Bruges , Belgium

Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Bruges

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(943 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the fascinating history, myths and legends of Bruges on an evening walking tour with an expert local guide. Get off the beaten track to learn about the history and mystery of Bruges and discover a side of the city most tourists never get to see. The tour takes about 1.5 hours and in the end you'll receive a coupon for a complimentary beer (buy 1 drink, get 1 free beer) in a local pub called the Bauhaus!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform, so please bring cash money to reward the guide if you enjoyed the tour.

Available options

French Tour

English Tour

Spanish Tour

What's included

Tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We take you on a tour of the lesser known parts of Bruges, the side tourists never get to see. We'll tell you old tales, legends and ghost stories that are as old as the city itself, and we'll make the fascinating history of Bruges come to life!

Stop 2

We start the tour on the main square with a historical introduction of Bruges.

Here we'll tell you the history of the beautiful Jan van Eyck square, the old harbour of medieval Bruges!

Stop 4

On this square, where all the Italian trading houses used to be located, you can see one of the first stock exchange markets of the world, dating back to the 13th century

Hear the interesting story of how the picturesque Golden Hand Canal got its name. It includes the devil, tragedy and a substantial dose of superstition.

Take a look at the oldest bar in Bruges and Belgium, where people have come to drink beer since 1515!

Find out the fascinating legendary story of this iconic church, which was built as a copy of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Take a snapshot of the majestic mills on the outskirts of the city and marvel at one of the remaining medieval city gates.

We end the tour at the Bauhaus in Bruges with a ticket for a complementary beer (buy 1 drink, get 1 free beer) at the bar!

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR NL ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

163 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

780 reviews

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697

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Until January 2026, meet us in front of MEDI MARKET on Bruges’ main square, next to the Belfry Tower. Look for the RED UMBRELLA. After mid January, meet us back by the statue on the main square.

IMPORTANT: Guides are volunteers giving tours for tips. Fee covers platform booking costs only.

Important notes

From now until the middle of January 2026, the Christmas market will occupy the Grand Place. During this period, the meeting point will be in front of the MEDI MARKET on the main square of Bruges (next to the Belfry Tower). Look for the guide with the red umbrella. After the Christmas market, the meeting point changes back to the statue on the main square. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to secure your spot and remember: If it's not red, it's not legendary!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep in mind that our evening tour is a free tour, which means that you are free to leave a tip to the guide if you enjoyed the tour, so please bring cash money to reward the guide. The booking fee is only used to process the booking and reserve your spot. Enjoy the tour!

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.