Tips & Tricks in Bruges & Brussels

Bruges is renowned for its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and rich cultural heritage. But for some visitors, the main reason to visit Bruges is its delicious Belgian chocolate. This quaint city is known for its chocolate tradition and offers a wide range of chocolate shops and other places that you - as a chocolate lover (to be) - need to visit.

Don’t know where to start or what to do in Bruges when it comes to chocolate? Here are six of the best chocolate shops and other places evolving around chocolate in Bruges to visit:

The Choco-Story Museum is a must-visit attraction to learn more about the history of (Belgian) chocolate. This museum offers visitors a unique look into the history of chocolate, from the origins of cocoa in Meso-America to how chocolate is made today. The museum features interactive exhibits, films and artefacts to illustrate how cocoa beans were first discovered and how chocolate was introduced to Europe. You’ll learn how it was first made and how the chocolate industry developed over the centuries. At the end of the visit, there’s a praline-making demonstration. And - of course - the possibility of indulging in one that’s been freshly made.

A stones-throw from the Market Square, in a buzzing street full of restaurants and shops, you’ll find Olivier’s. First called Chocolaterie De Ceuninck, Olivier realised that tourists walking into his chocolate shop - frequented by the locals - might struggle to find their way back. Olivier’s Chocolate Shop & Bar was born.

Olivier’s dad and brother make most of the pralines. But when Ollie finds a moment to help, he’s not afraid to get his hand dirty. The chocolates are classically shaped, yet the fillings are classic and contemporary: lemon meringue, cookie crumble & caramel, speculoos* and the Swan of Bruges are among our favourites.

*Outside of Belgium, known as ‘Biscoff’.

Chocolate shop on the ground floor. Upstairs is where you really want to be. Officially called the tea room: this is hot chocolate heaven. On the menu, you’ll find a range of dark, milk and even white chocolate for your hot chocolate. When you’ve made your choice, you’ll get a big mug of steaming hot milk, a whisk and… the chocolate callets of your choice.

Add as many as you want and enjoy a cup of liquid love.

On busy days there might be a line to enter chocolate heaven.

This is a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers looking for something different. Run by chocolate artist Dominique Persoone, this shop is known for its innovative and unique chocolate products. Get a bar and write your own message on it, add Chocolate Pills to your daily dose of vitamins or get a Chocolate Shooter. Persoone designed this shooter when Ron Wood and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones asked him to organise their birthday party. Dominique had them sniff cocoa, and now you can do so too.

Besides the weird stuff, you’ll also find pralines, albeit some with exotic flavours such as wasabi and curry.

A visit to the Chocolate Line will be a memorable experience and a great way to explore a different side of the chocolate culture in Bruges.

Located in the political heart of Bruges, stopping at Chocolaterie De Burg is a no-brainer for anyone that wants to bring back chocolates.

Marleen has been running this shop for over 20 years, and what makes her unique is that she sells all the different qualities you can find in Bruges in one shop. In the cabinet outdoors, you’ll find the factory-made chocolate that many of the chocolate shops in Bruges sell as ‘handmade’ chocolates at 50 euros a kilo. However, Marleen keeps it in the original boxes, puts 4 together with a lovely ribbon, and you only pay 10 euros a kilo.

Inside you will find quality tin gift boxes, hot chocolate sticks, and, behind the counter, the good pralines made by her cousin and brother.

Doing a chocolate workshop is a unique experience that allows you, after all the tasting, to make some chocolates yourself. The workshop guides you through the process of tempering the chocolate to moulding and decorating your own pralines and mendiants (chocolate disks with nuts and dried fruits).

The workshop is led by experienced chocolatiers who share their expertise and passion for the art of chocolate-making. Best of all: you can take home your own creations as a sweet reminder of your visit to Bruges.

Next: The 5 beers you have to try in Bruges