Bruges is without a doubt one of Europe’s most picturesque towns. A medieval fairy-tale town with cobblestone lanes and charming canals. Visitors from all over the world come to admire its photogenic and romantic beauty. But Bruges is much more than some idyllic pictures on one of the countless stone bridges over the canals or on one of the charming market squares. 

The city of Bruges was one of the most important cities of Europe in the Middle Ages and every corner and building of the historic centre has an interesting story to tell. On this Bruges Private Tour, we visit all the highlights of Bruges and learn more about their history and architecture. 

Unfortunately, many visitors don’t realise how much Bruges has to offer and they only spend a few hours here visiting the highlights. Go off the beaten path and discover Bruges’ hidden gems with us! This Flemish town might be relatively small but we can easily spend a few days here walking around the different neighbourhoods. We come across places that rival the highlights in beauty but then without the crowds. 

It’s a private tour that is very flexible. Any requests or preferences for customising are more than welcome! 

Our private walking tour of Bruges is more extensive than the usual walking tours. On this full-day tour, we try to give a good overview of what Bruges has to offer, including its highlights but also many hidden gems and local neighbourhoods. We walk through areas where still predominantly locals walk the streets and enjoy a cold beer on one of the terraces. That doesn’t mean, however, that these neighbourhoods are any less interesting or picturesque than the main touristic squares! They are just as rich in history and architecture.

Bruges highlights on the itinerary:

• St Salvator’s Cathedral 
• Church of Our Lady (the 2nd largest brick tower of Europe)
• Market Square with Belfry (and many more monuments with a story)
• The Burg Square with City Hall (oldest Gothic one in Flanders)
• Basilica of the Holy Blood (with the relic of the Holy Blood of Christ)
• Beguinage (a gated community for pious women, not nuns!)
• Old St John’s Hospital (one of the oldest of the world)
• The Hansa Quarter with many former merchant’s houses
• The Fishmarket (still used!)
• Tanner’s Square (also the former fish market for the poor)
• The Rozenhoedkaai (or most popular selfie spot)
• Gruuthuse city palace (the residence of a powerful patrician family)

Local neighbourhood and hidden gems of Bruges

As mentioned before, practically every building and corner of Bruges has a story to tell, so there are many more sights and sites along the way. There are way too many hidden gems to mention here, but we’ll try to give you an idea of what you will see:

• Bruges’ very picturesque almshouses (there are still more than 30 around town)
• Bruges’ canals and bridges (where you won’t have 5 other tourists in your pictures)
• The romantic Minnewaterpark
• The old city gates and ramparts
• An authentic windmill 
• Bruges’ lace center in a former working class neighbourhood
• Lesser known churches (one even inspired by a Jerusalem church)

Local specialties

It wouldn’t be a tour in Belgium if we wouldn’t stop for a drink and some food. This could be a cold beer, a hot Belgian chocolate, delicious Belgian fries, Belgian sweets or anything else you feel like. You can let us know in advance or decide on the day itself. We can even make several spots if you want to take breaks while walking and try some of the local delicacies!

If you would definitely like to visit one of the museums or monuments on the tour, please let us know. If you would like to, but you’re not quite sure which one, please ask us for recommendations and extra info!