth it? The Centrale Begraafplaats strongly reminds us of the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. The old graves, headstones, and family tombs are hauntingly beautiful in a strange kind of way — and it’s especially atmospheric in fall and winter.
Sint-Anna Quarter
What do you need to know? The Sint-Anna Quarter is a quiet neighborhood in the northeast of Bruges. It’s home to the Jerusalem Church, the Sint-Anna-Kerk, and a few of the hotels in Bruges. The Hemelrijk — a street that seems to go on forever — also leads you to the windmills Sint-Janshuismolen and Koeleweimolen right along the canal.
Is it worth it? The Sint-Anna Quarter is so much quieter than the area around the historic market square, yet it still gives you the full Bruges experience. Old churches, distinctive architecture, long canals, and even windmills. Perfect for a long, unhurried stroll.
Godshuises
What do you need to know? Godshuises are the former almshouses of Flanders and the Netherlands. Primarily during the Middle Ages, they housed the city’s neediest and elderly residents. Today, the buildings are privately owned.
Is it worth it? From the outside, the Godshuises look almost exactly as they did centuries ago — making them a fascinating piece of living urban history you can explore on foot. We especially love the Godshuis De Meulenaere. Just be mindful of the residents’ privacy when you visit.
Koningin Astridpark
What do you need to know? Queen Astrid Park is a small botanical garden in the city center near the Burg Square. It features a pond with a fountain, a small kiosk, plenty of park benches, and even a large playground — great for kids who need a break from sightseeing.
Is it worth it? A stroll through Queen Astrid Park is seriously lovely in spring and summer. Everything’s in bloom, birds are chirping, the fountain is bubbling, and it’s a fantastic spot for a picnic. One of our favorite secret spots in Bruges for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Restaurant and Café Hidden Gems in Bruges
Retsin's Lucifernum
What do you need to know? The Lucifernum is also known as the Vampire Bar and is part bar, part cabinet of curiosities — you could almost count it among the museums of Bruges. You drink in dim light surrounded by bizarre paintings and eerie figures from various eras. Admission is €10, and the first drink is included.
Is it worth it? You won’t find a more bizarre bar anywhere in Bruges. To get in, you have to ring the doorbell — the atmosphere is incomparably thrilling, almost like stepping into a horror movie, with Latin American music playing in the background as a wonderfully absurd contrast. Totally one of a kind.
The Old Chocolate House
What do you need to know? The Old Chocolate House is a confectionery in a historic shop just north of the Beguinage — a wonderful attraction in Bruges. You can buy pralines and cookies here, or settle in for homemade hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and waffles.
Is it worth it? If you have a serious sweet tooth, this is absolutely the place for you. At the Old Chocolate House, you can treat yourself to the ultimate sugar rush with a hot chocolate and a waffle drizzled in chocolate sauce — all in a cozy tea room atmosphere. Who could say no to that?
t Hof van Beroep
What do you need to know? t Hof van Beroep is an old, traditional Flemish pub in the Sint-Anna Quarter. It’s a favorite spot for locals who love to come for a beer in the evening.
Is it worth it? Most people walk into t Hof van Beroep just wanting a quick Belgian beer in an authentic setting — two hours later, they’re still there. The pub isn’t just incredibly cozy; it’s wonderfully atmospheric and offers a huge variety of beers to work your way through. A real off the beaten path Bruges gem.
