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

Looking for a Bruges canal boat tour review? Here’s my honest take on taking a boat trip through the Bruges canals—including how it works, where to find the boats on your trip, how much it costs, what you’ll see along the route, whether you need to book in advance and whether I think it’s worth doing on a first trip—from someone who’s done it!

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There’s nothing quite like seeing Bruges from the water.

Yes, the city is already ridiculously charming on foot. Think cobbled streets, stepped-gable buildings, chocolate shops, market squares, bridges and canal views.

But a Bruges canal boat tour gives you a completely different version of the city.

Instead of looking down at the canals from above, you’ll glide under low stone bridges, float beside Bruges’ most eye-gawking brick houses, see ivy-covered facades from below and get a very hearty helping of Bruges views like this:

On my most recent trip to Bruges, I took the standard Bruges boat tour with Rederij Stael/Brugesboattour at Katelijnestraat 4, near Saint John’s Hospital and the Church of Our Lady.

I hadn’t booked it in advance. I was simply walking around Bruges, knew I wanted to do a canal boat tour at some point, saw the boats, and hopped on.

And honestly? It was easy, beautiful and very much worth doing.

That said, I didn’t visit in peak tourist season, which made the spontaneous approach much easier. If you’re visiting Bruges during a busier time of year, or if you only have one day in Bruges and want your itinerary to run smoothly, I’d be a bit more strategic.

In this post, I’ll share how the whole Bruges canal boat thing works, plus when I’d recommend booking a guided walking tour with a boat cruise included instead.

P.S. – If you’re planning the rest of your Bruges trip, be sure to check out my other guides to the best things to do in Bruges, one day in Bruges, where to stay in Bruges and where to eat in Bruges.

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 Verdict: Is the Bruges Canal Boat Tour Worth It?

Yes, I think the Bruges canal boat tour is worth doing, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

It’s short, easy, scenic and gives you a completely different perspective on Bruges. You’ll see the canals, bridges, old houses, swans and historic centre from the water, and it’s an experience that feels very specific to being in Bruges, which is always what I look for when I travel.

Would I say it replaces walking around the city? Not at all.

But the boat tour adds a really lovely half-hour pause in the day, a good way to rest your legs, a beautiful photo opportunity and an easy way to see another side of the city without committing to a super long activity.

Even if you only have a few hours in Bruges, I’d still try to make time for it.

And if you have one full day or a weekend in Bruges, I’d absolutely include it.

Bruges Canal Boat Tour: Quick Overview

What is the Bruges Canal Boat Tour Like?

This Bruges canal boat tour is a really lovely short sightseeing boat trip through the historic canals of Bruges. And the one I took on my trip!

It’s short but sweet (around 30 minutes), taking you through the historic inner city on the fixed route between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage, past some of Bruges’ most iconic sights.

Just board, take a seat, float through the canals, listen to the captain or guide explain what you’re seeing, take photos, and get back to your one day itinerary in Bruges or weekend in Bruges in no time.

Basically think of it as a compact sightseeing ride through the heart of Bruges.

My Bruges Canal Boat Tour Review

I did my Bruges canal boat tour with Brugesboattour, boarding from Katelijnestraat 4, near Saint John’s Hospital and the Church of Our Lady.

But in my case, it wasn’t something I had planned down to the minute.

I was walking around Bruges, knew I wanted to take a boat trip at some point, saw the landing stage, and decided to do it then and there.

That’s one of the nice things about the standard Bruges boat tour. If you’re visiting during a calmer time of year and the queues aren’t too long, it can be very spontaneous (this was my May visit by the way if you’re thinking about the best times to visit Bruges).

In my case, you really do just show up, pay at the departure point, join the boat and you’re off to the races!

The tour itself was around half an hour, which felt just about right. Bruges is already one of the most photogenic cities in Europe, but from the water, you get a lower, more unique view of the city along with some very interesting history on Bruges’ medieval past.

If you’ve spent the day walking between Markt, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, Minnewater and the chocolate shops, sitting down on a boat for 30 minutes is also a really nice break from walking.

What You’ll See on a Bruges Boat Tour

What you’ll see depends slightly on where you board, but standard Bruges canal tours generally cover the same scenic stretch through the historic centre, including:

• Jan van Eyck Square and the former medieval port district
• the Groenerei canal
• Rozenhoedkaai, with views towards the Belfry
• the Dijver and the Church of Our Lady
• Gruuthuse Bridge
• Bonifacius Bridge
• Saint John’s Hospital
• the entrance to the Begijnhof

One thing I liked was that the tour didn’t feel like just “look, another pretty canal.” The guide/captain added little bits of context as we went, which made the ride feel a lot more connected to the city.

Also side note, but the language-switching of the guides here is genuinely impressive.

On my boat, ours moved between different languages during the same tour, including French, Dutch/Flemish, English and Spanish. It’s something I noticed throughout Bruges, actually—the guides are often extremely comfortable moving between languages (sighs in only-English speaker).

Is the Bruges Canal Boat Tour Good for Photos?

Okay let’s get to it. Yes, the Bruges canal boat tour is excellent for photos.

You’ll get canal-level views you won’t get from walking, and the city looks especially good from the water. Think brick buildings, reflections, bridges, swans, greenery and Bruges corners that hopped straight off a postcard.

A few photo tips:

• Sit near the edge if you can.
• Keep your phone or camera ready before you go under bridges.
• Be mindful that the boat moves quickly, so delicious photo ops disappear fast

I wouldn’t obsess over getting the “perfect” boat photo, though. The nicest part of the tour is actually sitting back and watching Bruges from the canals.

Where Do the Bruges Canal Boats Depart From?

There’s five main landing stages in the heart of Bruges, and they all follow the same route and charge the same standard fare, so there’s no need to stress over where you start.

The boat tour I personally did was with Brugesboattour, which departs from Katelijnestraat 4 (just pop this in your Google Maps!).

Do You Need to Book a Bruges Canal Boat Tour in Advance?

For a standard Bruges canal boat tour, usually no.

For the standard city boat trips, just show up, queue and buy your ticket on the day. If you’re a group of 25 or more you can arrange a private Bruges boat in advance.

With that said, I did visit outside the busiest tourist season, so it was easy to be spontaneous. If you’re visiting in July, August, December, during a weekend, during Christmas market season or on a very busy day trip schedule, I’d plan it more carefully, i.e. booking a walking tour that includes a canal cruise instead.

That way, you’re not just hoping the timing works—but instead have a guide, context of the city, a lovely route and a chance to see Bruges by the water all in one experience.

P.S. – The Rederij Stael/Brugesboattour service I took runs daily from 13 February to 30 December, from 10am until around 5pm or 5:30pm, with departures roughly every 15 minutes. With that said, opening times can change because of weather or maintenance, so I’d check again before visiting.

How Much Does the Bruges Canal Boat Tour Cost?

Luckily a happy boat ride through the city won’t set you too far back. Here’s the latest prices:

• Adults: €15
• Children aged 4–11: €9
• Children under 4: free
• Groups of 20 or more: €12 per person
• Private boat: available by advance request; check the current price directly with the operator

P.S. – Prices can change, so I’d always check the latest here!

Should You Do Just the Boat Tour or Book a Walking Tour With a Canal Cruise?

If you only want the canal experience, I’d say the standard Bruges boat tour is enough. If it’s your first time in Bruges and you want to understand the city a bit better, book a walking tour with a canal cruise included instead.

On my first trip to Bruges, I did a walking tour with a canal cruise, and I think that combo was one of the best ways to experience the city for the first time.

Bruges is beautiful on its own, but it becomes much more interesting when someone explains the layers that make it what it is—from the medieval trade history, the canals, the squares, the architecture, the churches, the guilds, the old hospitals, the bridges and all the quirky details you might walk straight past on your own. So…

Walk in for the standard Bruges canal boat tour if…

You’re short on time, want something easy, don’t need a long guided experience, and just want to see Bruges from the water.

This is what I did on my second trip, and it worked perfectly because I already had a general feel for the city.

Book the Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour if…

If it’s your first time in Bruges, you want more history, you like local guides, you want your day planned more efficiently, or you want to combine the boat trip with other (more satiating) experiences like a chocolate or beer tasting.

This is what I’d recommend for most first-time visitors who want more than just a quick boat ride.

Another Good Option: Walking Tour With Chocolate Tasting and Boat Ride

Another one I’d look at is the Bruges Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting and Boat Ride.

This one is especially good if you want a canal cruise with a little chocolate moment built in. The tour includes a guided walking tour, chocolate tasting, a canal boat cruise and the best bit, local recommendations.

You’ll visit iconic stops like Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai and Bonifacius Bridge alongside lesser-known gems like the local Fish Market.

I’d book this one if you want a guided introduction to Bruges, a boat ride and a chocolate tasting in one easy go.

What About a Boat Ride With Beer Tasting?

De Halve Maan Brewery

If you want the boat trip with a beer element (can’t blame you), there’s also some great Bruges walking tours that include a boat ride and optional beer tasting.

This could be a good fit if Belgian beer is a priority for your trip, especially if you’re trying to combine sightseeing with something a little more fun at the end.

If you want a proper brewery experience instead, I’d look at De Halve Maan brewery.

But if you want a walking tour, canal boat ride and optional beer tasting in one convenient experience, this is the one I’d look at.

Is the Bruges Canal Boat Tour Too Touristy?

Honestly I’d say a Bruges canal boat tour can be a bit touristy, but not everything touristy is bad.

Some things are popular because they’re easy, beautiful and genuinely enjoyable, and the Bruges canal boat tour definitely falls in that category for me.

Would I build my entire trip around it? No. But would I skip it because other tourists are doing it? Also no.

Bruges is a very popular city, so you’re not going there to avoid all signs of tourism. And quite frankly, a boat tour in Bruges is one of the easiest ways to enjoy it!

Best Time to Take a Bruges Canal Boat Tour

I’d say if you want fewer crowds, I’d try to go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon.

Midday can get busier, especially when day trippers are in Bruges, and the queues can be longer around most of the central landing stages you’ll board from.

If you’re visiting in shoulder season, you may be able to be more spontaneous like I was.

But if you’re visiting in summer, on a weekend or during December, I’d plan the boat ride into your day rather than treating it as an afterthought.

P.S. – If you’re thinking specifically of photos, softer light is usually better than harsh midday sun, but honestly, the canals are photogenic enough that you’ll probably get good views either way.

Can You Do a Bruges Canal Boat Tour in Winter?

Bruges in December

Yes, but winter services are more fickle for Bruges canal tours, so you’ll need to check opening dates and the weather before planning your day around one.

The city ‘officially’ only guarantees daily boat services from early March to mid-November, although individual operators may choose to run outside that period.

If the canals aren’t running or the weather is miserable, I’d swap it for a museum, chocolate stop, brewery visit or longer walk through the historic centre instead.

Or better yet, check out my guide on unique things to do in Bruges!

What Should You Bring on the Bruges Canal Boat Tour?

You don’t need much, to be honest! And you can’t bring much anyway: the boats don’t have luggage storage, although a handbag or small rucksack is allowed. For a standard 30-minute Bruges boat tour, I’d bring:

• your phone or camera
• a light jacket if it’s windy or cool
• sunglasses if it’s bright
• a small bag
• a bank card and a little cash
• a little patience if there’s a queue

And don’t forget comfortable shoes for exploring Bruges, always!

Can You Eat or Drink on the Bruges Boat Tour?

A scrumptious post-tour chocolate, unless you do a canal boat tour with a chocolate tasting!

You usually can’t eat or drink on a Bruges canal tour. But it’s a short tour anyway, so don’t worry—you’ll be back to gorging on cloud-thick waffles and devilishly rich chocolate soon enough.

Are Bruges Canal Boat Tours Good for Kids?

I think the standard Bruges canal boat tour can work well for kids because it’s short, scenic and not too demanding. There were one or two on the tour I took and they seemed to be doing grand.

Plus, children aged 4–11 get a discounted standard fare, and children under 4 travel free (see tickets here).

Are Bruges Canal Boat Tours Accessible?

Unfortunately, standard Bruges canal boats aren’t wheelchair accessible as every landing stage is down at water level and requires stairs, with no lift.

If you can manage a short distance and board with help from your own companion, Rederij Stael at Katelijnestraat 4 has the fewest stairs.

Just bear in mind Bruges itself is very cobbled as a destination, so it’s worth thinking about accessibility across your whole itinerary to make sure it’s most enjoyable for you.

Is the Bruges Canal Boat Tour Better Than Walking Around?

No, but I’d say it’s different.

Walking is still the best way to explore Bruges overall. You’ll absolutely want to wander Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, spots like Begijnhof, Minnewater, the shopping streets and the food stops on foot.

But the canal boat gives you the city from another angle and for a first trip, I’d do both.

Walk first so you get your bearings, then take a Bruges boat tour when you want a break. Or, if you’re doing a guided walking tour with a boat ride included, just let your guide take the lead.

Final Thoughts: Is the Bruges Canal Boat Tour Worth It?

Overall I would absolutely do a Bruges canal boat tour again, and yes, it is worth doing, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

If you’re short on time or want something spontaneous, the standard Bruges boat tour is perfect. You can turn up, join the queue, pay on the spot and enjoy half an hour on the canals. Easy peasy!

If you want more history, a smoother itinerary and a better introduction to Bruges overall, I’d book a walking tour with a canal cruise included.

And for the foodies, mix your canal cruise with a chocolate tasting or for those that love a tipple, have a beer tasting with your Bruges canal cruise.

Either way, don’t leave Bruges without seeing it from the water, at least once.

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Bruges Canal Boat Tour

💭 Is the Bruges canal boat tour worth it?

Yes, I’d say a Bruges canal boat tour is worth it, especially for a first trip. It’s short, scenic and gives you a different view of Bruges from the water—with glorious views of bridges, canals, historic buildings and parts of the city you simply can’t see in the same way on foot.

💭 How long does a Bruges canal boat tour take?

Most standard Bruges canal boat tours (like this one) take around 30 minutes.

💭 How much is the Bruges canal boat tour?

Around €15 per adult and €9 for children aged 4–11 at the time of writing!

💭 Where do the Bruges canal boats depart from?

Boat trips tend to depart from several landing stages in the historic centre of Bruges. I personally boarded with Brugesboattour at Katelijnestraat 4, near Saint John’s Hospital and the Church of Our Lady.

💭 Do you need to book a Bruges boat tour in advance?

For the standard Bruges canal boat tour, no. Just join the queue and buy your ticket at the landing stage. If you’re a group of 25 or more you can book a private boat or book ahead in general for any combined guided experience in Bruges like a the Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour.

💭 Are all Bruges boat tours the same?

Pretty much. Standard city boat trips follow a fixed route through the historic centre, so they’re broadly similar. The main differences are the departure point, queue, guide/captain, weather and how busy the boat is.

💭 Is the Bruges canal boat tour hop-on hop-off?

Nope, the Bruges canal boat tour is not hop-on hop-off. It’s a short sightseeing boat trip that follows a set route and lasts around 30 minutes.

💭 Can you eat or drink on the Bruges boat tour?

Not on the Brugesboattour cruise I took.

💭 What do you see on the Bruges canal boat tour?

You’ll see the Bruges canals, bridges, historic houses, waterside facades, swans and parts of the city between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage. Depending on the route and commentary, you may also pass or hear about places near Rozenhoedkaai, the Church of Our Lady, Saint John’s Hospital and other Bruges landmarks.

💭 Is the Bruges canal boat tour good for photos?

Yes, it’s very good for photos. You’ll get canal-level views of Bruges that you can’t get from walking around the city.

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

For a first trip, I’d do both if you can. Walking helps you understand and explore Bruges properly, while the boat tour gives you a different perspective from the canals. If you want the easiest version, book a guided walking tour with a canal cruise included.

💭 Can you take a private boat tour in Bruges?

Yes, but it depends on the operator. I took a public one on Brugesboattour but they also have a private boat option for up to 25 people, which works lovely if you’re a group, family or celebrating a special occasion.

💭 What is the best Bruges canal boat tour?

For a simple, spontaneous option, I liked the standard Brugesboattour cruise from Katelijnestraat 4 (just walk up, pay and board!). For a first-time visitor who wants more context, I’d look at a guided walking tour with a canal boat cruise included, especially one that also includes chocolate or a Belgian beer tasting if that fits your trip.

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
• Best Tours in Bruges: Canal Cruises, Walking Tours & Food Experiences
• 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