Bruges Entertainment

  1. Cactus Muziekcentrum

    Though small, this is the city's top venue for contemporary and world music, both live bands and international DJs. It also organises festivals including July's Cactus Music Festival (www.cactusfestival.be), held in the Minnewater park at the southern edge of the old city.

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  2. Celtic Ireland

    Offers pints of draught Guinness and live music (rock, jazz or blues) on Friday and/or Saturday evenings from (every night in summer).

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  3. Concertgebouw

    Bruges' stunning 21st-century concert hall is the work of architects Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem and takes its design cues from the city's three famous towers and red bricks. Theatre, classical music and dance are regularly staged. The tourist office is situated at street level.

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  4. Du Phare

    Tucked into the remains of one of Bruges' original town gates, this off-the-beaten-track tavern serves up huge portions of couscous (and offers free bread, a rarity in Belgium). But Du Phare is best known for its live blues/jazz sessions - check the website for dates. Bus 4 stops out the front.

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  5. Est Wijnbar

    Tidy wine bar with a pleasant summer terrace and live music - jazz, blues, boogie or folk - every Sunday from .

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  7. Joey's Café

    These days Joey's is run by Stevie, who performs with local band Cajun Moon and consequently, this dark, intimate bar is a gathering spot for Bruges' musos. You can sometimes catch live music here (call to check dates), or chill out with a creamy Stevie cocktail any time.

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  8. Retsin's Lucifernum

    Behind the door of this private home (ring the bell) lies an otherworldly candlelit bar serving potent rum cocktails and a live band playing Latin American music. Arrive early to get in.

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