Bruges is a city where craft and food meet history. Shops and stalls sell things made by local hands as well as quality food and drink that travel well.

This guide looks at souvenirs you can find across the city, not just on one street or in a single shop. The tips focus on buying items that show local craft or flavor, and how to pack them for the trip home.

1. Packaged Belgian chocolates

• Why it’s worth buying: Chocolates from Bruges show local bean-to-bar skills and unique flavors. They are easy to share and make a clear local gift.
• Where to look: Available at independent shops in the city center and near major squares.
• Price range: $10–$40
• How to spot a good one: Check the ingredient list for cocoa percentage and few added oils.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep boxes flat in your suitcase between clothing layers to prevent crushing.

2. Speculoos cookies

• Why it’s worth buying: These spiced shortcrust biscuits are a regional favorite with a long tradition. They store well and resist travel damage.
• Where to look: Sold at markets and specialty food stalls across Bruges.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Look for brands with a simple ingredient list and no hydrogenated fats.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Tuck cookie boxes into the middle of your bag, surrounded by soft clothes.

3. Local bottled beer

• Why it’s worth buying: Bottle-conditioned beers show Belgian brewing methods and often include local yeast strains. They reflect flavors you can’t get easily back home.
• Where to look: Found in independent shops that specialize in regional beers and in market stalls.
• Price range: $4–$12 per bottle
• How to spot a good one: Choose bottles with vintage or batch dates and clear brewery information.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bottles individually in shirts and place them in a hard-sided bag if possible.

4. Branded beer tasting glass

• Why it’s worth buying: A proper Belgian glass shapes the beer and improves the drinking experience. It’s a small, memorable piece of glassware.
• Where to look: Often sold in galleries and independent shops linked to breweries.
• Price range: $8–$25
• How to spot a good one: Prefer thicker stems and a creditable brewery mark over cheap printing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack glass in bubble wrap or layered clothing inside your carry-on.

5. Bruges lace item

• Why it’s worth buying: Handmade lace represents a long local craft tradition and makes a delicate keepsake. It’s available in small pieces suited to travel.
• Where to look: Check independent shops and market stalls that focus on textiles.
• Price range: $12–$80
• How to spot a good one: Fine, even stitches and a certificate or artisan name suggest genuine handmade lace.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold lace flat and place in a sealed plastic bag to protect it from snags.

6. Handmade ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Local ceramicists produce mugs and tiles with regional motifs and solid glazes. These items are useful and often signed.
• Where to look: Look in galleries and independent craft shops around town.
• Price range: $15–$70
• How to spot a good one: Even glaze coverage, no hairline cracks, and a maker’s mark indicate quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fill hollow ceramics with socks and wrap in clothes for padding.

7. Local artist prints and postcards

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints capture the city’s scenes and artists’ perspectives without bulk. Postcards offer inexpensive, authentic artwork to frame later.
• Where to look: Sold in galleries and at market stalls near tourist spots.
• Price range: $2–$40
• How to spot a good one: Look for signed prints or clear artist information on the back.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry flat prints in a rigid folder or tuck postcards into a book to keep them flat.

8. Handmade jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Small metal or beaded pieces reflect local design and are easy to wear home. They make meaningful, compact gifts.
• Where to look: Available in independent shops and galleries showcasing local makers.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Check for secure clasps, hallmarks, or a maker’s card indicating materials.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store jewelry in a small pouch or pillbox to avoid tangles.

9. Leather notebook or coin purse

• Why it’s worth buying: Leather goods made locally are functional and improve with age. They often carry subtle regional styles.
• Where to look: Found at independent shops and market stalls selling accessories.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Inspect stitching and edges; real leather has a natural grain and scent.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slide leather items into shoe or outer pockets to keep shape.

10. Hot chocolate or cocoa mix

• Why it’s worth buying: Top-quality cocoa mixes from Bruges are richer than supermarket varieties. They travel well when sealed.
• Where to look: Available at food halls and independent chocolate shops.
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Prefer mixes with cocoa listed high on the ingredient label and minimal additives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep tins upright in checked luggage, or small sachets in carry-on.

11. Spiced spread (speculoos or similar)

• Why it’s worth buying: Spreads bring local flavors to breakfast and are popular with travelers. They’re shelf-stable and easy to share.
• Where to look: Found in food halls, markets, and specialty independent shops.
• Price range: $5–$18
• How to spot a good one: Look for recognizable brand names or an artisan label with ingredient details.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place jars in sealed plastic bags and surround with clothing for cushion.

12. Small metalwork or brass trinket

• Why it’s worth buying: Metal trinkets demonstrate local craftsmanship and are lightweight keepsakes. They often last longer than painted souvenirs.
• Where to look: Sold in galleries and independent craft shops across the city.
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: Solid weight, neat joints, and a maker’s mark show better quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap metal items in soft cloth to avoid scratching other items.

Quick buying tips for Bruges

• Bring some cash; small stalls may accept only cash or small-change euros.
• Card payments work in many shops, but confirm minimums before paying by card.
• Haggling is not common; polite price questions are fine but expect fixed prices.
• Pack fragile items with clothing and consider a hard-sided carry-on for breakables.
• Ask for “made locally” labels, artisan cards, or signature marks to confirm origin.
• Liquids and spreads must follow airline rules; seal jars and declare if shipping.

Where to shop in Bruges

Shopping spreads across Bruges, mixing historic squares, market stalls, and small galleries. Central areas around main squares and market halls are the easiest places to locate local food, textiles, and crafts.

• Markt (the main square) for seasonal stalls, prints, and souvenir dealers with regional goods.
• Burg and nearby streets for small galleries selling local prints and handmade jewelry.
• Central market halls for packaged foods, chocolates, and bottled beers.
• Old town streets for independent shops selling lace, ceramics, and leather goods.
• Canal-front areas for artisan metalwork and small decorative items found in galleries.
• Weekend markets for fresh local foods, packaged spreads, and inexpensive postcards.
• Museum shops for well-made reproductions, books, and high-quality postcards.
• Seasonal Christmas markets for specialty treats and limited-run craft pieces.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap mass-produced trinkets with generic “Belgium” labels; they lack local craft value.
• Plastic-wrapped souvenir plates that show printed scenes but are thin and brittle.
• Unlabeled chocolates sold without ingredient lists, which may contain inferior fats.
• Handbag or leather items with glued seams rather than stitched construction; they fail quickly.
• “Antique” sellers offering items without provenance papers; condition and origin are uncertain.
• Bottles of beer from supermarket chains claiming local origin without brewery information.

If you only buy three things

Chocolates: Compact, clearly local, and easy to share with friends.
Bruges lace item: Represents a long regional craft tradition and stores flat.
A small print by a local artist: Lightweight, easy to pack, and uniquely local.

FAQ

1. What is Bruges known for making?
   Bruges is known for traditional lace, chocolate, and craft brewing. Local artisans also make ceramics, metalwork, and printed art.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Bruges?
   Chocolates, speculoos biscuits, and bottled beers are top edible options. They travel well when properly packed and are widely available.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Bruges?
   Prices range from inexpensive postcards to pricier handmade pieces. Expect higher costs for genuine handmade lace or signed art.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Bruges?
   Postcards and small prints are simplest to pack and hard to damage. They fit in a folder or a book without special wrapping.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for maker’s marks, artisan cards, and ingredient lists showing local production. Ask sellers where the item was made and request provenance if unsure.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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