Located in the province of West Flanders in Belgium’s Flemish region, Bruges is a charming European city that is best known for its narrow canals, medieval architecture and talented chocolatiers.

Thanks to the city center’s compact size, all the most iconic landmarks and attractions can easily be explored on foot — making walking tours in Bruges one of the most popular ways for visitors to familiarize themselves with the Belgian city.

Here's all you need to know about walking tours, one of the most exciting sightseeing activities in Bruges.

What are the best walking tours in Bruges?

Bruges historical walking tour

Bruges is one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, making it easy to step back into the past and imagine what this Belgian city must have been like decades ago. Discover the fascinating history of Bruges with this popular walking tour that visits all of the most important monuments.

Some of the places that your local guide will take you to include Belfort, the Church of Our Lady, Gruuthusemuseum and many others. Bask in the city’s unique atmosphere as you take a leisurely walk along the canals, enjoying the picture-perfect views!

Choose between a variety of different starting times and language options, to ensure that this experience is fully suited to your schedule and preferences! This is the perfect tour for those visiting Bruges for the first time, looking for a practical introduction to the city.

Free walking tour in Bruges with chocolate tasting

Join a professional guide who cannot wait to show you around the charming city of Bruges—teaching you about local culture, cuisine and tradition along the way. In addition to visiting the city’s most iconic sites, you’ll also visit a few hidden gems located off the beaten path.

Stretch your legs as you walk through Bruges’ narrow streets, admiring the picturesque canals and the beautiful medieval architecture. Your guide will provide you with fascinating stories and anecdotes, which help you put the city’s past and present into perspective.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the Belgian chocolate tasting that takes place at the end of the excursion. Feel free to make the most out of this experience by asking your guide plenty of questions about the city and what you should do during the rest of your stay.

Self-guided audio walking tour in Bruges

If you prefer to explore the city on your own terms, you may be interested in a self-guided audio walking tour. All you need to do is simply download the guide onto your phone and listen through headphones as you’re led through the city and its famous landmarks.

Feel free to pause the guide at any time should you want to relax, take photos and spend more time at certain destinations. You’ll be provided with many fun facts along the way, including the reasons why swans are kept in the canals and where in the city the law doesn’t apply.

The aim of this self-guided audio tour is to help you navigate the city and discover its famous landmarks alongside a few lesser-known attractions. Discover the part of Bruges that many tourists don’t get to see with this fun-filled yet informative experience.

Private historical walking tour in Bruges

Make the most of your time in Bruges by opting for a private tour in which you and your travel companions will be the only participants. As your professional guide leads you around the city, you’ll learn about some of the most interesting stories that Bruges has to offer.

Meet your guide in Market Square and take a leisurely stroll to some of the city’s nearby landmarks, including the Lake of Love, Half Moon Brewery, the Fish Market, Rosary Quay, the Church of Our Lady and many others.

See the city through the eyes of a local and take advantage of having a private tour guide for a few hours. You and your travel companions can determine how long you spend in each destination, and the tour can be customized to your specific interests.

Are there any combos available with walking tours in Bruges?

Guided boat trip and walking tour in Bruges

Once you’ve explored the town’s historic center with your local guide, you’ll board a sightseeing boat tour and take to the famous Bruges canals. See the West Flanders capital from two uniquely different perspectives—on foot and by boat—as you visit some of the most iconic sites.

Private walking and horse-drawn carriage tour in Bruges

Immerse yourself in the fairytale-like atmosphere of Bruges by opting for a private walking tour that includes a horse-drawn carriage ride. See more of the city than you would if you were only exploring on foot and get timeless photos of you and your travel companions in the charming carriage.

Which places are visited?

While walking tours in Bruges offer distinctively different itineraries, many of them visit the same landmarks and attractions. Some of the places that you can expect to visit include Market Square, the Belfry, Gruuthusemuseum and Minnewater Lake among others.

Market Square

Market Square is the largest square in Bruges and is home to a weekly market that has been running since back in 985! The square is surrounded by some of the city’s most notable attractions, including the Belfry and Cranenburg House.

Belfry of Bruges

At over 80 meters tall, the Belfry of Bruges is one of the city’s tallest and most striking buildings. If you’re brave enough to climb the 366 steps to the top of the tower, you’ll be treated to incredible views over the city.

Gruuthusemuseum

Gruuthusemuseum, which is a museum dedicated to applied arts, is home to a diverse variety of sculptures, manuscripts, stained-glass windows, tapestries and other items from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Minnewater Lake

Minnewater Lake, also referred to as the “Lake of Love”, provides a tranquil place to rest amidst Bruges’ busy city center. The lake is a hotspot for couples looking to take a romantic walk through nature and is a must-see for nature lovers visiting Bruges.

The Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady is one of the most famous churches in Bruges thanks to its beautiful marble ‘Madonna and Child’ sculpture by Michaelangelo. The church also boasts some incredible Gothic architectural elements, as well as fantastic views of the city.

How much do walking tours in Bruges cost?

One of the first things that you may notice when looking for walking tours in Bruges is that there are plenty of free walking tours available. While these tours do not have any obligatory costs involved, you are encouraged to tip your guide at the end of the tour.

While free walking tours provide an affordable, basic introduction to the city, if you are looking for a more comprehensive experience, you may want to opt for one of the paid walking tours, which start at as little as US$3 per person for a historical tour.

Audio guides typically cost around US$7 for the downloadable guide and more in-depth group tours usually cost between US$20 and US$40 per person, depending on the tour inclusions.

The prices of private tours can differ greatly depending on the size of your group, but you can typically expect to pay around US$160 for a private tour for two people, or US$300 for a group of up to four people.

What is included?

That depends on what type of tour you choose. Basic walking tours usually include guidance from a local tour guide and any fees and taxes.

While other walking tours may also include chocolate tastings, beer tastings and other activities. Food, drinks and any other personal expenses are not typically included in the cost of a walking tour so you may want to bring along a little extra spending money.

Where does it start?

Most walking tours in Bruges begin in the central location of Market Square, which is the city’s main square and is very accessible and easy to find. Your tour guide usually provides a brief description of themselves and what they’ll be wearing so that you can identify them.

Remember to make sure that you arrive at the tour’s meeting point at least 5 minutes before the tour’s starting time.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a walking tour in Bruges is around 2 hours, with most tours lasting anywhere between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. As you’ll be walking for most of this time, it is essential that you wear comfortable shoes.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While certain walking tours in Bruges—such as the historical walking tour—are wheelchair-friendly, most excursions do not cater to those with mobility impairments and require participants to have a moderate level of physical fitness.

It is always best to check specific tour details to see if the tour operator caters to wheelchair users or not, and in some cases you may need to notify the tour operator ahead of time if you, or anyone in your group, uses a wheelchair.

When is the best time for a walking tour in Bruges?

The best time for a walking tour in Bruges is from April to June and from September to October. These months offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather for exploring the city. The summer months can be quite busy with tourists, so if you prefer a quieter experience, it's best to avoid peak season.

What other sightseeing tours are there in Bruges?

Travel tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring the city on foot for an extended period.
Dress appropriately for the weather, as Bruges can experience different seasons and temperatures.
Follow the instructions and guidance of your tour guide to make the most of your walking tour experience.
Be respectful of the local culture and customs, especially when entering churches and historic sites.

Walking Tours in Bruges