Best Cafés in Bruges: My Favourite Coffee Shops from My Trip

Looking for the best cafés in Bruges? Here’s my favourite coffee shops, breakfast stops and sit-down café breaks from my trip—including where I’d go for coffee, breakfast, brunch, hot chocolate, people-watching and a well-timed (and much needed) pause between Bruges sightseeing.

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Bruges is the kind of destination where one of your café stops can easily become the favourite part of your trip.

Case in point, this café and people-watching was one of my favourite parts of my second trip to Bruges!

Yes, we get it. We all get it. You’re probably here for the canals, cobbled streets, stepped-gable buildings, chocolate shops, the Belfry and all of Bruges’ postcard-worthy bits.

But when you’re walking all day, taking photos before the Bruges day-trippers arrive, climbing the Belfry, browsing shops and trying to make the most of a short Bruges trip, knowing where to sit down for coffee or breakfast becomes imperative.

On my most recent visit to Bruges, I stayed overnight in the historic centre, which gave me more time to pause in the city rather than treating it as a quick day trip from Brussels.

With that said, here’s five cafes I’d recommend looking at for a first trip (and one that might surprise you).

From the best people-watching stops to more polished brunch, a hot chocolate break or somewhere easy to pause between sightseeing.

P.S. – If you’re looking for more on waffles, chocolate shops, Belgian beer and restaurants, read my separate Bruges food guide—this one’s more focused on cafés in Bruges, coffee shops, breakfast, brunch, hot chocolate and sit-down stops.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Picks: My Favourite Cafés in Bruges

If you’re short on time, here’s how I’d choose between all my cafés in this guide.

Le Pain Quotidien Bruges

Best for: A surprisingly good central breakfast with people-watching

I’ll be honest, I did not expect Le Pain Quotidien Bruges to be my first café recommendation in Bruges.

Not because I have anything against it, but because when you’re in a city like Bruges, it’s easy to assume the best café stop must be a tiny independent spot hidden down a cobbled side street.

But the Bruges branch made me rethink that. Also, it was the only one open early in the morning when I was out for photos…

It’s on Simon Stevinplein, which puts you right in the historic centre, between Markt, the shopping streets and several hits you’ll likely pass on a first day in Bruges.

And if you can get a seat outside or by the window, it looks like this.

Plus there’s a courtyard too.

Sit with a coffee, Belgian waffles or anything breakfast-led and do some scrumptious people-watching.

I’d go here for: coffee, scrambled eggs, pastries, pain au chocolat, a central breakfast, outdoor seating and people-watching.

Now onto the independent coffee shops!

HIDE Breakfast / Lunch

HIDE Breakfast / Lunch

Best for: A more trendy breakfast or brunch in central Bruges

For a more intentional Bruges café stop, HIDE Breakfast / Lunch should definitely be on your list.

Brunch here is hearty—think charcoal salmon toast, croque madame, shakshuka, Turkish eggs, pancakes, you get the picture.

I really recommend this one if you want a bit of a slower Bruges morning before wandering towards Markt, Burg Square, the canals or your next sightseeing stop.

It’s also a good option if you’re travelling with someone who wants something more substantial than a pastry, walk-ins only!

Kaffee Kamiel

Kaffee Kamiel

Best for: All-day breakfast, brunch

I’d look at Kaffee Kamiel instead if you’re looking for a coffee stop around Bruges’ hottest shopping streets.

Tucked right in the buzzy Zilverpand, it’s a brunch spot and Bruges café that doubles as a beautiful lifestyle and interior design shop, with a nice courtyard too.

On the menu here you’ve got yoghurt bowls, French toast, brunch boards, and of course, plenty of shopping to do while you’re here too.

The Old Chocolate House Tea Room

The Old Chocolate House Tea Room

Best for: Hot chocolate and a sit-down sweet break

I know this isn’t a chocolate guide, but The Old Chocolate House Tea Room is more than that, so it gets a place!

They have a chocolate shop on the ground floor and a tea room next door, which makes it an especially good Bruges café for a colder day, a rainy afternoon or when you realise your Bruges itinerary has turned into a 20,000-step day.

I’d go here for: hot chocolate, tea, a sweet sit-down break, rainy afternoons and a warm pause between your Bruges sightseeing.

Coffeebar Adriaan

Coffeebar Adriaan

Best for: Coffee, breakfast and a cool city-centre pause

Coffeebar Adriaan is loved, local and stylish—right on Adriaan Willaertstraat in a former bank building and a very cool and low-key Bruges coffee stop.

I’d also say out of all my recommendations, this one is best known for its speciality coffee, so if you’re quite coffee keen above all else, come here!

What About Specialty Coffee in Bruges?

The Novel, Bruges

If you’re especially keen on speciality coffee shops in Bruges, I recommend checking out Dees Koffiebranders, We Are Coffee Makers or AVI ’38 Speciality Coffee Bar.

For another beautiful café rather than a coffee-first stop, The Novel is worth knowing about too—the interiors are gorgeous!

My Ideal Café Day in Bruges

If I were planning a café-led day in Bruges, I’d keep it pretty simple.

Personally, I’d start with Le Pain Quotidien Bruges on Simon Stevinplein for breakfast, outside or by the window for some people-watching.

Then I’d spend the morning doing the main Bruges sights: Markt, the Belfry, De Burg, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge and the canal-side streets.

If I wanted a bigger brunch or lunch, I’d go to HIDE or Kaffee Kamiel.

In the afternoon, I’d either stop at Coffeebar Adriaan for a calmer coffee or go to The Old Chocolate House Tea Room if I wanted hot chocolate. You could also pop into one of my speciality coffee recommendations.

Then I’d save dinner for one of the restaurants from my Bruges food guide rather than trying to turn every stop into a meal (unless of course, you’d like to turn every stop into a meal…). ,

Read More: Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer I’d Recommend

Final Thoughts: My Favourite Cafés in Bruges

A lovely Bruges café can easily become one of the best bits of your trip. And it should!

For a first trip, I’d choose Le Pain Quotidien Bruges if you want an easy central breakfast, HIDE Breakfast / Lunch for a more trendy brunch, Kaffee Kamiel for a bigger breakfast or lunch menu, The Old Chocolate House Tea Room for hot chocolate, and Coffeebar Adriaan for a cool and calm coffee stop in the historic centre.

Happy sipping and Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Best Cafes in Bruges

💭 What are the best café in Bruges for a first trip?

For a first trip, I’d look at Le Pain Quotidien Bruges, HIDE Breakfast / Lunch, Kaffee Kamiel, The Old Chocolate House Tea Room and Coffeebar Adriaan.

💭 Where can I get breakfast or brunch in Bruges?

For breakfast in Bruges, I’d look at Le Pain Quotidien, HIDE Breakfast / Lunch, Kaffee Kamiel or Coffeebar Adriaan.

💭 Where should I go for coffee in Bruges?

For coffee specifically, I’d look at Coffeebar Adriaan, or if your main priority is speciality coffee, I’d also look into Dees Koffiebranders, We Are Coffee Makers and AVI ’38 Specialty Coffee Bar.

💭 What is the best café in Bruges for hot chocolate?

For hot chocolate in Bruges, I’d go to The Old Chocolate House Tea Room.

It’s more of a tea-room and hot chocolate stop than a coffee-first café, but that’s exactly what makes it worth saving for a cold day, rainy afternoon or a sit-down sweet break between sightseeing.

💭 Is Le Pain Quotidien Bruges worth visiting?

Yes, I think Le Pain Quotidien Bruges is worth visiting if you want an easy central breakfast stop.

I usually never lead a café guide with a familiar chain, but the Bruges branch really works because of its location on Simon Stevinplein. If you can get a seat outside or by the window, it’s a really nice spot for coffee, breakfast and people-watching before exploring the city.

💭 Are there specialty coffee shops in Bruges?

Yes, Bruges has specialty coffee spots too.

If that’s your priority, I’d look into Dees Koffiebranders, We Are Coffee Makers and AVI ’38 Specialty Coffee Bar. This guide is more focused on cafés from my trip that work well for breakfast, brunch, hot chocolate and sit-down breaks, but those names are worth knowing if you’re specifically keen on the best coffee in Bruges.

💭 Which cafés in Bruges are near Markt?

For cafes near Markt, I’d look at Le Pain Quotidien Bruges, HIDE Breakfast / Lunch, The Old Chocolate House Tea Room and Coffeebar Adriaan.

💭 Are Bruges cafés child-friendly?

Most of them yes, but I’d say Le Pain Quotidien is best for families/kids.

💭 Do you need reservations for cafes in Bruges?

It depends on the café. HIDE is currently walk-in only, Kaffee Kamiel accepts bookings but you can also walk-in, and for The Novel it’s best to book for breakfast. Just be mindful they’ll all be a bit busier on weekends!

Plan the rest of your Bruges trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Bruges guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Before you book

• Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice
• Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both
• The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

Bruges itineraries

• One Day in Bruges: My Perfect Bruges Day Trip Itinerary
• My Bruges Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City
• How to Take a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges
• Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Where to stay and what to book

• Where to Stay in Bruges: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip
• Hotel Acacia Bruges Review: My Honest Stay in Bruges
• Best Tours in Bruges: Canal Cruises, Walking Tours & Food Experiences
• Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go
• How to Visit Bruges Without a Car: Train Tips, Walking Routes & Getting Around

What to do and where to eat

• The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice
• Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer to Try