8 Best Free Walking Tours in Bruges with Local Guides
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Looking for the best free walking tours in Bruges?
Growing up near this historic city, I’ve spent many days exploring the streets of the so-called “Venice of the North”.
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the nine top free walking tours that showcase Bruges in a way only a local can appreciate. These tours aren’t just about seeing the sights; they’re about experiencing the real Bruges, its history, and its culture.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer.
TOP PICK | My favourite is the Tell Me About Bruges Tour in which a local storyteller uses stories to guide you through the city. Reserve your spot here.
The best free walking tours in Bruges
free walking tours in Bruges
1. Tell Me About Bruges ⭐ 1000 Years of Stories by Local Storytellers
⭐️ RATING: 4.63 (2,079 Reviews) ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours and 15 mins💰 CHECK PRICE
“Tell Me About Bruges ⭐ 1000 Years of Stories by Local Storytellers” is a walking tour led by a local storyteller who will take you on a journey through the medieval heart of Bruges.
During this tour, you’ll hear 1000 years of stories about the city, from its Golden Ages to its decline and resurgence.
The tour covers various topics, such as love and conflict, architecture and wealth, feminism and finance, as well as chocolate and beer.
You’ll visit Market Square, Belfry Tower, Church of our Lady, Bridge of Love, Canals, and more, and discover major attractions and hidden gems of the city.
This tour is perfect for those who want to learn about the city’s rich history and culture while exploring its most fascinating places.
Additionally, the tour will provide you with recommendations to make the most of your stay in Bruges.
Incredible tour!
melisa, september 2023 see more reviews
free walking tours in Bruges
2. Free Tour Medieval Bruges✨️ & Chocolate Tasting
⭐️ RATING: 4.78 (96 Reviews) ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours and 15 minutes 💰 CHECK PRICE
The Free Tour Medieval Bruges✨️ & Chocolate Tasting is a must-do activity for travelers who want to make the most out of their visit to Bruges.
This tour not only offers a chance to explore the city’s rich history and charming streets but also provides a delightful chocolate-tasting experience.
Led by professional guides who prioritize high-quality service, visitors can choose from a variety of tours that cater to their interests, whether they prefer historical, romantic, night, or themed tours.
Bruges, often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” is known for its stunning architecture and is recognized as a World Heritage Site, making the tour even more special as it provides insight into the city’s history and secrets.
The free chocolate tasting is an added bonus, enhancing the experience and making it even more memorable.
With useful details provided throughout the tour, visitors can ensure they get the most out of their time in Bruges.
A unique tour with nigma, excellent attitude!
elena, october 2023 see more reviews
free walking tours in Bruges
3. Discover the historical wonders of Bruges with a native English Speaker
⭐️ RATING: 4.75 (198 Reviews) ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour and 45 mins 💰 CHECK PRICE
Step back in time and delve into the rich history of Bruges by joining a walking tour in Bruges led by a native English speaker and exploring the city’s historical wonders.
Your guide will take you to all of the significant historical sites while providing insider tips and tricks for exploring the city like a local.
As you wander through the charming streets and alleyways of Bruges, you will learn about the city’s fascinating history and culture.
You will learn about Bruges’ oldest brewery, taste authentic Belgian chocolates, and discover the origin of “French fries.”
Conducted entirely in English, this tour is perfect for visitors who want to delve deeper into Bruges’ rich history and culture while also receiving insider recommendations on the city’s best food and attractions.
Had a great walking tour from Stephanie.
lynn, september 2023 see more reviews
free walking tours in Bruges
4. Free Historical Tour: History and Legends of Bruges | By local legends
⭐️ RATING: 4.85 (1,434 Reviews) ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 💰 CHECK PRICE
Experience the captivating history and intriguing legends of Bruges on this free walking tour, led by knowledgeable local guides.
Stroll through the city’s historic center and discover the secrets of its golden days, as your guide shares fascinating stories of love, glory, fortune, intrigue, war, and conflict.
Visit iconic landmarks such as the Market Square, Belfry, Gruuthuse Palace, St. John’s Hospital, Beguinage, Lake of Love, and more.
With insights that only a local can provide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Bruges’ remarkable history and culture.
By the end of the tour, you’ll have gained more knowledge than a local.
The legends free walking tour Bruges is perfect for history buffs and those who want to explore the city’s major attractions while discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.
Fabulous tour! Enjoyed all of it and learned a great deal. What an amazing service.
kim, september 2023 see more reviews
free walking tours in Bruges
5. Free Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Bruges | History & mystery tour | By local legends
⭐️ RATING: 4.35 (450 Reviews) ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour and 30 minutes 💰 CHECK PRICE
Explore the spooky and mysterious side of Bruges on this free evening walking tour led by local legends.
Lasting for 1.5 hours, the tour promises to take you on a journey through the city’s medieval past, sharing fascinating legends, myths, and ghost stories along the way.
As you explore the dark side of Bruges, you’ll visit Market Square, Old Bursary, Jan van Eyck Square, Ghost House of Bruges, Golden Hand Canal, Oldest Bar of Belgium (Vlissinghe), Jerusalem Church, Windmills, and Bauhaus.
At the end of the tour, you’ll receive a complimentary beer ticket at the Bauhaus bar, allowing you to relax and unwind after a spooky adventure.
This legends of Bruges walking tour is perfect for individuals and small groups who want to discover the hidden and mysterious side of Bruges while enjoying the city’s famous beer culture.
I really enjoyed the tour it was very informative and a lot of information I didn’t know before the tour.
rachel, september 2023 see more reviews
free walking tours in Bruges
6. THE FREE TOUR OF MEDIEVAL WITCHES🏰 ⭐️ + CHOCOLATE TASTING
⭐️ RATING: 4.76 (1,380 Reviews) ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 💰 CHECK PRICE
Join the free tour of the medieval witches in Bruges, where you’ll uncover the city’s impressive past, explore its stunning landmarks, and indulge in Belgian artisan chocolate.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour will take you on a journey through the heart of Bruges, revealing the secrets of its most famous buildings and monuments.
Starting at Grote Markt, you’ll venture to the top of the Belfort bell tower for breathtaking views of the city.
From there, you’ll visit Burg Square, home to the magnificent Basilica of the Sacred Heart, before crossing the Saint Boniface Bridge to see the Church of Notre Dame de Bruges, the Beginnery founded in 1245, and the famous Minnewater or Lake of Love.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of Belgium’s finest artisan chocolate, a delicacy that the country is famous for.
Our guide will provide you with all the details you need to know about the city’s history and more, making this tour an excellent option for visitors who want to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Bruges.
Gustavo is very nice and kind. He gives you advice at the beginning, during and at the end of the tour. The explanations are very clear! I recommend it.
isabel, september 2023 see more reviews
free walking tours in Bruges
7. Historical Free Tour with BEER and CHOCOLATE
⭐️ RATING: 4.46 (317 Reviews) ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 💰 CHECK PRICE
Go through the best of Bruges on this historical free tour that promises to satisfy your senses with chocolates and beer.
With 3 years of experience and working directly with the Bruges tourist office, the company ensures excellent service from start to finish.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Markt, Burg Square, Vis Markt, Brugge Fotoplaats, Bonifacio Bridge, Gruuthuse, Once Lieve Vrouw Brugge, Huisbrouwerij, Begijnhof, and Minnewater Park.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
As you explore the city, you’ll also get to sample some of the best chocolates in Belgium, a delicious treat that the country is famous for.
And what better way to end the tour than at Minnewater Park, a picturesque park with a romantic lake?
Rocio is very good. The historical context and love for the city is transmitted in everything it explains.
ricardo, september 2023 see more reviews
free walking tours in Bruges
8. Free Tasting Tour: Taste of Bruges
⭐️ RATING: 4.77 (150 Reviews) ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour and 30 minutes 💰 CHECK PRICE
The Free Tasting Tour: Taste of Bruges is a must-do experience for food lovers.
Led by local guides, you’ll discover the secrets and stories behind Belgium’s most famous culinary delights, including the history of fries, the art of chocolate making, the origins of waffles, and the brewing process of beer.
As you walk through the charming streets of Bruges, you’ll visit different food stops to indulge in each of these tasty treats, all included in the tour.
Not only will you get to taste the unique flavors of each item, but you’ll also learn about the traditions and cultural significance of these iconic foods.
At the end of the tour, you’ll visit a local brewery to enjoy a beer, giving you a true taste of Bruges’ beer culture.
It was an exciting, informative and enjoyable tour, with great tips and lots of fun in sunny weather 🙂
jessica, august 2023 see more reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping Up: Best Free Walking Tours in Bruges
A free walking tour in Bruges, Belgium is a great thing to do on your first day in this enchanting and picturesque city. Since Bruges is small, you’ll be able to see a lot even on a short tour.
Choose the type of tour that suits you best, whether that be a story-focused one or a tour for foodies.
Let me know which one you ended up booking!
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
If this helped you plan your adventure, a coffee would go a long way in fueling my next guide! 😉
