Half-Day Private Walking Tour in Brussels Old City
Active
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Brussels is one of those unique cities, where you can see how completely different architectural styles come along with each other and street art becomes an integral part of the majestic catholic churches and other pompous buildings.
This city has a very special urban vibes, that we would like to introduce to you on your first day of visit.
During our walking tour, we would like to show you all the main spots of this city and tell about Belgian history, traditions and national character. In other words, we would like to let you feel Brussels on its deeper level!
Available options
Half-Day Private Walking Tour in Brussels Old City
What's included
Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Grote Markt with its rich guild houses and town hall - Here we would like start our tour by giving you some historical introduction. Surrounded by majestic buildings, you will learn you how to “read” the secret symbols of the Belgian facades and find out more about Karl Marx, Che Guevara and Victor Hugo and other famous people that happened to become part of this citylife.
2
Stop 2
Street graffiti - giant wall paintings is one of the main symbols of Brussels! Let’s find out more about history of Belgian comics and meet main its figures, such as Tintin, the Smurfs and others!
3
Stop 3
Manneke Pis and Jeanneke Pis - it will not be easy to find those hidden creatures, but definitely worth it! if we are lucky, we will happen to see one of them in his best suits or even being hooked up to a keg of beer! Let’s find out more about the adventures past of those characters!
4
Stop 4
Former puppet theatre - not many people know, but Puppet Theatres is another symbol of Brussels! We would like to tell you about their history, traditions and provocative, political and educational performances.
5
Place Agora and Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert - here we would like to tell you more about urban planning, brusselization and visit luxurious shopping passage, where you can taste some delicious Belgian waffles!
6
Stop 6
Mont des Arts - one of the most fantastic spots, where you can enjoy an incredible view of Brussels! Surrounded by sculptures, Royal Library of Belgium and incredible art nouveau buildings, we will meet some local citizens - characters from Belgian history or folk culture, depicted on a large golden wall clockwork and discuss history of Belgian provinces and its traditions.
7
Stop 7
Musical Instrument Museum - there we would like to discuss local architecture and, in particular, art neuve style and recommend some places, that you might be interested in visiting after our tour.
What's not included
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Public transportation options are available nearby
Meeting point
Near Starbucks on the Grand Place, Brussels
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
