legends bruges walking tour

Join us for the highest rated free walking tours and activities in Bruges!

✓nr. 1 free tours in bruges ✓every day ✓red umbrella ✓meet us at grote markt ✓book online now, our guides comply with all the corona safety measures, we hope to see you soon.

NEW TOUR: The Black Death & the Rebirth of Bruges (incl. a fun QuizQuest)

The daily historical tour around the medieval center of Bruges

Get off the tourist trail and discover the hidden gems of Bruges

NEW: The Black Death and the rebirth of Bruges incl. a fun quiz!

The historical tour around the medieval center of Bruges

Best option for Cruise Passengers: Return Shuttle + Guided Walking Tour

Looking for a more private approach? We can tailor all our tours to your needs.

Travelling through Belgium? Also join us in Antwerp !

Stay up to date & follow us:

Meeting point

We meet in front of the statue on the main square (Markt) . Please note that in case of an event or a market on the square, we meet in front of the Historium on the main square, 50m next to the statue. Look for the red umbrella.

We have done this walk before a few years ago but we decided to take our 15 year old this time. We were a little concerned that he would find it boring but he loved it and said it was one of his favourite activities that we did whilst in Bruges. The guide made it interesting and funny - the 1.5 hour tour passes in a flash and leaves you wanting to know more. Next time we plan to join the day tour but we highly recommend the night tour as the atmosphere is amazing.

Free tours with Jan & Louis

The team at Legends of Bruges do a great job of providing an entertaining and informative tour of this stunningly beautiful city. We did the free city tour with Jan, who was very knowledgeable and funny. We then did the free night tour with Louis, who is a Bruges local born and bred and the eldest member of the company. Louis was fantastic and regaled us with some lesser known fascinating stories of the historical centre.

Day tour & Night tour

I thought the legends walking tour was amazing! I did the day tour with Emiel and the night tour with Pascal. I learned so much about the city and because of it was able to find my feet so I could go off exploring afterwards on my own. Couldn’t recommend these tours enough, absolutely superb! *Five stars*!!

Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges

Bruges, the medieval gem of Belgium, beckons visitors to uncover its captivating legends. The ‘Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges ‘ promises an immersive exploration of the city’s rich heritage, guided by knowledgeable locals. From the iconic Belfry Tower to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, each landmark holds a tale waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this UNESCO World Heritage site , this budget-friendly tour offers an accessible way to explore Bruges’ architectural marvels and cultural legacy. What secrets might these centuries-old streets reveal?

Just The Basics

• Explore Bruges’ well-preserved medieval architecture and charming canals on a guided walking tour.
• Learn about the city’s rich history as a prominent trading port dating back to the 9th century.
• Discover iconic landmarks like the Belfry Tower, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Minnewater lake.
• Experience Bruges’ captivating atmosphere and cultural heritage through knowledgeable local guides.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with flexible cancellation and rescheduling options.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Bruges
• Bruges Day Tour From Paris Lunch Boat Beer Chocolate
• Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips
• The Waffles N Beer Workshop in Bruges Centre

Overview of Bruges’ History

Bruges, the medieval city in Belgium, boasts a rich history that has captivated visitors for centuries.

Its well-preserved architecture and charming canals serve as a testament to the city’s storied past.

The city’s origins can be traced back to the 9th century when it was a prominent trading port.

Over the centuries, Bruges weathered invasions, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing.

During the Middle Ages, it was one of the most important commercial and financial centers in Europe.

Today, Bruges’ historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site , allowing visitors to step back in time and explore its timeless allure.

Meeting Point and Pick-up Details

The meeting point for the Legends of Bruges tour is the Grote Markt (main square) of Bruges, in front of the statue, where visitors should look for the red umbrella . This is an important detail to note, as the tour is led by volunteer guides who give their tours for tips.

The fee only covers the platform booking costs, so it’s crucial to find the right meeting spot.

The tour ends at De Burg, another central location in the city.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or short on time, this budget-friendly walking tour is an excellent way to discover Bruges’ landmarks and learn about its rich history.

Highlights of the Walking Tour

During the Legends of Bruges walking tour, visitors explore the city’s iconic landmarks and uncover its captivating history.

From the medieval architecture of the Grote Markt to the serene canals that wind through the city, the guided tour showcases Bruges’ renowned beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Highlights include:

• Admiring the striking Belfry Tower, a 13th-century bell tower that offers panoramic views of the old town.
• Discovering the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a medieval chapel housing a revered relic of Christ’s blood.
• Strolling through the picturesque Minnewater, also known as the ‘Lake of Love,’ with its charming bridges and swans.
• Exploring the historic Rozenhoedkaai, a scenic canal-side spot renowned for its photogenic architecture.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The Legends of Bruges walking tour includes all fees and taxes, as well as gratuities for the volunteer guides .

Participants meet at the iconic Grote Markt (main square) in front of the statue, where they’ll look for the red umbrella to identify their guide.

It’s important to note that the guides are volunteers, and the tour fee only covers the booking platform costs.

The walking tour is limited to a maximum of 24 travelers and is wheelchair and stroller accessible .

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or insufficient attendance, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

With these inclusions and policies, the Legends of Bruges tour provides a budget-friendly way to explore the city’s rich history and landmarks.

Accessibility and Transportation

The Legends of Bruges walking tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s conveniently located near public transportation.

Visitors can easily reach the tour’s starting point at the Grote Markt, the city’s main square, thanks to:

• Nearby bus stops and tram stations.
• Ample parking options in the vicinity.
• Well-paved and flat walking surfaces throughout the tour.
• Dedicated accessibility accommodations for those with special needs.

This accessibility and proximity to public transit make the Legends of Bruges tour an inclusive and convenient option for travelers of all abilities. Whether you’re exploring Bruges for the first time or looking to revisit its historic landmarks, this walking tour offers an accessible and hassle-free way to discover the city’s captivating legends.

Group Size and Participation

With a maximum of 24 travelers per tour, the Legends of Bruges walking experience ensures an intimate and personalized exploration of the city’s captivating history and landmarks.

This small group size allows participants to engage more closely with the knowledgeable local guides , who are volunteers sharing their passion for Bruges’ rich heritage.

Whether you’re an individual traveler or part of a small group, you’ll have ample opportunities to ask questions, interact with the guide, and learn about the charming atmosphere of the historic city.

The tour’s accessibility features, including wheelchair-friendly surfaces , also make it inclusive for visitors of all abilities to join in the discovery of Bruges’ legendary tales .

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If you need to cancel your booking for the Legends of Bruges walking tour , you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, the tour provider doesn’t offer refunds for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Similarly, changes to your booking within 24 hours of the tour aren’t accepted.

That said, if the tour is canceled due to poor weather conditions or a lack of minimum required participants, you’ll be offered the choice of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.

The cancellation and refund policy for this tour includes the following key points:

• 24-hour cancellation window for full refund
• No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours
• No changes accepted within 24 hours
• Rescheduling or full refund if tour canceled by provider

Exploring Bruges’ Landmarks

Visitors embarking on the Legends of Bruges walking tour can expect to uncover the city’s captivating history and iconic landmarks, as the knowledgeable guides bring the past to life.

From the grand Grote Markt , the tour winds through the charming streets, showcasing Bruges’ finest architectural gems. Highlights include the majestic medieval Belfry , which dominates the skyline, and the picturesque canals lined with historic houses.

The guides skillfully recount the stories behind the city’s enduring symbols, such as the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, heroes of the Bruges Matins revolt . Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Bruges’ rich heritage and the influences that have shaped its timeless beauty.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Guided Boat Trip and Walk
• Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Bruges
• Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges
• From Bruges: Flanders Fields Remembrance Full-Day Trip
• Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Bruges Private Tour
• Bruges Bites & Sights – Belgian Food, Beer & A Little Bit Of History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average duration of the walking tour.

The average duration of the walking tour isn’t explicitly stated in the provided information.

Walking tours typically range from 1 to 2 hours , allowing enough time for participants to explore the city’s landmarks and learn about its history.

Without specific details on the length of this particular tour, it’s reasonable to assume it falls within this typical range for a walking tour experience.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements Accommodated?

The tour doesn’t specifically accommodate any special dietary requirements . As the tour is focused on the historical landmarks and sights of Bruges, the operator doesn’t provide any food or beverages .

However, visitors are free to bring their own snacks and drinks if needed. The tour is primarily an educational walking experience , so dietary requirements aren’t a factor that’s highlighted or addressed for this particular offering.

Are Audio Headsets Provided During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide audio headsets . Guides lead the walking tours in person, providing information and commentary along the way.

Travelers can follow along and ask questions directly. While audio headsets aren’t included, the personal interaction with the guide allows for a more engaging and immersive experience as you explore the historical sights and landmarks of the city.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups , though this may require additional arrangements and fees.

Private tours allow for a more personalized experience and the ability to tailor the itinerary to the group’s specific interests.

However, the standard tour is designed for groups of up to 24 travelers and follows a set route, which may be better suited for first-time or time-pressed visitors seeking a budget-friendly overview of Bruges’ landmarks and history.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The walking tour doesn’t explicitly offer discounts for students or seniors .

However, as the tour is run by volunteer guides and the fee only covers the booking platform costs, visitors are encouraged to tip the guide based on their satisfaction with the experience.

This allows flexibility for those on a tighter budget , such as students or seniors, to participate in the tour while contributing an amount they feel is appropriate.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• E-Scavenger Hunt Bruges: Explore the City at Your Own Pace
• Experience the Best of Bruges on a Private Tour With Boat Ride
• 2-Hour Medieval Walk and Chocolate Tasting in Bruges
• Private Bruges Storytelling Tour | 2-Hour Highlights & Stories
• Enchanting Bruges: Quest Experience
• Bruges, Guided Retro Biketour: Highlights and Hidden Gems
• Food Tasting & Historical Walk
• Bruges by Bike, Secret Corners, Street Art and Chocolate!
• Beerwalk Bruges With Dutch Guide
• Bruges Beer Experience Entrance Ticket
• Historium Story Ticket
• Round-Trip Shuttle Service From Zeebrugge to Bruges
• Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges
• Guided Tour of Bruges and Boat Trip
• Choco-Story: The Chocolate Museum in Bruges

The ‘Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges’ offers a captivating exploration of the city’s medieval heritage.

Guided by knowledgeable locals, the budget-friendly tour showcases Bruges’ architectural marvels and cultural legacy .

Visitors can admire the iconic Belfry Tower, discover the Basilica of the Holy Blood , and stroll along the picturesque Rozenhoedkaai canal, seeing the captivating history and legendary past of this Belgian gem.

Similar Posts

Santorini: Transfer From Santorini Port to Oia (Ia)

Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

Private Car: Hue to Hoi an via Golden Bridge (Or Vice Versa)

Private Eagles Nest Tour & Lake Königsee From Salzburg

Fukuoka (Cruise Port Hakata): Private Transfer to Fukuoka

Private Tea Ceremony and Sake Tasting in Kyoto Samurai House

• Destinations
• Tours in Bruges

Free Historical Tour Bruges | Incl. Chocolate Treat + €3 Off Boat Tour

Overview of the tour in Bruges

Join our Daily Free Tour of Bruges and discover the highlights of our gorgeous city! Our legendary team of knowledgeable and top-rated local guides will take you on a journey through the medieval heart and legendary past of Bruges. We also stop along the way to give you a taste of chocolate and offer a €3 discount ticket for boat tours. History and funny stories, legends and interesting facts, highlights and hidden gems, chocolate & discounts — this tour has everything to make your experience of Bruges authentic and exciting! Can't get enough of our legendary tours? Make sure to join our daily Free Evening Tour as well to visit a different part of Bruges, discover more history and complete your introduction to the city. Or join us on our Free Tasting Tour of Bruges to give you a taste of our local gastronomy. If you're travelling with a group of more than 6, please contact us for a private tour. How come it is free? We believe that anyone can enjoy our tours, no matter the budget. Therefore, we offer free tours on a tip basis, which guarantees that you receive an excellent overview of the city and you can tip your guide as much as you think the tour is worth to you.

This activity includes:

• Burg Square
• Groeninge Museum
• Market Square
• Lake of Love
• Gruuthusemuseum
• Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"
• Church of Our Lady Bruges
• Rosary Quay
• Fish Market
• Saint John’s Hospital
• Arents Courtyard (Hof Arents)

Meeting point

Markt Square, Brugge

Find the guide with the red umbrella in front of the statue on the main square (Markt) of Bruges. Look out for the guide with the red umbrella! Remember: if it's not red, it's not legendary!

Things to note

If you can no longer attend our tour, please cancel it via the link in your confirmation email, so we can open up the slot to other guests.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

More tours near Bruges

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

How to plan a walking tour of Bruges' myths and legends

​From holy vials to storied works of art, discover myths and legends on a walking tour of the Belgian city.

1. The Belfry Bruges’ most famous landmark, this 13th-century belltower has watched over the city from the market square through a series of disasters, from lightning strikes to raging fires. It’s a sensible place to start a walking tour, particularly as you can ascend the tower’s 366 steps to be rewarded with sweeping views over the city’s gothic rooftops. On the way up, admire the carillon, a vast keyboard instrument which plays tinkling tunes on 47 bells.

2. Rosary Quay A few minutes’ walk east takes you through the stately Burg Square, past the glorious gothic town hall, to Rosary Quay. This canal-side wooden dock is celebrated as the most photogenic spot in Bruges — no mean feat in a city famed for its beauty — and was named for the rosaries that were once sold here to pious pilgrims. You can follow in their footsteps and visit the neighbouring Basilica of the Holy Blood, home to a vial said to contain the blood of Christ.

3. Church of Our Lady A five-minute stroll south of the basilica — stopping en route to refuel with some Belgian confectionary at the Old Chocolate House — takes you to the mighty Church of Our Lady. Beneath its flying buttresses and baroque ornamentation lies Michelangelo’s Madonna of Bruges, arguably the city’s greatest treasure. In its 500-year-old life, this sculpture of the Virgin and baby Jesus has survived both the French Revolutionary Wars and theft by the Nazis.

4. Saint John’s Hospital Right next door is one of Bruges’ most darkly fascinating spots: one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, dating back to the 12th century. Grisly artefacts, such as vintage medical instruments and cabinets full of strange potions, will make you feel grateful for the advances in medical science over the last millennium, while an exhibition of works by the Flemish master Hans Memling includes his Shrine of St Ursula, a gilded wooden reliquary painted with religious scenes.

5. De Halve Maan You’ll have earned a drink by now, so take Maria’s Bridge over the canal, another popular photo opportunity that takes in the   city’s stunning medieval architecture, before heading to De Halve Maan. The most famous brewery in Bruges, it has been producing classic Belgian beers for 500 years and has been run by the same family for the last six generations. If you dare, try the Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel — a potent beer that’s 11% ABV.

6. Minnewater If you’re not feeling too giddy, finish your stroll at Minnewater. Also known as the Lake of Love, this tree-shaded, rectangular pool is named for star-crossed Minna and Stromberg, two legendary lovers akin to a Belgian Romeo and Juliet. Today, people flock to the surrounding park to enjoy a picnic and take in views of the swans — a symbol of Bruges’ wealth and power for centuries — which glide elegantly beneath the arches of Minnewater Bridge.  

Published in the Jan/Feb 2023 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Follow us on social media

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Become a subscriber and support our award-winning editorial features, videos, photography, and much more.

For as little as $2/mo.

Related Topics

• WALKING TOURS

You May Also Like

Indiana Jones and archaeology in Sicily: how to plan a walking tour of Syracuse

Eurovision 2023: how to plan a walking tour of Liverpool's musical hotspots

How to plan a walking tour of Glasgow in the footsteps of Charles Rennie Mackintosh

How to plan a walking tour of Lille, France's beer capital

How to plan a literary walking tour through Dublin

• Best of the World
• Interactive Graphic
• Environment
• Paid Content

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• Out of Eden Walk
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN BRU GES

Free Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Bruges

In english, voluntary contribution.

History and mystery! | Every evening | 2 hours | Tip-based | Book Now

Get off the beaten track to discover the history and mystery of medieval Bruges!

Meeting point

We meet by the statue in the middle of the main square of Bruges. Look out for the red umbrella!

About the tour     

Join our Free Evening Tour of Bruges and discover the fascinating history, myths and legends of the lesser known parts of Bruges with our experienced and passionate local guides. 

We take you off the beaten track to show you the dark side of Bruges, including some illustrious monuments and hidden gems. After 1.5 hours we will leave you with a deeper understanding of Bruges, as well as a coupon for a complementary beer in a cool local pub called the Bauhaus.

Places we visit

Market Square | Old Bursary | Jan van Eyck Square | Ghost House of Bruges | Golden Hand Canal | Oldest Bar of Belgium | Jerusalem Church | City Gate & Windmills | Bauhaus | and more

Pay what you like

We believe that anyone can enjoy our tours no matter the budget. Therefore, we offer our free tours on the basis of tips, which means that we'll try our best to give you an excellent overview of the city and at the end of the tour you are free to tip your guide as much as you think the tour is worth to you. 

Online booking is required to guarantee your spot on the tour. 

Max. 6 people per booking (children -12 not included). Are you traveling in a group of 7 or more? Please contact us via email for private tour options: [email protected] 

Good to know

Join our daily Legends of Bruges Free Tour to visit the highlights of Bruges and complete your introduction to the city.

Also download our app Beyond Bruges for free from the Apple or Google store to discover in virtual reality how the city looked in the Middle Ages and receive historical information about every landmark in Bruges.

See you soon for a legendary time with us in Bruges, Brussels, Ghent & Antwerp!

Slide title

The level of knowledge was impressive. Our guide was also a good story teller, and had a way to include everyone in the group. This is a must if you visit Brugge.

  More Guruwalk reviews

Lavigna was friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Bruges, which was really informative. I would highly recommend this company and tour to anyone visiting Bruges!

More TripAdvisor reviews

Absolutely loved this tour! My partner and I were guided by Lavigna and her canine companion.

More Facebook reviews

“The first time I tried this company, I was hooked. Everything was so fabulous and easy. I’ll never go back to anyone else.”

More Google reviews

Tours by legends for legends

Legends vzw - Legends Experiences bv, Sasplein 12, 8000 Brugge

VAT: BE0607.943.144 - BE0800.649.183