Bruges' main shopping areas are situated between ‘t Zand and Markt Square - opening hours are generally between 0900-1800. A number of regular markets take place every week, including at Markt Square on Wednesday mornings, ‘t Zand Square on Saturday mornings, and Dijver on summer weekends. The Fish Market, across the canal from Burg Square, trades Tuesday to Saturday in the mornings.

The big chain stores are concentrated on Steenstraat, while Noordzandstraat features numerous boutique outlets. Any number of shops offering lace and chocolate can be found all over the city centre. A good example of the former is ‘t Kanthuisje, at Breidelstraat 5, while chocaholics will delight in Chocoladehuisje, Wollestraat 15.