Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in Brussels

With a population of 11.4 million inhabitants, Brussels – the capital of Belgium – is a captivating destination. The city plays a pivotal role in Europe while also serving as a premier tourist hotspot for visitors worldwide.

Primarily celebrated for its culinary scene, including delectable Belgian chocolate and a variety of local beers, the Grand-Place Square hosts numerous charming cafes and pubs nestled within 17th-century architecture.

A plethora of historical structures, many designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, grace the city’s ancient streets, complemented by an abundance of parks and nearly 100 museums.

Brussels hosts numerous festivals annually, such as the Brussels Summer Festival, The Iris Festival, Couleur Cafe Festival, and The International Fantastic Film Festival.

Below are 15 exceptional tours available in Brussels.

1. Take a Walk Through History in Brussels

Walking tours provide an opportunity for visitors to become intimately acquainted with the city and its inhabitants. This 2.5-hour walking tour of Brussels is ideal for visiting iconic sites while gaining insights into the region’s history and culture.

Your knowledgeable guide will accompany you through the historic core of Brussels, highlighting notable locations and sharing anecdotes about life in the city.

Included in your journey is the Atomium, a national emblem originally intended for temporary display during Expo 58.

2. Taste the Food of Brussels

Brussels’ reputation extends to a variety of delightful culinary experiences beyond just chocolate and beer. Join an expert guide on a gastronomic journey through the city’s streets.

This three-hour excursion allows you to sample ten local delicacies, encompassing street food, traditional dishes, and culinary representations of the city’s diverse cultures.

Savor Bloempanch sausage paired with local beer in a downtown cafe, indulge in fries enhanced with mayonnaise as is customary for Belgians, and enjoy waffles complemented by coffee in a traditional cafe.

As you navigate from one venue to another, pay close attention to the stories and insights your guide shares regarding the local culinary landscape.

3. Learn all About Art Nouveau

Brussels is renowned for its distinctive architecture, featuring numerous structures crafted in the Art Nouveau style.

On this three-hour tour, your local guide will provide comprehensive insights about this architectural style while leading you through various parts of the city known for significant examples of Art Nouveau.

Your adventure begins at the Grand-Place, subsequently boarding a tram bound for the Bailli District. In this picturesque area, explore some of the city’s most notable Art Nouveau buildings.

Other significant structures included are Old English House, Hotel Tassel, Hotel Ciamberlani, and The Beukman House.

The tour concludes in front of the museum dedicated to Victor Horta, the pioneer of the Art Nouveau movement.

4. Take a Day Trip to Cologne and Monschau

Step away from Brussels for a day of sightseeing in the picturesque Monschau and the historic city of Cologne in neighboring Germany.

As you travel towards the border comfortably in a coach, marvel at the breathtaking landscape of the Eifel mountain area while receiving enriching historical narratives and stories from your expert guide.

Your journey commences in the quaint town of Monschau, where you will have leisure time to explore the charming cobblestone streets and alleys.

Following this, delve into the vibrant atmosphere of Cologne to witness its Roman walls and medieval structures. Admire the grandeur of its cathedral and unwind along the banks of the Rhine River. Utilize your free time to shop at world-class boutiques and savor the famed Kolsch beer in a cozy pub.

5. Explore Brussels with a Flexible Walking Tour

This two-hour tour offers visitors a chance to see multiple top attractions within Brussels without adhering to a rigid schedule. The tour is adaptable, allowing your guide to incorporate recommendations that include exploring lesser-known areas.

As you venture through the historic city alongside your private local guide, you will encounter significant sites, such as the guild houses on Grand Place, the Mannekin Pis Statue, and Place Royale.

Your guide will share insights into the city’s history and development, presenting a compelling narrative about how Brussels evolved into the remarkable city it is today.

6. Take a Trip to Bruges by Train

This eight-hour excursion allows you to step into the medieval ambiance of Bruges. Commence your journey by boarding a train in Brussels to Bruges, where a local guide will accompany you on a detailed walking tour of this historic city.

During the tour, indulge in authentic Belgian chocolate and local beers while admiring art at the Groeningemuseum. You will visit prominent sights such as the Church of Our Lady, Market Square, De Halve Maan Brewery, and the Benedictine Convent of the Begijnhof.

After the guided experience, you will have three hours to independently explore the city. Consider dining at a nearby establishment or enjoying a canal cruise before boarding the train for your return journey to Brussels.

7. Learn about the Great War with a Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour

Embark on a 13-hour historical expedition addressing significant sites from the Great War. Begin your trip in a comfortable coach with your first destination being a German cemetery.

Next, examine the WW1 trenches and Essex Farm Cemetery, where John McCrae penned his renowned poem “In Flanders Fields.”

Your journey will also encompass visits to The Brooding Soldier, Passchendaele Battlefield, and Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery globally. You will also cross over into France to explore the Vimy Memorial.

Before returning to Brussels, partake in the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate.

8. Beautiful Tulips and Historic Delft

On this 12-hour tour into the picturesque Netherlands, immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Join your local guide on a comfortable bus as you traverse through charming countryside adorned with bulb fields and windmills.

Your first destination is the idyllic town of Delft, where you can explore canals and historic structures, featuring a church that contains the underground burial chamber of the Dutch Royal Family. You will have free time to visit craft shops and explore the area.

Subsequently, you will proceed to the Keukenhof Estate, where you will discover the fascinating world of tulips before being granted access to the breathtaking gardens, which showcase over seven million blooms.

9. Explore the Caves of Han and a Wildlife Park

If you wish to experience Belgium’s natural wonders, depart from Brussels to the Caves of Han, where you will embark on a tram ride leading to the entrance of these underground chambers. Marvel at stunning natural galleries and halls illuminated by LED lights.

Your adventure continues at the Wildlife Park, where you will observe bears, reindeer, raccoons, and other fascinating wildlife.

10. Discover the Heart of Europe

Take in the sights on a comprehensive, eight-hour combination tour comprising both minivan travel and walking through Brussels. Meet your guide at your hotel and embark on a journey to explore a mix of historical and contemporary attractions.

Sample local beers and enjoy traditional fare. Admire architecturally significant buildings and historical landmarks, including the Royal Palace of Laken, Atomium, Palace of Justice, Waucquez Warehouse, and the EU district.

Following a delightful lunch, continue your exploration on foot through the city center, visiting additional historical sites, such as Grand Place, Kathelijneplein, and Place St. Cathérine.

11. Spend a Day Exploring Bruges and Ghent

For those wishing to experience the charm of two of Belgium’s cities in a single day, this ten-hour tour guides you through Bruges and Ghent.

Meet your guide in central Brussels before making the 100-kilometer journey to Bruges, where you will witness the historic landmarks that contributed to the city’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you explore, marvel at the Lake of Love, the former Red Light District, the Church of Our Lady, Gruuthuse Palace, Markt Square, and Dijver Canal.

You will have time to explore independently and enjoy lunch before proceeding to Ghent. In Ghent, re-visit the old city streets and discover significant sites such as the Castle of Gerald the Devil, Belfort, St. Nicholas’ Church, and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders.

12. Discover Upper and Lower Brussels

Brussels is divided into two distinct sections – upper and lower. This three-hour private excursion enables you to explore both areas.

Commence your experience at the Grand Place in the Lower City, admiring historical landmarks and prime attractions, including Manneken Pis, St. Catherine Square, and Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries while your guide shares historical context.

Your adventure then ascends to the Upper City, where you will encounter additional iconic locations such as the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Place des Palais, and the Musical Instruments Museum.

13. Get a Taste of Brussels

Brussels enjoys a distinguished reputation for its impeccable beer and delicious cuisine; experience both on this 3.5-hour culinary journey.

Begin your adventure in a hidden Belgian tavern, where your inaugural local beer awaits. Continue to three additional off-the-beaten-path taverns to sample more local brews.

Your next destination takes you to a downtown restaurant where four more local beers are paired with dishes, including mussels, chocolate pie, fries, and beef stew.

14. Take a Private Tour of Antwerp

Enjoy a luxury vehicle pickup from your hotel and travel to Antwerp for a five-hour private tour of this historical city.

Your itinerary begins in the city center, where you will wander Marquet Square. Here, you’ll explore ancient houses and tour Our Lady’s Cathedral, home to two 17th-century paintings by P. P. Rubens.

Next, visit a diamond workshop and discover the art of diamond manufacturing, learning how Antwerp is among the world’s premier diamond producers.

Before returning to Brussels, take a scenic drive by the city’s oldest harbor section.

15. Go Shopping in Maasmechelen Village

The shopper’s haven of Maasmechelen Village is located just a 90-minute drive from central Brussels, making it an ideal destination for a day of retail therapy.

Enjoy the scenic journey, and upon reaching your destination, peruse over 100 boutique shops and outlet stores. With discounts of up to 60% off retail prices, discover local and international luxury brands at significantly reduced prices.

Prior to heading back to Brussels, take advantage of your included EUR 20 voucher for Ellis Gourmet Burger. Additionally, enjoy a EUR 50 Maasmechelen Village Gift Card and a VIP card granting 10% savings at select stores.