Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges

Bruges , Belgium

Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges

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

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About this experience

Walk around Bruges with a local guide, explore the historic centre and travel back in time to the golden days of Bruges. Our guide will tell you interesting facts and stories of love, glory and fortune, but also of intrigue, war and conflict. He or she can also advise you on where to eat and where to drink during your stay. By the end of the tour you'll know more than a local!

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

Available options

French Tour

Spanish tour

English Tour

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We start here with an introduction about the history of Bruges and the role the city played as a trading hub in medieval times. We also go deeper into the troublesome relationship between the city of Bruges and the French king.

Stop 2

We visit the halls behind the bellfry and explain you the important role the tower has played during the Middle Ages.

This newly renovated city palace belonged to a wealthy family in Bruges, who held a monopoly on a specific part of the beer trade. Our guide will tell you all about it.

Stop 4

We make a stop at the magnificent hospital of St John, one of the oldest still exisitng hospitals in the world and one of the cornerstones of medieval society.

Stop 5

We'll take you for a walk into the picturesque beguinage, the biggest of its kind in the world, where a community of ladies have lived together for over 800 years.

Stop 6

We stop in front of the brewery to tell you the story of how the people of Bruges got the nickname 'Fools of Bruges' and to show you a piece of the beer pipeline that flows beneath our city.

Stop 7

By the Lake of Love we tell you the story of why we have swans on the canals of Bruges and how the city got into a conflict with Emperor Maximilian of Austria.

Stop 8

We'll tell you the story of this iconic church, which is the 2nd tallest brick tower in the world and houses a statue by Michelangelo as well as the tombs of the last Dukes of Burgundy.

Stop 9

We venture into the garden of the Groeninge Museum, where some of the works of the biggest Flemish masters are on display.

We take you to the old Tanner's square, where the smelly business took place of greasing skins and turning them into leather.

Stop 11

After passing by the old Fishmarket, we end the tour on the Burg square, the political heart and birthplace of the city of Bruges.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR NL ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

319 reviews

5★

281

4★

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Tripadvisor 4.9

2,128 reviews

5★

2005

4★

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1★

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 the Christmas market, meet at the statue on the 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!
Keep in mind that our Legends of Bruges 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. 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.