Bruges Day Trip Review: Is the Boat Tour from Brussels Worth It?

Thinking about taking a day away from Brussels to explore Bruges? Bruges, with its super picturesque canals and old buildings, it’s almost like stepping into a storybook. If you’re kicking around the idea of the day trip specifically one that tosses in a canal trip, then you’ve landed in just the right spot. I’m going to run through the experience, hitting on what works, what could use a bit of polish, and, mainly, is that boat tour something you really ought to tack onto your itinerary.

Getting There and Back: Brussels to Bruges

So, there are usually two big ways most folks head from Brussels to Bruges: either you go by train, or you’re looking at a guided bus option. Trains usually get you there rather quickly—you’re talking about maybe an hour—and they drop you off right near the middle of Bruges, which is convenient. Guided trips, though, are often packaged up nicely with transport, a guide telling you all kinds of history and stories as you roll along, and possibly throwing in a boat trip or something else too. I grabbed one of those packaged tours to dodge trying to piece everything together myself, which really felt like the simplest path.

Going with a guided trip does have perks. Having all of the scheduling, and the train or bus bookings done. That way you are able to sort of switch off on that stuff, and it’s typically smooth. Yet, traveling by train directly gives you some wiggle room; you get to make your own clock on seeing things in Bruges at your pace. In the end, it hinges on what works for you: convenience plus insight, or, really, controlling how you spend every minute.

Bruges Highlights: More Than Just Chocolate

Bruges is certainly known for all sorts of stuff, but its central market spot, the Markt, that really grabs you. It’s where you see all kinds of architectural styles crammed together, each structure shouting about its part in Bruges’ past. That belfry? Actually, you could take a tour up for really sweeping views, assuming you are up to tackling those steps. I took in a look-see from the bottom since the climb isn’t something I was aiming to tackle. Rather close by is Burg Square, and that’s basically another open space skirted by the Town Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood. The buildings here, very with their ornate exteriors, really show what Bruges was pulling off as far back as the Middle Ages.

Bruges isn’t just buildings and market spots; those canals are part of the whole show. Known as the “Venice of the North” they bring this added peaceful charm that just sort of runs under the beat of the entire place. Walking through, taking random photos, is totally tempting around pretty much every bend. You are very encouraged to allow some room to explore off the major streets. You might be very apt to catch lesser-known spots with less of a crowd, and perhaps you may discover an interesting cafe.

Taking to the Water: The Canal Boat Tour

I think it’s hard to fully grasp Bruges without ever viewing it from the canals, that really is. You have a whole other angle that shows off corners and bits you cannot really notice just ambling the sidewalks. Boat tours usually kick off from a bunch of spots close to the Markt and typically don’t run you that much time, maybe like a half-hour-ish. Our guide was pretty full of insight, firing off historical pieces and bits as we cruised along, which certainly deepened the viewing of what we were passing. That, and it felt chill just relaxing on the water while the cityscape slides by. The waterways actually make for awesome photo ops, so it would be smart to make certain that your cameras are juiced before going on tour.

Is a boat thing really something that anyone who goes to Bruges should do? I guess it really depends. Very, if you dig seeing the scene from different angles, and especially hearing some historical backdrop as you move along, then yes, seriously toss this into the plan. But very expect these boats can get crammed when the visitor count peaks, and this can cut back just a bit from that experience of peace. In all, it comes highly advised.

Food and Drink: A Taste of Bruges

While in Bruges, it seems sensible to totally indulge in what they whip up food-wise. All right, you want waffles that look great and taste like the thing. Toss on some whipped stuff, maybe strawberries—there are tons of outlets flipping these out. Chocolate cravers are going to think they struck paydirt. Bruges is lousy with chocolate shops, where you are likely to find the bonbons you never considered, and the displays are artworks all to themselves. Try going beyond the center streets though; frequently, less popular storefronts might throw different angles on chocolates plus cost less.

In case you’d like more than dessert and bites, hunt down something classic like moules-frites or carbonade flamande—the kind of things which local outlets do terrifically. Something you may consider is tasting all types of regional brews; beer runs deeply in Belgium’s history. Walking into a smaller eating-and-drinking place will probably score one experience that punches way harder than walking into spots pitched straight at sightseers.

Is That Day Trip to Bruges Worth Doing?

Does Bruges cut it being worthy for taking off to from Brussels? I figure yeah. It really is like venturing into a scene torn straight out of some dated painting, yet with just enough modern angles and bustle to remain spirited. When you grab one day, be certain to pace what you might want to pull off. Major spots such as the Markt really pull everyone. Though it’s great to catch those significant hits, give priority, too, on some canal-side meandering or tracking down lesser-known squares. Opting for the guided boat outing gives just this different view, and that’s just fantastic should you have any draw towards taking great pictures or if just wanting to listen up on many accounts and narratives of times passed.

In the end, whatever it is you do hinges so strongly on what brings joy to you. Bruges provides a blend—striking sights for those who walk in only aiming for scenes, eats that pull folks in who like grub, plus layers upon layers for any trying to experience a place somewhat more intimately. Just travel informed and remain relaxed; the town provides ways for kicking back without piling pressure.