Best Tours in Bruges: My Favourite Canal Cruises, Walking Tours & Foodie Experiences

Looking for the best tours in Bruges? Here’s my guide to the best Bruges canal cruises, walking tours, food tours, chocolate tastings and beer experiences I’d book for your trip—from someone who’s been to Bruges twice!

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I wouldn’t say this for everywhere, but Bruges is one of those cities where a tour can genuinely make your trip better.

A local private food tour in Bruges!

Although you should absolutely wander around on your own, a good local tour helps you experience the city beyond just its Instagram backdrop.

On my first trip to Bruges (a day trip from Brussels when I was 19), I did a walking tour with a canal cruise included—this is the current combination tour I’d recommend looking at.

On my more recent trip, I stayed overnight in the historic centre, took a standard Bruges canal boat tour, tried more Belgian cuisine, visited Bruges cafés, had Belgian beer (of course), explored the main sights again and got a much better feel for the city.

With that said, here’s my top picks for Bruges tours I actually think are worth your time (and money), based on what I’ve tried myself and what I’d book for my next trip.

P.S. – If you specifically want my review of the Bruges canal boat tour I took, read my full Bruges Canal Boat Tour review.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Picks: Best Tours in Bruges

If you’re short on time, here’s the Bruges tour I’d choose depending on your trip.

My top pick for most first-time visitors would be the Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour since it gives you the two Bruges experiences I think matter most: seeing the city on foot and seeing the city from the canals.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Tour in Bruges?

I get it, I get it. Skip to the good stuff, Candace!

For most first-time visitors, I’d book a Bruges tour that combines a guided walking tour with a canal boat cruise. That’ll give you the history, main sights and local context on foot, then the classic Bruges canal views from the water.

If you’re more food-focused, I’d book a private food tour and then do a separate 30-minute canal boat tour like the one I did on my second trip to Bruges (super easy to just show up and hop on on the day).

Best Tours in Bruges: Quick Comparison

1. Bruges: Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour

Best for: First-time visitors who want the easiest “best of Bruges” tour
Duration: 2.5 hours
Includes: Guided walking tour, boat trip, captain, chocolate tasting
Good to know: Not suitable if you have mobility impairments
My verdict: This is the tour I’d book for a first trip to Bruges.

If you’re only going to book one tour in Bruges, I’d make it this one.

The Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour is my top pick because it gives you the two experiences that make the most sense for a first visit: a guided walk through the historic centre and a canal boat cruise.

The tour starts around the heart of the city, with meeting point options near Historium Brugge or Brugge Markt, then moves through key historic Bruges sights like Markt, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Fish Market, Huidenvettersplein, Bonifacius Bridge, Gruuthusemuseum, the Church of Our Lady, De Halve Maan Brewery and the Beguinage.

There’s also a boat cruise included, plus a chocolate tasting, which is sure to leave you instantly in love with the city (and perhaps your tour guide too).

2. Bruges: Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals

A local private food tour in Bruges!

Best for: Foodies who want to experience Bruges through waffles, fries, drinks and local bites
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Local guide and 10 food and drink tastings
Good to know: There’s vegetarian alternatives available on the tour too if you tell your guide at the start
My verdict: This is the one I’d book if food is the main thing you care about (and one I’d skip if you’re on a budget in Bruges).

If your perfect Bruges day involves waffles, fries, chocolate, beer, local snacks and a guide who can make the city feel a bit more personal, I’d look at this private local food tour with 10 tastings.

Here you’ll go on a private escapade through Bruges’ food scene, with a local guide, 10 food and drink tastings, and stops around Bruges highlights such as Simon Stevinplein, Gruuthusemuseum and Burg Square along the way.

I love a food tour with context and on this one you’ll not only eat and drink, but learn the history behind some of Belgium’s most iconic foods too.

I’d pair this with a standard Bruges canal boat tour rather than trying to do another canal-and-walking tour during your trip.

3. Bruges: Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting and Boat Ride

Best for: First-timers who want history, chocolate and a canal cruise in one trip
Duration: 2.5 hours
Includes: Guided walking tour, chocolate tasting, canal boat cruise, local recommendations
Good to know: You’ll get pre-reserved seats for your boat trip in advance
My verdict: This is a strong choice in my opinion if you want the canal cruise but also want chocolate built in (don’t we all)

If you want a Bruges walking tour with a sweet stop and a canal cruise, this is the one I’d look at next.

This Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting and Boat Ride includes a guided walk through Bruges, a chocolate tasting, a 35-minute canal boat trip and a free QR code filled with local recommendations after the tour.

After you’ve covered most of the main sights from Markt, the Belfry and Rozenhoedkaai to Bonifacius Bridge, you’ll delve into more of Bruges’ quirkier bits and finish with a boat ride at the end.

Now I don’t want to get your hopes up, the chocolate tasting on this one does truly mean…chocolate tasting (i.e. not a full chocolate workshop or deep chocolate experience). But it’ll still be the perfect indulgent finish to a day in Bruges.

4. Bruges: Guided Tour with Boat Ride & Beer Tasting Options

De Halve Maan

Best for: Beer lovers who want a flexible walking tour with optional boat and beer extras
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Includes: Walking tour, with boat trip and beer tasting
Good to know: The tasting with four Belgian beers are included only if you select it at checkout (and if you’d like to visit a brewery instead, I recommend De Halve Maan).
My verdict: Good for an easy beer + canal & Bruges wander all in one

If Belgian beer is high on your Bruges list, I’d definitely consider the Guided Tour with Boat Ride & Beer Tasting Options.

This tour is a good fit if you want a walking tour of the historic centre with the option to add a canal boat trip and beer tasting.

The itinerary covers several key Bruges stops, including the Lake of Love, Beguinage, Walplein Square, Stoofstraat, Church of Our Lady, Gruuthusemuseum, Rozenhoedkaai, Huidenvettersplein, Burg Square and Markt. If you choose the right option, the tour can also include a 30-minute boat cruise and a tasting with four Belgian beers.

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems

P.S. – If you want a deeper Bruges beer experience or are short on time, I would go to De Halve Maan separately and do a quick 30-minute Bruges canal boat tour instead.

5. Brugesboattour Canal Cruise

Best for: A simple, spontaneous Bruges canal boat tour
Duration: Around 30 minutes
Where I boarded: Katelijnestraat 4
Good to know: No eating or drinking on board
My verdict: This is the easiest option if you only want the canal boat experience for your time in Bruges.

This is the Bruges canal boat tour I personally did on my second trip (on my first trip, I did a guided tour with a canal boat trip included).

I took the standard Brugesboattour cruise from Katelijnestraat 4, and honestly it worked beautifully for my trip.

Read More: Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go

I was walking around Bruges, knew I wanted to do a boat tour, saw the departure point, paid with my contactless card and hopped on. Simple as that!

The tour takes around 30 minutes and follows an idyllic canal route through the historic inner city. You’ll sit back as you float under Bruges’ lazy bridges, pass old brick houses, see the canals from below and get a much richer view of Bruges than you do from the street.

This is the one I’d do if you’re short on time, already have a good feel for Bruges, or don’t necessarily want a guide walking you through the city for 2–3 hours.

It’s also a good add-on to a local food tour in Bruges!

How to Choose the Right Bruges Tour for You

Honestly the best Bruges tour depends on what you want from the city.

If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend the Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour.

If you’re a fellow foodie, I’d book the private Bruges food tour with a local and add a separate canal boat ride.

If you want a little chocolate, a walking tour and the boat cruise included, book the Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting and Boat Ride.

If you want a little beer tipple, a walking tour and a canal cruise, look at the Guided Tour with Boat Ride & Beer Tasting Options.

If you just want the canals, I’d do Brugesboattour and keep the rest of your Bruges day free.

But also don’t forget that part of the joy of Bruges is always in the walking, guide or not!

Should You Book Bruges Tours in Advance?

For guided Bruges tours, yes, I’d definitely book in advance.

Bruges gets busy, especially in summer, on weekends, around Christmas and during peak day-trip hours. If there’s a tour you really want, I wouldn’t wait until the morning of and hope it’s still available.

Read More: The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

For the standard canal boat tour, it’s a little different. Simply walk up, join the queue and pay at the landing stage before hopping onboard.

Otherwise for guided Bruges walking tours, a Bruges food tour, a boat-and-chocolate tour, a Bruges beer & canal tour, or anything that’s private or with a small group, I’d book ahead.

Trust me, it makes your day easier, especially if you only have one day in Bruges.

What to Bring on a Bruges Tour

For most Bruges tours, I’d bring:

• comfortable shoes
• a light jacket or warm layer
• umbrella or rain jacket if needed
• water
• a small bag
• phone or camera

Also keep in mind Belgian weather can be slightly unpredictable so like I said, bring that umbrella!

Are Bruges Tours Accessible?

Accessibility varies by tour, but several of the walking-and-boat ones in this guide have mobility restrictions.

The standard Bruges canal boats and landing stages aren’t wheelchair accessible unfortunately—but the Rederij Stael landing stage has the fewest stairs at least, so you can get get down with assistance!

P.S. – If accessibility is important for your trip, don’t guess and be sure to contact your tour provider before booking!

Final Thoughts: Which Bruges Tour Would I Book?

If I were booking one tour for a first trip to Bruges, I’d choose the Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour.

If food is your main priority, I’d book the Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals and then add a simple canal boat ride separately.

If you want chocolate and boat seats included (the dream), a Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting and Boat Ride would be the best middle ground for your trip.

And if Belgian beer is high on your list, this Guided Tour with Boat Ride & Beer Tasting Options is well worth a look.

But whatever you do, make sure to leave time to go beyond your Bruges tour, too—the city is at its best when you let yourself get a little sidetracked!

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Best Tours in Bruges

💭 What is the best tour in Bruges for first-time visitors?

For most first-time visitors, I’d book a Bruges guided walking tour with a canal boat cruise to see the historic centre and the canals all in one.

💭 Are Bruges tours worth it?

Yes, Bruges tours are worth it but only if you choose the right one. The city is easy to explore on foot, but a guide absolutely helps you understand the history more deeply and the local stories behind what you’re seeing.

💭 Should I do a walking tour or canal cruise in Bruges?

For a first trip, I’d do both. A walking tour gives you history and context, while a canal cruise gives you classic Bruges views from the water. If you want the simplest option, book a tour that includes both.

💭 What is the best Bruges canal cruise?

For a simple standalone boat ride, I liked the Brugesboattour cruise, which departs from Katelijnestraat 4. For a more complete first-time experience, I’d book a walking tour with a canal cruise included.

💭 What is the best food tour in Bruges?

This Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals is the food tour I’d look at first. It includes 10 food and drink tastings and a local guide, plus you’ll learn about Bruges’ food history along the way.

💭 Is there a Bruges tour with chocolate tasting?

Yes, there’s quite a few Bruges tours with chocolate tastings. I’d look at either the Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour or the Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting and Boat Ride if you want chocolate included.

💭 Is there a Bruges tour with beer tasting?

Yes, the Guided Tour with Boat Ride & Beer Tasting Options can include a tasting of four Belgian beers if you select it when you book!

💭 Should I book Bruges tours in advance?

For guided walking tours, food tours, private tours and combo tours, I’d book in advance. For the standard Bruges canal boat tour, you can usually just join the queue and pay at the landing stage.

💭 How long are Bruges tours?

The guided Bruges tours in this guide last between 2.5 and 3 hours. The standard canal boat tour is much shorter, usually around 30 minutes.

💭 Are Bruges tours good for a day trip?

I’d say so! Bruges tours can be especially useful on a day trip if you want to see the top sights, and you’re short on time. Personally I’d choose one tour in the morning or early afternoon, then leave the rest of the day free for food, canals, shopping and wandering.

💭 Can you tour Bruges without a guide?

Yes, you can absolutely explore Bruges without a guide. The city is compact and very walkable. But if it’s your first visit, I think a guided tour helps you understand the city better and notice details you might otherwise miss.

💭 What should I bring on a Bruges tour?

Comfortable shoes, water, a light layer, and an umbrella. If your tour includes food or chocolate and you have allergies, make sure to tell your guide at the start!

Plan the rest of your Bruges trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Bruges guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Before you book

• Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice
• Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both
• The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

Bruges itineraries

• One Day in Bruges: My Perfect Bruges Day Trip Itinerary
• My Bruges Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City
• How to Take a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges
• Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Where to stay and what to book

• Where to Stay in Bruges: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip
• Hotel Acacia Bruges Review: My Honest Stay in Bruges
• Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go
• How to Visit Bruges Without a Car: Train Tips, Walking Routes & Getting Around

What to do and where to eat

• The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice
• Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer to Try
• Best Cafes in Bruges: My Favourites from My Trip