Brussels might be best known for its grand plazas and culinary delights, but it’s also a perfect starting point for exploring some of Belgium’s most scenic and historic waterways. Boat tours around Brussels offer a unique way to see the city’s vibrant canals, often with a chance to combine inland sightseeing with relaxing boat rides. Among the options we love, the Bruges day trips stand out—offering a rich mix of guided walking, free time, and optional boat tours that allow you to soak in the beauty of this “Venice of the North” at your own pace.
One of our top picks is the full-day From Brussels: Bruges: Day Trip with Boat Tour Option (ES). This tour goes beyond just walking through medieval streets; it includes an optional boat ride through Bruges’ canals, making it an even more immersive experience. Plus, with a 4.7-star rating from over 1,000 reviews, it’s clear that travelers find this trip well-organized and memorable.
We also recommend the From Brussels: Bruges: Day Trip with Boat Tour (ENG), which shares many features but slightly different in pace and guide style. Both tours provide round-trip transfers, guided tours of key monuments, and ample free time—perfect for those who want a comprehensive look at Bruges with the relaxing addition of a canal cruise.
Below, you’ll find detailed insights into each of these top boat-inclusive day trips, helping you decide the best fit for your Belgian adventure.
1. From Brussels: Bruges: Day Trip with Boat Tour Option (ES)
This highly-rated option offers a full-day journey from Brussels to Bruges, including a scenic canal boat ride that enhances the city’s fairy-tale charm. For just $49 per person, you’ll enjoy a 9.5-hour itinerary with round-trip coach transfers from central Brussels, departing from Carrefour de l’Europe.
The tour begins with a two-hour coach ride through the scenic Belgian countryside, setting the stage for your exploration. Once in Bruges, a professional guide takes you on a two-hour walking tour of the UNESCO-listed historic center—covering sites like Castle Square and Market Square, where medieval architecture surrounds you. Then, you get approximately four hours of free time to wander, shop, or relax in the tranquil Minnewaterpark and Begijnhof.
What elevates this trip is the optional boat tour—a peaceful 30-minute cruise along Bruges’ canals—offering a different perspective of this “Venice of the North.” Many travelers comment on the well-planned balance between guided sightseeing and free time, with reviews praising the attentive guides and smooth logistics. One review notes, “Estela did an amazing job presenting interesting facts and giving excellent restaurant suggestions.”
Bottom Line: This tour offers a fantastic value, especially for those eager to experience Bruges’ waterways firsthand without extra hassle. The combination of guided highlights, free time, and a scenic canal cruise makes it a well-rounded day trip.
2. From Brussels: Bruges: Day Trip with Boat Tour (ENG)
For around the same price ($49), this English-language tour emphasizes a comprehensive guided experience with an added adventure—the boat ride—making it a strong choice for travelers eager to combine history and scenery. It clocks in at about 9.5 to 10 hours, including coach travel, guided exploration, free time, and the boat cruise.
The tour kicks off from Carrefour de l’Europe with a two-hour coach ride, giving you a quick glimpse of the Belgian countryside. Once in Bruges, your guide—like Julian, praised in reviews—leads a two-hour walking tour of the city’s key sights such as Castle Square and Market Square. Afterward, you enjoy around four hours of free leisure time, ideal for enjoying local chocolates or lunch at a canal-side café.
The highlight, as many reviewers emphasize, is the boat tour—a calming, picturesque cruise through Bruges’ canals that guests describe as “a must-do experience.” One traveler remarked, “Get the boat option—it’s the best way to see the city from a different angle.” This tour consistently earns high marks for organization and guide friendliness, with some reviewers noting the fun, interactive guide style.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a well-rounded day with a guided walk and a scenic boat ride—plus extra free time—this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.
How to Choose Your Perfect Bruges Boat Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interest in guided tours or free exploration. Both tours include round-trip coach transfers from Brussels and a guided walk of Bruges’ historic core, but the main difference lies in the guide style and the emphasis on the boat cruise.
If you prefer a tour with a more personalized guide experience, the ES version may be best. For those who want a bit more detailed commentary in English and a slightly longer itinerary, the ENG option fits well. Both tours are ideal for history enthusiasts, food lovers, and canal scenery fans—just pick the one that aligns best with your style.
Booking early is smart, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred departure time and ensure a smooth, enjoyable day.
Final Thoughts
Brussels isn’t just a city of grand squares and delicious waffles—it’s also a fantastic launching point for exploring charming Belgian towns like Bruges, especially with a boat tour that adds an extra layer of beauty. Whether you choose the guided ES tour or the ENG tour, both give you a taste of Bruges’ timeless appeal combined with the relaxing pleasure of canal cruising.
For travelers seeking a full day of sightseeing with a scenic twist, these tours offer an excellent balance of guided insight and free leisure, all wrapped up in a scenic journey through one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. To make the most of your trip, consider booking ahead, especially if you want to include the boat experience—Bruges’ canals are best enjoyed when they’re less crowded.
No matter your choice, this mix of historic exploration and tranquil cruising promises a memorable Belgian adventure.