A slice of real life, for when you're tired of Brugge's fairy-tale tourist sites…read more The Dutch chain HEMA is ubiquitous--good for your basic needs in cosmetics, housewares, and cheap clothes. However, the secret of this Belgian HEMA is that it offers the famous 1 euro breakfast on the upper floor. People of all stripes start lining up before the store even opens: chic young things, middle-aged matrons, families with many kids, and a couple of impoverished-looking old men. Everyone patiently waited for the cafeteria-style breakfast: an egg/bacon sandwich on a baguette, croissant, jam, juice, and coffee. Even in this reduced-expectations setting, the niceties are not forgotten. You still get a speculoos cookie on your saucer, gratis. And the interior is clean and modern, IKEA-style, where that you can overlook the busy street below while you eat. Everything was, surprisingly, fresh and delicious. For a euro! The idea that you might want anything other than this amazing bargain is foreign to the staff. So an impatient cashier simply removed the chocolate croissant from my husband's plate and replaced it with a plain one. Stupid tourists! HEMA: for insight into the local mindset, a filling breakfast, and an all-too-rare bargain in Brugge.

We discovered Hema yesterday after spending 15 Euros each for breakfast at our hotel. This morning…read moreI got the (now) 2 Euro breakfast: An egg sandwich, croissant, and cup of latte. My wife bought a couple of rashers of bacon, yogurt with fruit, and a latte. I also bought a cup of yogurt with fruit and muesli. The entire bill came to 6.75 Euros! We might have paid more. But the person behind the counter advised us to switch a couple of things and buy the 2 Euro breakfast. This place is known far and wide among Europeans for good, inexpensive food. It's cafeteria style. Clean, good service, and a table near the window gives an excellent view of Steenstraat below with beautiful 15th - 18th century buildings across the street. If we had planned to return to Bruges, we might have kept it a secret!

Cute boutique consignment store! Dick around. There's lots of good finds here! Found a gorgeous…read morepiece of lace and the cute little dress for my daughter. They have some higher end items behind the counter that are authentic.

Beautifully curated vintage shop with so many treasures. The owner (Madam Mim herself?) also sells…read moresome goods made by hand. Definitely worth visiting!

Cook and Dine is a kitchenwares shop that carries a small amount of Le Creuset as well as pots,…read morepans, glasses and other kitchen accessories. I loved how open their selection was - they had cute picnic baskets, ice cream scoops, etc as well as Le Creuset spoon rests, although their Le Creuset colors leaned towards the more popular Flame. The service was a bit hands off but the store was fantastic so I would absolutely drop in again, especially if you are a Le Creuset collector.

Sissy-Boy is a lifestyle brand located in the old Post Office station. They keep odd hours, so make…read moresure you look them up before your visit. While the space houses several other brands, they carry home decor, dresses, handbags, purse keychains, tops, and scarves all of which seemed to be of a nice quality for the price. The service was friendly and helpful while they were gift wrapping my purchases but generally hands off otherwise. All in all, it's a super cute store so I would definitely drop in (if not just to see the building) if you're in Ghent.

Kouter Bloemenmarkt is the local Ghent flower market that is open on Sundays…read more Around 10:30am the town crier makes an announcement and the live band starts up. Their acoustics are amazing and it's so wonderful to sit and listen to them on the chairs that have been set out for the event. The flowers themselves are fabulously gorgeous as well so overall if you're in town on a Sunday morning absolutely stop in, it's a must see in Ghent!

A hopping thrift store slightly off the beaten path. Great place for vintage finds and unique…read morelittle ensembles. I shopped fairly early and the shop was a bit packed. Difficult to get around and thankfully patrons are aware and friendly to let you squeak by if you need. If you love thrifting and you are looking for a memorable treasure, this is an excellent stop.