Bruges Bike Tour: Belfry, Lake of Love & Medieval Gems

City retro bike tour reveals oldest squares and hidden courtyards with native guide

This small-group bike tour of Bruges follows a local guide on retro bikes through the medieval city center, stopping at the 13th-century Belfry, Market Square, Lake of Love, the Beguinage and a dozen other landmarks. The tour lasts two and a half hours, includes a chocolate praline made by Bruges' top chocolatier, Belgian waffles, a local beer and a final rest in a secret garden at Bladelin House. The guide speaks English, French or Dutch, and the group stays under eight riders.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bruges city highlights by bike

• Meet guide at Hof Bladelin garden
• Visit Burg Square and Town Hall
• See Dukes’ Palace exterior
• Ride along Groene Rei canal
• Pass by the Belfry of Bruges
• Explore Old Harbour and Jan van Eyck Square
• Visit Simon Stevin Square
• Taste chocolates at The Chocolate Line
• See Remparts and windmills
• Visit Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde
• Pass by Jerusalem Chapel
• Visit Gruuthuse Hof courtyard
• Stop at Rozenhoedkaai photo spot
• Visit Lake of Love (Minnewater)
• See the almshouses
• Visit Bladelin House
• Enjoy local drink in secret garden

The Experience

You meet your guide in the secret garden of Bladelin House, a 15th-century merchant mansion that later became Bruges' first bank. From there, the tour moves through cobblestone streets and along canals lined with medieval buildings — Groene Rei, with its leafy trees and calm water reflections, sits among the quietest stretches. The Belfry rises 83 meters above Market Square and dates to the 13th century; you ride past it rather than climb the 366 steps, but the guide explains what made it a symbol of the city's wealth and independence. The route also passes Burg Square, the historic seat of power, and the Dukes' Palace, where the Dukes of Burgundy once ruled during Bruges' golden age.

The Lake of Love (Minnewater) is the most photographed moment of the ride — a still water reflecting medieval houses and trees, and the guide will tell you why locals call it the most romantic spot in town. You also pass the Beguinage, founded in 1245, a quiet courtyard of whitewashed houses where religious women once lived communally, and the Jerusalem Chapel, a small 15th-century church built by a wealthy family inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Rozenhoedkaai, the city's most famous postcard view of canals and cobblestones, is another stop where the guide gives you time to take in the scene.

Along the way, you taste a chocolate praline made by Bruges' top chocolatier and eat one of the town's most delicious Belgian waffles — both included. At the end, back in the secret garden where you started, you sit down with a local beer (or lemonade or water if you prefer) and chat with the guide about the rest of your stay. The guide offers insider tips and can adjust the route if you have wishes. The bike comes with a front basket, and if rain comes, you get a poncho or umbrella. Helmets and mittens for cold days are available.

What’s included

• Retro bike with front basket.
• local guide in English, French or Dutch.
• chocolate praline made by Bruges' top chocolatier.
• Belgian waffles.
• local beer, lemonade or water in the secret garden.
• poncho or umbrella for rain.
• optional helmet.
• mittens for cold weather.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Retro Biketours Bruges

Is this one for you?Book the English-language option if you want a guide who speaks your language; choose French or Dutch if you prefer those. The small group of eight or fewer means you stay close enough to hear the guide's stories about the medieval squares and hidden courtyards, and the two-and-a-half-hour pace gives you time to stop and absorb each landmark without rushing through the day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Belfry of Bruges and why does the tour pass it?

The Belfry is a 13th-century bell tower rising 83 meters above Market Square, one of Bruges' most iconic landmarks. It symbolized the city's wealth and independence during the medieval period. The tour passes it on the bike route so you see it in context with the surrounding square and historic buildings.

Can I ride a retro bike if I've never cycled much before?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and the bikes are retro models with baskets in front. The operator notes the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. If you have concerns about your fitness, contact the operator before booking.

What happens at the Lake of Love?

The Lake of Love (Minnewater) is a still water surrounded by medieval houses and trees, and the guide describes it as the most romantic spot in Bruges. You stop there to take in the view and hear the stories behind it.

Do I get to taste Belgian chocolate and waffles on this tour?

Yes — you taste a chocolate praline made by Bruges' top chocolatier and eat one of the town's most delicious Belgian waffles, both included in the tour price. At the end, in the secret garden, you also get a local beer, lemonade or water.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, French or Dutch. You choose your language when you book.

Is the tour affected by rain?

The tour runs in rain — you receive a poncho or umbrella to stay dry. Mittens are also available on colder days.