I'm so glad we decided to make the trek down to this place for brunch during our stay in Bruges…read more The whole concept is really cool because you probably can't go wrong with either books or brunch but together seems like an even better combination. Our server was a touch cold and aloof but it was ok because they provide you with a paper menu that you can check off what items you want. This is a fantastic concept and I really wish more places did this. Two of us ordered the bagel with hummus, zucchini, feta, olives, tomato, and cilantro. This was not only nice on the eyes, but it was delicious and packed with tons of veggies and healthy shit. I could not have had a better breakfast. GF ordered the omelette with toast and she liked it but it brought up that dilemma that's as old as time regarding whether or not she likes eggs. If you do, in fact, like eggs, this is probably a safe choice. The last in our party ordered the granola bowl with nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, and yogurt. This person is very hard to please but I do remember her being pleased by this dish. They also have a million other things like pancakes, waffles (duh), sandwiches, salads, a dish of the day, a pie of the day, and a bunch of yummy drinks. The environment is SO cozy and a great place to spend some time enjoying good food and a book.

Wow!! I am so impressed by this place. The service was wonderful, they provide menus where you…read morecheck what you want. The food was fresh and so delicious. I told the waitress I do not eat pork and she substituted the ham for cream cheese for the extensive breakfast. So often I have fruit salads with bad fruit, but everything tasted great! The ambience is wonderful. They have books in English and other languages where you can grab a book and enjoy your meal. It's a wonderful location to hang out and take a break. I will be retuning.

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.

excellent, bit rough around the edges…read more some prices are too high and 100% barter , starts at 7am , bring a large bag no card payments available , cash only

Accordian music on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Old books, old albums and cameras, beautiful…read moretaxidermy with a bit of dust. People sipping coffee and lots a beautiful paintings underneath the shade of a Gothic church. I'm in love. I love all these Belgian pop-up markets. Brocantmarkt of Saint Jacobs is probably the best antique market I've had the pleasure of stumbling into. Next to the Marché des Antiquaires du Sablon in Brussels. With that, Belgium's love of pop-up antique markets outpaces most to all antique shops I've been to internationally in price and collection. Some of the stuff I saw here, which I've seen otherwise going for double/triple digits, were in the single digits and all lovely items. We were hard-pressed to try to not spend our money and eventually caved over a gorgeous photo album of worn crimson leather, but soft and in great condition. Inside old photos and memories, but something for inspiration-- places in black and white. We also purchased a small set of forks with engravings for a few euros. There were lots of items I would have easily picked up if I wanted to splurge. Found a beautiful used paint palette, mounted animal hooves-- a boar and deer, a small collection of old cameras with leather cases, old coins from various places, old scarves in decent condition, a dried turtle, a mounted crocodile head. This is just a sampling of the oddities at this market. Along with were lots of old paintings and of course a large breath of books. If nothing at the market interests you, it's nice to just come out and sit at the cafes lining the side. Bistro & Antiek Montparnasse is a pretty nice antique shop and bar. Lots of people sat outside enjoying the weather and drinking coffee, and no beautiful antique market should go without a talented accordian player. You are truly a gem Brocantmarkt!

There are many lace shops in Bruges (though not as many as Chocolate shops) and I think we visited…read morethem all (Ahem!). While I admire the craft, they can all start looking the same. We decided to go and purchase here after checking many out .We couldn't get to see the one on Bal Street (highly recommended by travelers and websites) by the Lace Museum (closed) as it had just closed for lunch (What is up with so many Bruges shops closing for lunch) on a cold day and we did not want to wait. We ventured back to the Markt area as we had liked most of the items at Lace Jewel. The range of products and prices was amazing. My wife purchased several pieces in the mid-level price range. There were large pieces she liked better (I reminded her of the missed opportunities from our last trip to Belgium to no avail) but opted for smaller items for herself and to give as gifts, etc. The cost was surprisingly satisfactory considering the quality but can get very expensive for the larger items. The shop owners were very attentive and friendly, helping customers with questions and needs. From the time we went in to leaving there was a constant check out line of three to four which attests to the popularity of Lace Jewel. While that size line may not seem long, in a small crowded shop like this, it is impressive. So, if you can't get to the Bal Street location, don't fret because the quality, service and variety can be found here.

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.

Tried coming in on a Sunday and it was packed. Came back on Monday morning to find it relatively…read moreempty and with welcoming staff. They have a pretty good array of craft brewing methods and if you don't know of them the staff helps you get acquainted. Great presentation and great quality of the coffees. Also got a warm, crunchy/soft on the inside croissant. The music playing is oddly ominous in contrast to the typical Starbucks Jazz. The ambience is also very unique, having bikes hanging in the window for purchase. The floor to ceiling windows make for a great view along the canal. Hopefully when I come back to Ghent again, I'll be here.

This is an adorable little coffee shop on the way to the main center of Ghent from the train…read morestation. The atmosphere is great, the staff was really nice, and the coffee I got was delicious and hit the spot on the cold day I was in Ghent! They have a big menu and in my opinion, the prices were really good for being a major city!

Mezzo Gent is a smaller gift shop with an automatic door that sells gag gifts, Father's Day gifts…read moreand other cute and fun silly gifts. The space isn't that big but there's a lot packed into it so you almost have to walk through multiple times to take everything in. The service was friendly and although the items are a bit on the lower quality gag gift end, it's a super cute little shop and definitely worth a visit if you're staying in the area.

I really enjoy local maker gift shops and LOQUAL was no different…read more Vibe wise they leaned heavily towards smaller knick knacks and decor, although I did love their small white homes that had lights in them. They also carried baby bows, hair scrunchies, and jewelry that seemed to be for children, such as beaded friendship bracelets. I could see this LOQUAL being a great resource for stocking stuffers and a hit with the age 7-14 crowd so all in all I would say it was probably one of the better tourist shops in Bruges.