Top 13 Tours in Bruges for Unforgettable Experiences

Summary:

There is a reason why Bruges is frequently referred to as the Venice of the North. This captivating medieval city, located in Belgium and populated by approximately 120,000 residents, boasts more than 80 canals and bridges.

Bruges is also renowned for its cobblestone streets and a historic city center that is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not to mention its exceptionally well-preserved medieval structures that can be found throughout Europe.

In recent years, Bruges has emerged as one of Europe’s premier travel destinations. Visitors are attracted by its diverse museums, delectable food and beer, magnificent architecture, and a multitude of attractions to see and experience within the city and its surroundings.

Moreover, tourists are drawn to the numerous festivals that occur year-round, such as the Blues of Bruges, the Choco-late Chocolate Festival, and the Summer End Festival.

Below are 13 exceptional tours available in Bruges.

1. Tour a Chocolate Museum

Chocolate has been a cherished delicacy for millennia, and visitors to Bruges can delve into its intriguing history at the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum.

Gain insights into how chocolate evolved into a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide, and discover the transformations it underwent over the centuries to become what it is today.

Explore over 500 artifacts related to chocolate in the museum’s collection. Witness the chocolate-making process firsthand and relish delightful samples.

It is advisable to allocate ample time for your visit, as the entry ticket is valid for the entire day.

2. Take a two-hour Guided Tour of Bruges

Walking is arguably the best way to become acquainted with a city. Visitors to Bruges can experience this with the guidance of a local expert who will share insights into the city’s history and culture.

This two-hour walking tour commences just outside the central train station. As you navigate through the historic city center, you will encounter numerous attractions, including the Lake of Love, Walplein Square, Begijnhof, Church of Our Lady, Gruuthuse Palace, Dijver Canal, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

You will also have the opportunity to explore independently and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants or cafes during the tour. At its conclusion, your guide will provide you with a map, suggestions for additional sites to visit, and a discount card for various establishments.

3. Explore Bruges on a Rickshaw

There are numerous ways to discover Bruges, but perhaps the most relaxing method is via Rickshaw. During this one- to two-hour tour, you will appreciate both the popular tourist attractions and the lesser-known neighborhoods.

The tour begins in Market Square. Along the route, you will observe some of the city’s most notable landmarks and venture into areas that may not be on the tourist radar.

Pay close attention as your knowledgeable guide narrates interesting stories about the city’s history and local folklore.

4. Learn How to Make Belgian Chocolate

If you have ever desired to learn the art of chocolate-making, this Belgian chocolate-making workshop is perfect for you.

Spend two-and-a-half hours acquiring knowledge about the fundamentals of chocolate-making, discovering tips and techniques to ensure your creations are successful, and crafting your own chocolate. Participants will make both Pralines and Mendiants, two widely popular Belgian confections.

At the end of the workshop, you will have approximately 30 fresh chocolates to savor, paired with a glass of homemade hot chocolate.

5. See the Highlights and Hidden Gems of Bruges

Spend three hours meandering through cobblestone streets, admiring canals and medieval structures, while discovering lesser-known areas of Bruges with a local guide who is well-versed in locations seldom covered in travel literature.

This in-depth tour allows you to escape the tourist crowds and visit neighborhoods favored by locals. Throughout the journey, you will experience the oldest brewery in the city, appreciate the architecture of a Gothic church, unwind by the Lake of Love, and partake in a chocolate tasting at a Belgian chocolatier.

This tour offers flexibility, so if there are specific sites you wish to see, feel free to communicate them to your guide for potential inclusion.

6. Take a Trip Back to the Middle Ages at the Historium Museum

If you have ever pondered what life in Bruges was like during the Middle Ages, this ticket provides you with that opportunity. Additionally, you can enjoy the convenience of skipping long queues and receiving a complimentary drink.

The Historium Museum stands as one of the city’s premier attractions. Upon arrival, you will receive a briefing from your host before embarking on a virtual reality experience that transports you to the year 1435. During this immersive journey, you will soar above the city to witness its appearance during that vibrant era and navigate into the port of Bruges.

An interactive exhibition is also part of the experience; here, you can expand your knowledge about medieval history in this fascinating city.

Before departing, savor your complimentary drink at the Duvelorium Grand Beer Café, which also offers a chance to sample various Belgian beers.

7. Dinner and a Show with a Medieval Twist

Step back in time to the year 1468, where you will partake in the wedding banquet of Charles the Bold and Margaret of York. Over the span of five hours, enjoy an evening filled with sumptuous food, delightful drink, and thrilling entertainment.

Enter the former Jesuit Church situated in the historic city center and commence your evening with a four-course dinner reminiscent of what would have been served during that era.

Relish meticulously prepared dishes including pâté, soup, bread, spare ribs, chicken, and a variety of vegetables, concluding with dessert in the form of apfelstrudel.

After dinner, costumed performers will engage you with an energetic presentation featuring jousting, dancing, falconry, sword fighting, and flame swallowing. Choose from an array of local wines and beers as you enjoy the spectacle.

8. See all the Top Sites in One Tour

Your journey commences at the Vivaldi Restaurant, where you will meet your local guide for a three-hour exploration of Bruges on foot.

Discover numerous iconic sights throughout the city, including the Church of Our Lady, where Michelangelo’s Madonna is housed. Additional landmarks featured in this tour encompass the Belfry Tower, Burg Square, Church of the Holy Blood, and the Beguinage.

Upon concluding this comprehensive tour, you will have the option to embark on a remarkable canal cruise.

9. Indulge with a Beer and Chocolate Tasting Tour

This three-hour tour uniquely intertwines historical landmarks with local culinary delights. Begin with pick-up at your hotel, where you will meet your knowledgeable guide who will lead you through the historic heart of the city.

Landmarks such as the Fish Market, Dijver, Minnewater, The Burg, and Market Square will be encountered as part of your exploration.

Delight in sampling exquisite Belgian chocolate and uncovering its history at the Choco-Story Museum, followed by a three-course lunch at the De Halve Maan Brewery.

Post-lunch, you will receive a tour of the brewery, gaining insights into contemporary brewing methodologies.

10. Dive into World War History

Whether you are an aficionado of World War history or simply keen to expand your knowledge about the Great War, this extensive nine-hour bus tour covers numerous significant sites associated with World War I.

Experience beautiful landscapes as you journey through the countryside in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach en route to Ypres. Here, you will encounter the Grand Menin Gate Memorial, commemorating 55,000 names.

Explore restored trenches, bunkers, a well-maintained battlefield, and various war graves. Before returning to Bruges, take a moment to appreciate the stark beauty of the infamous poppy fields of Flanders.

11. Make Your Own Belgian Waffles

Proceed to the Ezelstraat Quarter to participate in a 90-minute workshop centered on the art of crafting Belgian waffles.

Follow your instructor as they share a brief history and guide you through the steps of preparing, baking, and decorating your own waffle masterpieces.

Enhance your creations with cream, fruit, honey, or chocolate, and enjoy a complimentary drink while savoring as many waffles as you desire.

You will leave with a copy of the recipe, enabling you to replicate these delightful confections at home.

12. Explore Bruges at Night

There is an enchanting quality about Bruges after dusk. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this medieval city during a two-hour walking tour.

Meet your local guide at Markt 5 and traverse the cobblestone streets, passing canals and historic buildings as you go. Avoid the typical tourist pathways and stop at Cafe Rose Red to gain insight into the bicycle culture prevalent in the city.

Proceed to Jan Van Eyck Square and listen to captivating stories about the renowned Dutch painter. Admire the stunning St. James’s Church, built in 1240. Conclude your tour with a break at Eiermarkt, where a complimentary beverage awaits you.

13. Take an Architectural Tour of Bruges

Bruges is celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture and distinctive designs. This two-hour walking tour provides an excellent opportunity to witness the finest architectural offerings of the city.

Listen attentively as your expert guide recounts tales of life during medieval times. Marvel at the serene Minnewater Lake and discover the former Red Light District. Admire a Gothic Cathedral housing the tallest tower in Bruges.

Experience a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture at Burg Square. Stroll around the Grand Place of Bruges, where you will view the Belfry Tower and the Provencial Hall.