boat tour bruges

Opening hours

Price table, getting there.

• Events on this location

Bruges by boat

• Shipping company Venetië van het Noorden, Huidenvettersplein 13, tel. +32 50 33 00 41 , [email protected]  
• Shipping company Coudenys, Rozenhoedkaai, tel. +32 50 33 13 75 , [email protected]  
• Shipping company De Meulemeester, Wollestraat 32, tel. +32 50 33 41 20 , [email protected]  
• Shipping company Gruuthuse, Nieuwstraat 11, tel. +32 50 33 32 93 , [email protected]  
• Shipping company Stael, Katelijnestraat 4, tel. +32 50 3 327 71 , [email protected]

Please note: the opening hours for this day are subject to (possible) change.

Children aged 4 to 11

Children under 4, visitors with a disability.

• you will pay a discounted rate as a visitor with disabilities;
• one person may accompany you free of charge. 

Huidenvettersplein 13, 8000 Brugge

Nearest bus stop: 502817 Brugge Dijver

Nearest station: Station Brugge

Nearest parking: Pandreitje car park

Often combined with

Brouwerij ‘Fort Lapin’ (Brewery)

Discover Thailand in Bruges

Huis ’t Schaep

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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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

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. Find more info on some of the historic buildings herebelow.

1. Beguinage

The 'Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde' with its white-coloured house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. This little piece of world heritage was once the home of the beguines, emancipated lay-women who nevertheless led a pious and celibate life. Today the beguinage is inhabited by nuns of the Order of St. Benedict and several Bruges women who have decided to remain unmarried.

2. Saint John’s Hospital

Saint John’s Hospital has an eight hundred-year-old history of caring for pilgrims, travellers, the poor and the sick. Visit the medieval wards where the nuns and monks performed their work of mercy, as well as the chapel, and marvel at the impressive collection of archives, art works, medical instruments and six paintings by Hans Memling. Also worth a visit: the Diksmuide attic, the old dormitory, the adjoining custodian’s room and the pharmacy.

3. Church of Our Lady

The 115.5 metres high brick tower of the Church of Our Lady is a perfect illustration of the craftsmanship of Bruges’ artisans. The church displays a valuable art collection: Michelangelo’s world-famous Madonna and Child, countless paintings, 13th-century painted sepulchres and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold.

4. Groeninge Museum

The Groeninge Museum offers a varied overview of the history of Belgian plastic arts. Although the Flemish Primitives are a high point, you will also marvel at top 18th and 19th-century neoclassical pieces, masterpieces from Flemish Expressionism and post-war modern art.

5. Ambachtshuis Huidevetters

6. Belfry & Carillon

The most important of Bruges’ towers stands 83 metres tall. It houses, amongst other things, a carillon with 47 melodious bells. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city’s charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur’s chamber. Finally, after a tiring 366 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings.

7. Liberty of Bruges

From this mansion, the countryside in a wide area around the city was once governed. The building functioned as a court of justice between 1795 and 1984. Today the city archives are stored here. They safeguard Bruges’ written memory. The premises also boast an old assize court and a renaissance hall with a monumental 16th-century timber, marble and alabaster fireplace made by Lanceloot Blondeel.

8. Fish Market

At first, fish was sold on one of the Markt’s corners, but as the townspeople complained about the stench, the fishmongers were forced to move and sell their wares here. In the covered arcade (1821), specially erected for the purpose of selling fish, fresh seafish was sold, a delicacy that only the rich could afford. Today you can still buy your fresh saltwater fish here every morning from Tuesday to Saturday.

9. Almshouses

Many small, whitewashed almshouses can be seen in the townscape of Bruges, mostly clustered around a cosy courtyard. These precursors of public housing were established in de 14th century by wealthy townspeople or guilds. They housed poor elderly people or widows. More than 46 blocks of almshouses have been preserved, scattered over the city, 43 of which are still occupied by elderly people.

10. Stepped gables

11. Burghers' Lodge

Right on the corner of Jan Van Eyckplein there is a striking building with a dramatic tower. The Poortersloge (Burgher’s Lodge) was built towards the end of the 14th century and the start of the 15th century and served as a meeting spot for the Genootschap van de Witte Beer (Society of the White Bear), a society of burghers. The leading burghers received traders in the lodge so that business matters could be settled in a relaxed atmosphere. It was a perfect location, as it was where the trading vessels moored before clearing their goods and was also close to the foreign-owned warehouses. The building served as the city’s Academy of Arts between 1720 and 1890, after which it did duty as the State Archives from 1912 to 2012.

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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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Experience the Bruges Boat Tour

You can’t visit Bruges without taking a boat tour and going on a little trip down the Bruges canals! Along with other cities, it is often referred to as Venice of the North… All the hustle and bustle of the city streets disappear as soon as you set off. It’s quiet besides the occasional tidbit of information from the driver, guiding you along the beautiful canals.

Unlike the canals in Amsterdam , the canals in Bruges are hard to get to by foot. You can walk down some of them, but there are quite a few areas where it’s just buildings on either side of the canal. By taking a boat tour, you’ll get to see the beautiful buildings and landmarks around Bruges from a completely different perspective, going under the numerous bridges and past these un-walkable areas that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise!

What happens on a Bruges boat tour?

Explore the Bruges canals by boat as the captain takes you on a tour between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage. As you travel down the canals, the captain will give you a snapshot guide of the buildings you go past, giving an explanation and insights into the life and culture surrounding Bruges. Spot all the beautiful houses and gardens, see landmarks from a different viewpoint and just relax as you slowly meander down the canals.

Seating on the canal boats

These boats seat quite a lot of people on them, so you may feel quite close to people if it’s busy. The captains do tend to wait until the boat is full before setting off. It’s worth noting that there is a single row of seats that runs down the middle, so if you’re wanting to take photos it’s best to avoid that seat where possible!

How to find the Bruges boat tour starting points

There are five landing stages where you can embark on the canal boats. Whilst there are a few different companies running the tours, they all follow the same route and cost the same so there’s no need to worry about choosing the ‘right’ one. The only difference is your starting and ending points.

The boats appear regularly, and you can fit between 35-40 people per boat, so any don’t be put off by queues – they go down quickly!

You’ll find each company in the areas below. Here’s a map showing exactly where to embark on the boats, and the route that is taken.

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

How much does it cost to go on a boat tour in Bruges?

You can expect to pay around €12 per adult, and €7 for children – though children under 3 are free. This is one of the cheaper attractions that I spotted whilst visiting, and one that allows some time to relax! There are booths situated at each landing stage so they’re easy to find, but you will need cash to pay.

When do the Bruges boat trips run?

These boat trips run from early March to mid-November generally, with running times going from 10am to 6pm each day. It isn’t possible to pre-book your ticket for these boat tours. You simply turn up, pay at a booth and jump on the next boat available. It’s a simple process, though it can obviously get busy at peak times so that’s something to keep in mind.

Have you ever visited Bruges? And if yes, did you try out a boat tour? If you’re looking to see more, check out this reel I made documenting our Bruges boat trip .

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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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Discovered By Boat

A trip on the canals of Bruges.

A boat trip on the picturesque canals of Bruges allows you to admire the city's most beautiful sights from a total different angle. The boat follows a set route and takes 30 minutes.

The guiding is provided with multi-lingual comments: Dutch, French, German and English.

The boats are not covered, but umbrellas are provided in case of rainy weather.

A selection of some highlights .

Church of St-Anna

Church of Our Lady

Liberty of Bruges

House of the tanners

Burghers Lodge

Almshouse 'The Pelican'

St-John's hospital

Coudenys n.v.

B - 8000 Brugge

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