Due to its long tradition of brewing and cafe culture Bruges has earned itself a reputation. During the first week in February, the Bruges Beer Festival takes place in two stunning city center locations - the historic city halls of the Belfry and on the Market Square. The festival brings together over 70 breweries from all over Europe and offer around 300 diverse beer specialities. Additionally, you can sample the three city beers of Bruges, which are internationally praised for their distinctive flavours and quality, Straffe Hendrik, Brugse Zot and Bourgogne de Flandre.

The stalls attract over 15,000 people each year to join you in sampling the fantastic range of beers on offer.  This is one of the few, if not only, festivals in the world where all seven Belgian & Dutch Trappist beers are available, including the elusive Westvleteren.

Though the festival itself has completely free admission, due to the numerous visitors during the festival days and the high demand for accommodation it is recommended to check hotel rates and book as early as possible.