
Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 5,068 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels worth booking?
Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels is a 10.5-hour experience in Brussels, Belgium, from $52 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 5,068 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (5,068)
- Duration
- 10.5 hours
- From
- $52 per person
Discover Flanders’ two most enchanting cities and follow your guide on his walking tour way back in time! We take you to Ghent. We visit Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the world-famous Mystic Lamb painting (optional) and walk along the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the picturesque medieval harbor and many more highlights. In Bruges, after lunch you enjoy the view of the peaceful Lake of Love and the picturesque Beguinage. Your guide will explain the stories and secrets behind the city’s history from the Viking period until the end of the Middle Ages. You see literally ‘all’ highlights of Bruges: the Basilica of the Holly blood of Jesus, the Belfry tower, our Lady’s Church, Saint John’s hospital etc. You even have the option to enjoy a pleasant boat trip along the narrow canals, entirely organized by your guide. Do not forget your comfortable shoes to brave the cobbled streets!
What you get
About this experience
Discover Flanders’ two most enchanting cities and follow your guide on his walking tour way back in time! We take you to Ghent. We visit Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the world-famous Mystic Lamb painting (optional) and walk along the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the picturesque medieval harbor and many more highlights. In Bruges, after lunch you enjoy the view of the peaceful Lake of Love and the picturesque Beguinage. Your guide will explain the stories and secrets behind the city’s history from the Viking period until the end of the Middle Ages. You see literally ‘all’ highlights of Bruges: the Basilica of the Holly blood of Jesus, the Belfry tower, our Lady’s Church, Saint John’s hospital etc. You even have the option to enjoy a pleasant boat trip along the narrow canals, entirely organized by your guide. Do not forget your comfortable shoes to brave the cobbled streets!
What's included
Included
- Professional guide (tour may include bilingual commentary)
- Radios and earphones
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Organization of boat trip (at extra cost)
Not included
- Hotel pick up & drop-off
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Het Belfort van Gent
The 91-metre-tall belfry of Ghent is one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city centre of Ghent, Belgium, the other two belonging to Saint Bavo Cathedral and Saint Nicholas' Church.
Pass by without stopping
Graslei and Korenlei
A quay in the historic city center of Ghent, Belgium, located on the right bank of the Leie river.
Pass by without stopping
St. Bavo's Cathedral
The Saint Bavo Cathedral an 89-meter-tall Gothic cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. It is the seat of the diocese of Ghent, is named for Saint Bavo of Ghent, and contains the well-known Ghent Altarpiece.
Gravensteen
The current castle dates to 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory.
Pass by without stopping
Esglesia de Sant Nicolau
St. Nicholas' Church is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Ghent, Belgium. Begun in the early 13th century as a replacement for an earlier Romanesque church.
10 minutes here
Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a Roman Catholic basilica in Bruges, Belgium. The church houses a venerated relic of the Holy Blood allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace.
10 minutes here
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
The Church of Our Lady in Bruges, Belgium, dates mainly from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Its tower, at 115.6 metres in height, remains the tallest structure in the city and the second tallest brickwork tower in the world.
15 minutes here
Stadhuis
The Bruges City Hall is one of the oldest city halls in the entire Netherlands region. It is located in Burg Square, the area of the former fortified castle in the centre of Bruges.
10 minutes here
Minnewater Lake
The famous area is called the "Lake of Love" and" Lovers bridge" . It’s a romantic place to be with someone you love! An amazing location within the confines of the city.
15 minutes here
Burg Square
The Burg Square is the political center of Bruges. It is a lovely place where architecture lovers can enjoy the amazing mix of beautiful buildings.
20 minutes here
The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde
The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde is the only preserved beguinage in the Belgian city of Bruges. There are no more Beguines living there, but since 1927 it functions as a convent for Benedictines, founded by canon Hoornaert.
10 minutes here
Historic Centre of Brugge
There will be time for an optional but unforgettable canal tour.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Brussels
Look for our staff and the Keolis coach outside the National Bank of Belgium.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
No guide w/ optional boat tour
English
Spanish
Italian
French
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Brussels City Tours - Keolis Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Access to the Mystic Lamb at St Bavo's Cathedral is not possible on Sundays
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Our guides are pleased to guide the tours in English, Spanish and/or French depending on the language need of our guests on the tour
- Please note that we cannot accomodate latecomers
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5,060 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
5,060 verified traveler reviews for Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Really nice experience!...
Really nice experience! Just be careful with choosing dates on a holidays some locations are packed with tourists.
via Viator
This is such an...
This is such an incredible tour to explore different cities of Belgium, Ghent and Bruges. This tour ensures that you get the full experience with Jan as our main tour guide and also Dirk in Bruges. They were both fantastic and very knowledgeable regarding the history of the cities, Belgium and Europe as a whole.
via Viator
Worthwhile day trip
Informative tours with plenty of free time to explore on your own. The bus driver was great, the tour guides were very helpful.
via Viator
It’s unfortunate, but...
It’s unfortunate, but it’s difficult to understand how this tour has such high reviews. We arrived in Ghent first and quickly realized our “radios” won’t do well before we even got off the bus. Unsure if it was the bad headphones too, but the main problem was the connection — if you weren’t within 2.5m (8ft) of the guide and didn’t constantly adjust the headphone jack, you either heard static or nothing. The group size was way too big, a full charter coach of 60 people (the maximum listed in Viator is 40), to make staying that close impossible. Due to the loud static and connection issues, several people in the group just gave up on the headphones and hoped for the best. Meanwhile, Bruges was absolutely amazing! Split into reasonable groups (20 or less), no faulty radio tech to deal with, and excellent guides that were easy to hear and interact with. We had Jan and he was amazing and very informative. Canal tour was fun too, definitely spring for that. This tour needs either multiple guides in Ghent to make smaller groups or better equipment. Probably both. Bruges was excellent and really a highlight; the lead trip guide was nice and helpful. Honestly, the most reliable part: the bus did in fact get you to Ghent and Bruges and back to Brussels.
via Viator
This was absolutely amazing day trip that I would strongly recommend for everyone who has a day in Brussels
This was absolutely amazing day trip that I would strongly recommend for everyone who has a day in Brussels
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $52 to $55
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,774
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Brussels City Tours - Keolis Travel, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2.
See everything Brussels City Tours - Keolis Travel runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Brussels.
How much does Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels cost?
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Prices start at $52 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Brussels usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels take?
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Plan for about 10.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Brussels is not rushed.
Is Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 5,068 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Brussels, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels?
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Around 1,774 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Brussels can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Brussels and add a light layer if any part of the 10.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Brussels within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Brussels?
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On Outty we rank every Brussels experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hungry Mary's Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels, Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour, Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Brussels?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Brussels?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels?
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Included: Professional guide (tour may include bilingual commentary); Radios and earphones; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Organization of boat trip (at extra cost). Not included: Hotel pick up & drop-off; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels?
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Look for our staff and the Keolis coach outside the National Bank of Belgium. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Brussels. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels?
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Across 5,068 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including No guide w/ optional boat tour, English, Spanish, Italian. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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