📷 Tour: Essential Brugge

Let’s pop into the popular places...

This city centre tour is all about Brugge's historical heart, a breathtaking and timeless story on camera or otherwise.

As we take time on postcard-perfect sights on everything from the smallest (and sweetest!) bridge to medieval hospitals to swans at the Lake of Love and more. Be assured, you’ll get the essential locations and facts of this timeless city beyond equal.

Offered exclusively as a private tour for fully flexible start time and focus, your guide Andy guarantees a fully customised experience: Locations to learning to Brugge history (past and present) to photo experience... and beyond. 

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  • A wide angle shot a boats and the view of the "postcard perfect" Rozenhoedkaai in Bruges Belgium. Photo by Photo Tour Brugge.
  • The beautiful Behijnhof (nunnery) of Bruges Belgium in fall, lovely rows of white houses with trees offering a new view with every season. Photo by Photo Tour Brugge.

Brugge Photo Locations & Themes

Burg 📷 local life 📷 Rozenhoedkaai 📷 classic sights  📷 Bonifacius Bridge 📷 street life  📷 Behijnhof 📷 urban landscapes 📷 Church of Our Lady 

Start @

3hr Private Tour
Flexible start time (8am-9pm)
Best to avoid crowds: Before 10am

Meet @

Default: Burg Square 📍
or where it suits your plans.

Finish @

Church of Our Lady 📍
or where you need to be.

Prices

Open tours: 60€ /guest, 4 guests max.

Private tours: 220€ /tour, 4 guests incl.

Private tour for 5 or more guests? Contact us.

+1 "Non Camera" Friend

Open tours feature an optional +1 “non camera” friend per booking at no extra charge.

More info on +1 Non Camera Friend

Going Out
in Brugge

Beyond photos: We're here to look after you with 100% honest food, drink & shopping advice.

(Included with tour booking confirmation)

Your Guide: Andy McSweeney

Pro photographer, guide, coach, adopted local.
1000% loves his job: Loving everything in photography.

More about Andy McSweeney

Casual to Pro

Since 2012 & with 3000+ guests, our photo tours truly suit ALL levels & interests in photography.

Need proof? Read our reviews...

All Reviews 5.0tripadvisor logoTripAdvisor 5.0google logoGoogle 4.9facebook logoFacebook 5.0
Overall Rating
5.0 904 reviews
Elisabetta S AvatarElisabetta S.
5 star rating **Discover Bruges with Andy: A Must-Do Photography Tour! 📸✨ Andy’s photography tour in Bruges is an unforgettable experience! Not only did he help me capture the city’s beauty, but he also taught me how to turn lifeless shots into images that tell stories and evoke emotions.

**Why join?**
Expert guidance.
Tips for all skill levels.
A creative way to explore Bruges.

Andy’s professionalism and passion made the tour truly special. Highly recommended for anyone who loves photography!
#Bruges #PhotographyTour #AndyExperience #UnforgettableShots - 24/11/24 
more...
George G. AvatarGeorge G.
"Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour with Andy McSweeney was just brilliant. My only request is that I had not done a night photo like this earlier so photography would have been better from the start of our European holiday. I went on the tour in the hope of learning at least one new tip and be taken to something perfect photo spots in Bruges. Andy provided lots of guidance and tips during the trip that I will take forward in my photography journey. Also, the locations taken were just awesome with a couple hidden gems. Would highly recommend connecting with Andy if you are in Bruges for a photo tour you will not be disappointed. Thanks, Andy, for a great tour. - 23/11/24 
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J1942CRgeorgeg AvatarJ1942CRgeorgeg
5 star rating Excellent Photo Tour in Bruges "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour with Andy McSweeney was just brilliant. My only request is that I had not done a night photo like this earlier so photography would have been better from the start of our European holiday. I went on the tour in the hope of learning at least one new tip and be taken to something perfect photo spots in Bruges. Andy provided lots of guidance and tips during the trip that I will take forward in my photography journey. Also, the locations taken were just awesome with a couple hidden gems. Would highly recommend connecting with Andy if you are in Bruges for a photo tour you will not be disappointed. Thanks, Andy, for a great tour. - 23/11/24 
more...
Kerry M. AvatarKerry M.
We spent a wonderful morning touring beautiful Bruges with Andy. He gave us a lot of information about Bruges, it's history and the way of life for the locals. He showed us a good cross-section of the city, from the canals, to architecture, to some quiet streets with little details that I would not have noticed As two enthusiastic photographers he spent time encouraging us to try some different compositions and spending time showing us some tips and tricks. Andy has real passion and energy for his work and it shows. I would really recommend a tour with Andy. - 18/11/24 
more...
GeraldTheSheep AvatarGeraldTheSheep
5 star rating Highly recommend this informative and fun tour We spent a wonderful morning touring beautiful Bruges with Andy. He gave us a lot of information about Bruges, it's history and the way of life for the locals.
He showed us a good cross-section of the city, from the canals, to architecture, to some quiet streets with little details that I would not have noticed
As two enthusiastic photographers he spent time encouraging us to try some different compositions and spending time showing us some tips and tricks.
Andy has real passion and energy for his work and it shows.
I would really recommend a tour with Andy. - 18/11/24 
more...
Jef v. AvatarJef v.
Op een koude novembermiddag en avond genoten van de bijzondere rondleiding en wandelvierdaagse fotografie. Je ziet Brugge op een andere en intensere manier. Anders kijken naar gebouwen en op andere manier je foto’s maken. Deze combi van rondleiding en fotografie cursus viel in goede aarde bij ons hele gezelschap, van jong tot oud! Ook mede omdat Andy het met zijn humor, enthousiasme en betrokkenheid het tot een compleet feest maakte! Ik raad deze tour van harte aan! Jef van Wingerden - 13/11/24 
more...
Open Photo Tours
Personal, small-group, fun.
• 2 hour open group photo tour
• Maximum 4 photographers per tour.
• Fixed start from the usual meeting point.
• Free reschedule up to 24hrs before tour.
• +1 "non camera friend" can join for free.
• After-tour Brugge advice & goodies!
Edges of Brugge, Hidden Brugge 60 per guest
Private Photo Tours
For *full* focus.
• 3 hour private group photo tour
• Includes 4 guests of your choice*
• Fully focused mix of learning vs. locations.
• 100% flexible start time & meeting point.
• Free cancellation up to 24hrs before tour.
• Free reschedule up to 2hrs before tour.
• After-tour tips & extra nice goodies!

*More than 4? +40€ per guest, pay on the day.
All Photo Tours 220 per tour

Book Essential Brugge

ABOUT
YOUR GUIDE ANDY
TOP FAQs
PORTRAITS

About Photo Tour Brugge

Top rated since 2012, Photo Tour Brugge is the original city tour and photography workshop in beautiful Brugge (Bruges) Belgium for ALL photographers, casual to pro.

Founded and led by pro travel photographer Andy McSweeney, Andy offers daily small-group open or private photo tours for a fresh perspective on seeing the nuance of our stunning city and travel photography.

With full focus on a personal and quality experience, Andy helps you discover the story and facts of Brugge, shows sample photos on location and advice customised to your experience and interest.

Brugge Photo Locations

Our tours are planned for locations with visual delight in the right light, as well as representing the history and life of Brugge.

With 4 tour options to cover a variety of spaces and themes (Edges of Brugge, Essential Brugge, Hidden Brugge, Shades of Brugge), your options towards covering the rich tapestry of the top Brugge photo spots are plentiful.

From the quiet canals to the heart of the main sights, we're here to help you get to the best shot.

The Bonaficus bridge (smallest bridge in Bruges Belgium) at sunrise in spring. Photo by Photo Tour Brugge.

Brugge History Tour

While Andy hasn't done the 3 year class to be certified history guide, he knows more than a bit about Brugge both for the historical facts and what modern life is like in his decades-long adopted home & workplace.

Andy shares the now-and-then of it all with what he's learned over the ages, 100% confirmed as correct from his own studies and personal experience discovering the city since settling in 2002.

And yes: Some local legends and maybe even a bit of Brugge gossip to entertain between stops and shots, it's all about discovering the story as far as we see it!

A crowd of visitors inspect the facade of the city hall (Stad) in Bruges Belgium as the rain sets the mood. Photo by Photo Tour Brugge.

About Andy, Your Brugge Photo Guide

Professional creative travel photographer Andy McSweeney is a Canadian expat settled in Brugge since 2002 (of course due to marrying a lovely local!) and offering the top Brugge photography stops and photo coaching as Photo Tour Brugge since 2012.

Out of Montreal since 1994 and with many (many!) travels before that settling to Brugge, this "adopted" local has grown a deep love for Brugge and photography while savouring some further travels between soaking in the Bourgogne life of this timeless city.

Andy loves to photograph towards a feel for genuine intimacy with a style of simplicity and clarity, often using wide lenses and up-close framing to make environmental shots that both soak in the subject as well as the surroundings that matter.

Andy also greatly helping others by freely shares his photography advice on tour since 2012, thankful for experience at hand and only down to what you want to focus on. 

More About Andy
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What is a “Photo Tour”?

A photo tour is at heart a walking city tour combined with a photography workshop towards discovering locations and improving photo results both on tour and afterwards.

Photo Tour Brugge offers you a chance to discover Brugge in a photo-focused way, as well as a chance to pick up a few (optional) tips towards better photography. With both ‘open’ and private photo tours on offer, we humbly believe we offer a photo tour for all photographers..

See our home page (here) for more details.

General Cancellation Policy

  • Open Photo Tours: Open tours are non-refundable after booking as part of the competitive pricing of this offer. However, open tour tickets may be freely rescheduled* or exchanged for a full value voucher until 24hrs before tour.
  • Private Photo Tours: Private tours include free cancellation until 24hrs before tour, also free rescheduling* until 4hrs before tour.
  • Photo Shoots: Photo Shoots include free cancellation until 24hrs beforehand, also free rescheduling* until 4hrs beforehand.

*Rescheduling: We are flexible beyond the stated conditions as possible, always happy to consider unusual circumstances.

What if it rains?

Our photo tours generally operate rain or shine.

In light rain we push through with umbrellas, and even help you improve your technique in the wet. If the rain gets too serious we’ll then either move inside for indoor shooting and/or photo-talk over a coffee at a cozy café.

Please note: Bookings for open photo tours are non-refundable except at our discretion. However, we also understand the rain can “suck hard for photos” and offer a 50% refund up to the start of the tour if there is water on the ground and you wish to cancel.

If -we- cancel due to heavy/unsafe weather, you are offered a 100% refund and our thanks for your understanding.

From our open tours to private tours, very single photo tour offers a personalised balance to the Brugge photo locations we visit and the photo learning Andy shares to those interested.

Open photo tour? with a maximum of 4 guests we offer general info to the group before individual questions as everyone explores the spot we stop at.

Private tour or group tour? Same story and high chance you'll know each other and share similar requests on what we get into.

From casual smartphone to seasoned professional, our photo tours are truly built for all photographers!

If you're keeping it casual (or looking to level up), we'll logically explain the essentials of story, light and composition that outclass a huge camera anytime, also show you practical tips for your phone or camera for better photo results.

Already bitten by the photo bug? your guide Andy will happily share top locations in light you'll love and (entirely optional!) advice that may help develop your photo skills both in Brugge and beyond.

Fully focused and know what you want? Our top Brugge photo locations will certainly still keep you busy, the (still optional!) photo advice will be either advanced or we'll fill you in further on our lovely city. Yes, we don't talk the entire time. ;)

Our photo tours meet by default at the Basilica of the Holy Blood on the Burg Square.

Private photo tours include 100% flexible meeting point within the city ring.

Please see full Burg meeting point details via this page.

The Best Portrait Photo Shoot in Brugge

What better way to remember your time in Brugge than with a photo shoot?

Our portrait photo shoots are here to make you smile, on camera and beyond:

  • Multiple options (below) and personalised to getting you the perfect shot.
  • Top 5 photos sent within 48hrs, full results delivered within 14 days.
  • +10yr pro Brugge portrait photographer Andy McSweeney, here to help.

Don't just have your photo taken: Make moments to remember...

PHOTO SHOOT INFO
photo shoot mosaic

Portrait Photos 
in Brugge

ִ» Professional travel portrait photography.
ִ» Families to couples to goin' it solo.
ִ» You, in Brugge, looking awesome!

Your Photographer 
Andy

ִ» Pro portrait photographer Andy.
ִ» Adopted local since 2002.
ִ» Feels it on the love & travel vibes.

Fun Finding out 
the Photo

ִ» Specialised in non-posed natural moments.
ִ» Non-models welcome & help waiting.
ִ» Brugge facts & fun to make you smile.

Our Photo Shoots in Brugge

ABOUT
YOUR GUIDE ANDY
TOP FAQs
PORTRAITS
+32 486 175 275
BOOK NOW

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