Bruges tours and excursions

Bruges tours

Boat tours

A boat tour of Bruges is arguably the most civilised way of exploring the city. The canals offer a different perspective on the Old Town and if you take one of the evening tours it is one of the most romantic (and cheapest) diversions Bruges has to offer. Frequent boat tours depart from several points on the south side of Bruges and last around 30 minutes.

Tel: +32 50 444 646.
Website: https://www.visitbruges.be/en/bruggemetdeboot

Horse-drawn tours

If you’re going to explore one of the prettiest medieval cities in Europe, why not do it in the manner of the Middle Ages? The sound of hooves clunking along the cobbled streets has been ringing out in Bruges for centuries, and taking a horse-drawn cab is a wonderfully nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. Frequent tours depart from Markt Square, and most last 30-minutes.

Tel: +32 50 345 401.
Website: http://www.hippo.be/koets

Walking tours

Several times a week throughout the year, and daily in July and August, two-hour guided walking tours of Bruges depart at 1600 from the tourist office. For a livelier history of the city, tag along on a In Brugge tour, which usually swings by some of the city’s best watering holes. Visit St Christopher’s Inn Hostel at the Bauhaus (Langestraat 133-137) for details.

Tel: +32 50 444 646.
Website: http://bezoekers.brugge.be/en

Bruges excursions

Zeebrugge

Zeebrugge, a seaside resort and the port of Bruges, lies just 16km (10 miles) north of the city, and is easily reached by bus or train. Attractions here include the Seafront maritime theme park, whose centrepiece is a Russian Foxtrot submarine, open to visitors.

WWI battlefields

WWI battlefield minibus tours are another alternative for a day out from Bruges. Quasimodo Tours operates trips to Paschendale, Ypres and other important sites three times weekly from February to December.

Tel: +32 50 370 470 or +32 80 097 525
Website: http://www.quasimodo.be

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hotel Navarra

A grand hotel in a compact city, the Navarra is housed in a gorgeous, listed building in the heart of Bruges. There are 94 comfortable rooms in total, not to mention a fabulous swimming pool and sauna, which is the perfect tonic after a day of sightseeing. If you’ve brought your wheels to the city, the hotel’s on-site parking will ease the burden.

Hotel Fevery

Small, friendly and family-run, the Fevery is in a quiet spot just 10 minutes from the central market square. Rooms are simply furnished, but homely and good value. The fact there are only 10 of them keeps the service personal, ensuring the vibe stays like that of a suburban bed and breakfast, rather than a slick city hotel.

The Pand Hotel

Quite possibly the best place to stay in Bruges, The Pand is a small, luxurious hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Sumptuous but not showy, this former 18th-century carriage house has a friendly, laid-back ambiance and one of the best champagne breakfasts in the city. Festooned with the owner’s personal collection of antiques, there are 26 individually designed rooms to choose from.

Ensor

Ensor is a family hotel, located in Bruges’ Old Town, in a quiet area alongside a typical Bruges canal. With 12 rooms, it’s a small but comfortable hotel. The hotel is just a short walk into town and not far from the train station either, so the location is convenient as well. Described as a budget hotel, if needed you can attempt to email directly and lower the rates.

Hotel Heritage

Just a block north of Markt Place, this opulent boutique hotel comes with plush furnishings in every room, chandeliers in public areas and a glass of bubbly at breakfast time. If you book far enough in advance and you won’t have to be as rich as a lord in order to live like one.

Hotel Malleberg

This cosy little hotel is just a stone’s throw from the Markt Square, yet the reasonable room rates belie its location and quality of accommodation. There are nine bedrooms in total, which are spacious, stylish and like the rest of the hotel, have a homely feel. A buffet breakfast is served in the hotel’s vaulted cellar and sets guests up for a morning of sightseeing.

Introducing Bruges

While you’re there

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