Retsins Lucifernum — Local services in Bruges

If Tim Burton opened a bar inside a surrealist painting, you’d get Restin’s Luciferium. This is not just a bar—it’s a sensory fever dream in the best possible way. Every corner is an explosion of character: art, antiques, mannequins, and lush plants all curated with obsessive eccentricity and zero apologies. It’s part gallery, part greenhouse, part gothic lair—and somehow still wildly inviting.

The drinks? Impeccably mixed and full of flair (try the mojito with fresh mint and lime). The atmosphere? Transportive. I felt like I’d stepped into someone’s passionate, living art project—and that someone is clearly a mad genius. Every room unfolds like a scene from a movie you didn’t know you were starring in.

The hosts were warm, charming, and clearly the keepers of this magical chaos. It’s no wonder this place made the list of Europe’s top 100 bars. If you’re in Bruges and don’t come here, you missed something...

My husband and I were on a 2 week EuroTrip a couple of weeks ago and this was the highlight of our trip! I googled around for less touristy things to do in Brugge, and I'm so glad I came across Retsins Lucifernum. We happened to be in town on Sunday, and excitedly walked over to his house at about 8:30 pm. Once we got to the front door, we both looked at each other like "are we really going to do this?", but I am so glad we rang the doorbell!! They were very welcoming, the house is seriously epic, and the bar afterward was so fun! There were locals that were super friendly and dressed to the nines (they seem to hang out with Retsin on Sundays), and after a few beers a 3 piece band played for us and Retsin sang along. They were actually really, really good. It was seriously a great experience that I would recommend to anyone that happens to be in Brugge...

Fabulous off beat gathering spot as featured in the film In Bruges. Only open Sundays. Fabulous rooms stuffed with antiques and pianos. The booze is good and reasonable with first drink included in admission price in 2017 only €10. Beautiful covered outside space at back with comfy seating everywhere, the owner and his family waft about graciously with welcoming stories. Usually dressed in smoking jacket with a cane you feel you've stepped into a Gothic novel. Marvellous. A place for subtle music, often live ( every room has a piano!) lively Bohemian conversation and excellent nibbles. Do NOT miss this experience. I recommend ordering a bottle of the house fizz and taking in the experience...