Bruges & Ghent Day Tour from Brussels with Artisan Chocolate

Summary

Walk Bruges canals try chocolates see Ghent’s towers with a guide

You’ll wander medieval streets in Bruges & Ghent with a Spanish-speaking local guide who shares legends and tips only locals know. Taste artisan chocolate in Bruges, stroll along canals and grand squares in both cities, and enjoy free time to explore or snack where you please. It’s a day full of small surprises — some sweet, some just quietly beautiful.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll never guess which city I liked more,” our guide joked as we stepped off the bus at Bargeplein in Bruges. Honestly, I still can’t decide. The air was chilly but not sharp, and there was this faint smell of waffles drifting from somewhere — or maybe I just wanted it to be waffles. We started at Minnewater, the so-called Lake of Love, where our guide spun this old love story that made me look at the swans differently (I’m not usually sentimental, but something about the way she said “liefde” stuck). There were cobbles everywhere — real ankle-twisters if you’re not watching your step — and the Beguinage felt so quiet it almost made me whisper. I tried to say “Begijnhof” like she did; Li laughed and told me I sounded French.

In Bruges’ Markt square, the buildings looked like gingerbread houses lined up for a photo. Our guide pointed out which ones sold proper handmade chocolate versus the touristy stuff (she even gave us a piece to try — honestly, I still think about that first bite). She also gave us tips on where to eat lunch during our free time; I ended up with fries and mayo by the canal, watching a couple argue softly in Dutch. After wandering through narrow lanes and snapping too many photos on that little bridge everyone crowds onto, we met back at the bus for Ghent.

Ghent felt different right away — busier somehow, more lived-in. Our guide led us past Stadhuis and into these winding streets where every building seemed to have its own story (the dragon on the Belfry tower is apparently famous; who knew?). In St. Bavo’s Cathedral she talked about Van Eyck’s painting like it was an old friend — “most stolen artwork in history,” she said, almost proud. We stopped by a street stall for cuberdon candy; it’s sticky-sweet and purple, and the seller winked when he handed over my sample. The Lys river glinted under grey clouds as we walked along Graslei and Korenlei — people sat outside cafés even though it was cold enough for scarves.

I lost track of time during free time in Ghent (the bells from St. Nicholas’ Church helped me find my way back). On the ride home to Brussels, someone asked our guide if she ever gets tired of telling these stories. She just smiled: “Every group is different.” So yeah — if you’re torn between Bruges or Ghent for a day trip from Brussels, this tour makes you feel like you get both cities without rushing too much. And you get chocolate. That part’s important.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Bruges and Ghent by bus

• Bus drop off at Bargeplein
• Bathroom break and guide instructions
• Visit Minnewater Lake and hear history
• Stop at Beguinario and learn history
• Identify original medieval houses
• Learn about Bruges beer history
• Hear legend of charming bridge
• Take photos at small bridge
• Learn about medieval health system
• See Church of Our Lady exterior
• Meet Bruges' famous Gruuthuse family
• Explore Burg Square landmarks
• Hear history at "Muelle de las rosas"
• Learn about tanners at Tanners Square
• Visit Grote Markt and get tips
• Taste artisan chocolates
• Enjoy free time in Bruges
• Meet guide and bus for transfer
• Arrive in Ghent and walk to center
• Tour Ghent Town Hall
• Learn about Belfry and dragon
• Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral interior
• Hear about concerts in St. Nicholas’ Church
• See masons' guild house facade
• Explore Korenmarkt and post office history
• Take photos on bridge and hear tower story
• Walk along Lys river and see buildings
• Visit 15th-century Meat House
• Stop at street stall and learn about cuberdon
• Explore Sint-Veerleplein square and get tips
• Enjoy free time in Ghent

Top questions

Is lunch included on the Bruges & Ghent day tour?

No, meals are not included but your guide will recommend good places to eat during your free time in each city.

How long do we spend in each city on this day trip?

The guided tours last about 2.5 hours total per city plus around 1.5 hours of free time in both Bruges and Ghent (depending on traffic and group pace).

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; departure is from Brussels by air-conditioned coach.

What language does the local guide speak?

The professional guide leads tours in Spanish.

Are entrance fees included?

No entrance fees are required for most stops; visits focus on outdoor sites and stories shared by your guide.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, all ages are welcome but children under 3 must have an approved safety seat for bus travel (bring your own).

Do we visit artisan chocolate shops?

Yes, you’ll stop at a certified artisan chocolate shop in Bruges for tastings and tips on choosing real Belgian chocolate.

How do we travel between cities?

You travel by high-end air-conditioned coach between Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent with your group.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport by air-conditioned coach from Brussels with a Spanish-speaking local guide leading walking tours through both Bruges and Ghent. You’ll get recommendations for food stops, artisan chocolate tasting in Bruges, stories behind famous landmarks like St. Bavo’s Cathedral and Burg Square, plus about 1.5 hours of free time in each city before returning together to Brussels.