Bruges tours

Things to do in Bruges

Bruges resembles a scene drawn from a well-loved fable, with canals threading through its medieval heart and each corner suggesting a hidden tale. The air carries a hint of chocolate, and the sound of hooves on cobblestones adds to the charm. On a ToursByLocals journey, your guide brings Bruges' stories to life. Beyond its postcard-perfect façades, explore the myths and histories that lend Bruges its unique character. Perhaps you'll indulge in local flavours on a culinary tour or meander through quaint alleys and secluded gardens. With your guide's insights, the queues fade away, leaving you to absorb Bruges' essence, a city where time seems to pause just for you. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Bruges. Explore Bruges your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Bruges tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Bruges for every interest, including: History tours: Explore the medieval trading quarter around Jan van Eyckplein, loop the old ramparts to the windmills, and time your Belfry climb to avoid the longest lines. A private history tour can also take you through Sint-Janshospitaal for a look at centuries of care. Art and Culture tours: Study Flemish Primitives at the Groeningemuseum and Memling’s works at Sint-Janshospitaal, then watch lace-makers at the Kantcentrum. If sweets are your thing, your guide can arrange a short chocolate workshop with a local chocolatier. Architecture tours: Compare brick Gothic at the Church of Our Lady with the ornate Town Hall on the Burg and the nearby Basilica of the Holy Blood. Stroll the whitewashed Begijnhof and rows of godshuizen, and add the modern Concertgebouw to see how the city builds today. The compact centre is easy to cover on foot, with frequent city buses for farther stops. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Bruges inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour through Bruges and immerse yourself in its enchanting neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to uncover the city's secrets than by exploring with someone who knows it well. - Historic Center: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a dream for cultural tourists. With its medieval architecture and scenic canals, it’s the perfect spot to learn about Bruges' storied past. Families will love the fairy-tale atmosphere, while photographers can capture stunning views. - Sint-Anna: Discover a quieter side of Bruges with charming cobblestone streets and local art galleries. This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking meaningful experiences, offering a peaceful retreat from the busier city center. - Ezelstraat Quarter: Known for its independent shops and cozy cafes, this area is perfect for those who enjoy a laid-back vibe. Multi-generational groups can explore unique boutiques and sample local chocolates together. Day trip ideas from Bruges Use Bruges day trips to swap canal views for big-city squares, beach air, or quiet countryside, and shape your tour around art, food, war history, or the sea. Ghent: a short ride brings you to a lively medieval core with soaring towers, canals, and bold street art; great if you like mixing Gothic churches with cool cafés and local beer, and your tour can zero in on murals or river history. Brussels: grand squares, comic-strip murals, and major museums sit close together, so you can sample chocolate, see Art Nouveau façades, and get a taste of EU life all in one day. Ypres and Flanders Fields: moving WWI sites, peaceful cemeteries, and small museums make a thoughtful day, ideal if you’re into history and want context around the Western Front landscapes. North Sea coast, Ostend or Knokke-Heist: wide beaches, seaside art, and seafood spots suit a slower day; walk the promenade, watch the light change on the water, and let your tour highlight local neighbourhoods. Antwerp: fashion, diamonds, and port heritage meet strong art traditions, so you can see Rubens masterpieces, browse boutiques, and learn how a trading city shaped Belgium’s style. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Bruges most travellers miss.