Bruges is a beautiful medieval city in Belgium, famous for its charming canals, historic buildings, and chocolate shops.
{getToc} $title={Table of Contents}
One of the best ways to explore and appreciate this city is by taking a bruges canal tour, which will take you on a scenic and relaxing ride along the waterways. You will see the highlights and hidden gems of Bruges, learn about its history and culture, and have a memorable experience.
In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about taking a bruges canal tour, including the best tours, the best times and the best tips. Let's dive in!
Why Take a Bruges Canal Tour?
There are many reasons why you should take a bruges canal tour, such as:
You will see the city from a different perspective. A bruges canal tour will give you a unique and panoramic view of the city, as you will glide past its most iconic landmarks, such as the Belfry, the Market Square, the Church of Our Lady, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
You will also discover some of the lesser-known and hidden spots, such as the Quay of the Rosary, the Fish Market, and the Groeninge Museum. You will see the city in a new and stunning light, as the sun reflects on the water and the buildings.
You will learn about the history and the culture of the city. A bruges canal tour will provide you with a rich and informative experience, as you will listen to the stories and the explanations of your guide, who is usually a local expert on Bruges.
You will learn about the origins and the development of the city, its role and influence in the Middle Ages, its artistic and architectural heritage, and its traditions and customs.
You will also hear some interesting facts and anecdotes, such as why Bruges is called the Venice of the North, how the canals were built and maintained, and what are the legends and myths of the city.
You will have a fun and relaxing time. A bruges canal tour will offer you a fun and relaxing time, as you will enjoy the breeze and the sound of the water, admire the views and the scenery, and chat with your guide and your fellow travelers.
You will also have some opportunities to take photos and videos, buy souvenirs, and taste some local delicacies, such as chocolate, waffles, and beer. You will have a memorable and enjoyable time, and you will fall in love with Bruges.
How to Take a Bruges Canal Tour?
There are different ways to take a bruges canal tour, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the most popular and recommended options:
Bruges Canal Tour with a Local Guide
This is one of the most popular and trusted bruges canal tours, where you can explore the city with a small group of maximum 20 people and a professional local guide, who is knowledgeable and passionate about Bruges.
You can enjoy a 30-minute boat ride along the main canals, and see the most important and interesting sights, such as the Market Square, the Belfry, the Church of Our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Quay of the Rosary, and the Groeninge Museum.
You can also learn about the history, the culture, and the secrets of Bruges from your guide, who will tell you fascinating facts and stories. This tour costs around 15 euros per person.
Bruges Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip
This is another great option for taking a bruges canal tour, where you can enjoy a guided walking tour of the city and a canal boat trip.
You can start with a 2-hour walking tour of the city, where you can see the main attractions and highlights, such as the Market Square, the Belfry, the Church of Our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Burg Square, and the Beguinage.
Also Read: Best European Destinations for Young Couples
You can also listen to the explanations and the anecdotes of your guide, who will make the tour fun and informative.
You can then continue with a 30-minute canal boat trip, where you can see the city from a different angle and discover some hidden gems, such as the Fish Market, the Quay of the Rosary, and the Groeninge Museum.
You can also enjoy the views and the atmosphere of the city, and chat with your guide and your fellow travelers. This tour costs around 45 euros per person.
Bruges Private Canal Tour and Walking Tour
This is another excellent choice for taking a bruges canal tour, where you can enjoy a private canal tour and walking tour of the city with your own guide, who is a local expert and a professional guide.
You can customize your tour according to your interests and preferences, and see the sights and areas that you want to see.
You can also enjoy a more personal and intimate experience, and ask questions and learn more about the city from your guide, who will make the tour captivating and enjoyable.
Also Read: Best Solo Beach Vacations for Females
You can start with a 30-minute private canal tour, where you can see the city from the water and admire its beauty and charm.
You can then continue with a 2-hour private walking tour, where you can explore the city on foot and see its most famous and remarkable landmarks, such as the Market Square, the Belfry, the Church of Our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Burg Square, and the Beguinage.
You can also discover some of the lesser-known and hidden spots, such as the Quay of the Rosary, the Fish Market, and the Groeninge Museum. This tour costs around 50 euros per person.
What to Expect from a Bruges Canal Tour?
Taking a bruges canal tour is a wonderful and unforgettable experience that you will never regret. Here are some of the things that you can expect from a bruges canal tour:
You can expect to see the city in a new and stunning way, as you will glide past its most iconic and beautiful landmarks, such as the Market Square, the Belfry, the Church of Our Lady, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
You will also discover some of the lesser-known and hidden gems, such as the Quay of the Rosary, the Fish Market, and the Groeninge Museum. You will see the city in a different light, as the sun reflects on the water and the buildings, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
You can expect to learn about the history and the culture of the city, as you will listen to the stories and the explanations of your guide, who is usually a local expert and a professional guide.
You will learn about the origins and the development of the city, its role and influence in the Middle Ages, its artistic and architectural heritage, and its traditions and customs.
You will also hear some interesting facts and anecdotes, such as why Bruges is called the Venice of the North, how the canals were built and maintained, and what are the legends and myths of the city.
You can expect to have a fun and relaxing time, as you will enjoy the breeze and the sound of the water, admire the views and the scenery, and chat with your guide and your fellow travelers.
You will also have some opportunities to take photos and videos, buy souvenirs, and taste some local delicacies, such as chocolate, waffles, and beer. You will have a memorable and enjoyable time, and you will fall in love with Bruges.
What to Bring and Wear for a Bruges Canal Tour?
Taking a bruges canal tour requires some preparation and planning, as you need to bring and wear some essential items and clothing. Here are some of the things that you need to bring and wear for a bruges canal tour:
You need to bring a valid ID and a printed or mobile voucher for your bruges canal tour, as you will need to show them at the entrance and to your guide. You also need to bring some cash, as you may need to pay for some extras, such as snacks, drinks, or souvenirs.
You need to wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, as bruges canal tour is an outdoor activity that involves sitting on a boat for about 30 minutes.
You also need to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong and bright, especially in the summer months. You may also need to wear a jacket, a scarf, and gloves, depending on the weather and the season.
You need to bring a camera, a water bottle, and a backpack, as bruges canal tour is a scenic and photogenic activity that will make you thirsty and hungry.
You can use a camera to capture the beautiful views and the memorable moments. You can use a water bottle to stay hydrated and refreshed. You can use a backpack to store your belongings and your purchases.
Final Thoughts
Taking a bruges canal tour is a wonderful and unforgettable experience that you should not miss. You will see the city in a new and stunning way, learn about its history and culture, and have a fun and relaxing time.
You can also choose from different options to take a bruges canal tour, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also expect to bring and wear some essential items and clothing for a bruges canal tour.
We hope you find this blog post useful and enjoyable, and don't forget to share your experience with us. Happy travelling! 🚣
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about bruges canal tour:
How much does it cost to take a bruges canal tour?
The cost of taking a bruges canal tour depends on the type of tour that you choose, the time of booking, and the season.
Generally, the guided tours are more expensive than the self-guided tours, the online bookings are cheaper than the on-site bookings, and the summer season is more expensive than the winter season.
The average cost of taking a bruges canal tour is about 20 euros per person, but it can vary widely depending on your choices and preferences.
How long does it take to take a bruges canal tour?
The duration of taking a bruges canal tour depends on the type of tour that you choose, the pace of the boat, and the areas that you visit.
Generally, the guided tours are longer than the self-guided tours, the slow boats are slower than the fast boats, and the more areas you visit, the longer it takes.
The average duration of taking a bruges canal tour is about 30 minutes, but it can vary widely depending on your choices and preferences.
What is the best time to take a bruges canal tour?
The best time to take a bruges canal tour depends on your preferences and activities. Generally, the morning and the evening are the most beautiful and romantic times to take a bruges canal tour, as they create a magical and serene atmosphere that enhances the beauty and the charm of the city.
However, these times are also the most crowded and popular, so you may need to book in advance and expect to share the boat with many other visitors.
The afternoon and the night are the most quiet and peaceful times to take a bruges canal tour, as they offer a more exclusive and intimate experience that allows you to enjoy the city without any distractions.
However, these times are also the most cold and dark, so you may need to dress warmly and bring a flashlight.