A really good selection of books plus computer hardware and a kitchenware department !read more

In a land where there is a great love for comic strips and reading books - FNAC was a good…read morebookstore to find new and old (famous)books. It is also a store for music and computer-related items picture Bestbuy and Barnes/Noble combine together. While I was still stuck on TinTin and still fascinated by the fact that the Smurfs were also from Belgium, the Belgians had gone on to other types comics. I stopped to look for a classic TinTin's comic book that was a collector's item and was astonished by the racks of comic books on the wall. My bf on the other hand bought the latest edition of The Chefs of Belgium where many of his friends' recipes were featured in the book. FNAC was quite a large store with three floors compared to other stores in the square. I enjoyed shopping there. If you were looking for a comic book definitely stop by the store.

I normally do not write reviews for stores, but this is an exception. The woman who ran the shop…read morewas extremely helpful and informative. While we were browsing, she explained the difference between needlepoint lace and Bruges' original bobbin lace. Also, she told us a bit about the Rose of Bruges pattern. There is a good selection of products available. Not the cheapest, but the quality is good, and this is great if you would like to learn a bit more about what you're buying. Apparently they also run a lace-making school.

A delightful shop, full of a wide range of interesting and unusual high quality products,…read moreassociated with Belgium. Well worth a visit.

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!

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.

Best coffee in town! Geeks unite here. Steven has put all his creative energy in building a small…read moreshop where you can enjoy a coffee take-away and checking some comic collectables. Are you looking to give your geek (girl)friend a statue of the Green Lantern, Dr. Who or Harry Potter or are you looking for a specific boardgame. You'll find it all in between the manga or Marvel/DC comics.

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.

This was the only book shop that sells magazines, newspapers and books of what I came across. Looks…read morefantastic. They sell cool bags for women with different sayings on the side. Good for carrying gifts you buy.

We tried 4 different chocolates. Salted caramel and coconut were our favorites. Lady behind the…read morecounter was very helpful.

Absolutely delicious chocolate!! And the owners made me…read morefeel so comfortable - they spoke with me about their chocolate, but didn't pressure me to buy anything - but how worth buying everything was! Family owned and so good - well worth it!