Where better to treat your taste buds to quality cocoa than Belgium, the chocolate capital of the world? One place in particular renowned for its chocolatey goodness is Bruges - so we’ve scoped out the best chocolate shops in the medieval city. Sticking to family-run shops, as opposed to the big Belgian chocolate brands like Godiva (that you can buy anywhere), here are the top 7 spots to satisfy your sweet tooth in Bruges…
Staying in Bruges soon?
1. DUMON CHOCOLATIER
Doesn’t this shop have the cutest little exterior? If one shop in Bruges was to represent the quaint architecture of the city, it would be this one. It has such a Disney village feel, like something out of Beauty and the Beast.
If you’re a chocoholic, this place won’t disappoint you for creamy, handmade Belgian chocolate. With such a variety to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for truffles, bon bons or chocolate figurines, this family-run spot makes it all (using all raw ingredients).
2. THE CHOCOLATE LINE
For a little portion of happiness, head to The Chocolate Line. Another great chocolate shop in Bruges, this popular spot has some unique treats on offer. You can buy red chocolate lips, chocolate pills AND chocolate lip balm! So licking your lips can be delicious, too. This shop was started up by Dominique Personne (one of Belgium's most famous chocolate makers) and you can tell by the utter quality of the chocolates, that he loves what he does! During Easter, expect beautifully (and extravagantly) decorated Easter eggs.
3. CHOCOLADEHUISJE
The place to come for naughty chocolates. I think the picture pretty much says it all. One of the most famous chocolate shops in Bruges, this spot has over 60 kinds of chocolate on offer (including the more whimsical rude ones). We love it. Located right next to the Belfry, it’s a great spot because of its, let's say more eye-catching window displays. That aside, some of the displays (that aren't rude) are truly epic, especially the one for Easter. Admire the piece of Easter art in April sculpted entirely out of chocolate, made by the shops very own Chef-Chocolatier.
4. PRALINETTE
From basil-infused chocolate to chocolate coated strawberries, this shop will really tickle your sweet tooth. With an original stance on chocolate, it’s the home of young chocolatiers who test out their talents and introduce new concepts. Which is why the choc is so individual to anything else out there. Chocolaterie Pralinette was even granted the prestigious ‘Handmade in Brugge’ label commending it for its traditional methods of craftsmanship.
Master chocolatier Fangio De Baets even developed his own dark chocolate. So awesome.
5. THE OLD CHOCOLATE HOUSE
Not just a shop, but also a whole chocolate dining experience in a cosy chalet-style restaurant, named the Tea House. It’s famous for its hot chocolate where you can actually choose what type of choc you’d like to go inside it. Get yourself a table upstairs, taste a wide selection of chocolate from Madagascar to Brazil and soak in the traditional, quaint surroundings. Plus, of course, the selection of delicious creamy chocolates on offer are just to die for.
6. OLIVIER’S CHOCOLATE SHOP & BAR
Olivier’s quaint little shop is packed full of some of Bruges’ most delicious handmade chocolates. Over 60 types of truffles, pralines, caramels and chocolates are made by hand each day, and you’ll be blown away by the taste of them. Pop in for a creamy hot chocolate (they serve milk, dark or even white hot chocolates), and with it you’ll be served a sample of one of their fine Belgian chocolates.
Just be warned, with the sheer amount of flavours to pick from, you could be in there a while before you’ve made up your mind on what to buy!
7. CHOCOLATES AND HAPPINESS
Chocolates and Happiness is just that - chocolates upon chocolates and happiness galore! Once you step inside this gorgeous shop, the smell, look, taste and prices of the chocolates here will draw you right in and you won’t be able to resist. Chocolates and Happiness has only been around for a couple of years, and yet they’ve already made their mark as being, without doubt one of the friendliest and best chocolate shops in Bruges. Gino, the shopkeeper, will offer you samples to help you choose, plus his recommendations are forever spot on.
This is the perfect place to grab some gifts for your loved ones (or, you know, yourself) and taste some of the most delicious handmade chocolates in the city!
And there you have it, our 5 favourite spots in Europe’s chocolate Mecca, Bruges.