Belgium has earned its reputation worldwide for producing exquisite chocolate, but there’s something truly magical about the chocolate shops nestled throughout Bruges’ cobblestone streets.
This enchanting medieval city is packed with chocolatiers promising that perfect Belgian chocolate experience. The challenge? Finding the best affordable chocolate shops in Bruges without breaking your travel budget.
Let’s be honest – some boutique chocolatiers will have you questioning whether you need a small loan!
While the quality is exceptional, you shouldn’t choose between experiencing authentic Belgian chocolate and having money for the rest of your trip.
After extensive research, I’ve discovered gems where exceptional quality meets reasonable prices.
Table of Contents
1) Olivier’s Chocolate Shop & Bar
Olivier’s sits quietly in a charming square alongside some lovely cafés and bistros, making it one of those chocolate shops you’ll really want to discover in Bruges.
As soon as you walk through the door, you’ll be drawn to the beautiful displays of glossy chocolates lined up behind the glass counter, with rows of perfectly wrapped treats ready to take with you.
The shop also functions as a cozy café where you can sit and enjoy your purchases. They have this incredible range of hot beverages – everything from specialty coffees to rich hot chocolates, plus they’ve curated this nice selection of teas, so whatever you’re in the mood for, they’ll probably have it covered.
You can pair your drink with whatever chocolates catch your eye and sit down to enjoy them. You can sit outside if it’s sunny, or you can cozy up inside when it’s chilly. This is the perfect spot when you need a break from sightseeing.
The staff really knows what they’re talking about and will steer you toward things you’ll enjoy based on your preferences.
The chocolate itself? You’ll find it absolutely delicious, and the prices won’t make you wince like some of the shops catering to tour groups.
- Rating: 4.7 (745 reviews)
- Location: Sint-Amandsstraat 14, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Contact: +32 498 42 39 39
- Opening Hours: 11 am – 6:30 pm – Sunday closed
2) Chocolates & Happiness
You’ll find this charming chocolate shop on Wollestraat, located in a beautiful historic building, and it happens to be the highest-rated chocolate shop you’ll see on Google Maps – which tells you something right there.
The name says it all – stepping inside really does bring happiness through their carefully crafted Belgian chocolates.
This isn’t some factory operation you’ll find elsewhere. It’s a genuine family-run business where the chocolates have been handmade by the same family for years.
What’s really cool is there’s a video on the wall showing the father and son making the chocolate, and then there they are in person, right in front of you, selling you the very chocolates they’ve crafted. You can’t get more authentic than that.
The quality here is exceptional – we’re talking top-notch product – but the prices are absolutely amazing for what you’re getting. You won’t believe you’re getting such incredible chocolate without breaking your budget.
What makes this place special is the personal touch you get from this charming family-run operation. They truly take time to explain different chocolate varieties and help you choose the perfect selection. They also offer chocolate souvenirs if you want to bring some Belgian sweetness home.
The location is perfect for exploring Bruges – you’re just a short walk from the famous Belfry tower. After climbing those steep stairs, you’ll definitely deserve a chocolate reward.
- Rating: 4.9 (346 reviews)
- Location: Wollestraat 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
- Contact: +32 497 31 07 02
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm
3) The Chocolate Line
The Chocolate Line stands out as one of Bruges’ most creative chocolate shops, and honestly, it’s the most stylish chocolate shop you’ve ever seen. You’ll find unique pralines here that you won’t see anywhere else.
They make chocolates with unusual ingredients like caramelized shrimp heads and even their own homegrown tomatoes.
What really catches your eye when you walk in is the incredible interior design – they’ve even got half a car built right into the wall! But the real showstopper is their chocolate production setup with all glass walls, so you can watch the entire process of how their chocolates are created.
You’ll see machines grinding cocoa beans and making chocolate right on the spot, and you can watch the brothers who run this place doing their magic as they craft various types of chocolate sweets. The atmosphere is just amazing.
This family business has worked with famous restaurants like Noma and El Bulli. They also partner with luxury fashion brands including Louis Vuitton and Fendi. You can taste the quality that comes from these high-end collaborations.
What makes this shop special is their own cacao plantation in Mexico. They grow and harvest their own Criollo cacao beans there. This means they control the entire process from tree to chocolate bar.
The shop won the title of Belgium’s best chocolaterie in 2023 from Gault & Millau. When you visit their location on Simon Stevinplein, you’ll understand why.
Their chocolates are more like small works of art than regular candy, and while they’re not the cheapest prices you’ll find, they’re still reasonable, especially for what you get.
Rating: 4.6 (4,240 reviews)
Location: Simon Stevinplein 19, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Contact: +32 50 34 10 90
4) Chocolaterie Spegelaere
You’ll find this family chocolate shop tucked away on Ezelstraat, about a 20-minute walk from the Belfort tower, where the owners explain how they make their chocolates.
The cozy space feels warm and welcoming when you walk in, and you’ll immediately notice you’re somewhere special.
This place has been making chocolates for over 70 years, starting as a bakery in 1954, making it the oldest chocolatier in town. Now the second generation runs the shop with the same care their parents put into it, and that tradition really shows in everything they do.
What you’ll love here is the huge range of high-quality chocolate they offer, all at reasonable prices that are noticeably lower than what you’ll pay in the central tourist areas.
Their specialty is chocolate grape clusters that mix praline or marzipan with chocolate perfectly. You can watch them work and ask questions about their process while you browse through their impressive selection.
The shop offers handmade chocolates, cookies, and gifts that won’t break your budget. They’re closed on Mondays and take a break in the afternoons, so plan your visit between 8:30-12:00 or 13:30-18:30 to make sure you don’t miss out on this gem.
Rating: 4.8 (332 reviews)
Location: Ezelstraat 92, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Contact: +32 50 33 60 52
5) The Old Chocolate House
This family-run chocolate shop has been making sweet treats since 1997. You’ll find it tucked away on Mariastraat, where three generations work together to create handmade chocolates.
The ground-floor shop sells chocolates in every form you can imagine. Their truffles and pralines start at just €4.50, making quality Belgian chocolate affordable for your budget.
Head upstairs to their tearoom called “Chocolate Heaven” for the real experience, and you’ll be charmed by the interior.
Here’s where it gets fun – you can choose from over 30 different hot chocolates with different percentages of chocolate to pick from, and they let you customize your hot chocolates with both milk and dark chocolate options.
All the materials come on a tray, and you’re given whisks to mix it into a large cup of milk right at your table. You’ll be sitting in the cozy atmosphere of a former hotel while you create your perfect drink.
Their homemade grandmother’s waffles pair perfectly with any drink you order, and the whole experience feels special.
The family only uses the best ingredients for their chocolates and biscuits. You’ll taste the difference in every bite, whether you grab something quick from the shop or sit down for a proper chocolate tasting session upstairs.
Rating: 4.5 (2,758 reviews)
Location: Mariastraat 1c, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
6) Artisanale Chocolaterie
This charming chocolate shop is tucked away on Walstraat, away from the busiest tourist crowds. The name says it all – Pur Chocolat Artisanale Chocolaterie focuses on handcrafted chocolates made with traditional techniques.
The shop has a cozy feel when you step inside, though it can get a bit crowded – but that’s highly justified by the incredible quality you’ll find here. You can watch the chocolatiers working behind the counter, creating their sweet masterpieces. The display cases show off colorful pralines and chocolate bars that look almost too good to eat.
What really sets this place apart are their truffles – honestly, they’re the best truffles you will ever eat, they just melt in your mouth! The staff is friendly and will offer you free samples so you can try different flavors before you decide what to buy, which is always appreciated.
You’ll find a large variety of pre-made boxes and bags of chocolates and related treats that are reasonably priced compared to some of the bigger chocolate shops in the city center. You can pick up quality Belgian chocolates without spending a fortune.
The location on Walstraat makes it easy to visit during a walking tour of Bruges. You’re just a short walk from the main square, but in a quieter area where you can take your time browsing and sampling.
Rating: 4.6 (553 reviews)
Location: Walstraat 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Contact: +32 496 29 95 97
Tips for Enjoying Affordable Chocolate in Bruges
Smart shopping and timing can help you find great chocolate deals in Bruges. Look for non-tourist stores and visit during off-peak hours when shops offer special prices.
How to Find the Best Chocolate Deals
Visit factory stores for the best prices. Neuhaus has a factory store that offers lower prices than regular shops. These stores sell the same quality chocolate at reduced costs.
Walk away from the main tourist areas, like the Market Square. You’ll find smaller chocolatiers on side streets that charge less than shops in prime locations.
Buy in bulk when you find good prices. Many shops offer discounts when you purchase multiple boxes or larger quantities.
Look for end-of-day sales. Some chocolate shops reduce prices on fresh items near closing time to avoid waste.
Compare prices between different shops. The same type of chocolate can cost different amounts at various stores.
Ask about samples before buying. Most authentic Belgian chocolate shops let you try before you purchase.
When to Visit for Special Offers
Visit during weekdays rather than weekends. Shops often have better deals when tourist crowds are smaller.
Go in the morning when selections are fullest and the staff has more time to help you find deals.
Check for holiday promotions during the Easter and Christmas seasons. Many chocolatiers offer special packages and discounts.
Visit in the winter months when tourism is lower. Some shops reduce prices to attract customers during slower periods.
Look for afternoon specials between 2-4 PM when foot traffic typically drops.
Classic Belgian Chocolate You Must Try
Belgian chocolate makers have perfected two main treats that you can find in every affordable shop in Bruges. Pralines and truffles offer rich flavors in bite-sized pieces, while hot chocolate provides the perfect warm drink to enjoy while walking the cobblestone streets.
Pralines and Truffles
You’ll find pralines in every chocolate shop window in Bruges. These small chocolate shells have soft centers made with cream, nuts, or fruit flavors.
Belgian pralines come in many shapes. Some look like seashells or hearts. Others are simple squares or circles.
Popular praline flavors include:
- Dark chocolate with coffee cream
- Milk chocolate with hazelnut
- White chocolate with raspberry
- Dark chocolate with orange
Truffles are round chocolates rolled in cocoa powder. They have a soft, creamy center that melts in your mouth. Most shops sell them for about 1-2 euros each.
You can buy mixed boxes of pralines and truffles. Small boxes with 6 pieces cost around 8-12 euros. Larger boxes with 20 pieces cost 25-35 euros.
Try one or two single pieces first. This helps you find your favorite flavors before buying a full box.
Hot Chocolate and Drinking Chocolates
Belgian hot chocolate is thick and rich. It’s made with real melted chocolate, not powder. Most affordable shops sell cups for 3-5 euros.
The best drinking chocolate has a creamy texture. You can taste the difference from regular hot cocoa. Some shops add whipped cream or marshmallows on top.
Types of drinking chocolate you’ll find:
- Classic dark chocolate – rich and slightly bitter
- Milk chocolate – sweet and smooth
- White chocolate – creamy and mild
- Spiced chocolate – with cinnamon or vanilla
Many shops serve hot chocolate in small ceramic cups. The portions are smaller than coffee shop sizes but much richer.
You can also buy chocolate flakes or pieces to make hot chocolate at home. These cost 8-15 euros per bag and make several cups.
Final Words!
You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience some of the world’s best chocolate.
Each of these places has something special to offer – whether it’s watching chocolatiers work their magic, enjoying a cozy café atmosphere, or simply getting amazing value for your money.
My advice? Don’t just stick to the obvious tourist spots on the main streets. Venture down those quiet side streets and discover these local gems. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will definitely thank you for taking the time to seek out these affordable treasures.
Welcome to TravelOnQuest.Com! I’m Simone, and I am here to help you plan your dream European adventure without breaking the bank. Join me as we uncover hidden gems, must-see attractions, and insider tips for creating unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you’re exploring solo, with family, or with friends, let’s connect and make your budget-friendly European escapade a reality.