Rozenhoedkaai, Bruges Overview

About 2 minutes away from Belfry, Rozenhoedkaai (Quary of the Rosary) stands at the intersection of the Groenerie and Dijver canals. It is considered to be one of the most photographed locations in Bruges. The night view is next to unforgettable. With the gorgeous illuminations of castles and lit terraces, the spot stands enchanting for its romantic appeal.

The street was named Rozenhoedkaai in the 18th century. One can easily travel to all the other places in the city after paying their utmost visit to the manifestation of Bruges itself: the view from the street. When one searches Bruges on the internet, mostly all the images that appear show a canal in the backdrop of aesthetically aligned medieval buildings. This very image of Bruges is photographed from the street of Rozenhoedkaai, also known as Quay of the Rosary. The Rozenhoedkaai is not just beautiful when captured through certain angles and lightings in the camera; it is mesmerizing and charming even at first glance through a naked eye. It is the perfect place for all your Instagram-worthy photographs and the best location to experience the old, vintage charm that is still common to Bruges. It is a blend of old era buildings and modern facilities: proper cafes, hotels, boat tours such that it makes for a complete escapade.

Things to do in Rozenhoedkaai

As the most popular tourist attraction in Bruges, the Roozenhoedkaai has multiple interesting activities. You need to carry your best camera equipment - your phone or your DSLR or your polaroid - to make sure you capture this serene yet breath-taking view of the canal set between medieval buildings. One can also choose to enjoy the trip to Roenhoedkaai by either taking a walking tour or plunging for a boat tour in the canals of Djiver.

One can also travel to nearby places such as Tanner’s Square and Vismrkt. Tanner’s Square, at a distance of around 100 m, is full of restaurants and hotels with a terrace such that one can easily travel to fill their stomachs while enjoying the views of Bruges and the cool breeze from the canals. After Tanner’s Square, one can next stop by The Vismarkt, located at a distance of 200m, for souvenir shopping as it is famous for artists selling their crafts - paintings, handmade art items, watercolours - apart from fresh saltwater fish sales. There is also a flea market that is held at the banks of the Djiver canal from March to October, only on weekends.

Cafes in Rozenhoedkaai

The Rozenhoedkaai street is filled with various restaurants, cafes and hotels to enjoy the most relaxing time in Bruges. Even though this street is not known primarily for its food options, the number of varieties available makes it worth a try. Visit the Venice Corn II for its sandwiches and paninis, the Restaurant Matinee for its rabbit stew and mussels, try out the chocolate shops Heidi Neyts and Moeder Babelutte Rozenhoedkaai for the uncountable varieties of chocolates. The Tanner’s Square is filled with restaurants and cafes that you will tire before you can count them all. Stop by at Cafe’t Klein Venetie for the local “Brugge zot” beer, ‘T Huidevettershuis for its prawns, pasta and ham, for wine and Mexican food at Wjinbar Est. What all these cafes have in common? The perfect view of the Djiver canal flowing.

Venice Corn II

Address: Rozenhoedkaai 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM; closed on Wednesdays

Restaurant Matinee

Address: Rozenhoedkaai 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Heidi Neyts

Address: Rozenhoedkaai 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Moeder Babelutte Rozenhoedkaai

Address: Rozenhoedkaai 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Cafe’t Klein Venetie

Address: Braambergstraat 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

‘T Huidevettershuis

Address: Huidenvettersplein 10, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Timings: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM, 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM; Saturday - 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Sunday - 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM, 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM; closed on WednesdaysDetails: huidevettershuis.be

Wjinbar Est

Address: Braambergstraat 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 06:30 PM - 12:00 AM; closed on Wednesdays

History of Rozenhoedkaai

There’s a bit of a history when it comes to this famous street of Rozenhoedkaai. During the times of late Medieval Ages, this place was used to moor ships carrying salt. Salt traders across the world would come at this place to exchange salt in favour of other merchandise. It came to be known as the salt port as during those times salt was treated like gold. Also, it was only in the 18th century that the street came to be called Rozenhoedkaai; before that, this street was called Zoutdijk. It was only when a lot of stands came up around the road selling rosaries that the name of the place was changed to Rozenhoedkaai.

Tips for Visiting Rozenhoedkaai

The place is heavily crowded during the day time, make sure you come in a little early to enjoy the view and click some pictures.
Most of the restaurants around the Rozenhoedkaai are worth the view, make sure you reach on time to get the best seats.
Ensure you have comfortable footwear on as reasonable walking is required to go around to Tanner’s Square and Vismarkt.
The Rozenhoedkaai, though extremely famous for its day time pictures, also has an equally breath-taking view in the night.

How To Reach Rozenhoedkaai

Bruges is a small place such that the Rozenhoedkaai covers the centre place of the city. As it is the most famed attraction of Bruges, reaching this place provides almost no difficulty at all. The various options you can choose from are:

Nearest Bus Stop: Brugge Eekhoutpoort (57 m from Rozenhoedkaai)
Bus Numbers: 12, 58, 88, 91
Nearest Railway Station: Bruges/Brugge (2.7 kms from Rozenhoedkaai)
Rail Lines: Eupen-Oostende, Kortrijk-Brugge
One can easily take any of these routes or decide to hire taxis or cabs for a more private tour.