What to do and see in Bruges, Flanders: The Best Cultural Tours

August 4, 2021 Sachiko Swiger

What could be more romantic and inspiring than a place that looks like a backdrop for a fairy tale? The medieval overtones of Bruges’ cobblestone streets lead to countless historical, architectural and artistic wonders. Marvel at ornate houses lining intricate canals, and understand why this is a favorite destination for all types of travelers. The whole city emanates an appreciation of the past, a love of the present, and enthusiasm for the future. Don’t miss Hof Bladelin, Groeninge Museum, Church of Our Lady, and Belfry and Market Halls.
Restaurants in Bruges

1. Private day trip to Bruges from Amsterdam

Trigger Tours, Private tours in Amsterdam
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore Bruges with a private guide on a day trip from Amsterdam. Visit the historic center, join a boat tour, learn more about Belgium’s world-famous beers and see the historical houses that date back from the medieval times. Your private guide will pick you up at your hotel or any other desired location. From here he will drive you Bruges in a comfortable vehicle. When arriving in Bruges you will see why the historic center of Bruges was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the historic city center, learn more about Belgium’s world-famous beers and see the Church of Our Lady. Explore the charming area around the Dyver canal, and then stroll the cobbled square of Walplein. After exploring Bruges by foot your guide will take you on a 1-hour boat tour of Bruges. This is included with the tour. You also get the option to do a Belgium Beer and chocolate tasting. After the tour the guide will drive you back to your hotel.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, You can pick a departure time between 8:00am - 1:00pm.

Exclusions: Dinner

Reviewed By derenl2021

Very interesting and exciting tour! Our guide, Jan, showed us all the interesting sites in Amsterdam. He shared much information and even gave us some tips to get some good food, as restaurants are still closed. Very friendly and informative! Great tour and great day!

2. The Best Of Bruges & Ghent Full Day Tour

BRUSSELS PRIVATE TOURS
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

DISCOVER THE BEST OF BRUGES & GHENT IN FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR FROM BRUSSELS Enjoy a guided sightseeing excursion in the beautiful cities of Bruges and Ghent Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide . Bruges and Ghent are two of the most beautiful cities of Belgium. The former is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, whereas the latter has preserved its medieval city centre and is considered a historical jewel of Belgium. In one day, you will explore and get to learn more about the history of both cities . A full day tour that will give you a good overview of two of Belgium’s nicest gems! The itineraries are arranged to suit your needs and preferences .

Inclusions: Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Entrance - St Michael s Church, Transport by private vehicle, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch, Tips

Reviewed By Cheryl W

We spent 4 days in Brussels just before Christmas, returning home Christmas Eve. The markets were lovely,very busy and plenty of stalls. However, we were very disappointed in the lack of Christmas music that was played around all the markets. Even in the evening with all the lights and the number of people out there was still very little Christmas music being played. We had a day in Bruge and visited the markets there and still very little Christmas music. Being so near to Christmas being able to listen to Christmas songs would add to the atmosphere.

3. Bruges Small-Group Walking Tour

Bargeplein (Katelijnparking), Bargeweg, 8000 Brugge, Belgium Buendia Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Forget about unprepared guides, huge groups, last minute cancellations ... Hire the professionalism of Niceday tours for a minimum price, FROM € 10 PERSON. Our guides explain the interiors of the churches, talk about art and history and discover the culture of Flanders. At 10:30 am we pick you up in Bargeplein (next to the red pergola and the toilets) to begin our visit in the charming city of Bruges, located 100 kilometers northwest of the Belgian capital and just 15 km from the North Sea.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, City tips, Discounts (discounts at restaurants, chocolate shops, museums etc.), Chocolate Tasting

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Head-phones, Museum entrance

Reviewed By Levesqme

As a family with teenagers, it is always a challenge to find an activity that will be entertaining for all. Although they are not history enthusiasts, my kids said that this tour was the best day of our stay in Belgium (1 week). They especially liked the tour guide, Jamal and his dry sense of humour. Jamal was able to point out funny historical details, do little games with the group and make recommendations on restaurants and activities. He made all the difference. Thanks Jamal for this wonderful (rainy) day! Things to be improved: we should have taken a tour for only 1 city. If you like to stroll in leisurely in the city, visit museums, etc., the tour is a bit fast paced and won't allow you to shop, visit independently museums and historic buildings. Also, you'll be paired with Spanish groups going on the bus. Not the best logistical arrangements. However, the price is well worth it. 10/10 would do again.

4. Private tour for a family with children in Bruges

Historium Bruges, Markt 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium Citytoursbelgium
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Want to discover the beauty of medieval Bruges? We organize private tours to guarantee quality and safety. Local legends and stories explain the presence of the numerous statues on the town hall. At your pace we explore the fish market with 126 columns, houses with a wooden facade and picturesque bridges. During this tour you can take beautiful photos! You will discover the woven letters at the city palace or the statue of Michelangelo. Take a look inside the brewery "The half moon". There is an underground beer pipeline there! We see, smell and taste chocolate. Handmade! Ready for the next experience? Take a look inside the garden of a 300-year-old house and ... enjoy the heart on a facade at the Minnewater.

Inclusions: city map

Exclusions:

Reviewed By NovaLavi

As a firm lover of art and architecture, I really liked this tour! I'm not a huge fan of cycling, but this way I had a much better experience when visiting Bruges. It would've been impossible to visit all these beautiful places in just one day. The guide was sublime. She told us many fun facts and amusing stories along the ride.

5. Private Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges

Brussels Tours & Transfers - Welcome Pickups
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

At the desired time, an experienced English-speaking professional driver will pick you up from your accommodation in a private vehicle. Your tour will begin in the heart of the city of Burges, the Markt, a large square where tourists mingle with locals. Here, you can admire the imposing Belfry tower, the top of which can reward you with a panoramic view of the city. Architecture lovers will be astonished by the buildings in Brug Square. The Basilica of the Holy Blood, the City Hall, the Oude Griffie and the Palace of Justice are all of a unique style. The main attraction of Bruges is the Lake of Love. Legend says that you will experience eternal love if you walk over the lake bridge with your partner. Our drivers are not official tour guides but are very knowledgeable of the places visited and will provide all the necessary historical information and their local perspective. At the end of the tour, your friendly Welcomer will drop you off at your accommodation.

Inclusions: Hotel Pickup & Dropoff, Personal English-Speaking professional Driver, Free wifi on board, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel and Tolls

Exclusions: Entrance fees for all attractions, Beverages and meals, Tips and gratuities, Official Tour Guide - Our drivers are English Speaking and very knowledgable of the places visited

Reviewed By DML999

Good value for long trips. Have used Welcome Pickups in two countries and the service has been good quality and a good price. Highly recommended and I will use them again.

6. Private History Tour of Bruges - Customize Your Authentic Experience

Markt, 8000 Brugge, Belgium Ambassadors of Bruges Free Walking Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

The most passionate guides to be found in Bruges will take only you and your private group on a tour through the fascinating medieval city centre of Bruges. At the beginning of the tour we'll make sure to customise the experience so you'll get to see what's most interesting to you.

Inclusions: Local Storyteller (available for English, Spanish & Dutch)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Getaway802218

Very nice experience with Jims. Very detailed guide to the history and culture of Bruges. And also have free chocolate taste.

7. Private tour of Bruges with a personal guide

Markt 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium Citytoursbelgium
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

During this guided walk the beauty of medieval Bruges is shown. To guarantee quality and safety we organize private tours. The local guide tells about the habits, culture and history. We help you to feel comfortable and we will bring you to the charming and hidden gems of the city. We will visit the places of your interest! And off course ... we will taste the divine chocolate! But we also make time to answer your questions. As a local we know the interesting stories. We are willing to share it with our guest in an enthusiastic way.

Inclusions: map

Exclusions:

Reviewed By NovaLavi

As a firm lover of art and architecture, I really liked this tour! I'm not a huge fan of cycling, but this way I had a much better experience when visiting Bruges. It would've been impossible to visit all these beautiful places in just one day. The guide was sublime. She told us many fun facts and amusing stories along the ride.

8. The Best of Bruges - History Through Stories Walking Tour

Markt 8000, 8000 Brugge, Belgium Ambassadors of Bruges Free Walking Tours
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 63 reviews

We'll start by heading to some places most travellers won't get to see. Then we'll visit some of the places you can't miss out on. A great combination between highlights and hidden gems. But most importantly: our guides are passionate local storytellers. So don't expect a tour crammed with historical details, but the stories that really can bring history to life and give you an insight in how life must've been back in the golden era of Bruges.

Inclusions: Local English Speaking Storyteller, Chocolate Shop Visit (upon request), Toilets (halfway the walk)

Exclusions: But you're welcome to join your guide for a beer after the tour.

Reviewed By Getaway802218

Very nice experience with Jims. Very detailed guide to the history and culture of Bruges. And also have free chocolate taste.

9. Withlocals Your Way! - Bruges 100% Personalised City Tour

Bruges, Belgium Withlocals
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 17 reviews

What would you like to see while you’re in Bruges? The Ten Wijngaerde Beguinage or how about the windmills? Well, we have great news: this highlights tour of Bruges is created for you and in your own way! Checkmark out of your traveling bucket list the must-see places in Bruges with the help of your favorite local host. On this 100% personalized tour, you’ll see the places you pick. From the classic landmarks that everyone talks about to neighborhood explorings and off the beaten path roads that lead to the must-sees without the crowds. The choice is yours! All you have to do is pick the local host of your choice, tell them about your wishes and they’ll create the perfect itinerary for you. Check out below a few ideas of things to do and visit, and let your local host know what you have in mind. From a quick city tour to an extensive full-day experience, or a specific part of town that can cover everything on your list. Anything is possible!

Inclusions: Private Tour, Local Guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By I820BGmartak

I’m so happy we got a tour with Anna! Not only did she gave us an interesting and explorative tour, but we also felt like we were introduced to the life the locals live and we were visiting a friend here, who knows the latest news. What is more, we got to enjoy a private tour, so we got to ask as many questions we liked. Because of the few tourists, we had the privilege to be the only people inside Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed. All in all, it was a wonderful experience, and I’m not saying it by far only because we got to taste Belgian chocolate.

10. Bruges Day Trip from Brussels with a Local: Private & Personalized

Brussels, Belgium CityUnscripted
Excellent
88%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
13%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 9 reviews

You’ll jump back in time to explore Brussels with our host - not to worry, you won’t need a time machine. Take a scenic 1-hour train from Brussels to the enchanting medieval city of Bruges and the minute you step out into the streets, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale. Meander through the cobbled streets, alongside the canals and discover why this Flemish city is known as “Venice of the North”. Together with you host, you’ll explore beautifully persevered medieval landmarks like St John's Hospital, the Begijnhof and the Beguinage. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded local host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: Private and personalised experience, Train ticket from Brussels to Bruges and back, 10 hours with your host, Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs (apart from return train tickets to Bruges), Gratuities, Your own fairytale castle

Reviewed By Swedishfish426

Teresa was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with a great introduction to the city! We would definitely recommend this tour.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.