free walking tour bruges belgium

Best things to do and see in Bruges

Bruges is one of the main cities of Belgium and the capital of the West Flanders part, located in the northwestern part of the country. It stands out mainly for its canals, being classified by many as the Venice of the North, with permission from Amsterdam. In addition, one of its hallmarks is its medieval buildings that make you can imagine several centuries ago with its cobbled streets, highlighting the bell tower (Belfort) dating from the thirteenth century with more than 80 meters high that is close to the Markt Square. The port of the city, Zeebrugge, is considered an important focus of trade at European level as well as a very favorable place for fishing activity. Belgian cuisine stands out above all for its chocolates, as well as its fries (they don't make them the same anywhere else in the world). The already mentioned Grote Markt square located in the most central part of the city, as well as the Church of Our Lady (Vrouwekerk) and the dock of the Rosary bathed by the Dijver, possibly the most important channel in the area, stand out as essential places in Bruges . Other points of interest that are also worth visiting are the Minnewater Park (Lake of Love) south of the old town, the Burg Square which has the presence of some of the emblematic buildings such as the Town Hall (Stadhuis), the Palace of Justice or the Basilica of the Holy Blood, another place you should visit is Begijnhof (the Beatoria of Belgium were declared a World Heritage Site) near the Minnewater park. And you shouldn't leave without first seeing the two most prominent museums: Groeninge and Memling as well as the Cathedral of San Salvador. In the case that it is your first visit to Bruges , it is highly recommended that you do a free tour with a local guide to help you locate the most important places in the city. In fact, in addition to seeing and listening to the history behind the monuments, buildings, streets and canals, they will also advise you on where to eat, how to get around or what areas are worth visiting beyond the old town.

Free walking tour near Bruges

Others cities to visit after bruges, where are you traveling to.

8 Best Free Walking Tours in Bruges with Local Guides (2024)  

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Looking for the best free walking tours in Bruges?

Growing up near this historic city, I’ve spent many days exploring the streets of the so-called “Venice of the North”.

In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the nine top free walking tours that showcase Bruges in a way only a local can appreciate. These tours aren’t just about seeing the sights; they’re about experiencing the real Bruges, its history, and its culture.

This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer.

TOP PICK | My favourite is the Tell Me About Bruges Tour in which a local storyteller uses stories to guide you through the city. Reserve your spot here .

The best free walking tours in Bruges

free walking tours in Bruges

1. Tell Me About Bruges ⭐ 1000 Years of Stories by Local Storytellers  

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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Bruges Free Tour

• 9.40 / 10 2,642 reviews | 16,060 travellers Excellent presentation of the city and its history. The little extra, the humor of our guide Gérard. These 3 hours spent in his company were a treat. Without this guided tour we would have missed a lot of things. It was very informative. 10 Karine

Discover why Bruges is a popular destination for thousands of tourists . Head back in time to the medieval ages and learn why the city still looks the same today on this free tour!

This free tour in Bruges will start from the market square, the Grote Markt , which is in a truly central position. Here you can see the impressive Belfry of Bruges , one of the city's most emblematic monuments. Nearby is the Palace of Gruuthuse (also known as the Provincial Palace). Its architecture will take you back in time to the Middle Ages. 

After explaining the history of these monuments, we'll stroll across Augustine's Bridge , and we'll fill you in on the backstory of the enigmatic Ghost House . Your guide will lead you to visit the medieval port of Bruges at the Jan van Eyck Square , where art and history come together in a fascinating blend. Next, you'll discover an ancient mystery at the Jerusalem Church, which will wow you with its architectural splendour.

Along your journey, we'll also go back in time to show you the God Houses , tiny medieval communities that'll dazzle you with their unique style. Towards the end, you'll catch a glimpse of the iconic mills and the Cross gate in Bruges, where you'll get a front-row seat for an amazing panoramic view of the city.

Each step in this unique tour will show you the real, laid-back side of Bruges, mixing the magic of the past with the beauty of today. After a total of 2 hours, we'll say our goodbyes. See you next time!

How to get to Bruges from Brussels

There is a frequent train service to Bruges from the Belgian capital (principally Gare du Midi and Brussel Central Stations). The journey takes just one hour.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English speaking guide specialized in the history of Bruges

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.

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Corporate name: Travelling Teddy Tours, vzw

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

The Market Square, Grote Markt, in front of the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck

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Free Walking Tour Bruges

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Free Walking Tour Bruges

Discover the stories of medieval bruges and the best places to see now, free  bruges walking tour.

Bruges Free Walking Tour

Since 2018 Ambassadors of Bruges has been the best choice to experience this beautiful medieval city through a free walking tour. We believe the best way to discover a city is with a local to get all the insights and to create the best experience and memories. Ambassadors Tours is a collective of local guides and storytellers (we’re a non-profit organisation started by guides, for guides).

We offer our original Highlights: History & Heritage Free Walking Tour as well as specialty and private tours in Bruges. They are a perfect introduction to discover the stories and the importance of medieval Bruges as well as the best places to go nowadays.

All of us have our own personal stories and stops on a pretty similar route. So you’re not getting a traditional corporate tour but an honest experience designed by your guide . That’s why in less than two years we have become the no. 1 tours in Bruges.

Pictures from our walks

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Belgium ‎ >  Bruges  >  Free Bruges Walking Tour Map   

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Free Bruges Walking Tour:

Walking Tour Location : Bruges Belgium City Center Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self-Guided ) Start : Bruges Train Station End : Stadsschouwburg Bus Stop Walking Distance : 2.5 Miles Time : 2 Hours for Walk ( with attractions 5-6 hours ) Fun Scale :  10 out of 10

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Overview of Old Town Bruges:

Bruges is super cool

We hope you enjoy our free Bruges walking tour!

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1. Notre-Dame Cathedral :

About Notre Dame Cathedral : Also known as Notre-Dame de Paris, the former location of a Roman temple and then the Basicilia of Saint Stephen ( Saint-Étienne ) which dated back to either the 4th or 7th ( renovation of rebuild ) century until 1160.  This early 5-nave basilica was very large for its time and around half the total size of the current Cathedral.  Construction on the first Notre Dame then started in 1163 with Pope Alexander III setting the first stone.  Dedicated to the Virgin Mary ( Notre Dame ).

2. Paradise Square ( Place du Parvis ):

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

Local Guides ✕ (Free) Walking Tours tips-based / Tell Me Stories About Bruges = No. 1 Tour Free Walking Tour Bruges

All activities - What to do in Bruges - Free Walking Tour Bruges

Free Walking Tour Bruges

💛 tell me stories about bruges 🏰.

This is the best free walking tour in Bruges according to every single booking & review platform. Don't expect a traditional city tour of Bruges . Our tour guides are storytellers that make the history of medieval Bruges come to life!

Our Free Tour of Bruges in Numbers

morning & afternoon

Online Booking Conditions

• 1 - 6 people: Instant confirmation

Fully booked? You can always try your luck at the meeting point in case of a last-minute cancellation or a no-show.

No. 1 Free Tour in Bruges

Tour highlights.

• See the highlights & hidden gems of medieval Bruges
• No. 1 out of all tours in Bruges (not just free tours) with 4.9 out of 5 stars.
• No boring history tour overloaded with dates, names & too many details.
• Parents praise us for managing to even get their teenagers captivated on a history tour!
• We love history and will answer any in-depth question with pleasure.

Full Description

Discover the beauty and over a 1000 years of history of the medieval city centre on this 2-hour free walking tour of Bruges. We're storytellers, so there won't be a boring moment and we're tour guides to share all our knowledge on what to do in Bruges once the tour is over with you.

We will take you back to the middle ages and let you imagine how life must have been in what was back then the richest city in the world. The Golden Ages of Bruges were the 1300's & 1400's. But we'll also tell you how we became the poorest city of Belgium afterwards and who was to blame for that. Listen to our stories about love and conflict, architecture and wealth and, of course, about Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries and beer.

• Adults: €0,-
• Children: €0,-
• Infants: €0,-

Is the Free Walking Tour Really Free?

Yes. That's the fantastic thing about the concept. It's free to join if you book through our own website. You're also free to leave if it turns out you don't like it. However, we are quite sure you'll do and then you're free to choose whatever amount you think the tour is worth it to you at the end of the tour. Most travellers give between €10 and $30 per person.

Places We Visit In Bruges

• Meeting Point & Introduction: Market Square
• Belfry Tower (Belfort) & the Cloth Halls
• Bonifaciusbrug (Boniface Bridge) also knows as the Bridge of Love
• Burg Square , the political heart of Bruges
• Church of Our Lady
• Fish Market
• Gruuthuse Palace
• Dijver & Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) , Bruges' most photographed spot
• Old St. John's Hospital

Practical Information about the Bruges Free Tour

Inclusions & exclusions.

What's included:

• Local English speaking storyteller

What's not included:

• Gratuities for the guide (optional)

Meeting Point Look for the yellow umbrella

On the Market Square of Bruges, in front of the Belfry Tower.

This free walking tour of Bruges is running every single day of the year, including holidays . In our booking calendar you always find the most up-to-date information.

• 10:00 (extra early bird tour during the weekends)
• 11:00 (every day)
• 14:00 (every day)
• 17:00 (on the days we run our Alternative Bruges at Night tour as well)

Why walk with us?

We love what we do and always do our very best. At the end of the tour you decide what it's worth to you

We guarantee small groups of around 20 people. No big crowds with radio headsets

We're very proud that our tours are the highest rated walking tours of Bruges on TripAdvisor & Google

Around 2km (1.25mi). So it's not a long walk, but a lot of the interesting sites are very close to one another. Yet, we're able to talk about it for hours.

Yes! We run our tours every single day of the year. Check out the calendar at the bottom of this page to book your Bruges free tour now.

It means that it's a Pay What You Want tour. At the end of the tour, you decide what the tour is worth to you and whether you want to reward the guide accordingly (and according to your budget). That way everyone can enjoy a tour.

Reviews of the Tell Me Stories About Bruges Free Walking Tour

Left by our guests on independent platforms, a very entertaining free tour of bruges.

Pascal did an excellent storytelling walking tour of Bruges in English. He was very enthusiastic, engaging and entertaining. He really brought the medieval city to life. I’d recommend his tour to families with teenage children as it was informative without being too fact filled with names and dates.

Macca - Wokingham, UK - Aug 2023

Steve was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Bruges and his daughter Nikki added lots of gems along the way. We couldn't have asked for better guides, well paced, considerate of the audience and very friendly and entertaining. Wish we could do it again. So much to take in, really enjoyable. Thanks Steve and Nikki!

Lise - Melbourne, Australia - July 2023

Wonderful and informative tour of Bruges

Gosia gave us a wonderful and informative tour of Bruges. She showed us so many great spots, gave wonderful recommendations, and was so lovely to walk through the city with.

Shannon Henry - US - May 2023

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Free Walking Tour Bruges

General information.

Starting time

11:00 am / 6:00 pm

Tip only basis

Free walking tour Bruges is the best way to explore Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North”, is a charming and well-preserved medieval city located in the northwest region of Belgium. With its stunning canals, picturesque cobbled streets, and magnificent Gothic architecture, Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions of tourists each year. From the iconic Belfry tower to the famous Burg square, Bruges offers a unique blend of history, culture and picturesque beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Belgium.

Meet your guide at the Market Square.

Tip only basis. You must tip your guide at the end of the tour. It is recommended to tip from 10 to 20 euros per person.

Free walking tour Bruges will take you through the charming streets, picturesque canals, and historic landmarks of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

We will start at the Market Square and admire the iconic Belfry, then visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a 12th-century chapel housing a relic believed to be a drop of Christ’s blood.

Read more...

Next, we will walk through the charming streets and admire the beautiful homes and shops, before stopping at the Burg Square, the political and cultural center of the city.

Finally, we will end the tour at the renowned Groeningemuseum, where you can admire some of the most important works of art from the Flemish Primitives. Join us for a wonderful opportunity to discover the rich history and charming atmosphere of Bruges.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum of participants.

The maximum of participants is 15 people.

Can I book a private walking tour?

Yes, you can book a private walking tour by contacting us straight via email.

Can I bring my children?

Yes, in Free Tour Bruges everyone is welcome.

What should I bring?

Check out the weather on the day of the tour to make sure you bring and umbrella in case is raining. Bring comfortable shoes, cash and a big smile 🙂

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We are proud to offer our newest, affordable sightseeing option - AUDIO TOURS. Can't make one of our guided Bruges walking tours? No problem.  Each tour offers an off-line option to view the map and hear the audio of each walk so that you don't need to have GPS maps running with the app. Here […]

This map shows the stops on our audio tour which you can purchase on the booking page. If you'd like to add this map to your Google Maps app so you can follow along using GPS, just click the square bracket in the upper right hand corner. Helpful hint: If you want to use Google […]

There are 3 types of free walking tours in Bruges, a historic centre tour, a food tour, as well as a night tour focused on legends and ghost stories. 

This post is a free, self-guided walking tour of Bruges historic centre, along with a downloadable map with our suggested route. You can complete this tour in 60-90 minutes, but you may want to take more time to explore the area and see as much as possible. Click the map to enlarge This tour can […]

In this post, you’ll find all the best events and things to see and do in Bruges this August. We have a Top 10 list of things to do that is updated for 2024.  TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST IN BRUGES Below are our favorite 10 events and activities to do […]

In this post, you’ll find all the best events and things to see and do in Bruges this July. We have a Top 10 list of things to do that is updated for 2024.    TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN JULY IN BRUGES Below are our favorite 10 events and activities to […]

In this post, you’ll find all the best events and things to see and do in June in Bruges, Belgium. We have a Top 10 list of festivals, attractions, and entertainment that is updated for 2024.    TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN JUNE IN BRUGES Below are our favorite 10 events and […]

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Bruges Walking Tour – DIY for Free!

As part of my visit in Belgium around Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp, I could not miss visiting Bruges too.

At 138.4 square kilometres in size, you can easily do a self-guided walking tour around Bruges in half a day. Because of what a small town it is, it is extremely easy to do a free walking tour in Bruges on your own at completely at your own pace.

I was especially exhilarated to be finally visiting this little town after watching the movie In Bruges (and watching one of the main casts jumping down from the Belfry :/). The plot was meaningless, but the scenes did set me up for what to expect on my day trip there.

Bruges is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings, which makes it exceptionally pleasant to do a walking tour on your own and do some city sightseeing around Bruges.

It is a 30-45 minute walk from the train station to the centre of Bruges.

Be sure to stop by at the tourist centre while you’re at the train station to grab a map!

A Brugge city tour is easy to follow once you have the Bruges walking tour map.

The highlights below are follows the order starting from the moment you walk from the train station to the furthest major attraction in Bruges.

Recommended duration in Bruges : half day

At A Glance

1. Begijnhof/ Minnewater

2. st saviour’s cathedral, 3. church of our lady/ onze-lieve-vrouwekerk, 4. rozenhoedkaai, 5. market square/ markt, 7. burg square, 8. city hall/ hotel de ville, 9. jan van eyckplein/ het voormalige hanzekwartier, 1. kathe wohlfahrt, 2. river boat ride, what to see on a self-guided bruges walking tour, belgium.

Be greeted by a family of swans and this picture-perfect bridge flanked by surrounding buildings.

This is the most photographed spot in Bruges. The Groenerei and Dijver canals meet, creating a romantic, charming scene, especially so in winter!

The hub of all activities. Most of the shops facing the centre are restaurants, but don’t miss the row of iconic, narrow houses that are built above it!

This 13th-century belfry has a 47-bell carillon and is 83m high, offering panoramic views.

Costs 6€ to climb up the 366 steps .

I’ve been climbing towers in Ghent , Antwerp, Florence, etc and honestly, the views is worth every effort and penny you put in. I would never let any tower pass me by without conquering it.

There are rest points in between and while the steps are steep and climbing in circles may get you groggy, the fact that the enclosed tower only allows you to see at most 3 steps in front of you before curving upwards helps make climbing up easier. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

It is situated on the Burg Square .

It is a former Hanseatic quarter. This part of the city used to be a thriving port in 1200.

This red brick medieval building on this quarter is the first building to be restored in the 19th century.

What’s interesting about this wooden facade (above) is that it is an authentic wooden house that was prohibited from the 17th century onwards because of it being a fire hazard.

You can find this along the road Genthof in the direction Woensdagmarkt .

Other things to see and do in Bruges, Belgium

Chanced upon this store between Markt and Burg, Kathe Wohlfahrt .

If you haven’t seen this around Europe, it is a Christmas store, with little Christmas trinklets displayed on every possible corner of the shop. I was extremely fascinated by the cuckoo clocks, angels, chimes, wooden dolls and Santa Clauses that I’ve only seen in fairytale shows.

This shop originates from Rothenburg, a medieval old town famous for its Christmas markets!

I visited Rothenburg too and am equally enraptured by the little Christmas shops there! I will accompany a post with pictures of Rothenburg soon. 🙂

When in Bruges , take the river ride if you can! It was a pity I couldn’t because it was pouring the entire day I was there. You’ll be able to see parts of Bruges that are hidden from the pedestrians on the streets.

It costs no more than 8€ .

There you go, that’s a Brugge free walking tour for you to do, at your own time and pace!

There are also day tours that goes from Brussels daily at 11am.

If you’re in Belgium, don’t miss out the full Belgian experience by visiting Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp! Each offers unique sights and vibes.

Read other posts about Belgium:

• Visiting Ghent, Belgium For Free!
• Coolest Ghent Food Recommendations from a Local
• Couchsurfing in Ghent, Belgium
• Packing List for Europe Winter
• Cheapest Way to Travel Around Europe
• How Much Does A Trip To Europe Cost?
• Europe Trip; 6 Months, 16 Countries, 55 Cities, 11 Languages
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Get your FREE travel expense sheet and track your expenses!

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26 March 2015, Thursday

Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

Hi! I'm Isabel, a full-time traveller and digital nomad from Singapore. In the past 10 years, I've lived in New Zealand , Japan , Kauai Hawaii , Mexico , Costa Rica and Bali . Pulling from my own world travel adventures and blogging lessons, I share my tried and tested tips, so that I can get YOU to work LESS and play MORE!

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Very nice article, I had just shared this article on my travel site, I hope you don’t mind. This is a website that let bloggers or travelers to share some great articles or photos about travel, and indexed by attractions.

I know you love travel and write a lots of blog post about interesting places in the world, so I would like to invite you to be a member of our community and share your blog post, photos or review.

You can check the link below to find your articles on my site, if you don’t want me to share your articles, please tell me, I will remove it as soon as possible.

Hope you all the best =)

I’m glad you found my site! Yes indeed everything you said is true of me. 🙂 I can’t wait to share more of my articles on your site. I’m glad you like them! 🙂

This looks so pretty – I’m sorry you couldn’t go on the boat ride though! I’ve been itching to get back overseas (I live in DC) and Bruges is now on my list of places to go 🙂 I’ll be stopping by again to read about your other adventures! – Hannah, thecatsandcoffee.com

That’s so nice. I haven’t been to the US, except for NYC. I’ve been dying to go!

I’ve never thought about visiting Belgium before, but now you have me wanting to!

Karin | truncationblog.com

This looks amazing and so fun. It is so beautiful there. Such a tragedy from yesterday, but someday I hope to go to Belgium!

How pretty! This looks like an amazing town to wander around in. 🙂 I love slowly exploring a new city on foot!

You’re right! I love exploring Europe’s little towns by foot too!

Isabel, thanks so much for linking to my guide to Belgium. I really appreciate it. 🙂

You’re welcome Karen! Thank you for linking my blog on your Couchsurfing link too. Could you modify the link to: belaroundtheworld.com/couchsurfing-yay-or-nay/ Thank you!

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Free Historical Tour Bruges | Incl. Chocolate Treat + €3 Off Boat Tour

Overview of the tour in Bruges

Join our Daily Free Tour of Bruges and discover the highlights of our gorgeous city! Our legendary team of knowledgeable and top-rated local guides will take you on a journey through the medieval heart and legendary past of Bruges. We also stop along the way to give you a taste of chocolate and offer a €3 discount ticket for boat tours. History and funny stories, legends and interesting facts, highlights and hidden gems, chocolate & discounts — this tour has everything to make your experience of Bruges authentic and exciting! Can't get enough of our legendary tours? Make sure to join our daily Free Evening Tour as well to visit a different part of Bruges, discover more history and complete your introduction to the city. Or join us on our Free Tasting Tour of Bruges to give you a taste of our local gastronomy. If you're travelling with a group of more than 6, please contact us for a private tour. How come it is free? We believe that anyone can enjoy our tours, no matter the budget. Therefore, we offer free tours on a tip basis, which guarantees that you receive an excellent overview of the city and you can tip your guide as much as you think the tour is worth to you.

This activity includes:

• Burg Square
• Groeninge Museum
• Market Square
• Lake of Love
• Gruuthusemuseum
• Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"
• Church of Our Lady Bruges
• Rosary Quay
• Fish Market
• Saint John’s Hospital
• Arents Courtyard (Hof Arents)

Meeting point

Markt Square, Brugge

Find the guide with the red umbrella in front of the statue on the main square (Markt) of Bruges. Look out for the guide with the red umbrella! Remember: if it's not red, it's not legendary!

Things to note

If you can no longer attend our tour, please cancel it via the link in your confirmation email, so we can open up the slot to other guests.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Legend of Bruges - Legends Free Walking Tours

• Europe    
• Belgium    
• Flanders    
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• Bruges - Things to Do    
• Legends Free Walking Tours

Legend of Bruges

The guide for this trip was Koen Goeminne, and it is fair to say that he was excellent, his knowledge, friendliness and information sharing was brilliant. The first part of the tour was the history of Bruges from the 9th Century up to the present day, and yes I'm a history lover and I would have quite happily listened to him for the whole day. The way he explained the facts was really good, he made sure that everyone was included, his interaction with the group was excellent, he answered any questions in such a helpful manner and made sure that you were happy with the reply. If you are looking for a guided tour to help you understand and know more about Bruges, then I thoroughly recommend booking with Legends of Bruges and when you turn up at the meeting point, and it is Koen then you will enjoy the tour

Really informative. Varied and interesting content brought to life through stories and not simply facts and dates. Great for adults and teenagers

Eric has done a great job! Very informative yet not tiring approach. There is nothing to complain about. I would suggest increasing recommended tip information on the site as $10 per person for a 2.5-hour tour seems a little low, and if you are short in cash, there is not much you can do on the spot.

Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges When in Bruges it's not difficult to know your way around the principal attractions. But before you start walking about, reserve a free tour on their website. They will walk you through Bruges most important places and some secret ones as well. Besides, they give you good tips on where to eat or buy things, what to see besides the most touristic spots. You can book on the language most familiar to you. We were guided by Martin who was very nice and funny, but also showed a great knowledge of history. Thank you Martin. Bruges would not be the same without you.

Amazing tour! Highly recommend! The tour guide, Jans(spelling?), was friendly, knowledgeable, funny, kept things moving and was excellent! Thank you!

Very engaging and lots of interesting information on history and gives a sense of Bruges. Our tour guide was Astrid who carried this off seamlessly and enraptured all. Recommended.

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Your mobile guide to medieval Bruges!

-  Virtual experience of the Middle Ages in 360°

-  Historical info about all landmarks

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www.beyondbruges.be

- Virtual presentation of medieval Bruges in 360°

- Historical info about all landmarks

- 10% cashback in +40 local shops, bars & museums

Why should you join the Legends?

The best use of your time

We not only show you the highlights of our city, but also introduce you to more hidden gems and give you tips on where to go and what to do during your stay!

The best value for money

We believe that anyone should be able to enjoy our tours no matter the budget. Therefore, we offer our free tours on the basis of tips, so you are free to tip your guide as much as you think the tour is worth to you. .

The best rated tours

We offer the highest rated tours in Bruges, Brussels, Ghent & Antwerp because our legendary team of local volunteers all share a passion for history and are proud to show visitors around the city they call home.

Meet the Legends

Hi there! Got a question?

 We’re here to help, find the answers below. 

Where do the tours start from?

All tours start from a central location in the city. In Bruges and Antwerp, we meet by the central statue on the main square (Grote Markt), in Brussels on Market Square (Grand Place) and in Ghent we meet in front of Hostel Uppelink. Look for the guide with the red umbrella!

What is a Free Tour?

Free Tours are guided walks provided by passionate local guides without requesting any upfront payments. They allow every traveller, no matter their budget, to experience a quality tour and get to know the city from a local’s perspective.

How do I recognize the guide?

Look for the guide with the red umbrella at the meeting point. Remember: if it’s not red, it’s not legendary!

Are Free Tours really free?

Free Tours work on a “Pay-What-You-Like” basis, so you are free to decide how much you want to contribute according to how much you enjoyed the experience. 

Who can take our Free Tours?

Travellers of all ages and backgrounds who want to enjoy an authentic experience can join our Free Tours, but if you are travelling in a group of more than 6, we ask that you book a private tour with us instead.

Do I have to book my Free Tour?

Yes, it’s advised to make a booking to ensure group sizes remain manageable and guides can provide a better experience for all guests. Making a booking is absolutely free and it will take you less than one minute!

Which language will you speak during the tour?

We offer tours in English, Spanish, Dutch, French and German. Each tour is given in one language only, so make sure to book the tour in the language you are most familiar with.

Are there any breaks during the free walking tour?

There is no scheduled break during the tour but we are of course flexible, so we can always take a break if you need one!

Tours by legends for legends

Legends vzw - Legends Experiences bv, Sasplein 12, 8000 Brugge

VAT: BE0607.943.144 - BE0800.649.183

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Don't know where to start, tours and things to do in bruges, best day trips from bruges.

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The streets of Bruges: What should you see and do?

The picturesque city of Bruges in Belgium is not a well-kept secret, and this wondrous place is a must-see for anyone living in or visiting Europe. Its gothic architecture, complete with cobbled streets and underground taverns, transports you to the past and the city turns magical during the festive period with its markets.

While Bruges is a relatively small city, there is still plenty to pack in, and it’s the perfect weekend getaway for a change of scenery or a romantic break. If you need some ideas for your Bruges itinerary, make sure to check out these tips to avoid missing any of the essentials. Booking our free tour of Bruges is a very good start , but there is more!

Chocolate tasting

Let’s start with one of the main reasons to visit Belgium, let alone Bruges – chocolate . The chocolatiers of Bruges don’t disappoint, with the highlight being the wonderful Neuhaus which offers a vast array of sweet chocolate delights in its windows ready to tempt you in. But why limit yourself to just one chocolate shop?

Bruges celebrates its love of chocolate and there are walking tours available with local knowledge to bring you into the best chocolate shops across the city.

If you intend on eating your body weight in chocolate while in Bruges, then Choco-Story is the place to visit. It is a chocolate museum with a unique collection of chocolate memorabilia and paraphernalia from history, plus demonstrations and tastings to ensure you don’t leave on an empty stomach!

Belgian beer and where to drink it

Besides chocolate, Belgium is famous for another treat, beer. If you want to sample some local brews, there is no shortage of places to wet your whistle, and our free walking tour by night is the perfect way to discover all the local hotspots.

The good news is that most bars and taverns in Bruges provide a wide selection of Belgian beers to sample, so it may take several visits to make sure you know your favourite! Taverns like Le Trappiste not only feel like a throwback to medieval times thanks to the underground setting, but also brew their own.

You may also marvel at the extensive range of drinks available at some of these medieval drinking holes. It’s not uncommon to be provided with what feels like a beer encyclopedia to choose your drink from, including helpful tasting advice to guide your selection.

With three working breweries in Bruges, if you want to learn more about Belgian beer-making techniques, a brewery tour should be high up on your agenda. You can learn how these master breweries have been creating their beer for hundreds of years, perfecting their techniques and preserving historic methods along the way.

The hunt for Belgian waffles

In truth, you won’t have to hunt very far, wide or hard for waffles in Belgium . Whether you want to take some waffles in hand as you walk through the cobbled streets or you want to take your time and sit in a café or bistro, around most corners is somewhere you can buy waffles.

Food makes the trip for many people and in Belgium, you are spoilt for choice. The most difficult decision will be having to choose what to miss out on for any given meal.

Exploring the streets

Often, the best way to take in a new city and to get a feel for the place is to walk its streets, finding avenues, stores, and places of interest for yourself. Getting lost in the atmosphere and hubbub on our own two feet is all part of the city break experience, and this way you get to feel the beautifully cobbled streets of Bruges.

The entire city of Bruges has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Sight, and it is possibly one of the best examples of a medieval settlement that has maintained its historic roots as the city has been modernized over the years.

As such, there are fine architectural details to be found throughout, and pictures to be taken to make sure you don’t miss a thing. To keep your Bruges street photography on point, camera experts MPB advise using small, mirrorless cameras.

They say: “These are generally compact and some have tilting screens, allowing you to mimic the ‘shoot-from-the-hip’ style of top-focusing cameras. As you don’t have a camera to your face, this allows you to blend in more and capture those all-important candid shots.” With free walking tours across Bruges available, your guide can highlight the most amazing medieval architectural designs and details throughout the historic centre.

Horse-drawn carriage rides

Perhaps walking isn’t for you, but you still want to get a feel for the ancient cobbled streets of Bruges. A horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic centre is perfect if you wish to learn about the history of this ancient city, feel the cobbles rumble through the carriage but stay nice and cosy under a blanket. Guides are informative and knowledgeable, and for a romantic experience with your significant other, it’s a memorable way to spend an hour.

Sailing along the canals

One of the best ways to take in Bruges is by boat, with canal tours taking you through the heart of the city and showcasing some of the medieval architecture from a new perspective. Although it’s not a long tour, there are plenty of details packed in that your guide and captain will only be too happy to share with you.

From old factories and warehouses that used the canals as delivery routes to being accompanied through the water by graceful swans, boat tours offer a new angle on Bruges’ history. It’s worth knowing that the boats aren’t covered, and it can get chilly, so make sure to bring some warm clothing to ensure you can remain focused on watching the wonderful buildings float by.

Climbing the Belfry of Bruges

If seeing Bruges from one different perspective wasn’t enough, there is a second viewpoint to consider. The Belfry tower in Bruges is one of the main landmarks of the medieval city, and impossible to ignore once you reach the centre.

This 16th-century tower has used its bells to mark activities in city life for hundreds of years, and those willing to scale the 366 steps and 83 meters will enjoy one of the best views of Bruges. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and marvel at the intricate architecture that fills Bruges’ skyline.

While in the Belfry, visitors can take a tour and discover more about the clockwork mechanisms that keep the bells running on time. For those unsure about climbing the Belfry, there is a miniature version on the Market Square in front of the tower for a different insight into this historic building and its gothic architecture.

Bruges: Hidden secrets

Although Bruges is a small city, one as old as this has plenty of surprises in store for its visitors. With traditions aplenty, tourists in Bruges can spend plenty of time getting accustomed to them.

Besides chocolate and beer, Bruges is also home to traditional lace-making skills, and you can discover more about this wonderful craftwork at the Lace Centre, for information about the history of lace-making and demonstrations to show you how it’s done.

Continuing with the artistic theme and if you do make a trip to the Belfry, you will notice the Salvador Dalí Museum at the bottom. This Bruges museum exhibits more than 300 works by Salvador Dalí from a private collection, including paintings, sculptures, engravings, surrealist objects, and furniture.

Finally, anyone who visits Bruges in the build-up to Christmas will have their festive feelings turned up to the maximum. Market Square boasts a wonderfully diverse Christmas market, where stalls proudly sell food, ornaments and decorations, hot chocolate, and other festive drinks. The city is awash with lights and decorations during the festive period, turning it into a fairy tale setting that must be seen to be believed.

Dakota Murphey for Walkative!

Check out our tours in Bruges!

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