Where to shop in Bruges, Belgium ?
Welcome to Bruges, one of Belgium’s most charming cities, and also a treasure trove for unique shopping. Nestled in a beautifully preserved historic centre, Bruges offers a shopping experience unlike any other. From its famous chocolates to handcrafted lace, it is a paradise for those who love to shop with purpose.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best shopping streets in Bruges, top chocolate and artisan boutiques, local concept stores, and practical tips for claiming back VAT.
Let’s dive into the city’s best addresses !
Planning to explore more of Flanders ? Check out our Ghent shopping guide.
Key points
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Bruges’ historic city centre is packed with walkable shopping streets like Steenstraat, Noordzandstraat and Wollestraat.
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The city is world-famous for its chocolate, so don’t miss the shops : The Chocolate Line, Dumon, or The Old Chocolate House.
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Look out for “Handmade in Brugge” labels for authentic lace, ceramics, and local craftsmanship.
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Use the ZappTax app to reclaim VAT on your purchases easily and save money as you shop.
The best shopping streets in Bruges
Bruges' old town is compact, walkable, and filled with independent boutiques, heritage shops, and specialty stores. Here are the key areas to explore :
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Steenstraat : Main shopping artery for international brands and Belgian staples.
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Noordzandstraat & Zuidzandstraat : Great for fashion, beauty, and concept stores.
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Geldmuntstraat & Jakobstraat : Known for stylish local brands and smaller independents.
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Wollestraat & Katelijnestraat : Famous for chocolate shops and souvenir, gift stores.
All of these charming streets are walkable and offer plenty of cafés, so you can shop at your own pace.
Chocolate shops in Bruges
If you’re shopping in Bruges, you can’t miss its world-famous chocolatiers. The Belgian city is a paradise for chocolate lovers, with dozens of boutiques crafting pralines, truffles, and more.
This iconic shop by Dominique Persoone is known for bold, unexpected flavours like wasabi, basil or bacon. The interior, set in a historic palace, makes the experience even more memorable.
📍Simon Stevinplein 19, 8000 Bruges
Family-owned and fiercely artisanal, Dumon offers melt-in-your-mouth pralines in a cosy, medieval storefront. It is a Bruges classic that many locals still prefer.
📍Eiermarkt 6, 8000 Bruges
Founded in 1958, Depla is one of the oldest chocolate shops in Bruges and still produces everything on-site. Their pralines and seasonal creations are elegant, flavourful, and beautifully presented.
📍Mariastraat 20, 8000 Bruges
Part chocolate shop, part tearoom, this family-run spot is famous for its thick hot chocolate and traditional pralines. A warm and delicious stop after a day of shopping.
📍Mariastraat 1a, 8000 Bruges
Handmade & artisan goods
Bruges has a long tradition of craftsmanship, and many shops continue that legacy today through lace-making, ceramics, leather and more. Look for the “Handmade in Brugge” label to ensure authenticity.
One of the last shops in Bruges dedicated entirely to handmade lace. Here, you’ll find exquisite traditional and modern designs created by skilled artisans.
📍Balstraat 11, 8000 Bruges
A beautifully curated boutique filled with handmade accessories, ceramics, and homeware, all crafted by Belgian designers. The perfect stop for meaningful, design-led gifts.
📍Langestraat 66, 8000 Bruges
This ceramics workshop and gallery blends art and craft, offering delicate, nature-inspired pieces made in Bruges. A great place for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
📍Ezelstraat 67, 8000 Bruges
Fashion & concept stores
Bruges isn’t just about heritage, it also has a modern, fashion-forward side. Whether you're into edgy Belgian designers or minimalist fashion, there’s a boutique for you.
A pioneering boutique for Belgian fashion, featuring a mix of avant-garde designers and timeless pieces. A go-to spot for style with substance.
📍Noordzandstraat 32, 8000 Bruges
Bright and welcoming, this boutique offers a sharp selection of Belgian and Scandinavian fashion labels, plus accessories and footwear.
📍Sint-Jakobsstraat 55, 8000 Bruges
A stylish fashion and accessories boutique featuring carefully curated pieces, elegant basics and statement looks. A great stop for refined Belgian fashion with personality.
📍Vlamingstraat 40, 8000 Bruges
A minimalist, elegant shop offering contemporary women’s fashion with carefully chosen cuts and neutral palettes. Understated and refined.
📍Langestraat 47b, 8000 Bruges
Interior design, lifestyle & unique finds
Looking for décor, tableware or gifts beyond the ordinary? Bruges is home to several shops that combine Belgian design with lifestyle curation.
A colourful and eclectic interior design store, offering everything from cushions to ceramics and bold furniture. Perfect if you love vibrant home accents.
📍Ezelstraat 5, 8000 Bruges
A magical year-round Christmas boutique filled with hand-painted ornaments, wooden nutcrackers and festive decorations made in Germany. It's a must-visit for collectors and anyone who loves holiday spirit.
📍Breidelstraat 4, 8000 Bruges
A refined stationery and paper boutique offering handmade cards, calligraphy tools and fine notebooks. A dream for lovers of handwriting and artisanal paper goods.
📍Breidelstraat 13, 8000 Bruges
This contemporary gallery showcases works by Belgian and international artists, from paintings to sculpture and limited-edition prints. A beautiful space for art collectors or curious visitors.
📍Merestraat 5, 8000 Bruges
A cheese shop with character, offering a wide selection of Belgian cheeses, carefully wrapped for travel. Great for gourmet gifting.
📍Smedenstraat 11, 8000 Bruges
A charming store combining a love for music, vintage instruments and vinyl records, all within a beautiful Art Nouveau interior.
📍Mallebergplaats 13, 8000 Bruges
VAT refund : how to shop tax-free in Bruges ?
Good news, if you live outside the EU, you’re eligible to reclaim VAT on most purchases made in Belgium.
Here is how to do it:
- Shop anywhere in Belgium, whether it's a big name on Steenstraat or a hidden boutique in the St Anna quarter. You can even shop online and have your items delivered in Belgium.
- Ask for an invoice made out to Zapptax (you’ll find details directly in the app).
- Upload your invoices to the Zapptax app. The app will combine your purchases to reach the €125.01 minimum required to qualify for VAT refund in Belgium.
- At the end of your trip, Zapptax generates your tax-free form electronically in the app.
- Before leaving the EU, present your digital tax-free form and your passport at Customs for validation. If you're departing from another EU country, you can print your form beforehand and get it stamped at your exit point.
- Receive your refund in your bank account.
Why use ZappTax ? It centralises your invoices, combines your purchases, handles the paperwork for you, and sends your refund directly. No more paper forms or store-by-store hassle.
Important : To be eligible for a refund, your purchases must be exported outside the EU within 3 months and must remain unused at the time of departure.
Conclusion
Shopping in Bruges is more than a pastime, it is an opportunity to connect with Belgian craftsmanship and take home something truly unique. From chocolate to lace, design to vintage, every street hides a gem.
And don’t forget to use ZappTax to make your experience even better by claiming your VAT refund with just a few taps.
FAQ
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What is Bruges best known for shopping ?
Bruges is best known for chocolate, lace and artisanal crafts. The city has dozens of award-winning chocolatiers, lace shops that carry handmade traditional pieces, and boutiques that specialise in Belgian design. These items not only reflect local heritage but also make for perfect travel keepsakes.
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What is Bruges famous for as a shopping outlet ?
Bruges isn’t an outlet city in the traditional sense (like Maasmechelen Village), but it is famous for its independent boutiques, local artisan workshops, and “Handmade in Brugge” certified products. Visitors come here not for discounts, but for authentic, high-quality items with cultural value, from fashion to food to home décor.
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What are the best things to buy in Belgium ?
Some of the best things to buy in Belgium as souvenirs include artisan chocolate, Belgian beer, handmade lace, and locally produced cheese. In Bruges specifically, don’t miss out on handcrafted ceramics, fashion from Belgian designers, and home accessories from interior boutiques, all VAT refundable.
