You don't need to be a beer expert to enjoy beer in Bruges. But a few things help.

First: every Belgian beer has its own glass. This isn't pretension — the glass shape genuinely affects the taste and carbonation. If a bar doesn't have the right glass, they'll tell you they can't serve that beer. That's normal.

Start with a Brugse Zot. It's brewed at the De Halve Maan brewery right here in Bruges — the only active brewery in the city centre. It's a blond beer, 6%, easy to drink, and it'll cost you about €4.50 at most bars. The brewery does tours too, and they're actually good. You get to see the rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of the city.

If you want something darker, try a Straffe Hendrik — same brewery, more body, 11% ABV, so pace yourself. For something sour, ask for a Rodenbach Grand Cru. It's a Flemish red-brown ale aged in oak barrels and it tastes like nothing else.

For the best selection in town, go to 't Brugs Beertje on Kemelstraat. It's small, it's old, and they have over 300 beers. The owner can tell you about every single one.