Discover Bruges with a Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour

Are you planning to visit the charming city of Bruges and want to make the most of your time there? One of the best ways to explore this medieval city is through a Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this tour and show you why it’s a must-do activity in Bruges.

What is the Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour?

The Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour is a combination of two activities that will allow you to explore the city of Bruges from different perspectives. A local expert guide will take you on a leisurely walking tour through the city’s historic streets, where you’ll learn about Bruges’ rich history and culture. After the walking tour, you’ll board a boat and explore the picturesque canals of Bruges while enjoying stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks.

If you’re only in Bruges for a short time, this tour is an excellent way to see the city’s most famous attractions and hidden gems in just a few hours.

What are the highlights of the tour?

• Marvel at the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Gruuthusemuseum, and the Four Horsemen
• Experience the beauty of Bruges in the company of an expert guide
• Discover charming secret gardens, romantic bridges, and medieval facades
• Stroll around the city to discover the old fish market and the courthouse
• Sail along the canals and spot swans next to the boat, near the Beguinage

These are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Bruges’ lesser-known sites and landmarks that are off the beaten path.

What is the duration of the tour?

The Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour lasts approximately 2.5-3 hours, depending on the pace of the group. The walking tour portion of the activity is 90 minutes, while the boat cruise portion lasts 40-50 minutes.

Is the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?

Yes, the tour is designed to be enjoyable for travellers of all ages and fitness levels. The walking tour portion of the activity covers approximately 1.5 kilometres on flat terrain, with frequent stops along the way. The boat cruise portion of the tour is also a leisurely activity, allowing you to sit back and relax while taking in the stunning views of the city.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?

Unfortunately, the Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour is not accessible for wheelchair users. The walking tour portion of the activity may involve navigating some narrow streets and uneven surfaces, which can make it challenging for travellers with mobility issues.

What is included in the price of the tour?

The price of the Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour includes admission to all attractions visited during the tour, a guided walking tour with a local expert, and a boat cruise along the city’s canals. The tour does not include food and beverages, so you may want to bring some water and snacks on the tour.

When is the best time to take the tour?

The Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour is available year-round, so you can enjoy this activity no matter when you plan to visit Bruges. However, we recommend taking the tour during the spring or summer months when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom. The tour operates daily at various times, so you can choose a time that suits your schedule.

How to book the tour?

If you’re interested in taking the Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour, you can book your spot online through GetYourGuide. The process is straightforward and secure, and you’ll receive an e-ticket that you can present to the guide on the day of the tour. We recommend booking the tour in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

Conclusion

Bruges is an enchanting city that is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour is the perfect way to explore the city and discover its hidden gems. With this activity, you’ll get to experience the best of both worlds: the city’s fascinating history on foot and breathtaking views from the canal on a boat. So if you’re planning a trip to Bruges, don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

Insider’s Guide to Bruges: Beyond the Tourist Spots

If you’re looking to explore the hidden gems of Bruges, Belgium, beyond the typical tourist attractions, you’re in luck. Here’s a guide to not-to-be-missed local hotspots, cultural experiences, dining spots, off-the-beaten-path suggestions, and the captivating stories that connect the past with the present.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

Most tourists visit Bruges’ famous landmarks, like the Belfry, Minnewater Lake, and Markt Square. However, Bruges has lesser-known, but no less interesting sites worth exploring. For example, head to the Beguinage, a quiet sanctuary with a unique blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture, surrounded by monastery gardens. Or discover the quirky Lace Museum, where you can learn about the history of lace-making and view a collection of exquisite hand-made lace designs. Visit Onze Lieve Vrouw Church to see Michelangelo’s sculpture “Madonna and Child,” one of the few works of the Italian master(s) exhibited outside Italy. Don’t miss out on Arentshuis, a neo-classical building that houses a museum of the works of Frank Brangwyn and temporary exhibitions of international art.

Dining Spots: A Taste of Local Cuisine

Bruges’ culinary tradition is rooted in simple yet flavorful dishes that are hearty, warming, and very Belgian. Try waterzooi, a creamy fish stew made with white wine, vegetables, and freshwater or sea fish. For meat lovers, carbonade flamande is a must-try; it’s a slow-cooked beef stew with onions, brown beer, and spices. Moules frites (mussels with fries) is another quintessential Belgian classic. In terms of dining spots, ‘t Zwart Huis, a 16th-century pub, has a cozy atmosphere, excellent selection of Belgian beers, and tasty bar food. For a more refined experience, visit De Jonkman, a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by chef Filip Claeys, and the place that best embodies the innovative contemporary Flemish cuisine.

Cultural Experiences: A Glimpse of Local Traditions

Bruges is a city that cherishes its cultural heritage and is proud of its traditions. Visiting the Groeninge Museum is a great way to get acquainted with the Flemish Primitives, the art masters who put Bruges on the map. Another artsy experience that cannot be missed, the Bruges Triennial of contemporary art. The three-year exhibition features installations and interventions throughout the city, which you can discover on a self-guided walking tour. The Procession of the Holy Blood, a parade held annually in May, is an age-old tradition that commemorates the legend of the Holy Blood relic. A solemn affair with over 30 floats highlighting key events from the Old and New Testaments.

Local History: Stories that Bring the Past Alive

Bruges is a city steeped in history, with countless stories waiting to be discovered. Take a trip to the Bruges town archives, where you can learn about the city’s fascinating past through its ancient documents. Find out how it was a key trading center in the 14th and 15th centuries, with access to the North Sea coast and a canal network that connected it to other Flemish cities. In the Mark’s Hall, the iconic town hall, you can view the murals that depict the city’s rulers and explore its medieval architecture. Visit the Halve Maan Brewery, a family-run business, which was established in 1856 and still operates from the same location in the city center. The brewery’s well-known Brugse Zot beer has an interesting backstory- a reference to the semi-mythical fool of the city, whose creation dates back to medieval times.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

Bruges’ unique charm and ever-present character make it easy for any traveler to experience it on their terms. Rent a bike and pedal around the city’s outskirts, where you can find the historic windmills and cycling through the countryside amidst endless fields of tulips blooming in the spring. Take a leisurely canal boat ride on a lazy afternoon to explore the city’s architectural subtleties and cultural richness. Chocolate lovers, don’t miss the “Chocolate Queen,” Dominique Persoone’s patisserie, serving artisanal chocolates that are close to works of art. On the Eilandje also known as the quiet island; where you can soak in the calm surroundings of the inner harbor and have a taste of their freshly made waffles.

Final Thoughts

Take advantage of this guide to step off the beaten track and truly “discover” Bruges. Explore the city’s hidden gems, enjoy the local cuisine, observe the cultural traditions, learn the history, and indulge in unforgettable experiences that go beyond the regular tourist attractions.