Quiet corners of Bruges: A different  way to see the city

Bruges is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved mediaeval cities in Europe. For many years it was unknown to tourists outside Belgium, but in recent decades it has become one of the most popular European tourist destinations.

Thousands of tourists, regardless of the season, flood the picturesque streets every day. Despite the crowds, however, the city is so beautiful that it manages not to lose its magic. However, beyond the well-known and very touristy attractions, such as the Market Square, the Belfry, and the Rosary Quay, there are also the quieter corners of the city that will make you see the city in a different way.

Huidenvettersplein: A small square with a local pulse

While most visitors to Bruges are familiar with Burg Square and Market Square, they often overlook the charming Huidenvettersplein (Tanners Square). This location is next to the much-photographed Rosary Quay. This little square was a courtyard with gates on either side. In the 14th century, it was home to a tanners’ guild. Later in the 15th century, the tanners relocated because the odour of leather was bothering the local residents. Its middle features a column with two lions and the tanners’ insignia. Today, the square has various restaurants and has a lively local vibe. This is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of strolling through the city centre.

Jan van Eyckplein: Bruges’ mercantile past remembered

The peaceful Jan van Eyckplein is only a few hundred metres from Bruges’ main square, but it is a world apart. A tranquil square with constantly calm waterways, it is a haven of peace while still providing a glimpse into the city’s strong commercial history. During the Middle Ages, it was an important commercial port and trading hub. The square is surrounded by beautiful facades of merchant guild buildings, as well as an amazing structure that originally served as the customs house. The statue of Jan van Eyck stands in the centre, a serene, contemplative presence that pays homage to both the city’s artistic and commercial legacies.

Boniface Bridge: An intimate fairytale moment

The Boniface Bridge, although one of the newest bridges in Bruges, looks like it has been there forever. It is one of Bruges’ most quietly enchanting spots, tucked between stone walls and overhanging greenery near the Church of Our Lady. Small in size, above a small canal with the signs of time on its stones and moss on its edges, it looks like a theatrical stage. A hint of a children’s fairy tale amid this otherwise enchanting city. If you visit early in the morning or at sunset—when the throngs of tourists have yet to invade this tranquil spot—you will encounter truly magical moments.

Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde: Stillness behind the walls

Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde (Begijnhof) provides a remarkable sense of peace just beyond Bruges’ crowded centre. The bridge outside it is the gathering point for many of the city walking tours, but few tourists enter this place of tranquillity. It is a place formed by a tradition of quiet commitment and independence. The Beguinage, founded in the 13th century, housed Beguines, religious women who lived communally without taking lifelong vows, opting for a life of religion, employment, and liberty that was exceptional for the mediaeval world. The white houses, situated around a green peaceful courtyard and church, represent a life centred on simplicity. Ten Wijngaerde, surrounded by walls and divided from the city by a bridge, was supposed to be a place apart. Today it asks visitors to slow their pace and wander with care through an area sculpted by centuries of contemplation.

Sint-Janshuismolen: Wind, water, and the edge of Bruges

Sint-Janshuismolen stands at the quieter edge of Bruges. Built in the 18th century on the site of earlier mills, it is one of the few remaining working windmills along the city’s former defensive ramparts. The windmill is a reminder of how closely Bruges’ daily life was once tied to grain and trade. The mill overlooks the canal where barges once moved goods in and out of the city. A canal that is linked to the North Sea that powered Bruges’ economy for centuries. From here, Bruges feels less like a preserved mediaeval centre and more like a living landscape. It is a place where the landscape, history and human labour mingle in a perfect combination.

Potterierei: Walking the city’s quieter canal

The Potterierei, located north of the city centre, follows one of Bruges’ quieter canals. The area provides a stroll that feels both intimate and steeped in history. Lined with well-preserved mediaeval houses and former monasteries, this stretch of water once connected the city’s northern quarters to its network of trade routes. Unlike the busier canals, the Potterierei has retained a residential calm, where reflections of stepped gables and brick facades ripple softly in the water. Situated in a building that harmonises with the city’s architectural style, the Hotel de’ Medici has rooms that offer views of the canal. It is one of the best value-for-money accommodations in close proximity to the historic core of Bruges.

Marzipan-Nougatshop Cafe

Although chocolates and waffles are the most popular sweets in Bruges and throughout Belgium, you will be able to sample another unique treat in this beautiful and quiet cafe. The Marzipan-Nougatshop Cafe by GruuthuseHof is housed in a lovely building opposite the Church of Our Lady. In addition to coffee and other drinks, the shop serves as a pastry shop where you may sample and purchase local marzipan and nougat. Known as “massepain” in Belgium, marzipan is a simple but delectable combination of almond paste and sugar. It is widely served at Christmas in Wallonia, frequently in a variety of beautiful designs. If you choose to sit at one of the few outdoor tables and enjoy the fresh air, the cafe provides an ideal respite from exploring the city centre.

De Vloamse Trine: Classic Flemish cooking and local atmosphere

De Vloamse Trine is the kind of place that feels earned at the end of a long day on foot, a traditional pub-restaurant where Bruges locals still gather for familiar flavours. The menu leans into classic Flemish cooking. Hearty stews, seasonal dishes, and generous portions reflect the region’s comfort-first approach to food. And of course everything is best enjoyed alongside a well-chosen Belgian beer. The atmosphere of the place is warm, relaxed, and refreshingly unpretentious. After hours of wandering canals and quiet streets, De Vloamse Trine offers a sense of grounding.

De Haan: A one-day coastal escape

A day trip to De Haan from Bruges provides a pleasant change in scenery. The sea air and broad viewpoints take centre stage here. De Haan feels tranquil and residential, with Belle Epoque homes, tree-lined roads, and one of the least developed pieces of the Belgian coast. On sunny Sundays, locals travel the same route, drawn by the beach, fresh air, and the simple pleasure of a seaside walk. The pace here is leisurely. The scenery consists of broad expanses of sand, peaceful streets, and cafes that encourage lingering. De Haan contrasts with the mediaeval closeness of Bruges and provides a simple escape for a well-spent day. It is easily accessible by train or car, as it is only 19 km from the centre of Bruges.

Extra tip: Chez Albert‘s waffles are no secret to visitors to Bruges. Although you cannot describe it as a quiet place, it is something you should definitely try. It is not a wonder that they considered the best waffles in Belgium.

A different way to see the city

Bruges is a magical city that offers its visitors unforgettable experiences. It is a tourist destination, but it also has unique corners that are worth finding if you want to learn about the city in a different, quieter, and more authentic way. Exploring the lesser-known streets may uncover charming cafes, scenic thoroughfares, and picturesque canals that frequently go unnoticed. Each turn reveals a new layer of Bruges’ rich history and culture, providing a deeper appreciation for this enchanting destination.