Bruges: Guided Boat Tour & Medieval Walk with Chocolate Tasting

Summary

Small group Bruges walk plus canal boat ride past Markt basilica brewery & beguinage

You’ll wander Bruges’ medieval heart by foot and boat, guided by a local who knows every quirky alleyway. Drift beneath stone bridges, taste real Belgian chocolate, hear stories of brewers and beguines, and catch those fleeting moments—the Markt bells echoing or sunlight on water—that make Bruges linger in your memory.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird to say Bruges smells like old stone and warm waffles? That’s what hit me first, standing outside the Historium on the Markt, watching our guide—Sofie—hold up her City Tours Belgium sign. We were maybe eight or nine in the group, bundled up against that damp spring chill that sneaks under your scarf. Right away Sofie started pointing out the guild houses around us, each one with its own story (and honestly, I couldn’t keep all the dates straight). The belfry loomed overhead and someone’s phone chimed right as it rang out—timing that made us all laugh.

The canals looked almost too perfect, but once we squeezed into the little boat (sharing benches with a couple from Lyon and a family whose toddler kept waving at ducks), it felt less like a postcard and more like you’re inside some quiet painting. Our captain—Pieter—narrated in this gentle Flemish-accented English; he’d point at facades or little bridges and drop these facts about centuries-old breweries or why certain windows are so small. There was this one moment under Bonifacius Bridge where everything went silent except for the water lapping against stone—I still think about that view.

Back on foot, Sofie led us through alleys where ivy dripped off brick walls and into courtyards I’d never have found alone. She made sure we paused at the Beerwall (over 2000 beers behind glass—no way you can try them all) and then at De Halve Maan Brewery to talk about their beer pipeline running under the city. I tried to repeat “Begijnhof” after her; she grinned and told me not to worry, even locals trip over it sometimes. The Beguinage itself was quiet except for crows and our footsteps on gravel. Somewhere along there we stopped for chocolate tasting—dark, just bitter enough—and honestly I could’ve stayed longer if my fingers weren’t freezing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bruges historic center and canals

• Visit Market Square and belfry
• See Basilica of the Holy Blood and town hall
• Walk through Fish Market by canal
• Enjoy 30-minute boat trip on canals
• Discover Beerwall with Belgian beers
• View water hall columns in Arentshuis garden
• Explore Gruuthuse family palace courtyard
• Learn about beer pipeline at brewery
• Hear about the beguinage site

Top questions

How long does the Bruges guided boat tour last?

The boat trip lasts about half an hour as part of the overall walking tour experience.

Where does the tour of Bruges start?

The tour starts in front of the Historium on the market square (Markt) of Bruges.

Is chocolate tasting included in this Bruges walking tour?

Yes, a Belgian chocolate tasting is included during the tour.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

What main sights are visited during this Bruges day trip?

You’ll see Market Square (Markt), Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bonifacius Bridge, De Halve Maan Brewery, Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde (Begijnhof), Beerwall, Arentshuis garden, Gruuthuse Palace courtyard, and more.

Does this Bruges canal tour include a local guide?

Yes, a certified local guide leads both the walking portion and escorts you to the boat ride.

Are dogs allowed on this guided Bruges tour?

Small dogs are allowed to join the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through historic Bruges with stops at landmarks like Markt Square and Bonifacius Bridge, a half-hour shared canal boat trip narrated by your captain, Belgian chocolate tasting along the way, plus a handy city map from your guide before you head off on your own again.