Bruges: Retro Bike Tour, City Highlights & Secret Courtyards

Summary

Retro bikes cobblestones city palaces windmills chocolate stops

You’ll ride retro bikes through Bruges’ winding streets with a local guide who shares stories only residents know. Expect hidden courtyards, market squares buzzing with life, and quiet moments near ancient windmills. End your day trip with a drink in a secret garden—leaving you with new friends and memories that linger longer than any souvenir.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clang of my bike bell echoing off old brick — I’d barely pedaled away from Hof Bladelin’s monastery garden in Bruges when our guide, Pieter, pointed out a tiny statue peeking from a window ledge. He said it was for luck (I didn’t catch the Flemish name), and we all sort of grinned at each other like we were in on some local secret. The air smelled faintly of chocolate and rain, which is probably just how Bruges always smells in May. My hands felt a bit cold on the handlebars but honestly, I didn’t care.

Pieter kept weaving us through alleys I wouldn’t have found in a hundred years — past lace shops where women nodded at us from behind glass, through silent courtyards where the stones seemed older than time. He told stories about Mary of Burgundy and pointed out details I’d never have noticed: carvings above doorways, an old Medici bank that’s now just part of the street. At one point we stopped near the Jerusalem Chapel and he tried to teach me how to say “begijnhof” properly. Li laughed when I tried; pretty sure I butchered it.

I think my favorite part was coasting along the ramparts where you can see windmills turning slow against the sky. There was this moment — not dramatic or anything — just quiet except for bike wheels on cobblestone and someone’s radio playing something soft from an open window. We finished in what Pieter called his “secret garden,” which turned out to be this tucked-away spot with mismatched chairs and homemade elderflower lemonade (or beer if you wanted). It felt like being let in on something private, you know? I still think about that view back toward the city roofs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Bruges highlights

• Start at Hof Bladelin monastery garden
• Explore medieval city palace
• Visit Silent Bruges neighborhood
• See Burg Square
• Walk through Market Square
• Discover Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde
• Stop at Spiegelrei square
• Tour Medici Bank and Lace School
• Trip on Bruges ramparts with windmills
• View exceptional architecture
• Learn history of Dukes Palace
• See almshouses around city
• Admire artwork of Duchess of Burgundy
• Relax in secret garden with local drink

Top questions

How long is the retro bike tour in Bruges?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Does the Bruges bike tour include city highlights?

Yes, you’ll visit main sights like Market Square, Burg Square, and more.

Is there food or drink included on this Bruges day trip?

You’ll get a complimentary local drink at the end of the tour in a secret garden.

Are bikes provided for the Bruges guided tour?

Yes, use of bicycle is included along with helmet (optional) and basket for your stuff.

What if it rains during the Bruges bike tour?

Ponchos and umbrellas are available if needed so you can keep riding comfortably.

Is pickup included for this day trip in Bruges?

No hotel pickup is included—you meet at Hof Bladelin’s monastery garden to start.

Can children join this guided retro biketour?

Infants and small children can ride in prams or specialized infant seats provided by the operator.

Is this private or group tour?

This is typically a small group tour led by a local guide.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a retro bicycle (with optional helmet), poncho or umbrella if weather turns wet, baskets for your things, plus local tips for exploring Bruges further—and it all wraps up with a complimentary drink shared together in a hidden garden before you head off again into those medieval streets.