Bruges is a city that practically invites exploration. Its preserved medieval streets, winding canals, and charming squares make it a perfect backdrop for a variety of guided tours and experiences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing way to see the sights, Bruges offers something for all. We particularly love the Bruges: Guided Tour & Boat Ride with Optional Beer Tasting for its combination of walking, sightseeing, and a chance to sample local brews. Plus, the Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges is perfect if you want to indulge your senses and learn about Belgian cuisine. With so many options, you’ll find the perfect match for your interests and pace.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a mix of walking tours, bike excursions, food and drink tastings, and even historical day trips. For those who prefer a relaxed guided walk, the 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour offers a deep dive into Bruges’ medieval past. Bike lovers will enjoy the guided cycling tours, like the Bruges, Guided Retro Biketour, which combines physical activity with insider stories. Foodies should consider the Gastronomic Tour, which uses a pay-what-you-want model to explore Bruges’ culinary delights. For a full day, the Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour offers a poignant history experience outside the city. Below, you’ll find detailed reviews and insights into each option.
1. Bruges: Guided Tour & Boat Ride with Optional Beer Tasting
At number 1, this tour offers a classic introduction to Bruges. You’ll start with a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed city center, then relax on a canal boat cruise—a perfect way to see Bruges from the water. The optional beer tasting is a highlight, especially if you appreciate Belgium’s brewing tradition. With a 4.4/5 rating based on over 3,400 reviews, this tour balances history, scenery, and local flavor. The itinerary includes highlights like the Burg Square, Church of Our Lady, and the Rozenhoedkaai, plus free time to explore chocolate and lace shops. For roughly $43 per person, it delivers good value and a comprehensive experience suitable for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded way to see Bruges’ main sights, learn about its history, enjoy a scenic boat ride, and sample Belgian beer if you choose.
2. Bruges, Guided Retro Biketour: Highlights and Hidden Gems
Number 2 on the list is a 2.5-hour bike tour that covers more ground than a walking tour, perfect for active travelers. This tour takes you through the historic center, visiting iconic spots like Belfry and Market Square, but it also ventures into lesser-known neighborhoods like the Silent Bruges area. The retro bikes and helmets are included, making this a stylish and practical way to explore. The guide offers personal stories and local tips, with rave reviews emphasizing how much more you see and learn compared to walking alone. Costing around $46, it’s an excellent way to maximize your sightseeing in a short time, especially if you enjoy cycling and want a more dynamic experience.
Bottom Line: A lively, informative tour that combines sightseeing with local insights, ideal for active travelers who want to cover more ground.
3. Bruges: Guided Retro Bike Tour of Highlights and Hidden Gems
Number 3 also features a bike tour, with a slightly shorter 2.5-hour duration, emphasizing local secrets and hidden spots along Bruges’ cobblestone streets. The tour includes visiting City Castle, the Belfry, and scenic views of canals and windmills, plus a unique visit to the Lake of Love. The guide shares stories and insider tips that add depth beyond typical sightseeing. Reviewers mention the gentle pace and well-maintained bikes, with many noting how it’s a fun way to get a broad overview of the city’s history and charm. The price isn’t specified but is comparable to other bike tours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a leisurely, story-rich biking experience that uncovers Bruges’ lesser-known sights.
4. Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges
Number 4 is a pay-what-you-want food tour lasting about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s ideal if you’re curious about Belgian food culture without breaking the bank. You’ll taste fries, waffles, chocolates, and visit a local brewery—all while hearing stories about Bruges’ culinary history. The tour operates on a donation basis, so you pay what you think it’s worth at the end. Reviewers praise the friendly guide and the variety of tastings, with many noting it’s a fun, casual way to sample local specialties. The tour is best suited for food lovers who want an informal, authentic experience, and it’s a great way to support local businesses.
Bottom Line: A tasty, budget-friendly way to explore Bruges’ food scene and local culture with the flexibility to pay what you value.
5. Bruges: Choco-Story Museum with Audio Guide and Tastings
Number 5 is a 1.5-hour visit to the Choco-Story Museum, perfect for chocolate lovers. It features a guided tour with tastings and a demonstration of how Belgian chocolates are made. The museum holds over 500 objects related to chocolate, giving a vivid look into its origins and evolution. Rated 4.2/5 from over 1,600 reviews, it’s a sweet experience that’s both fun and educational. It’s especially good for families or anyone wanting a hands-on experience in the heart of Bruges. For just $17, it offers a sweet diversion from walking tours and provides plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: An educational and delicious stop that appeals to all ages, especially those with a sweet tooth.
6. Bruges PRIVATE City Kickstart Tour With Locals
Number 6 offers a personalized 1.5-hour private tour. Led by a local guide, it provides customized insights into Bruges’ must-see sites like Eiermarkt and Church of Our Lady, along with hidden corners the larger groups might miss. Rated 5/5 with glowing reviews, it’s suited for travelers wanting a flexible, in-depth introduction to the city. You choose morning or afternoon, making it easy to fit into your schedule. The tour costs around $49, offering excellent value for those who appreciate tailored experiences and direct access to local knowledge.
Bottom Line: A personalized, insider-focused way to get your bearings and discover Bruges’ secrets with a private guide.
7. Bruges: Guided Bike Tour with a Local to Sights & Secrets
Number 7 is a 2.5-hour bike tour, run by Bruges’ longest-established company. It emphasizes local stories and personal favorites, riding past landmarks and hidden corners. Each guide shares their own experiences, making it less about a fixed route and more about a personal connection with the city. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and smooth ride, with some noting it’s a great way to see both the highlights and quieter spots in Bruges. Cost is approximately $48, making it a solid choice for those who want a relaxed and personal cycling experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who enjoy storytelling, local tips, and seeing Bruges through a friendly guide’s eyes.
8. 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included
Number 8 is a concise 2-hour guided walk exploring Bruges’ core sites: Burg Square, The Markt, and Belfry. It includes tastings of pralines, chocolates, and waffles, making it perfect for those wanting a quick, immersive history stroll. Rated 5/5 from 110 reviews, many mention how the guide (Peter) is knowledgeable and entertaining. The small group size ensures personal attention, and at just $3.50, it’s a very affordable way to get acquainted with the city while indulging in sweet treats.
Bottom Line: A short, sweet tour blending history with culinary delights, suitable for travelers with limited time.
9. BeerWalk Bruges (English guide)
Number 9 is an excellent choice for beer lovers. Over 3 hours, you’ll explore Bruges’ brewing history, starting at the Beer Museum and stopping at local breweries like Bourgogne Des Flandres and ‘t Brugs Beertje. With a 5/5 rating from 86 reviews, it’s praised for its passionate guides and five tastings of Belgian brews. The tour offers a relaxed pace to enjoy the beers and stories behind them. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive yet casual introduction to Bruges’ beer culture.
Bottom Line: A must-do for beer fans, combining tasting, history, and local stories in a three-hour stroll.
10. Bruges: Nightly Tales and Untold History Walking Tour
Number 10 takes you after dark, exploring Bruges’ mysterious and lesser-known sides. This 2-hour evening tour reveals ghost stories, legends, and hidden corners. With a 4.9/5 rating, reviewers love its storytelling and atmospheric sights. It’s perfect for those interested in the darker, mysterious side of Bruges, along with its untold tales. Starting in the evening, it complements daytime sightseeing with a different perspective. The tour is fun, engaging, and offers a unique way to experience Bruges.
Bottom Line: A memorable way to see Bruges’ secret stories and atmospheric streets after sunset.
11. Bruges by Bike Tour with the Locals
Number 11 is a 2.5-hour bike tour run by a local company with 23 years of experience. It emphasizes personal stories and favorite spots, riding past landmarks and hidden corners. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and fun atmosphere. It’s a great way to see the city at a relaxed pace while discovering less touristy parts. Cost is just $17, making it one of the most affordable options on the list.
Bottom Line: Perfect for budget travelers who want a friendly, local perspective on Bruges’ sights and secrets.
12. Medieval Tour in Bruges with Chocolate Tasting
Number 12 offers a 1 hour 40-minute walk through Bruges’ medieval sites, combined with chocolate tasting. The tour visits Market Square, Burg Square, and the Groeningemuseum, offering a perfect blend of history and sweet treats. Rated 5/5, reviewers praise the enthusiastic guides and the opportunity to see major landmarks while sampling Belgian chocolates. It’s suited for those who want an engaging, tasty overview and are interested in medieval Bruges’ stories.
Bottom Line: A delicious way to learn about Bruges’ history, especially for chocolate lovers who want a lively guided experience.
13. Bruges: City Bike Tour with a Local
Number 13 is a 2-hour bike ride focusing on local stories and favorite sights. The guide shares personal recommendations to help you experience Bruges like a local. The tour is suitable for all levels and emphasizes a relaxed pace. Many reviewers say it’s a great way to see both highlights and quieter spots. Cost details aren’t specified, but it’s a flexible option for active explorers.
Bottom Line: A friendly, story-driven bike ride perfect for travelers who want to see the city with a local’s perspective.
14. Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour from Bruges
Number 14 is a full-day WWI battlefield tour, ideal for history buffs. It visits battlefields, cemeteries, and memorials like Tynecot and Essex Farm Cemetery. Rated 4.5/5, reviews note the emotional and educational value of the trip. It’s suited for those with a strong interest in WWI history and willing to spend a full day exploring beyond Bruges. The tour includes a tribute ceremony and detailed commentary from an expert guide, making it a poignant experience.
Bottom Line: A powerful, comprehensive day trip for those wanting to connect with Europe’s wartime past.
How to Choose Your Perfect Bruges Tour
When deciding between these experiences, consider your interests and how much time you have. If you want a comprehensive first taste, the guided tour with boat ride offers both scenic water views and a historical overview. For active travelers, the bike tours (like the Guided Retro Biketour or the Bike with a Local) allow you to cover more ground and get local stories. If your focus is food and drink, the Gastronomic Tour and BeerWalk are excellent options, blending tastings with storytelling. For those with a deep interest in history, the WWI battlefield tour is a moving, full-day experience. Lastly, families or chocolate lovers will find the Choco-Story Museum a delightful addition.
Bruges has a wide array of tours and experiences that cater to many different interests and travel styles. Whether you prefer a romantic boat ride, an active bike tour, or a cultural walk, you’ll find plenty to keep you engaged. To make the most of your trip, book early—especially for popular options like the private tours and the WWI remembrance day trip. Whichever you choose, Bruges’s charm and stories await—ready to turn your visit into a memorable adventure.