Traditional markets are part of Flemish and Belgian life. Each market in Belgium has a culture and heritage of its own and they’re all filled with unique character and atmosphere. Our markets have a little of everything from local fish and farmers markets to vintage and antiques and there is always a bargain to be found. A trip to some of Bruges markets should be as high on your list as sampling Belgian chocolate and beer, which can coincidentally often be found at the markets! Book your stay in Green Park Hotel Bruges and enjoy the best shopping in Bruges.
The Markt
One of the main attractions in Bruges is the Markt, a beautiful central square in the heart of the city. It is located a short walk from the main train station and covers an area of about 2.5 acres. Every Wednesday from 8am-1.30pm the Markt in Bruges is home to the most traditional of European town traditions, the market. the flower and food market on a Wednesday brings the smell of hot rotisserie chicken, lots of local cheeses, meats and other delicacies straight from the farm. You can pick up some truly delicious local food and drink and great souvenirs to take home to remember a great time spent in our wonderful city.
Weekend Markets in Bruges
Saturday is a busy day in Bruges when we welcome many tourists and weekend trippers to the city as well as a great number of locals enjoying their city. There is a large food and general market that takes place from 8am-1.30pm at ‘t Zand Square and Beursplein in the centre of the city. The regular Saturday market on ’t Zand Square is a great place for a Saturday ramble between stalls and sells just about everything under the sun.
A real attraction in the neighbourhood comes in the summer, thanks to the Zandfeesten. This is the epitome of Flanders flea markets and comes around just three days a year in the summertime. Visitors from far and wide come to buy and sell just about everything from board games and lampshades to clothing and accessories. It’s a bargain hunters mecca.
Dijver Folklore Market
In the old town centre, on the picturesque lane of the riverside Dijver you’ll find a market known to locals as the folklore market. It’s an unsophisticated affair with old chairs, tables and blankets huddled in the shelter of the trees selling a mix of interesting bric-a-brac items. You’ll find so many artefacts that give you an insight into life here in Bruges like books, handmade items, candles and ornaments, often going for much less than they are worth. One of the rules of the folklore market is that the items sold either have to be handcrafted or older than 50 years so almost everything is unique.
From March to November, you’ll find the market every Saturday, Sunday and holiday, and every Friday too from June until September. From 10 AM to 6 PM.
Sint-Michiels market
Did you know that regular shops are not open on Sundays in Bruges? If you’re hoping to grab something special, don’t leave the shopping spree until the end of your weekend break. On Sundays, you’ll find one of the busiest markets on the Veemarkt, on Koning Astridlaan in the borough of Sint-Michiels. From 7am-2pm this thriving market has more than 80 stalls peddling Bruges sausage, local cheeses straight from the farm, homemade jams and lots of other Belgian delicacies. It’s the perfect place to stock your pantry with tasty and wholesome food from local producers.
Bruges Christmas Markets
In winter, Bruges welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over Europe to share in the beauty and excitement of the Christmas markets with us. The Markt and other surrounding areas are filled with gorgeous chalets, cabins and stalls selling food, drink and gifts you could hope for against the most beautiful surroundings. There are gifts, textiles, accessories, ornaments and plenty of grab-and-go treats including frites, waffles and hot chocolate often spiked with delicious alcohol of your choosing. To enjoy the best of Bruges markets without the experience of a city centre hotel, book your stay in Green Park Hotel Bruges. Our great values, comfortable hotel on the edge of the city is ideal for a commute to town and gives you more money to spend on yourself! Contact us directly for our best available rates, guaranteed.