Arrays of evanescently coupled waveguides can be used as simulators for tight-binding systems. A distinct advantage of implementations using surface waves, such as surface plasmon polaritons (SPP), lies in the detection scheme: the entire intensity distribution within the lattice can be recorded by leakage radiation microscopy. The achievable propagation length of SPPs is limited due to ohmic losses, making Bloch surface waves (BSW) a compelling alternative. BSWs are confined to the interface of a 1D photonic crystal made of low loss dielectric materials, enabling high propagation lengths. We design and fabricate the photonic crystal, characterize the surface mode and propagation lengths and implement an array of coupled BSW waveguides.