Bruges was built on water, and a trip along its canals, the reien, shows the city from the angle its merchants knew best. Five operators run open motorboats from five landing stages in the centre, including the Rozenhoedkaai, the most photographed corner of Bruges, as well as Huidenvettersplein, Wollestraat, Nieuwstraat and Katelijnestraat. Each trip lasts about half an hour and follows the canals between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage, under low stone bridges and past gabled houses, hidden gardens, the back of the Gruuthuse and the Church of Our Lady. The skipper gives a running commentary in the languages of the passengers on board. Tickets are bought on the spot at the landing stage, and boats leave as soon as they fill, so there is no booking and rarely a long wait outside the peak summer afternoons.
How it works: walk up to any of the five landing stages and buy a ticket from the operator. Individual reservations are not possible. There are reduced rates for children aged four to eleven, children under four ride free, visitors with disabilities pay a reduced rate and one companion travels free. The boats are open, but umbrellas are provided when it rains.
Season: the boats run from early March to mid-November. Outside that period each operator decides whether to sail, so in winter, including the Christmas market weeks, expect limited departures, mostly in good weather and at weekends or holidays, and no service in freezing conditions. If a canal trip is a must, plan your visit for spring, summer or early autumn.
Making the most of it: board at the Rozenhoedkaai for the classic views, or at a quieter stage like Katelijnestraat near the Beguinage. Morning trips are calmer and the light on the water is soft. Sit on the outside edge for photos, and keep your head down under the lowest bridges. Pair it with the Beguinage and the Minnewater lake. If the boats are not sailing during your visit, the canal-side walk along the Dijver, the Rozenhoedkaai and the Groenerei gives you most of the same views on foot, and it is lovely in the early morning or after dark.
What to expect
The experience
A half-hour open-boat trip with live commentary, bought on the spot at one of five central landing stages.
Best time
Morning on a spring, summer or early autumn day, before the queues build and while the water is still.
How long
About thirty minutes on the water, plus a short wait at the stage in busy periods.
Tips
From mid-November to early March sailings are at each operator’s discretion, so check at the stage and keep a plan B.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the postcard views of Bruges in half an hour, without walking.
- Families
- Children love the low bridges and swans, and under-fours ride free.
- Couples
- An early boat from the Rozenhoedkaai, then breakfast by the canal, is the romantic classic.
- Pair with
- The Beguinage and Minnewater, the Belfry and the Groeningemuseum on the Dijver.
- Time needed
- About thirty minutes, or an hour with the walk to the stage.
Good questions
Can I book a Bruges canal boat in advance?+
No, individual reservations are not possible. You buy your ticket on the spot from the operator at one of the five landing stages.
How long is the canal boat trip?+
The trip takes about half an hour. It runs between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage with live commentary.
Do the canal boats run in winter?+
The season runs from early March to mid-November. Outside those months each operator decides whether to sail, so winter departures are limited and weather dependent.
Are the boats covered?+
No, the boats are open to the air. Umbrellas are provided when it rains.
Are there discounts for children?+
Yes, children aged four to eleven pay a reduced rate and children under four ride free. Visitors with disabilities also pay a reduced rate, and one companion travels free.
