Unknown Bruges: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of the Medieval Metropole

Bruges , Belgium

Unknown Bruges: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of the Medieval Metropole

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(1 reviews)

1h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get off of the well-trodden tourist trail and venture into the heart of medieval Bruges on this affordable self-guided walking tour.

• Unlock the key to Bruges’ legends like why the city has to keep swans in its canals for a period of forever and 3 days
• Hear from producer Nicolas Vanlanduyt whose passion for history’s quirky stories inspired him to lead guided tours and create this VoiceMap tour
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Unknown Bruges: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of the Medieval Metropole

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English

VoiceMap app for Android and iOS

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

You’ll see a couple of main sites like Market Square where the tour starts, but this Bruges tour is all about the lesser known landmarks.

The tour passes by the Old Beurze. You'll learn about medieval Bruges while you walk.

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll see the remnants of the 12th century wall’s tower and ramparts.

On this tour, you'll be guided over 700-year-old bridges and into little alleys, forgotten squares, monuments now overgrown with time and secret inner gardens.

You'll pass through Jan Van Eyckplein square and learn why Bruges had an Italian Quarter, Spanish Quarter, Easterling Quarter and an English and Scottish Quarter.

On this tour you'll learn about the legend of the Golden-Hand Canal and how it goes it name.

This tour passes by Café Vlissinghe, the oldest continuously operating bar in Bruges.

See one of the city’s most authentic neighbourhoods, the Sint Anna Quarter, and hear what the area – and its high unemployment rate in the 1800s – has to do with Bruges La Morte.

The tour passes by the Museum of Folk Life. You'll hear a bit about the museum while you walk.

The tour passes by Jerusalem Church. You'll hear about the church while you walk.

The tour ends at the old Bonne Chière windmill where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view over the medieval metropole.

What's not included

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Bruges

Bruges is a picturesque medieval city in the Flemish Region of Belgium, known for its well-preserved historic center, charming canals, and cobblestone streets. With its fairy-tale architecture and rich cultural heritage, Bruges offers a unique glimpse into Europe's medieval past.

Top Attractions

Markt (Market Square)

The heart of Bruges, surrounded by medieval buildings, the Belfry, and the Provincial Court. A bustling square with cafes, shops, and often markets and events.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Belfry of Bruges

A 13th-century bell tower offering a climb of 366 steps to the top for stunning views of the city.

Historical 1 hour €14

Burg Square

A charming square with a mix of historic buildings, including the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the City Hall.

Historical 1 hour Free (Basilica entry is €3)

Grote Markt

A large square surrounded by historic buildings, including the City Hall and the Belfry. A hub of activity with cafes, shops, and events.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Basilica of the Holy Blood

A historic church that houses a relic of the Holy Blood, believed to have been collected by Joseph of Arimathea at the crucifixion of Jesus.

Religious 30 minutes €3

Bruges Beer Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Belgian beer, with a tasting room offering a variety of local brews.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moules-frites

Mussels cooked in a variety of sauces, typically served with French fries. A classic Belgian dish.

Main Course Contains seafood, can be made with gluten-free bread if requested.

Carbonnade flamande

A traditional Flemish beef and beer stew, slow-cooked with onions, brown sugar, and spices.

Main Course Contains beef and beer, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Waffles

Belgian waffles are a popular sweet treat, often topped with whipped cream, chocolate, or fruit.

Dessert Can be made vegetarian or vegan with plant-based toppings.

Flemish stew

A hearty stew made with beef, beer, onions, and spices, often served with potatoes or bread.

Main Course Contains beef and beer, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Bike tours Boat tours Walking tours Spas and wellness centers Cafes and restaurants Parks and gardens Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest time of year with warm weather, festivals, and long daylight hours. However, it's also the most crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CEST (GMT+2) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Bruges is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is the main concern for visitors. Common sense precautions and awareness of your surroundings can help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

Brussels Airport • 110 km
Ostend-Bruges International Airport • 30 km

By train

Bruges Station

By bus

Bruges Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most of the city and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxis Bruges, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Zand St. Giles Quarter Dijver

Day trips

Ghent

50 km • Full day

A vibrant and historic city with a mix of medieval and modern architecture, museums, and cultural attractions.

Ypres

40 km • Full day

A historic city with a rich history and cultural heritage, known for its role in World War I and its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Ostend

30 km • Full day

A coastal city with a long sandy beach, a lively promenade, and a variety of attractions and activities.

Festivals

Bruges Christmas Market • Late November to early January Bruges Beer Festival • Early September Bruges Historic Festival • Mid-May

Pro tips

Visit the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views of the city, but be prepared for a steep and narrow climb of 366 steps.
Try a variety of Belgian beers at the Bruges Beer Museum, and don't miss the chance to sample a local brew at one of the many beer bars and cafes.
Sample a variety of Belgian chocolates at the Choco-Story Bruges museum, and don't miss the chance to purchase some as souvenirs.
Take a boat tour of the canals for a unique and picturesque perspective of the city, and be sure to visit the historic Begijnhof complex.
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood to see the relic of the Holy Blood, and check for special events and exhibitions.