On the surface, Bruges is about as picturesque as they come, with its ancient streets criss-crossing squares and bordering waterways. Beneath the picture-perfect exterior lies a vibrant culture that proudly indulges on beer, chips and chocolate – and make no mistake, these staples are beyond the ordinary.
Incentive event clients can learn about the world’s longest subterranean beer pipe. They can browse the art galleries of the historic centre, sail the canals, dine in superb restaurants or learn to make chocolate in a confectioner’s master class. Just north of Bruges is the coast, offering a range of fantastic beach and water sports activities.
Easy to get by rail and compact to explore, Bruges is a great option for a corporate incentive event. The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is jaw-dropping, with canals bisecting the area and cobbled bridges linking the walkways.
The Gothic architecture is splendid, nowhere more so than the Markt of Bruges central square, with its architecture dating back to the 12th century. Visitors flock to the area, and pubs and restaurants are abundant in this main sector.
There are parks throughout the city, and guided tours showcase the very best of historic Bruges. Retail is resolutely independent, with high-street brands a rarity. While Bruges can be a honeypot for tourists at peak times, the place feels quality and authentic.
Restaurants and pubs are everywhere and there are several good quality central hotels in Bruges.
Things to do in and around Bruges on a corporate incentive event include action sports on the northern coast such as RIB boating, land yachting and surfing. Sailing is possible at Zeebrugge, whilst stand-up paddling and kayaking are options on the canals around Bruges. Back on the coast, adventure trekking is a fantastic way to explore the wild North Sea beaches.
Bruges is rich in culture, and a food tour of the city is a great way to experience the culinary identity of the place. Cooking classes, including chocolate workshops, are a great way to get hands-on with the local food scene. Brewery tours are always popular incentive event activities, while walking and bike tours can showcase the city.
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Bruges is no spa break – loosen the belt and prepare for calorific temptation beyond endurance! Belgium is known globally for its beer and chocolate, and there are endless drinking and dining options across Bruges.
The 19th-century Park Restaurant offers excellent cuisine in a traditional venue, whilst De Halve Maan restaurant provides the chance to tour an ancient brewery before devouring excellent Belgian dishes.
Bruges is a gastronomic delight, but as well as the award-winning restaurants, many more venues serve authentic cuisine that sustains the locals, including small independent restaurants and neighbourhood bars.
Unmistakably Belgium in character, these locations pride themselves on local beers to accompany the food and boast wonderful atmospheres. Try the Belgium Pigeon House to dine off the beaten track.
For those looking to combine drinking with a history tour, Bruges is in a league of its own. The 800-year-old cellar bar, Le Trappiste offers a huge range of beers from the depths below Bruges centre, whilst the 15th century 2be Beer Wall is canal-side and presents thousands of beers on its famous beer wall and numerous options on tap.
Most bars in Bruges open until late, whilst live music is offered in selected bars across the city, including Blues at the Comptoir Des Arts.
For a bar with a view, try the Duvelorium, offering window seats overlooking the famous and bustling Bruges Markt Square. The interior is colourful, the beer menu considerable and the views fantastic. To really appreciate the tipple in Bruges, the De Halve Maan brewery offers tours of its historic brewery, with some very quirk, costumed staff.
There is also the chance to view the 3km (and world’s longest) beer pipe which runs beneath the ancient streets of Bruges. They are mighty proud of this infrastructure.
