9 ideas of guided tours in Bruges

Are you staying in Belgium on the Flemish side? If you want to discover one of the most beautiful cities in the area, here are 9 ideas of guided tours in Bruges!

Bruges is the capital of Western Flanders, which occupies the north-west of Belgian territory. The city is a splendor, internationally known for its canals, paved medieval streets and historic buildings. Did you know that she was surnamed the “North Venice” as its beauty is evident? In addition to its port, the economic lung for the whole country, tourism is very important to the city. You can stroll around the city centre to discover museums and monuments of times. In fact, the old centre was tripled on the UNESCO World Heritage List! Yeah, nothing.

But while waiting to discover more on the spot, still it is necessary to know what to start. And why not enjoy the enlightening knowledge of a qualified guide? It will guide you perfectly within this enchanting medieval city and optimize your time spent on site.

Since you seem interested in this destination, here is a carefully selected selection of ideas for guided tours in Bruges.

Bruges in a few words

Bruges has a rich and complex history, imprinted with centuries-old conflicts, tedious periods or less reluctant. It was during the 19th century that the city became a treasure of European heritage. A development of the city and especially its old centre has begun to attract visitors. With its neo-Gothic style architecture, its peacefully lizable canals in the old city and its smiling inhabitants, Bruges is one of the most important places in Europe. The city which was honoured by Unesco, listing its historic centre, beguinage and belfry on its world heritage list. Moreover, it is especially in the fairytales of history and architectural monuments that Bruges unfolds the red carpet.

If you’re a part of it, don’t hesitate to visit Bruges as soon as you get the chance! To convince you, here are some examples below.

Visit Bruges in French

It is perfectly possible to find a guided visit to Bruges in the language of Molière. Bruges is located in the Flemish region, the Walloon part is not so far! Moreover, in Belgium, most tourist operators or activities offer these two languages to their customers.

We recommend you check in advance that your guided tour in Bruges is well organized in French. Or, if not, you can choose a French-speaking guide if a selection is possible!

The old town of Bruges

Classic visits

The old town of Bruges is a real treasure, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you have little time on the spot, it is obviously the old centre you will have to visit! Most of the time, guided tours to Bruges are on foot. You will find your guide at an agreed meeting point. The typical route starts from the centre of the old town, near the central station, for a visit of about two hours You will have the opportunity to explore Walplein Square, to discover the former Saint-Jean hospital or the Gruuthuse Museum.

The visit continues along the Dijver Canal and the splendid Rosary dock before joining the Tanneurs Square. From here, you will find the Place du Bourg and the Gothic-style city hotel, the Basilica of Saint-Sang and the famous Grand-Place with its belfry. Sometimes the visit ends at the Musée de la Bière for a well-deserved tasting.

Bruges at night

A very exciting decline in the visit of the old centre is organized during the summer season. For an hour and a half, you will have the opportunity to discover the city... by night! And a guided tour to Bruges once the sun is laid, it is unforgettable. From the market square, your guide will lead you to the splendid Jan van Eyck square to the old medieval port. You will know more about the Golden Hand Canal, rich in a very interesting story.

Arrived at the limits of the city, you will see typical mills of the region before returning to your steps. But the visit is not over: a delicious beer, included in the visit, awaits you at the Bauhaus A legendary bar. This original guided tour allows you to escape the crowd and enjoy a disturbing atmosphere in the old medieval city. So you're trying?

Free visits

A guided tour to Bruges that doesn't cost you anything, does it tempt you? From the market square, you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient Bruges without necessarily going through the tourist points listed above. The guides, people who are passionate about their town, will take you out in the middle of the turbulent medieval streets. In addition to the buildings with the emblematic Gothic style, you will have the opportunity to follow the splendid canals of the city. Most of the time, your guide will lead you to the Lake of Love: many legends bathe this mysterious place...

It will also be possible to see the Notre-Dame Church, the Boniface Bridge, the Groeninge Museum, the Dijver, and the picturesque Fish Market. But don’t be afraid: many other treasures await you! The price is free, you only pay according to your desire and the performance of your guide. Isn't she beautiful?

The Gastronomic Bruges

We are in Belgium, a high place of European culinary heritage. Numerous guided tours to Bruges take advantage of this exceptional heritage to make you discover attractive places. The gastronomic visits are legion in this city of gourmets! In fact, some even propose you to put your hand in the dough and to participate in the direct development of marketed artisanal products.

We will let you discover the oldest chocolate factory in the city, where pralines and confectionery have been made for centuries. Brewery pair your way on site: here is the famous Burgundy of Flanders, an exceptional creator. The tastings are included in the price of your visit, and these will anyway lead you to the shops adjacent to the sites crossed... What to please or spoil your loved ones, however paying attention to the liver crisis!

The different ways to visit Bruges

On foot

Let's be honest, Bruges is on foot preferably. This means of transport is simple, clean and flexible. Ideal for a guided tour of Bruges. Moreover, most visits to the old centre are reserved for pedestrians. The centre is of modest size, so it is superfluous to consider a quick way of locomotion to walk through narrow paved streets. And it allows to take his time.

Do you have good shoes?

By bus

The bus allows guided tours to Bruges to get out of town. Did you know, for example, that it was possible to visit the port of Zeebrugge in bus? This activity is interesting to realize the importance that the harbour sector has for the city. And this, whatever the time, by the way!

Usually a small film is integrated into the walk, as well as a concise presentation made by your guide on the marine activities of the city.

Bike

The bike is also rather nice when you go to Bruges! In fact, we are in the “Coast Country”... Although the streets of Bruges are narrow, the denial is almost absent. Your guide will take you to the most atypical and interesting corners of the city, advising you some famous restaurants and nice bars. You can see most monuments of tourist interest in a very short time given the small size of the city.

The bikes are, of course, included in the price of your guided tour.

By boat

The visit of Bruges cannot be completed without a cruise on its canals. We're in the heart of Northern Venice, though! The town has five mainlanders, and an average half-hour course is available to visitors. You will enjoy a pleasant ride on a covered boat in case the rain mixes. A guide will give you information about the monuments seen during your nautical journey.

Performing a guided tour of Bruges by sailing on its canals is of course a wonderful experience. This allows you, for a modest price, to apprehend the city from another angle. Don’t hesitate, the game is widely worth the candle.

In calèche

Why don’t you take a walk in a carriage? After all, the inhabitants moved so for many centuries in the medieval Bruges! For half an hour, a horse will fly your coach one day through the old centre of Bruges. The price, of about 50 euros, is for a carriage, whether you are alone or accompanied.

The maximum number of people is five: so you can safely take friends or children. But if you prefer a romantic ride in love, it’s also quite possible!