Bruges: History, Chocolate Tasting & Brewery Tour

Summary

Chocolate making, medieval legends & brewery laughter in Bruges

You’ll walk Bruges’ cobbled streets with a local guide, taste pralines in its oldest chocolate shop, hear stories by the Lake of Love, and finish with fresh beer at a canal-side brewery. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the cobbles — they’re everywhere in Bruges, and somehow they make you slow down. Our guide, Sofie, met us right by the old square (she waved with both hands like she’d spotted an old friend). We ducked into this tiny chocolate shop that smelled like warm cocoa and something toasted — hazelnuts maybe? The chocolatier spoke mostly Dutch but grinned as he showed us how he filled the pralines. I tried to repeat the word “praline” the way he said it; Sofie laughed and said mine sounded French. The sample melted so fast on my tongue I almost forgot to chew. That’s when I realized how quiet it was inside — just a soft clink of trays and someone humming behind the counter.

Back outside, we wandered through winding alleys while Sofie pointed out little details — like how some houses still have old wooden shutters painted red. She told us about the Lake of Love (Minnewater), which sounds cheesy but honestly looked sort of magical with all those swans gliding around. There was this moment where everyone went quiet at once, just watching the water ripple under a low stone bridge. I didn’t expect to feel anything at a place called Lake of Love, but there you go.

The last stop was Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery. It’s tucked away along a canal and smells faintly yeasty even from outside. Inside it’s all polished copper pipes and laughter echoing off brick walls. We got to taste their house brew — not too bitter, kind of caramel-y? — and Sofie explained how they blend lambic with brown ale here (I nodded like I understood). Someone in our group asked if we could take bottles home; the bartender winked and said only if we promised to come back someday. I still think about that view from their terrace over the water — it felt like Bruges had slowed down just for us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bruges chocolate, history, and beer tour

• Visit oldest chocolate shop
• Watch praline making demonstration
• Taste chocolates
• Walk medieval Bruges with guide
• Learn city history and legends
• Visit romantic Bourgogne des Flandres brewery
• Tour brewery facilities
• Enjoy freshly brewed beer

Top questions

How long is the Bruges history chocolate & beer tour?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours from start to finish.

Is there a local guide included on this Bruges tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the entire experience.

Are chocolate tastings included during the tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Bruges’ oldest chocolate shop for praline tasting.

What brewery do we visit on this Bruges beer tour?

You’ll visit Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery near the canals.

Does the day trip include snacks or drinks?

The price covers chocolate tastings and a freshly brewed beer at the brewery.

Is pickup included for this Bruges walking tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet your guide in central Bruges.

Can children join this chocolate & beer tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants can use strollers.

Is public transport nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to where you meet your guide.

What’s included

Your morning includes guided walks through medieval Bruges with all taxes covered, praline tasting at the city’s oldest chocolate shop, plus a fresh beer at Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery before heading off on your own again.