Local Love: Unforgettable shopping addresses in Bruges

Bruges already has quite a few shops that offer that bit more: authentic addresses that continue to surprise you with a sophisticated and original range.

Armani, Lagerfeld, Versace and more… For more than 20 years, Bruges’ fashionistas have known that Nicky M is the place to go for the best in designer names, for women and men alike.

No trendy look, whether it's that of a designer, advertiser or woman in the media, is complete without Hoet glasses.

For more than two decades, Frédérique Baeckelandt has been kitting out the locals with suitable hats.

’t Apostelientje, established nearly 30 years ago, is the place to be for handmade lace.

Dominique Persoone, the man who runs The Chocolate Line, is a legend both at home and abroad.

Here, you will find quirky calligraphy cards and pebbles, special handmade paper and various unique creations, ranging from small note books to solid, timeless photo albums.

Djamil Zenasni’s passion is restoring and re-upholstering antique or worn-out seats in the traditional way.

More than 60 years ago, father Quijo opened this exclusive jewellery store.

A solid-silver, timeless collection of jewellery, handmade in our own workshop at an affordable price.

Every day, Nikolaas and Nathalie work tête-à-tête at their immensely long counter for hours.

You can tell the bread is made with love at Le Pain de Sebastien, a genuine artisanal bakery where you generally have to wait patiently in line, as the whole of Bruges seems to be crazy about Sebastien’s bread.

Maison La Confiance, a shop with an open bakery full of biscuits made with the finest ingredients following grandmother’s recipe, without preservatives, additives or artificial colourings.

Sukerbuyc is the point of reference in Bruges and the surrounding area.

The Chocolatier Spegelaere is described by connoisseurs as Bruges' best-kept secret.

Luc Decuyper re-soles and restores your shoes using only traditional techniques.

It seems as if time at Recour stood still years ago.

The tight, contemporary interior suggests otherwise, but the Chocolaterie Depla was established in 1958 and indeed by the father of Pol Depla who runs the establishment today.

There are second-hand stores, and then there’s Selected by Françoise.

This music temple has been promoting classical music, jazz and superior contemporary work for three generations.

This story begins in Ypres in 1933 and shifts to Bruges in 1950.

For more than 100 years, Quicke has been a concept.

Since bookstore Raaklijn opened its doors back in 1961, it has been a home to literature fans, a place where you can rummage for hours.

Stylish Montblanc pens, handy Moleskine notebooks and much more.

Every bit as special is the brainchild of Stephan Dumon, the Chocolaterie Dumon.

80 different olive oils, 12 olive oils on tap, 2 novellas, 20 other oils (from pistachios and walnuts, right through to sesame), some 50 vinegars and 20 types of balsamic vinegars.

Little - and not so little - kids have the time of their life in this overfull comic store where you can buy complete series, special editions, posters and gadgets.

A design store that has no equal.

Rather than plastic toys from Asia, this store prides itself on selling only original wooden quality toys.

At De Reyghere, the whole world comes together.

This place has been selling tobacco for more than 150 years.

Choosing is losing.

For over half a century, quality coffee has been roasted here in the traditional manner.

The one-stop men’s shop in Bruges, where fashion-conscious men find exclusive and top-quality collections, both business and casual.

For over twenty years, l’héroïne has been the meeting place for the cream of Belgian fashion.

Since 1934, Brugse Boekhandel has been located along the Dyver.

Bruges locals have been stocking up on their handmade pralines for 40 years here.

One of Bruges’ cutest places for chocolate is hidden away just a stone’s throw from the Markt.

Martine Van Melckebeke criss-crossed Belgium and the world to make the greatest discoveries in dusty lofts.

From antiques to flea-market finds, small furniture, jewellery and everything in between.

In the middle of the city, the Lange Bakker is imperceptibly doing what he does best: baking traditional biscuits, sponge cakes and other cakes.

Solid wood furniture that excels by its refined lines.

Impressive layered cakes, magical wedding cakes, cookies in all colours, flavours, shapes and sizes…if it’s sweet, you’ll find it here!

Every season, the team at stylish boutique Dame de Pique gets to work picking the best items from the best fashion collections, resulting in a trendy mix of By Malene Birger, Dorothee Schumacher and  LN Andes.

The Lace Centre will take you on an amazing journey through the history of lace in Bruges.

Everyone knows diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

This bakery has been a popular destination in Bruges for 35 years.