Self Guided Audio Tour of Upper Brussels' Noble Beginnings

Brussels , Belgium

Self Guided Audio Tour of Upper Brussels' Noble Beginnings

Active

1h - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience Brussels at your own pace with Shawn, an experienced tour guide eager to share the city's unique history and character.

Discover Brussels’ Upper Town evolution, from medieval castle to imperial capital emulation. See the Palace of Nations, witness royal history at Parc de Bruxelles, explore the Square of Petit Sablon's floral charm, and delve into Egmont Park's tales. Learn about the missing statue and the Church of Our Lady of Victories, unravel the significance of Egmont Palace, and enjoy city views at the tour's end, overlooking the Palace of Justice. Along the way, explore landmarks like the Parliament, Royal Park Theatre, Vaux Hall, and the Sablon historic district. Stroll through secret gardens at Egmont Park and savour the best beer gardens. Gain a deep appreciation for Brussels' historic core in this captivating tour.

Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too.

Available options

Self Guided Audio Tour of Upper Brussels' Noble Beginnings

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English

VoiceMap app for Android and iOS

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Start your journey outside Brussels' Parliament complex, the Palace of Nations. While not a designated stop, the Parliament's architectural significance and historical background set the stage for your exploration of the city's Upper Town.

Stop 2 Pass by

Stroll through the Parc de Bruxelles, once the hunting grounds of nobility. While not a designated stop, this expansive park offers a serene backdrop, and you'll hear about its transformation from aristocratic grounds to public gardens.

Stop 3 Pass by

Trace the outline of the Royal Palace, marveling at its grandeur from the outside. While not a designated stop, you'll learn about its history and the surrounding neighborhood's development.

Stop 4 Pass by

Pass by the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. While not entering the museum, you'll get an overview of the museum district and its cultural significance.

Stop 5 Pass by

Pass by the Musical Instruments Museum. While not entering the museum, you'll get an overview of the museum district and its cultural significance.

Stop 6 Pass by

Pass by the Magritte Museum. While not entering the museum, you'll get an overview of the museum district and its cultural significance.

Stop 7 Pass by

End your walking tour at the Palace of Justice with city views fit for a king. While not entering the House of Justice, this final stop provides a picturesque setting to wrap up your exploration of Brussels' historic Upper Town, appreciating its secrets and prominent sights.

Stop 8 Pass by

Saunter amongst the charming cobblestone streets of Sablon. While not a designated stop, you'll soak in the ambiance of this historic district known for its sophisticated wine bars and hidden treasures.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Begin directly in front of the "Parc" metro station, with the entrance to your back. Stand within the enclosed area for the introduction, and move towards the crosswalk directly in front.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones,

About Brussels

Brussels, the heart of Europe, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. As the de facto capital of the European Union, it's a melting pot of cultures and languages, offering a unique blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication.

Top Attractions

Grand Place

The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's famous for its ornate guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Atomium

The Atomium is a unique structure built for the 1958 World's Fair. It's a symbol of Brussels and offers panoramic views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €16 (adults), €10 (children)

Manneken Pis

The Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a boy peeing, which has become one of Brussels' most famous landmarks. It's often dressed in costumes for special occasions.

Cultural 15-30 minutes Free

Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians. While the royal family does not reside here, it's used for official events and ceremonies.

Historical 1-2 hours €12.50 (for the Royal Greenhouses, open only in spring and autumn)

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parc du Cinquantenaire is a large urban park with a triumphal arch, museums, and green spaces. It's a great place for a leisurely walk or picnic.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (museums have separate fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moules-frites

Mussels cooked in white wine, cream, or other sauces, served with a side of fries.

Main course Can be made vegetarian by omitting the mussels and using a vegetable-based sauce.

Waffles

Belgian waffles are a must-try, with various toppings like whipped cream, chocolate, and fruit.

Dessert/Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan by choosing appropriate toppings.

Fries

Belgian fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with various sauces.

Snack/Side Can be made vegetarian by choosing vegetable-based sauces.

Carbonade flamande

A traditional Flemish beef and beer stew, often served with fries or bread.

Main course Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Cycling tours Kayaking on the Senne River Escape rooms Spa days Picnics in parks Café hopping Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch, French, German
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Brussels is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and out of sight
• Be cautious with ATMs and avoid using them at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Brussels Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Brussels-South Station, Brussels-Central Station

By bus

Brussels-North Station, Brussels-South Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a great way to get around, especially during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Sablon Saint-Géry European Quarter

Day trips

Bruges

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

Bruges is a medieval city with a well-preserved historic center, canals, and cobblestone streets. It's often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'.

Ghent

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Ghent is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a lively student population. It's known for its medieval buildings, castles, and museums.

Antwerp

45 km (28 miles) • Full day

Antwerp is a dynamic city known for its fashion, diamond district, and vibrant cultural scene. It's home to numerous museums, galleries, and historic sites.

Festivals

Ommegang • Early July Flower Carpet • Every two years in August Christmas Market • Late November to early January

Pro tips

Visit the Grand Place early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the square's beauty in peace.
Try a Belgian waffle from a street vendor, but be cautious with toppings that may not be suitable for dietary restrictions.
Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local culture.
Learn a few basic phrases in French or Dutch to connect with locals and show respect for the language and culture.
Consider purchasing a Brussels Card for unlimited public transport and discounts on attractions.