Bruges is one of the most beautiful and historical cities in the world, and as the capital of the Flemish region of Belgium, Bruges is one of the world’s most prominent UNESCO Heritage Site. With a population of just over a quarter of a million, the city has been famously named the ‘Venice of the North’, and at one point it was the commercial city of the world due to its extensive shipping canals.
Bruges has a lot of history, however there are few traces of human activity before the Roman Gaul era. After Julius Caesar’s conquest of the Menapii in the first century BC, the first fortifications were built in Bruges to protect the land against pirates. Around the 4th century, the Gallo-Romans lost the land to the Franks, and the 9th century invasion of the Vikings installed new trade links with Scandinavia and England.
Millions of tourists visit Bruges every year, mostly because of its various medieval buildings and stunning architecture. From the Church of our Lady to the famous Madonna and Child sculpture (the only sculpture to have left Italy within Michelangelo’s lifetime), there are many attractions to see in this marvellous city. When it comes to food however, Bruges has some of the most exquisite restaurants and bars in Europe. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to eat in this fantastic city.
Den Huzaar
If you’re looking for an old-school, historical bistro neatly tucked away in the sheltered architecture of Bruges, then Den Huzaar is the place for you. Not only is it a long-standing favourite for the locals of the city, but the cooking here has attracted critics and tourists alike from all over Europe. From beer-based stew to hearty pies and battered cods, the chef at Den Huzaar has made his kitchen into one of the most famous in the city.
The Chocolate Line
Nicknamed the ‘Ferranadria of chocolate’, the restaurant owner, FominiquePersoone, is renowned all over the city of his cocoa-related creativity. Don’t be fooled however by his tasty treats, as his shop is anything but a Willy Wonka style factory – it’s actually a lot more surprising. From Japanese horseradish to oysters, and even guacamole, FominiquePersoone uses a number of creative ingredients to make his remarkable pralines. The shop itself is a joy to behold too, offering tasteful wood floors and panelling, as well as stained-glass windows and bare brick walls. Once you’ve tasted the chocolate from The Chocolate Line, you’ll never go back to Cadbury’s again!
Vismarkt
Vismarkt is only a short walk from the city centre canals, and is the oldest fish market in Bruges. Built in 1812, the cobbled square at the centre of the market is surrounded by stone slabs, acting as counters for the day’s traders. From shrimp to prawns, Belgian moules to gastropods, the market has a spectacular assortment of fresh fish supplying all the restaurants in Bruges. Although the market has become a little commercialised by the influx of tourist over the years, there is still an overwhelming sense of history in the stunning buildings that overlook the vismarkt.
