brugge water tours

Bruges Boat Tour: Take a Magical Cruise Through the Bruges Canals

If you are looking for a romantic destination, the Canals of Bruges are the perfect choice. The picturesque waterways wind through the city, and the historic buildings that line the canals create a magical and charming atmosphere. You can take a leisurely boat ride with your loved one, stroll through the quaint streets, and admire the beautiful architecture. The city is also home to many romantic restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can enjoy a romantic meal or drinks.

Table of Contents

Quick Answers

Boat tours in Bruges usually run from early March to mid-November . During other times, the decision to operate lies with the shipping companies.

A boat tour in the Canals of Bruges typically costs 12 €, with discounted rates of 7€ for children aged 4 to 12. Children under 4 can join for free.

Tickets can be bought on spot. Read on for a list and map of the shipping companies and their locations.

History of the Bruges Canals

The enchanting Canals of Bruges have a history that spans back to the 12th century, a time when these waterways were meticulously crafted to facilitate the transport of goods into the heart of the city. Evolving over the centuries, the canals evolved into a crucial component of Bruges’ transportation system, serving diverse purposes from commerce to public transit. Today, while primarily catering to tourism, the canals remain deeply ingrained in the city’s cultural tapestry, preserving the echoes of its storied past.

Bruges Boat Tours: An unforgettable experience

Embarking on a boat tour is one of the best ways to delve into the beauty of the Bruges canals. Several reputable companies offer boat tours, all following the same enchanting route. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, these tours provide a unique perspective of the city, offering insights into the rich history and culture of Bruges.

Shipping Companies & starting points

Five distinct shipping companies operate these boat tours, each with its own starting point. Despite the differences in starting locations, all companies follow the same picturesque route. These non-covered boats, provided with umbrellas in case of rain, offer a capacity of 35-40 people.

The starting points include:

• Coudenys at Rozenhoedkaai
• Venetië van het Noorden at Huidenvettersplein 13
• De Meulemeester at Wollestraat 32
• Gruuthuse at Nieuwstraat 11
• Stael at Katelijnestraat 4

Dates, availability & Prices

Boat tours in Bruges typically run from early March to mid-November . During other times, the decision to operate lies with the shipping companies. The standard price for a boat tour is 12€ , with discounted rates of 7€ for children aged 4 to 12. Children under 4 can join for free. Tickets can be conveniently purchased on the spot with the respective shipping company.

Guided Boat Tours & Walking Tours

For those preferring a combined experience of a boat tour and a guided walk, expert guides lead captivating walking tours. These tours navigate the city’s winding streets and scenic canals, offering historical insights and showcasing iconic landmarks.

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Last Updated on 13 December 2023 by BertBeckers

Discover the city of Bruges via a boat trip on the Bruges canals

What are the opening times.

Reservations are only possible for groups of minimum 20 people between 9 am and 5 pm, from 1 March to 31 October. In the winter months we are, depending on the weather conditions, only open on Saturdays and Sundays and reservations can only be made between 9 am and 11 am. Without a reservation it is usually impossible to take a boat trip with a group.

Where do we have to board

Departures and arrivals are at the same address: Bootexcursies Gruuthuse, boarding point 3, Nieuwstraat 11, 8000 Bruges. This is near the Our Lady church (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), on the corner of the Nieuwstraat and Dijver. (It is not possible to get on or off the boat anywhere else.)

Admit it, a visit to the beautiful city of Bruges is not complete without a boat trip on the Bruges canals.

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Brugesboattour

All boat trips in the historical inner city of Bruges take place on the same fixed course , imposed by the city government. They take about 30 minutes. There is no eating or drinking allowed on board.

Our starting point  is located in the Katelijnestraat 4, which is also the end point of the cruise.

Our hours of operation for individual round trips or cruises with the family are from 10 am until 5 pm, with departures roughly every 15 minutes.

Reservation is only possible for groups from 25 persons and up. In this case we work with set departure times.

Our mooring place is located at the Katelijnestraat 4 in Bruges, right next to Saint John's Hospital and the Church of Our Lady. A toilet is available.

Our course takes you along the most scenic spots in Bruges. You get to see the most famous places of interest from a totaly different perspective.

Detailed course

Prices 2024:

Individual:  15,00 euro/person Group (+20 people):  12,00 euro/person Children (4-11 years):  9,00 euro/child Private boat:  375,00 euro (max. 25 people)

Payment by bank card possible.

Opening hours: from 10/02/2024 - 30/12/2024 daily from 10:00 AM untill 5:00 (5:30) PM Opening hours are subject to change due to weather conditions and maintenance works by the City of Bruges.

Door gebruik te blijven maken van deze website, geef je toestemming voor het plaatsen van cookies bij bezoek aan onze website.

Boat trip in Bruges

A boat trip in Bruges is a must-do experience during your visit. You can’t truly claim to have visited Bruges without taking a scenic boat ride along its historic canals and waterways. Purchase your ticket for “Bruges by Boat” and treat yourself to the breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Every day at 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

From: 11,0 € TVA incluse

Sustainable tourism

Over 10 years of experience

Certificate of Excellence 2013-2019

Recommended by the Brussels Tourist Office

Description:

Boat trip in bruges..

Our boat trip in Bruges starts at the Rozenhoedkaai pier, offering a delightful 30-minute boat ride. During this journey, you will have the opportunity to absorb the full character of this city and capture the most wonderful photos of its charming, typical Flemish architecture from a completely different angle.

Embark on a boat trip in Bruges and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, where time seems to have stood still, revealing the city’s true beauty.

Additional information

Highlights:.

• Enjoy 30 min in Bruges by Boat.
• The boats will depart every 15 minutes (your ticket is valid all day for a boat trip on the canals of Bruges).
• Discover one of the most beautiful medieval cities in the world which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in or Bruges by Boat.
• Contemplate the little Venice of the North, with its medieval streets and red brick houses.
• A local English-speaking guide in your boat ride in Bruges.

Our guarantees:

• Responsible tourism : this activity respects the codes of responsible and sustainable tourism.
• We work in partnership with the Brussels Tourism Office.
• More than 10 years of experience.
• Certificate of Excellence since 2013.
• Tailored service for private groups, companies and tour operators.
• Quick and easy booking.

Bruges boat trip program:

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Start Point: Rosary Quay – Rozenhoedkaai 3, 8000 Brugge.

A selection of some highlights:

• Belfry (Highlight).
• Beguinage (Highlight).
• Church of St-Anna (Highlight).
• Church of Our Lady (Highlight).
• Liberty of Bruges.
• House of the Tanners.
• Almshouse ‘The Pelican’.
• St-John’s Hospital.
• Groeninge Museum.
• Ambachtshuis Huidevetters.
• Fish Market.
• Stepped gables.
• Burghers’ Lodge.

End Point: Rosary Quay – Rozenhoedkaai 3, 8000 Brugge.

Remember, during the trip, you will have the opportunity to listen to multi-lingual comments in Dutch, French, German, and English, providing additional insights and information about the sights you encounter.

Practical information:

• Adults: 15€
• Kids (from 0 to 11 years old): 11€
• Groups (+ 20 pers.) : 14€
• Private group: 480€ (you can also book this activity in private for your group).

Starting time:

• Every day at 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. (The boats will depart every 15 minutes).
• Your ticket is valid for the whole day (for a boat tour on the canals of Bruges).
• Possibility to board before or after the time of your reservation.
• Approximately 30min.

Meeting point:

• Rosary Quay – Rozenhoedkaai 3, 8000 Brugge.
•  English – Dutch – French – Spanish.
• Approximately 30min Bruges by Boat.
• Validity: 1 day (one departure every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.).

Not included:

• Food or drinks.

Terms of service:

Participation:.

• To ensure your participation, we recommend booking your workshop as soon as possible.
• Book the tour up to 2 hours before the start of the boat trip.
• The number of participants is limited (max. 25 persons).
• The reservation is free and without charge.
• You can book up to two hours in advance.
• The  boats  will  depart every 15 minutes .

Cancellation:

Frequently asked questions:, what is the maximal group size for the boat trip in bruges .

To ensure the best possible service, our visits are limited to 25 participants per group.

When is the best time to book a Boat trip in Bruges?

We recommend booking a Bruges by Boat as soon as possible to ensure availability. However, it is possible to book the tour up to 2 hours before the start of the boat trip.

We are a group, i s it possible to do the private  Bruges by Boat ?

Yes, it is possible to take a private Bruges by Boat. The price is 350€ are limited to 25 participants per group.

Are there more questions about the Boat trip in Bruges ?

If there are any further questions or a desire for more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Customer reviews on independent platforms:

We have the best reviews on the platforms:

Other customer reviews:

35 reviews for boat trip in bruges.

Anonymous (verified owner) – 21/05/2023

Guide was excellent!

Anonymous (verified owner) – 17/05/2023

The ticket was accepted without comment and I was allowed on craft. The craft was clean and well maintained. The driver (captain) was knowledgeable about the city. Altogether a good experience.

Rajan Sharma (verified owner) – 15/05/2023

It went great… Coming time we will do more business with you and received the satisfactory and memorable services from you. Thank you to make our 1st experience with you so memorable!!!

Michael Moss (verified owner) – 02/05/2023

Becky (verified owner) – 16/04/2023

The best part of our trip to Brussels!

Anonymous (verified owner) – 09/04/2023

Lovely boat trip – went at a leisurely pace, informative and entertaining. Great way to see Bruge.

Doron T. (verified owner) – 14/03/2023

Great way to start a day and a tour of Brugges

Anonymous (verified owner) – 05/03/2023

Would definitely recommend! The canal tour is a beautiful way to see and admire the beauty of Bruges. The guide also conducted the tour in English, Dutch and French which I think a lot of people will find impressive and very accommodating. 😊

Honor Virden (verified owner) – 14/02/2023

Really lovely lady tour guide, very funny and charismatic way to discover Bruges with lots of insider tips on where to visit. Delivered with warmth and friendliness that rest of hospitality can hope to compare to

Jill (verified owner) – 12/02/2023

Nice to see Bruges from the water

Ian N. (verified owner) – 03/01/2023

Very pleasant and knowledgeable captain!

Natalia (verified owner) – 02/01/2023

Very funny driver Bit spoiled with rain but all was good.

Gloria R. (verified owner) – 17/12/2022

Do not miss this boat trip. It provides such a different and lovely perspective of Bruges.

Anonymous (verified owner) – 24/11/2022

Very simple, you ask for a booking they deliver

Eleonora Mincheva (verified owner) – 31/10/2022

Easy, quick and correct. Very romantic boat trip

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Bruges old town tour & canal cruise

Explore the long history of Bruges on a historic walking tour of the old town, and then embark on a peaceful cruise down the city’s canals. On the walking tour, your guide will bring you to see Markt, the city’s market square in the heart of the old town. Here, you can opt to climb the 366 steps to the top of the Bruges Belfry in the square for expansive views over the city.

You’ll also see Burg Square, the historic area where Bruges was founded. You’ll encounter the tallest tower in the city when you visit the Church of Our Lady, which is home to Michelangelo’s sculpture, Madonna and Child . The tour also brings you to the Lake of Love, a serene park near the Begijnhof, which Benedictine nuns still call home.

The second part of your tour is a cruise down Bruges' canals, where you can enjoy the city from another point of view.

The first four hours of this tour is a privately guided walk of Bruges’ old town, while the last hour is a cruise on the city’s canals. Private cruises aren’t available, so you’ll be on a shared guided cruise with about 15-20 other people. The walking tour is available year-round, but the canal cruise is weather-dependent, so March through October are the best months for this.

The exact order of the walking tour can vary depending on the timing of the cruise, but you can expect to see many of Bruges’ highlights. You’ll visit Markt, in the heart of Bruges’ old town. The square is wide-open, mostly traffic-free and surrounded by former guildhalls and multi-hued step-gabled houses with mismatched rooflines. The square is dominated by the 13th-century belfry, rising 83 m (272 ft) into the sky. For expansive views of the city you can climb the 366 steps to the top.

You’ll also see Burg Square, a cobblestone square where the city was founded. The square is framed by the manor of Franc of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The basilica has an intricate dark-gray Romanesque façade adorned with gilded figurines. Inside, it consists of two separate chapels, the Saint Basil Chapel and the Holy Blood Chapel, which is home to a relic containing what is believed to be the blood of Jesus Christ.

The Church of Our Lady is the tallest building in the city, with its tower reaching 116 m (379 ft) into the sky. You can admire the cross-vaulted nave, the black-and-white-tiled flooring and the heavily ornamented Baroque-style interior. The church is also home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child , a white-marble sculpture of the Virgin Mary with an infant Jesus.

The tour will also take you to the Lake of Love in Minnewater Park, a reservoir joined with the canal system. The peaceful lake is an excellent place to see some wildlife, especially swans which are the symbol of the city. Nearby, you can visit the adjoining Begijnhof, a group of white step-gabled houses now occupied by an order of Benedictine nuns.

The hour-long cruise will provide a different perspective of these sights, as you glide along the postcard-worthy canals ornamented with willow trees, elegant stone bridges and medieval buildings.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Belgium specialists

• 617-223-4521 617-223-4356
• Make an inquiry

Photos of Bruges old town tour & canal cruise

Other experiences in Bruges

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

Coastal bicycle ride, Zwin Nature Park and Damme

Explore the windswept beaches, flat green meadows and reed-lined streams and canals along Belgium’s coast. Your local guide will lead you along a series of paved bike paths through the countryside, seaside resort towns and small, authentic villages.

Diamond District tour & diamond cutting workshop

Explore Antwerp’s legendary Diamond Quarter, a stopover for 86% of the world’s legal raw diamonds, on this three-hour walking tour. Your guide will take you to a workshop where you can watch the gemstones be cut, shaped and polished.

Private canal cruise with champagne & charcuterie

See a world-renowned altarpiece, a bird’s-eye view of the city, a medieval castle and lively market squares on a walking tour of Ghent. Then explore the city’s waterways on a boat tour of the canals, where you’ll be served local delicacies and Belgian beer.

Shrimp farming by horseback in Oostduinkerke

See one of Belgium’s most singular cultural traditions. At Oostduinkerke, you can watch fishermen farm shrimp atop sturdy Brabant draft horses. You’ll then get to try the shrimp during a beachfront cookout.

World War I tour

See the fields where soldiers fought on the front lines during World War I on this full-day trip around Flanders with a private guide and driver. You’ll see a preserved trench, burial grounds, museums and memorials.

Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.

Grand tour of Belgium & Luxembourg

10 days from $5,845pp

Cruising the Dutch & Belgian waterways

10 days from $8,295pp

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• My Travel Bucket List

Bruges by Boat: Tips for the Famous Canal Tour

The first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of Bruges, Belgium, are serene winding canals abutted by quaint stone houses. The city’s famous canals give it the nickname The Venice of the North .

The thing that was most surprising to me about our trip to Bruges this July was how relatively inaccessible the canals are. There are few places where you can actually walk along the canal since they’re lined with buildings, so the main views are along the few, crowded bridges that cross the water. In order to really experience the canals and the beautiful buildings along the water, you need to be on a boat , which is why the canal tours are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

One of five boat landings for Bruges Canal Tour

Luckily, a canal tour is a relatively inexpensive way to experience the canals and architecture of this historic city. Here are some useful tips I learned based on our experience:

• There are 5 boat landings along the canals, but the route and price are the same for all ( 8 Euro for a 30-35 minute tour ). It’s only the start and end point that will vary, so my suggestion is to simply pick the one with the shortest line. We approached one with a relatively short line but decided to keep looking and found another one just a block away where we were able to walk straight onto the boat. Click here for a map showing the location of the five boat landings (link will open in a new window).
• The boats typically run every 15-20 minutes . The boats will also wait until the boat is full or nearly full before departing.
• The best seats for getting unobstructed photos are at the very front or very back. The boats have a row of single seats that run down the middle, which would be the worst for photos. It may be worth waiting until the next boat to come along if only middle seats are available.
• The tours run daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm (last boat leaves at 5:30pm) from March to mid-November . Bruges is flooded by cruise ship patrons and day-trippers during the peak hours of the day, so the lines are significantly shorter before 11:00 and become very long in the afternoon. Plan accordingly!
• Our boat driver/guide did a nice job narrating the ride, pointing out sights and answering questions for us along the way. We saw some boats with a recorded audio guide, which seemed less interesting. The guide asked everyone on the boat what language they spoke and carried out the tour in both English and French.
• The tour is cash only . You may also want to bring a few extra euros along to tip your driver.

Any other questions? Leave them in the comment section and I’ll try my best to answer them. Happy boating!

Alison Macbeth

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Canal Trip Bruges-Damme - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Canals of Bruges — A Guide for Travelers

If you’re going to Belgium, you must spend time strolling along the canals of Bruges. Unlike other European water cities — namely Venice — you won’t find the same large crowds or packs of rowdy tourists. Bruges is a perfect location for travelers who want a quaint, relaxing vacation rather than getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of a packed itinerary.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of things to do in Bruges, but you won’t have the same pace or volume of tourists as you do in nearby Paris (under 3 hours by train) or Amsterdam (around 3 hours away by train). The canals of Bruges are a fantastic place to grab a stroopwafel, sip on a bevvy, and enjoy the water.

They’re going to get even more beautiful too, as 14,000 flowers are being planted alongside the canals.

The canals of Bruges at night. Photo by alleksana .

The Canals of Bruges

Augustijnenrei — augustine canal.

The Augustine Canal was excavated in the 12th century and it’s a hidden gem not known to many tourists. It’s home to the Augustine Bridge, one of the oldest in the city — duh, because where there’s a waterway there’s going to have to be something to cross that chasm.

The canal was named for the Augustinian monastery that used to sit along the canal’s banks, no longer in operation. Even though the monastery no longer stands, you’ll find the same peace and tranquility that drew monks to convent life strolling along this canal.

Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal

The Zeebrugge has been an important trade and commerce center in Bruges since the medieval era. Several instances of flooding helped connect the area to the broader area, but after the 15th century, its importance dwindled.

The current version of the Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal was built between 1896 & 1907 and is 12km (7.5 miles) long. It’s one of the busiest canals in Bruges as it’s actively used in trade and shipping today, so if you’re hoping to run into some salt-of-the-earth Belgian people, this is a great place to spend some time.

Coupure Canal

Want a taste of the South of France without actually having to travel there? The Coupure Canal can give you a similar experience. If you’ve seen photos of colorful Bruges, you’ll find some of them along this canal. It’s also home to the state archives and an homage to Jacques Brel.

If you’ve ever looked at a canal and thought, ‘What if I just jumped right in?’ then Bruges is here to make that intrusive thought a reality! Every summer, Brugges closes off a 30-meter section of the Coupure Canal for people to swim in. And in winter, the boats get lit up in festive decor.

Gouden-Handrei

Meaning “golden hand” in Dutch, this quaint little canal in Bruges looks like something out of a still life oil painting. This is another historical canal dating back to the 12th century. The canal formed a part of the city’s walls. Jan Van Eyck worked on the other side of the canal and he liked to work there for its peacefulness.

That peaceful and quaint charm endures today at Gouden-Handrei . It’s a great spot to stop on a bench or do some early morning meditation while you’re on vacation.

While you’ll have an enjoyable jaunt along any of the canals, Groenerei is by far the most charming and picturesque. Lots of greenery surround this particular canal with lots of little bridges. The bridges are a fantastic spot to take a romantic photograph. Indeed, if you’re looking for the best places to take Instagram or engagement photos in Bruges, I can’t recommend this canal enough.

Minnewater — The Lake of Love

If you’re looking for peak romance in Europe, then look no further than Minnewater . This little Bruges canal is known as a spot for lovers. Its name comes from an old legend that nymphs (minnen) used to live in the water. It’s got a lot of plush greenery so you feel like it’s just you, your lover, and nature.

If you want to take photos on this canal, the best place to do is the Lake of Love bridge, or near the Lockhouse.

Rozenhoedkaai — Rosary Quay

If you want to make your friends and family jealous with your travels along the beautiful canals of Bruges, then Rozenhoedkaai, or the Rosary Quay, is where you’ll want to take your photos. The canal gets its name from former rosary vendors who set up shop on this canal for weary city workers and pilgrims.

You can’t beat the dreamy evening walk on the banks of this canal, which sits where the Dijver and Groenerei canals meet .

Historic buildings on the canals of Bruges. Photo: Alisa Savickaja .

History of the Canals of Bruges

As I hinted at above, the canals of Bruges have a long and illustrious history. They’ve been central to the city’s trade and industry for centuries. Bruges is known as the “Venice of the North” as, like the city in southern Italy, it relies on an extensive network of canals to ferry people around.

Canals date back to the 9th century, although the 12th century is when most of the current canals in Bruges were created. Bruges was an important center in Flanders for trade, and its canals transported supplies, artwork, and artists to churches, monasteries, and private homes and castles near and far.

As ships widened, so too were the canals widened to make space for the new, larger ships. This helped fortify Bruges’ place as an international center for trade in the medieval era. In the 15th century, however, the city lost its importance to other parts of Europe, lessening the need for canals until industrialization in the late 19th century.

A group of tourists taking a boat tour on the canals of Bruges. Photo: Photo by Magda Ehlers .

Canals of Bruges Tours

One of the highlights of any Bruges trip is a canals of Bruges boat tour. It’s one of tourists’ favorite things to do in Bruges and for good reason. It was one of the rare times where a non-museum activity took the cake for me. Bruges has some beautiful art, but you can feel the history seeping through the history of the canals in Belgium.

Where Do Bruges Canal Boat Tours Depart From?

The canal boats in Bruges have numerous “landing stages” (docks) that passengers can get on and get off. If you want to take a canal tour, you can do so at nearly any of the canals with ease.

Similar to the way there are several port docking locations across the city in Venice, you can go to any of the stations. Not all of them offer guided tours, but you can dock on and dock off by ferry and when you get to a landing stage, you’ll be able to ask anyone who works there for help and there will be ample signage telling you where to go.

It will be impossible to miss.

Where To Sit To Take Good Photos and Videos on a Bruges Canal Boat

If you want to take photos from the canal boat on your Bruges canal tour, knowing where to sit is critical! You’ll want to sit either in the front or the back of a canal boat so you can take unobstructed pictures. Sit on one of the side seats and avoid the middle seats at all costs.

If you sit in the middle of the boat, you’re often obstructed by other people’s equipment or your photos for half the trip will have other people’s hands and cameras in them. Nobody wants that!

Personally, I took three tours because I wanted to get photos to share with my family. Every time, I sat at the front of the boat and I got some very beautiful shots.

Cost & Duration of Bruges Canals Tour

A tour of the canals in Bruges runs between 30-45 minutes, with 30 minutes being the average. Most tours will cost between 15-25€, which is pretty affordable compared to other boat-based attractions.

For instance, a boat tour at the Venetian in Las Vegas will easily run you 50 bucks and you’re not even in Venice! So it’s a pretty reasonable fare.

One of the most iconic instagrammable spots in Bruges on the canals. Photo by Barb Duggan .

Are the Canals of Bruges Worth Visiting?

In my opinion yes, they’re absolutely worth a visit. The canals of Bruges are some of the most charming in the world and they’re an opportunity to take a water-based sojourn through history. It’s not the most adrenaline-pumping thing you could do on vacation, but as someone who likes to take my time and take it slow when I travel, the canals are a perfect Bruges activity.

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Bruges Canal Tour: the best way to explore Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium is also known as the Venice of the North, referring to the numerous canals and bridges. A visit to Bruges isn’t complete without a boat tour on its canals. A Bruges canal tour allows you to appreciate the most noteworthy delights of the city from a completely different angle. In this post I will share some photos and tips for the famous Bruges canal tour with you. Enjoy!

Bruges Canal Tour

If you have visited Amsterdam and walked along the canals, you might be surprised when seeing the canals in Bruges. Here, the canals are relatively inaccessible. There are just a few places where you can actually walk along the canals. To really explore the canals, secret gardens, picturesque bridges and beautiful architecture, you should explore Bruges by boat! It is quite fun driving through all the small canals of the city and you get to see many things in a short time. The views of monuments and centuries-old buildings are fantastic!

Boat landing stages

The canal tours leave from a couple of departure points in the city, but due to legislation only 20 boats are on the canal at once. There are five landing stages along the canals. The routes and prices are all the same. It’s only the start and end point that will vary.

•  Michielssens, Huidenvettersplein 13
•  Coudenys, Rozenhoedkaai
•  De Meulemeester, Wollestraat 32
•  Gruuthuse, Nieuwstraat 11
•  Stael, Katelijnestraat 4
• Boat landing stage 1
• Boat landing stage 2
• Boat landing stage 3
• Boat landing stage 4
• Boat landing stage 5

Seating and photographing

The boats have a row of single seats that run down the middle, which would be the worst place to make photos. Make sure to get a seat at the very front or very back to make unobstructed photos. It may be worth waiting until the next boat to come along if only middle seats are available. The boats are not covered, but umbrellas are provided for rainy weather. Because you are seated during the entire ride, you can use this time to relax and recover from any walking you might have done around Brugge.

Audio guides or the old fashioned way

Some boat tours provide recorded audio guides and others are doing it the old fashioned way; commentary from the boat driver. I personally prefer the second one. Our boat driver spoke in English and pointed out sights along the way (French, German and Dutch were also possible). He gave us a well worth overview of the local history and was really lovely and funny.

Costs of a canal tour in Bruges

A boat tour in Bruges is relatively inexpensive. You pay about € 12,00 per person for a 30 minutes trip at the dock. Children up to 11 years old pay around € 10,00, Bruges residents around € 9,00 and children up to 3 years can go along for free. Make sure to reserve your spot online , as tickets get sold out quickly.

Tip: you may want to bring some cash along to tip your driver.

Organized canal tour in Bruges

There are several organized tours available that include a Bruges canal tour. You can for example combine a canal tour with a guided walking tour, scavenger hunt or a canal tour in Ghent . I think this is a very fun way to see the most of Bruges in a short time.

Bruges canal tour duration

The boats typically run every 15 or 20 minutes. Sometimes it takes a bit longer, because the boats wait till they’re full or nearly full before departing. A boat tour takes about 30 minutes and you will see beautiful places that you can only see by boat. The boats usually operate daily between March and mid-November from 10.00am till 18.00pm (last boat leaves at 5:30pm). Early morning is a good time to avoid the queues. The boat can be a bit cold, but you get a unique view. Plan your boat trip and Bruges itinerary accordingly!

In Bruges, a canal tour is a must for a different perspective on the city and to see hidden gems that are only accessible by boat. Witness secret gardens, charming bridges and historical architecture from the comfort of a boat. Choose a front or back seat for unobstructed photos and enjoy insightful commentary from the boat driver. The cost is reasonable and reservations are recommended. Be mindful of operating hours to avoid crowds and for a more comprehensive experience, opt for an organized tour.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below and I’ll try my best to answer them. Safe travels and enjoy exploring Bruges by boat!

Author: Daphne

This article is part of the GPSmyCity iOS app. You can download it, read this article offline and obtain travel directions (by foot, car or bicycle) to the places mentioned in this article. Click  here  to download it.

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Hi, I see that there are a lot of free walking tours in Bruges. Have you had any experience with walking tours (free or paid)? If so, do you have any recommendations? Will be in Bruges late June.

Girlswanderlust

Hi Stuart, unfortunately I don’t have any experience with a free/paid walking tour in Bruges. I believe some tours start at the ‘Grote Markt’. When searching online, you can find different walking tour options like historical, medieval or night tours. Sounds fun! Enjoy Bruges and don’t skip the Bruges Canal Tour 😁

4 of us will be in Bruges on November 24th. Can we still get a canal tour? Ken Kb*******@ho*****.com

Hi Ken, boat trips run from early March to mid-November. So at November 24th, the shipping companies can decide for themselves whether to open or not. On this page ( https://www.visitbruges.be/en/bruggemetdeboot ) you can find some contact details of shipping companies. Best is to reach out directly to them. Enjoy Bruges! I’m sure you will like it!

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Tyla Talks Creating “Water,” First Grammy Win, Cancelled Tour Dates & More | Billboard Cover

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Billboard cover star Tyla talks about creating her viral hit “Water,” the journey to creating her recently released debut album ‘Tyla,’ the diverse collaborations from Becky G, Tems, Gunna and Skillibeng, how her sound has evolved from R&B and pop to more Ampiano focused, how she feels to be the first artist to win a Grammy in the new African Music Performance category, how the South African dance Bacardi dance style inspired the viral “Water,” dance, canceling her highly anticipated Coachella performance and tour due to injury and more.

Tyla People are gonna see me everywhere. So if you don’t like me, I’m sorry.

Tyla The making of “Water,” I was wrapping up the album. And I was looking for sounds that I was missing. And I really felt like I was missing like a summer, banger, vibey type song. So I ended up working with these people that we call the Fantastic Four, which is Ari, Corey, Mocha and Sammy Soso and, we came up with literally the exact song I had envisioned. And we recorded it in a bedroom, literally. And I just remember repeating it and repeating it and playing it for whoever would listen and people that I played for loved it had a really good feeling I started performing it before it was out. And the response was so good that I was like, Wait, this could be the song. But obviously the challenge and everything took a like to the wall.

Watch the full video above!

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Nevada Today

Center for urban water conservation celebrates 30 years of research, public invited to tours, presentations and native plant sale.

Visitors can observe the thriving wine grapes when they visit the Orchard. Photo by Louise Ruskamp.

Those wanting to spruce up their yards with native plants and get gardening tips are invited to a celebration in North Las Vegas at The Center for Urban Water Conservation, Research Center & Demonstration Orchard . University of Nevada, Reno Extension , in partnership with the  University of Nevada, Las Vegas , is hosting an event April 27 to celebrate 30 years of collaboration at the facility.

The event will include tours of the facility, a native plant sale, children’s activities and pastries. There will also be information on volunteer and educational opportunities, and presentations on a variety of water and horticulture issues, including native plants, worm bins, growing herbs, honeybees, roses, palms, growing smarter, and current research being conducted. The presentations will be given by  Extension’s Master Gardeners , as well as faculty and staff from both universities.  

The goal of the Center is to conduct research and provide information on water conservation in the Mojave Desert. Through UNLV, three Ph.D. students, six master's degree students, and over 75 undergraduates have conducted or assisted on research projects at the Center. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications and numerous fact sheets have been published on the work conducted at the Center.

The Research Center & Demonstration Orchard portion of the Center houses over 500 fruit trees, 230 grape vines and 100 palm trees, as well as many vegetable beds. In just the last four years, the grounds produced an average of 1,310 pounds of vegetables, 9,773 pounds, of fruit, and 2,888 pounds of grapes. The produce is available to the community, with the excess going to local food banks. The Center has welcomed over 2,500 visitors a year. It is maintained with help from Extension’s Master Gardeners and community volunteers.

“The celebration will highlight the long working relationship among UNLV, University of Nevada, Reno, and the City of North Las Vegas in addressing water-related issues facing southern Nevada,” Dale Devitt, director of the Center, said.

The anniversary celebration will be held at the Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 27, at 4734 Horse Drive in North Las Vegas. It is free and open to the public. Registration is requested .

For more information, contact Louise Ruskamp at 702-786-4361 or Marilin Lopez-Bermudez .

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick , civil rights and compliance coordinator, at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.

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