10 Best Things To Do in Bruges

In Partnership with Visit Bruges

Bruges, Belgium is a fairytale city with an endless list of things to do. Especially if you like old architecture, food, and beer! What makes it so magical? Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in all of Europe. From the 13th-century Belfry to the gingerbread houses in the heart of the city, there is a lot to see and a lot to love.

Here is our list of the top 10 things to do in Bruges.

Tour the canals of Bruges

Once you arrive in Bruges, you’ll quickly notice all the boats packed with tourists going up and down the canals. These boat tours are extremely popular and shouldn’t be missed. They are affordable, last about 30 minutes, and you’ll get to experience the heart of the city from the water.

The boat tours are an excellent way to see what beautiful spots you may want to return to later.

Drink your way around Bruges on a beer walk

Belgium might be a small country but its passion for beer is enormous. Belgium has been making and perfecting beer for centuries, with its two most popular choices being Abbey beers and Trappist beers. For anyone heading to Bruges who likes beer, either the history of it or the buzz, a beer walk is the best way to make sure you don’t miss anything.

The Beer Walk in Bruges is a 3-hour tour that includes 5 different stops with beer tastings. Your professional guide will tell you all about the history of beer in Belgium, beginning from 1000 AD to the present day. Plus, you’ll get BeerWalk glass to take home with you!

Learn about the local architecture

With architecture dating back to the 12th century, the walls have stories to tell. Since walls can’t talk, let a professional guide do that part. A private architectural tour of Bruges will take you through the many architectural eras the city has seen. You’ll learn about the history and importance of walls, canals, and buildings from a passionate guide that will help you experience the city through its fascinating history.

See Flanders Fields on a remembrance tour

Bruges is known for its medieval history, but it has plenty to offer those intrigued by more recent events. This day trip from the city will take you by bus to Flanders Fields. You’ll then cross into France for a visit to the Vimy memorial and trench site. Your day will end with a Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate.

This tour brings history to life as you learn about the battles and sacrifices of WW1.

Take a Belgian chocolate workshop

What’s better than filling your face full of Belgian chocolate? Leaving with the skills to make more when you get home from your trip.

This chocolate making workshop teaches you how to make pralines from scratch. You’ll temper the chocolate, make the praline shells, the ganache, the mendiants, and then you’ll fill and close them. You’ll make at least 35 of your own pralines that you can take home with you in a cute box.

See the Bruges countryside by bike

Bruges is a popular tourist destination for a reason. You can walk around the fascinating city for days and never get bored. However, this also means large crowds of tourists are almost impossible to avoid. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the noise and explore somewhere a little more off the tourist track.

This bike tour takes you into the stunning countryside surrounding Bruges. You’ll make a stop at the beautiful city of Damme for a historical walking tour.

Experience Bruges on a story-telling tour

Bruges is a city famed for looking like a scene from a medieval storybook. So what better way to get to know the city than hearing the exciting stories that shaped Bruges through the centuries.

The History Through Stories tour of Bruges is a walking tour that takes you to popular spots and hidden gems. The enthusiastic guide shares stories of the local area to bring history to life and give you a feel for life in Bruges. It’s an exciting way to learn about the city and its history.

Let a local take you to the best Instagram spots

If you think about how to get more followers on social media then you are going to LOVE an Instagram tour of Bruges. The city has an almost endless number of jaw-dropping locations that are guaranteed to make your alerts go wild.

On this private Instagram walking tour, a local will take you to stunning spots where you can get a mountain of fresh content. The local will happily take photos of you with your phone. Along with the social media pics, it’s also a great way to learn the city while chatting about life in Bruges with a local.

Learn how to make Belgian waffles

We’ve covered beer and chocolate, two very important things to do in Bruges. Let’s not forget about the other favourite Belgian treat; waffles! Sweet or savoury, the crunchy outside and soft inside can be paired with whatever toppings you’d like. Plus, there is no need to stuff as many as you can into your suitcase. A Belgian waffle workshop in Bruges will teach you everything you need to know about making them at home.

Visit Bruges at Christmas

How to make a fairytale city even more magical? Add snow, lights, and Christmas trees. A visit to Bruges at Christmas is an unforgettable experience. You’ll be surrounded by beauty and charm at every turn. Oh, and delicious food.

Make the most of your Christmas visit to Bruges with a walking tour. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss any of the wondrous displays or local products.

Bruges is ready to welcome travellers as soon as the time is right. Head to visitbruges.be to start planning your trip to this magnificent destination.