HAUTE HERITAGE

Set in the heart of Bruges’ UNESCO-listed historic center, the Hotel Heritage blends 19th century grandeur with intimate Belgian charm. Once a grand family mansion, this Relais & Châteaux property now offers 22 richly appointed rooms and suites adorned with plush fabrics, antique furnishings, and original architectural flourishes. Book the opulent Heritage Suite for sweeping rooftop views of the city’s medieval spires and cobblestone lanes. The on-site fine dining restaurant, Le Mystique, showcases seasonal Flemish flavors in an elegant setting, while the cozy bar and private wine cellar beckon travelers to linger late into the evening over a glass of Grand Cru. Rooms begin at $350 per night. hotel-heritage.com

A TOAST! PROOST!

With roots that extend all the way back to 1856, De Halve Maan is a living monument to Bruges’ beer-making heritage. Still family-run after six generations, the brewery blends old-world charm with modern innovation – most famously through its underground beer pipeline that pumps freshly brewed Brugse Zot straight to the bottling plant over two miles away. Visitors can tour the gleaming copper kettles, climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city’s spires, and end with a pint in the cozy, wood-paneled brasserie. The menu pairs hearty Flemish classics with the brewery’s signature ales, making it a true taste of Bruges. Tours start at €15. halvemaan.be

MUGS & KISSES

Tucked inside a centuries-old gabled townhouse just steps from Bruges’ famed Markt (Dutch for “market”) Square, The Old Chocolate House is a decadent ode to Belgium’s sweetest export. The warm, wood beamed tearoom serves towering mugs of DIY hot chocolate crafted from blocks of artisanal Belgian chocolate melted into steaming milk alongside buttery waffles and fresh pastries. Downstairs, the shop brims with hand-dipped pralines, truffles, and whimsical chocolate figurines. A visit here feels like stepping into a confectioner’s dream, where the scent of cocoa hangs in the air and indulgence is a hard-earned given. oldchocolatehouse.be

BIGGER FISH TO FRY

De Jonkman, a dual-star Michelin hotspot on the edge of the city, was born from rebellion. The grandson of a fisherman who developed an affinity for the fruits of the sea at a young age, chef/owner Filip Claeys founded NorthSeaChefs to encourage gastronomists to embrace lesser known fish. This philosophy is on full display at his elegant, light-washed eatery, which serves an array of underrated but delectable fish varieties like dogfish, Atlantic Horse Mackerel, and Tub Gurnard, all dressed in delicate sauces and vinaigrettes. Additional standouts include fresh North Sea crab cooked in a court bouillon and pigeon with seasonal root vegetables. There’s a killer wine list, too. dejonkman.be

CANAL CHIC

The Belgian Hospitality Award winner for Best Concept Hotel is brimming with European cool. Housed in a canal-facing Italianate mansion with 700 years of history in its walls, Hotel Van Cleef is a magnificent interplay between medieval and mod. Its many lounges and common areas are dressed with antique furnishings and vintage artwork, while each of the 16 guestrooms and suites boast Hermès fabrics and deluxe marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. Hot chocolate and fresh pastries are available for your sipping and nibbling pleasure as you thumb through the array of coffee table books detailing the house’s gilded history. A dedicated concierge is on hand to help guests map out their grand tours of the city, whether by horse-drawn carriage, boat, or vintage car. hotelvancleef.be