Belgium · HISTORICAL TOURS

The 15 Best History Tours in Belgium

63 tours  ·  from $3

Guild wars, Habsburg politics, two occupations and the trenches in between. The 15 below are compared on which century they actually cover, how far they walk and what they cost.

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip - Starting near the Castle of the Counts
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Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

1.50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,637 reviews · 1 day · from $12Our pick

Cruise Ghent’s medieval center aboard a small boat, passing the three famous towers, Graslei, guildhalls, the Castle of the Counts, and the Prince’s Court. Live commentary is in English, Dutch, or French, with illustrated translations in six other languages. Guides such as Kobe, Brent, Anna, and Kristi are praised for humor, clear stories, and local tips.

“Great activity with a knowledgeable guide. Seeing Ghent by boat is a great option!”

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Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges - Belfort explains the city’s watchful tower
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Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges

2.Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,541 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $3Top rated

Walk Bruges for about 2 hours 15 minutes with an English-speaking guide from Markt to Burg Square. You’ll hear stories about medieval trade, French rule, swans, beer, beguines, Michelangelo, and Bruges’ political past. Guides including Louis, Victoria, Martin, Sander, and Wouter have been praised for clear storytelling and local tips. The tour is free-priced, with tips recommended.

“Essential introduction to Bruge. This is how you get the insider info for a perfect trip! Martin was a great guide!”

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Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp - Carolus Borromeus Church reveals Rubens at work
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Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp

3.Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,837 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

This two-hour English walking tour leads you from Antwerp’s Grote Markt to the Cathedral of Our Lady, with stops at Rubens sites, the Bourse, Vlaeykensgang, and the Nello and Patrasche statue. Guides such as Arie, Luc, Beren, and Marc combine local stories, history, humor, and practical tips. Expect a group of up to 35 and plenty of standing.

“This was a remarkable historical tour of Antwerp. Our guide, Marc, was knowledgeable and opened to questions. He shared so many facts about this beautiful and colorful city's history in chronological order. The tour was well paced and sprinkled with Marc's humor. We highly recommend this tour!”

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Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent - St Michael’s Bridge and the three towers
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Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent

4.Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,761 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $3

Walk Ghent with a local English-speaking guide, following a 13-stop route from St Michael’s Bridge to St Nicholas’ Church. Hear stories about medieval trade, rebellious citizens, the Castle of the Counts, the Ghent Altarpiece, and the city’s graffiti lane. Guides such as Tatiana, Kasia, Kenny, and Sophia are known for warm, humorous storytelling.

“Tatiana was a knowledgeable, professional, exciting tour guide. She shares her love and appreciation of Ghent with her guests.”

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Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting - Manneken Pis with a waffle in hand
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Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

5.Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,165 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Walk through Brussels with an English-speaking guide for about 2.5 hours, from Grand Place to Place Royale. See major sights, hear stories about Belgian history and culture, enjoy a warm waffle near Manneken Pis, and taste Mary chocolates in the Royal Galleries. Groups are capped at 14 people.

“We really enjoyed our 2.5 hour tour with Paul seeing the sights of Brussels, enjoying a waffle and chocolate treats from Mary’s.”

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THE Storytelling Tour of Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips - Seeing Bruges as a trading city
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THE Storytelling Tour of Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips

6.THE Storytelling Tour of Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 925 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $3

Start beneath Bruges’ Belfry with a local English-speaking storyteller and spend about two hours tracing the city’s medieval center. Expect the Markt, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, Boniface Bridge, the old hospital, and Huidenvettersplein, plus practical tips on beer, chocolate, museums, and restaurants. Guides include Pascal, Nick, Arthur, Alasdair, and others.

“One of the best tours we had on our trip. The guide was very knowledgeable, and was delivering all that info in a such a easy to digest and funny manner that you didn't want for the tour to be over. Definitely recommend!”

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Ghent: 40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour - Finding the green boathouse at the medieval harbor
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Ghent: 40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour

7.40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 884 reviews · 1 day · from $12

Cruise Ghent’s River Leie for 40 minutes with a live guide in English, Dutch, or French. You’ll see the medieval harbor, three famous towers, Prinsenhof, guildhalls, churches, monasteries, and Castle of the Counts. Illustrated texts are available in Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, and Japanese.

“A great snapshot of Ghent. I was staying at Bruges and heard about this medieval city, so booked this guided canal boat tour. It’s a perfect way to see almost everything and learn about the city. It’s only 40 minutes, so I had plenty more time to explore key sites after the tour. Lots of time slots to choose from, so very flexible. If you are travelling like me, this will work very well!”

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Tell Me About Brussels! | First Day Must-Do | Local Storytellers - The Bourse and Brussels’ Beer Culture
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Tell Me About Brussels! | First Day Must-Do | Local Storytellers

8.Tell Me About Brussels! | First Day Must-Do | Local Storytellers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 649 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $3

Start at Brussels’ Grand Place and walk through the old center with an English-speaking guide such as Tom, Tristan, Conor, or Pascal. In about two and a half hours, you’ll see Manneken Pis, the Bourse, Delirium, the Royal Galleries, the cathedral, Brussels Park, and the Royal Palace. The small-group format keeps the tour personal, while the pay-what-you-want model lets you decide the guide’s value.

“Conor was fantastic in story telling and sharing with all the fun and historical facts. he is passionate about what he does and very knowledgeable. This tour gave us a much needed overview picture when we just started our 4-day stay in the city. It is a tour I absolutely recommend to everyone visiting the city.”

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Brussels: Historical Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting - Starting beneath Brussels City Hall
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Brussels: Historical Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

9.Historical Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 642 reviews · from $40

See Brussels’ Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Royal Galleries, cathedral, palace, and Mont des Arts with guides such as Louise, Ian, Sarah, and Sancar. The 2.5-hour walk includes a Belgian waffle, a praline from a royal warrant holder, and practical food and sightseeing tips.

“A very informative, yet entertaining tour. Tour guide Ian brings the history of Brussels and the true, or almost true, stories about it to life. In between, you'll enjoy a waffle for refreshment and later, authentic chocolates to sample. The tour is relatively long at 2.5 to 3 hours, but it covers the historical part and the Mont des Arts. I highly recommend the tour, and especially Ian!”

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💛 Tell Me About Bruges 🏰 1000 Years of Stories by Locals ⭐ - Meeting the yellow umbrella at Markt
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💛 Tell Me About Bruges 🏰 1000 Years of Stories by Locals ⭐

10.💛 Tell Me About Bruges 🏰 1000 Years of Stories by Locals ⭐

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 528 reviews · from $3

Spend two hours walking Bruges with an English-speaking local storyteller. Expect medieval legends, city politics, chocolate, beer, and stops at Markt, Burg Square, Rosary Quay, St. Boniface Bridge, Church of Our Lady, and De Halve Maan brewery. Guides such as Pascal, Steve, Gosia, Nikki, and Arthur bring plenty of humor and theatrical energy.

“We had an amazing experience on the Bruges tour, and it was all thanks to our fantastic tour guide! They were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging, making the rich history and charm of Bruges come alive. The way they shared stories, pointed out hidden gems, and answered all our questions really made the tour memorable. Their warmth and enthusiasm created a welcoming atmosphere, and I felt like I was exploring the city with a friend. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to truly experience Bruges!Read more”

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Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Bruges - by Legends - Belfry stories and the medieval city center
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Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Bruges – by Legends

11.Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Bruges – by Legends

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 483 reviews · from $2Best value

Explore Bruges on foot with a local guide in English, French, or Spanish. See the Belfry, Beguinage, Lake of Love, Rozenhoedkaai, and other key sights, while 360° VR images show how the city looked in the Middle Ages. Guides such as Sam, Louie, Victoria, and Mauricio add stories, jokes, and practical tips.

“I and my family did the tour on Wednesday the 2nd of October with a spanish speaking guide. I can’t recall her name, but she was spot on. I found her knowledgeable and passionate about the job. I would definitely recommend her and her tour.”

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Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center - Finding the right jetty at Graslei 4
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Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

12.40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 430 reviews · 40 min · from $12

Cruise Ghent’s center for 40 minutes with a local guide in Dutch, English, or French. From Graslei, you’ll pass the Butcher’s Hall, Dulle Griet, the Old Fish Market, Gravensteen Castle, and Rabot. Open and covered boats operate according to the weather, making this a useful first look at the city.

“Guide was informative, energetic, patient and helped me getting put of boat. I highly recommend this beautiful, relaxing tour.”

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Antwerp: Historical Walking Tour in the Old City - Cathedral of Our Lady and Handschoenmarkt
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Antwerp: Historical Walking Tour in the Old City

13.Historical Walking Tour in the Old City

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 373 reviews · 2 hours · from $3

Walk Antwerp’s Old City with an English-speaking local guide, from Het Steen and the Grote Markt to the cathedral and Vlaaikensgang. Hear stories of Roman conquerors, Spanish rule, trade, and local customs. Guides such as Shabnam, Sergio, Joris, and Anna-Lena also share practical tips on food, bars, museums, and events.

“Despite a rainy afternoon, I totally enjoyed this tour. The guide, Joris van Biel was very knowledgeable, proud of his city, excellent communicator and friendly. Could not beat the value of this walking tour”

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Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges - Starting at the Markt and Belfort
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Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges

14.Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 315 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Explore Bruges with a private English-speaking guide such as Martin, Piet, Sam, or Patrick. In two hours, you’ll visit the Markt, Belfort, Beguinage, Minnewater Lake, Burg Square, and more while hearing stories about medieval trade, swans, beer, art, and local life. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“Erik was a great guide—he took us through all the highlights of Bruges while giving us all the historical context for everything. He also recommended some great locals’ places to eat and drink. Highly recommend!”

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Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp - Grote Markt and the medieval center
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Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

15.Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

This private English-language walk takes you through Antwerp’s old center with guides such as Luc D., Johan, Edna, Flip, and Arie. In about two hours, you’ll see Grote Markt, Rubens landmarks, the Bourse, Vlaeykensgang, and the Cathedral of Our Lady. It suits first-time visitors who want history, local tales, and practical tips in a flexible format.

“Lizbeth was incredible. She gave such a locally inspired private tour. She somehow was able to answer ever obscure question I asked. She was a delight to learn from and was one of the best guides I have ever had.”

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New in Historical Tours

★ 5.0Historic Highlights, by a local guideFrom $409 reviews
★ 5.0Private tour in historic Ghent6 reviews
★ 5.02 Hours Private Historical Walking in Ghent14 reviews
★ 5.0Historic Ypres WWI Sites – Tour from BrusselsFrom $7016 reviews
★ 5.0Private Historical Tour: Highlights of BrusselsFrom $1058 reviews
★ 5.0Brussels Walking Tour with Waffle Tasting: History and DelightsFrom $453 reviews
★ 5.0600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of LeuvenFrom $117 reviews
★ 4.0A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels: From Medieval to Modern TimesFrom $95 reviews
★ 5.0Bruges Food and History Tour: Culinary Delights & Hidden GemsFrom $20315 reviews
★ 5.0Private Guided Historical Walking Tour in Bruges BelgiumFrom $11823 reviews
★ 3.0Bruges Uncovered: Historic Walking Tour & Canal Boat ExperienceFrom $06 reviews
★ 4.5Beyond Bruges – Travel Back to the Middle AgesFrom $1515 reviews
★ 4.5Private Antwerp’s Diamonds and Jewellery Old City Center Historic Tour25 reviews
★ 4.9Pub Crawl in the Historical City10 reviews
★ 3.9The Van Gogh HouseFrom $522 reviews

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