Brussels

Canals, Cobblestones & Courtyards: A Fairytale Bruges Escape

Day Trips & Local Escapes • 8 hours 5.0

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Canals, Cobblestones & Courtyards: A Fairytale Bruges Escape

Discover Bruges’ enchanting side—peaceful canals, hidden alleys, and historic squares, exploring at your own pace with a local host.

Get one to access museums for free and enjoy discounts for selected attractions!

What makes this experience special

Brussels unfolds differently through your questions. While others follow fixed routes, you'll discover the city that matches your rhythm—from chocolate workshops to courtyard cafés only regulars know.

Key highlights

See Bruges at a relaxed pace, away from the crowds.
Explore historic streets, canals, and hidden corners.
Discover peaceful courtyards and quiet waterways.
Hear fascinating stories and local legends.
Enjoy an unhurried, flexible experience.
Walk to Bruges’ windmills for scenic views.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

8 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

Return train ticket from Brussels to Bruges

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees (apart from the return tickets to Bruges)

Meeting point

Central Station, Cantersteen 14, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
Cash is not accepted on De Lijn buses in Bruges. Use a contactless payment method (bank card, Apple Pay, Google Pay) or buy a De Lijn ticket via the app, website, or ticket machines.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Central Station, Cantersteen 14, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Meet Up at Brussels Central Station

Start your journey in Brussels before taking the train to Bruges.

Canals, Cobblestones & Courtyards: A Fairytale Bruges Escape

Meet your host at Brussels Central Station, an easy-to-find departure point. As you take the direct train (~1 hour), chat about Bruges’ history, local legends, and how you'd like your day to unfold.

Arriving in Bruges – A Walk Through History

Step off the train and into Bruges’ medieval beauty, unfolding at your pace.

From here, the day can take many paths—quiet canals, hidden squares, or peaceful courtyards. Your host will share stories and insights as you explore in a way that feels natural and open-ended.

Markt Square & A Hidden Alternative

See Bruges’ iconic belfry, then escape to a peaceful historic square.

A glimpse of the Belfry, then on to Jan van Eyck Square—once Bruges’ trading hub, now a quiet gem. Away from the crowds, it offers a different perspective on the city’s medieval past.

Hidden Alleys & Secret Courtyards

Step off the main streets to find Bruges’ best-kept secrets.

Try to spot De Garre, Bruges’ smallest alleyway, before your host points it out. Then, slip through Blind Donkey Alley and hear the quirky legend behind its name—hidden stories in every corner.

The Begijnhof: A Tranquil Escape

A peaceful retreat with whitewashed homes and tree-lined courtyards.

The UNESCO-listed Begijnhof offers a rare moment of calm. Once home to independent women, this hidden enclave is a place of quiet beauty—step inside its chapel for a moment of stillness.

Canal Walks & A Secret Bench with a View

Skip the boat tours and find Bruges’ most peaceful waterfront spots.

Stroll along Groenerei & Sint-Annarei, where medieval houses reflect on still water. Somewhere along the way, your host will lead you to a hidden bench—one of the best views in the city.

The Windmills of Bruges

A short walk to Bruges’ old city ramparts, where historic windmills stand tall.

If you're up for it, head to Kruisvest Park, where four windmills dot the landscape. A quiet green space away from the crowds, it’s a perfect place to pause before making your way back.

Returning to Brussels – The Journey Back

Unwind on the train ride to Brussels—how you spend it is up to you.

Take in the passing countryside, swap stories with your host, or get recommendations for what’s next. Whether you feel like chatting or just enjoying a quiet ride, it’s the perfect way to end the day.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Views over Brussels from Mont des Arts with Sebas

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Manneken Pis: A Whimsical Symbol of Brussels

Taking in Grand Place from above with Sebas.

Sebas and guests grabbing a bite for their half-day adventure

Springtime sunshine at Mont des Arts with Sebas

Host Patrick and guests grabbing a bite

Brussels in bloom at Petit Sablon

Chloé ready to show her guests around Brussels for the first time

Hidden Gem of Grand Place: Neptune Fountain at Hôtel de Ville

Neoclassical Grandeur: The Royal Palace of Belgium

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

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What travelers think of this experience

Kevin May 2025

Very knowledgeable, personable. Excellent tour guide. Would highly recommend

Nicole May 2025

We like to meet locals and get a flavor of life in the country.

David May 2025

Randi Apr 2025

We appreciated Andrea altering our trip for us when our plane arrived a day and several hours late. He showed us all the most liked places!

Mary Apr 2025

I cannot begin to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for such a wonderful day trip with Andrea Mogni to Bruges. Myself, my daughter and sister felt so comfortable and well cared for from start to finish. Andreas knowledge and insight into every step of our day was so impressive. We left feeling our day knowing we learned so much more than any other tourist exploring Brussels and Bruges. His depth and knowledge of architecture, history, overall life in Belgium and beyond is endless. He was also very watchful over us from the moment we walked out of our hotel to the train station and all the way to/from Bruges. We are forever grateful to have connected with Andrea and feel like he is now a dear friend. We hope that our paths will cross again in the future. Your organization is very lucky to have such an amazing tour guide working with you.

Nannette Mar 2025

Francis was the best. From explaining the history, showing us the highlights, allowing time for more in depth time in areas we were interested and location for lunch. He was knowledgeable, kind, and engaging. The day flew by in an instant. He even gave us recommendations for our travels the next days we were in Belgium with a list of must sees and recommendations for meals. Could not have asked for a better guide. Thank you for an amazing day.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Of course! Your experience is flexible, so you can explore at your own pace and make changes along the way.

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.

Will we enter attractions, or just explore from the outside?

That’s up to you! Some experiences include visits inside attractions, while others focus on the city's culture and atmosphere, which can be hard to truly experience without someone who knows the city inside out.

Are food and drinks included, or do I need to pay separately?

Unless stated otherwise, food and drinks are not included. Your host will take you to great spots where you can order what you like and pay as you go.

Is this experience physically demanding?

We can tailor the experience to be as active or relaxed as you like—just let us know what suits you best!

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.