Bruges & Ghent Day Trip from Brussels with Walking Tours

Summary

Wandering Bruges canals to Ghent’s towers with stories and chocolate

You’ll walk Bruges’ cobbled lanes, taste true artisan chocolate, hear local legends beside canals, and stand beneath Ghent’s soaring towers with a guide who knows every quirky detail. Expect laughter, real stories, plenty of photo stops—and moments you’ll want to linger in long after you’re back on the bus.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off the bus and everything looks like a storybook? That’s how Bruges hit me — the kind of place where even the bathroom stop feels oddly charming (maybe it was just relief). Our guide, Tom, gathered us by Minnewater — he called it the Lake of Love — and told this old legend about star-crossed lovers. I remember the air was cool and smelled faintly like bread from somewhere nearby. The cobblestones were still damp from last night’s rain, so my shoes squeaked a bit as we walked to the Begijnhof. Tom had this way of making history feel gossipy, especially when he talked about those women who ran their own community centuries ago. I didn’t expect to care about medieval nuns but… here we are.

We ducked into a tiny chocolate shop next (Tom swore it was “the real deal,” not tourist stuff). The owner gave us samples — I tried one dusted in cocoa that melted weirdly fast. She explained how to spot handmade chocolate versus factory stuff; apparently, if it’s too shiny, it’s probably not legit. I still think about that taste sometimes. Then there was beer talk in a sunlit square, where Tom pointed out which bars were worth trying later (I wrote one down on my phone but can’t read my own typing now). He also showed us how to spot original medieval houses by their windows — honestly, I’d never have noticed without him.

The Market Square buzzed with bikes and chatter. Tom gave us tips for lunch — fries with mayo is apparently non-negotiable here. We had some free time before heading to Ghent; I wandered along a canal and watched two old men argue over chess on a bench. The bus ride over felt quick, maybe because everyone was trading chocolate or just napping off the sugar rush.

Ghent felt different: more lived-in somehow, less fairy tale but just as layered. We started at the Town Hall (all these styles mashed together — Gothic next to something almost modern) and then walked under the Belfry while Tom pointed out its dragon weather vane. Inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral, he told us about “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painting that’s been stolen more times than you’d believe. There was this moment of hush inside — stained glass throwing colored shapes everywhere — and I just stood there for a bit longer than planned.

Our last stretch followed the Lys riverbank past guild houses and market stalls selling cuberdon candy (which tastes kind of like raspberry jam if you’re curious). Tom wrapped up at Sint-Veerleplein Square with some final food tips and reminders for our ride back to Brussels. It all went by fast but left me wanting another day in both cities — or maybe just another chocolate sample.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bruges and Ghent full-day tour

• Bus leaves at Bargeplein
• Bathroom break and guide instructions
• Visit Minnewater lake
• Explore Begijnhof
• Taste artisan chocolates
• Learn history of Bruges beer
• Identify original medieval houses
• Photo stop at little bridge
• Explanation at Old St. John’s Hospital
• View Church of Our Lady exterior
• Learn about Gruuthuse family
• Hear legend at charming bridge
• Photo stop at Pier of the roses
• Discover Tanners square history
• See Gothic Town Hall and Basilica
• Visit Market Square and get tips
• Enjoy free time in Bruges
• Meet guide and bus to Ghent
• Arrive and walk to Ghent centre
• Tour starts at Ghent Town Hall
• Learn about Belfry and dragon
• Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral inside and out
• Discover Belgian church events
• Explanation at Masons guild house
• History at Korenmarkt and post office
• Photo stop on bridge by St. Michael's Church
• Walk along Lys riverbank and photo stop
• See Great Butchers’ Hall
• Stop at market stall for cuberdon candy
• Final stop at Sint-Veerleplein Square
• Enjoy free time in Ghent

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Bruges & Ghent day trip?

No, pickup is from a central meeting point in Brussels; round-trip transport is included.

How much free time do we get in Bruges and Ghent?

You’ll have about 1.5 hours in Bruges and around 1 hour in Ghent for independent exploring.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

No meals are included but your guide will recommend good places for lunch or snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children under 2 must have their own car seat on the bus.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your professional guide speaks English; other language options may be available depending on group needs.

Are entry fees to attractions included?

The walking tours include exterior visits; entry fees to specific sites are not included unless stated by your guide on site.

Do we visit both Bruges and Ghent in one day?

Yes, this is a full-day trip from Brussels covering both cities with guided walks in each.

Can I use public transportation instead of the tour bus?

The tour includes round-trip coach transport; public transit is available separately but isn’t part of this package.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip coach transfers from Brussels, guided walking tours through both Bruges and Ghent led by an English-speaking local expert (with city tips along the way), an artisan chocolate tasting stop in Bruges, plus plenty of advice on where to eat or shop during your free time before returning together in comfort at day’s end.