city sightseeing brussels tours

Guided tours that showcase Brussels’ heritage

09 March 2022

Is it your first time in Brussels? Or are you looking to get to know the city’s heritage better? The best way to discover or rediscover Brussels’ classics and must-sees is with a guided tour. Original tours, packed with juicy anecdotes, take you past places that are key parts of our capital's history.

Gothic grandeur

Feast your eyes on the grandeur of Brussels' Grand-Place , with its glorious town hall and countless guild houses. The colourful umbrellas of the passionate guides will lead you through the glorious history of this stunning world heritage site . There's a guided tour almost every hour. It's ideal for last-minute decisions... (psst: don't forget a little tip!). 

With its richly decorated facade and impressive tower, the City of Brussels' Town Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. But did you know that the inside is also worth a visit? On Wednesdays and Sundays , an experienced guide will escort you through the many halls and galleries , interspersed with anecdotes from Brussels city politics.

Can't get enough of cross-ribbed vaults and Brabant Gothic architecture ? Then walk up the Treurberg hill for a guided tour of the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula . The free tour of the cathedral is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the history of this remarkable religious building. If you're not afraid of heights and a bit of exercise you can even take a tour of the cathedral's towers . Be advised that a tour of the towers must be requested at least two weeks in advance and costs €10 per person.

Brussels' Palace of Justice is a real eye-catching jewel of Brussels' heritage. It's the largest courthouse in the world . This gigantic building, designed by Joseph Poelaert, has a usable area of 40,000m². The dome is 100 metres high and there are more than 250 rooms, including 27 impressive courtrooms! That's bigger than Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. A visit is, therefore, a must.

By tram, bus or horse-drawn carriage

Sightseeing in Brussels with a guide on board? The electric hop-on-hop-off Tootbus takes you from the Atomium to the Grand-Place and from the Mont des Arts to the European Quarter. Brussels City Tours also offer tour bus rides .

Prefer a mode of transport with a touch of historical flair? Hop on board the Brussels Tourist Tramway for a four-hour vintage tram ride that takes you past Brussels heritage sites. Or let yourself be driven around the capital a horse-drawn carriage . The carriages are available every day of the week on rue Charles Buls .

Guided tours through a patchwork of architectural styles

From Art Nouveau, Art Deco, typically Brussels eclecticism and modernism to contemporary architecture... Brussels’ urban landscape is a patchwork of architectural styles. Stroll along the squares and stately avenues with a guide, or take a peek behind the magnificent facades on an exclusive guided tour of private residences with explore.brussels .

Die-hard architecture fans are in for a treat with no less than three architecture festivals : the  Brussels Art Nouveau & Art Deco (BANAD) Festival , the  Brussels Biennale of Eclectic Architecture (BBEA) and the  Brussels Biennalle - Neoclassic . 

Guided tours: architectural heritage

City run art nouveau.

Discover Art Nouveau while jogging at your ease!

Capital of Belgium and Europe, Brussels is also the capital of ... Art Nouveau! Join us on a 9 km tour to discover some buildings representative of this current architecture but also other monuments of the commune of Saint-Gilles. You do not have to be a great athlete to participate: this run is accessible for « start to runners » as well.The route may be adapted to your wishes. All year round, by reservation.

Quartier Porte de Hal

Saint-Gilles

Guided tours

Art Nouveau, from the Spring to the Ponds

The tour “Art Nouveau, from the Spring to the Ponds” takes you to the heart of Ixelles, from the Defacqz district to the Ixelles ponds, to discover the architects of the first and second generation of Art Nouveau.

The Defacqz district is home to several works by major architects and shows the first impulses of Art Nouveau architecture in Brussels. After a few stops around rue Defacqz and avenue Louise, the tour takes you to the peaceful district of Ixelles ponds to discover other architectural treasures. Discover unsuspected jewels in neighborhoods crossed every day by thousands of people and which have seen, despite the urban (r)evolutions, their beauty and their wealth preserved! WHAT ARE YOU GONNA SEE ? The tour “Art Nouveau, from the Spring to the Ponds” takes you to the heart of Ixelles, from the Defacqz district to the Ixelles ponds, to discover the architects of the first and second generation of Art Nouveau. Let us tell you the urban history of these neighborhoods next to Avenue Louise and Abbaye de La Cambre by (re-)discovering many houses and private mansions. On the program of the walk, among others… – Tassel Hotel, by Victor Horta ; – Solvay Hotel, by Victor Horta; – Otlet Hotel, by Octave van Rysselberghe and Henry Van de Velde; – Ciamberlani Hotel, by Paul Hankar; – Other works by Albert Roosenboom, Ernest Delune, Ernest Blerot ; – But also many small stories and anecdotes! We will not go into the houses and mansions (most of the are occupied), but photographic supports are provided to give you a better idea of the interior of the buildings. Because Art Nouveau is a “Total Art” which certainly does not stop at the facades! PRACTICAL INFO Regular tours in english and french : Cost : Voluntary* Duration : About 2 hours Group max : 25 people (less in Corona period) Meeting point : Avenue Louise 149 – 1000 Bruxelles (next to Defacqz tram stop) This tour takes place every other sunday. check our website to make sure it takes place ;-) Private tour on demand in english or french

Original guided tour designed and run by the Brussels By Foot independant guides

Defacqz Tram Stop

Art Nouveau dans le Quartier des Squares

Brussels by Foot

Musical monuments

Brussels is bursting with musical talent that loves to sing its praises. Think of icons like Stromae and Angèle. But the capital's master singer-songwriter is, without doubt,  Jacques Brel.

Armed with an audio guide , discover Brel's beloved Brussels through songs, interviews, testimonies and anecdotes on the Brel in Brussels walks. You'll be introduced to his youth, his private life and his life as an artist. Let yourself be guided to all the places where his voice echoes to this day.

Guided tours: musical heritage

With brel in brussels - walking tour.

Brel Foundation

Exhibitions

Brussels heritage: monuments and gastronomy

Follow the guide to Brussels' iconic monuments: the Grand-Place, the Royal Saint Hubert Galleries and the legendary Manneken-Pis. Along the narrow streets, cafes, restaurants and typical taverns serve Brussels specialities : mussels, chips, chocolate... Brussels also boast a fantastic intangible heritage , with our beer culture being its most effervescent example. Treat yourself!

Guided tours: gastronomic heritage

Factory visit and demonstration at planète chocolat.

Our guests learn all about the various stages in the production of pralines and caraques , involving a lot of humour and passion, and not forgetting the deliciious degustation of our artisan pralines and our own hot chocolate. Duration: 45 min - 60 min (depends on the questions of the visitors)

Demonstrations for individuals are arranged on Saturdays at 4:00 PM and on Sundays at 3:00 PM and are held in English and in French. You find us in the heart of Brussels beetween the popular Manneken Pis and the Grand Place.

A master chocolate maker from Planète Chocolat

Planète Chocolat

Belgian Chocolate Village

A new chocolate museum opened its doors on September 20th 2014 in Brussels on the former Victoria chocolate works. Sited near the Koekelberg Basilica, the Belgian Chocolate Village is one of the largest museums in Europe to be dedicated to chocolate.

The museum tour route displays and explains the stages of the manufacture of chocolate, its uses, its history, its benefits, its economics and its diversity. It appeals to all the visitors' senses. At the heart of the museum there is a unique tropical greenhouse. You can also participate at chocolate workshops (on reservation - 15 days before) and you can buy chocolate in our shop.

Brussels Beer Bus

Brussels and its beers with the Brussels Beer Bus

Go back in time by boarding an ambulance 1940-45 completely transformed into a rolling museum of the unusual and old Brussels. Let yourself be guided by a Brussels guide through the streets and monuments of our capital and have fun with his anecdotes. While visiting, taste Brussels beers "on board" or at a local brewery. An experience for those who want to discover unusual Brussels and off the beaten track. Bookings on our website www.brusselsbeerbus.com

Local guides

Discover the city

A unique citysightseeing experience ...the way to discover all that brussels has to offer..

Our tour starts at Place Saint Gudule -1000 Brussels. Get in a red open top double deck bus  from City Sightseeing Brussels and take a ride with us. Our red double-decker buses offer you history, culture, green spaces, Art Nouveau, design, shopping: discover Brussels!

- You will discover the Saints Michel and Gudule Cathedral, the St-Hubert Galleries, the Botanical Park...

- Admire the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken Castle, the Atomium and the Mini-Europe amusement park.

- Go to the Basilica of Koekelberg, cross the Saint-Géry and Dansaert districts, hotspots for Belgian designers and stylists.

- Discover the Manneken-Pis, the Mont des Arts, then the Sablon and its antique shops.

- Admire the elegant Louise district with its upscale boutiques.

- Go see the Victor Horta Museum, the Bois de la Cambre and its Abbey, the Flagey and Matongé districts.

- Discover the Cinquantenaire with its arcade and its museums, the European Quarter and its many institutions, ending with the Royal Palace and the Parc de Bruxelles.

Take advantage of City Sightseeing Brussels... and get an overview of all there is to do and visit in Brussels. Enjoy your City Sightseeing Brussels tour with our buses!

Possible places of interest

1 central station.

Here you are really in the center of Brussels.

The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its construction began in the 15th Century. First of all, some market halls and trade guild houses were built, afterwards a town hall to establish the authority of this trading center was erected. Bombarded for 3 days by the French army in 1695, it was almost completely destroyed but, like a phoenix, it raised from the ashes in only 3 years. That's why four styles stand alongside each other or sometimes even overlap: it's a wonderful hotchpotch of Gothic, Baroque, Neo-classic and Neo-gothic. In the Zandstraat/ Rue de Sable 20 , you can find the Belgian Comic Strip Centre . It is a former storage for textile, built in 1906 by Victor Horta. The CBBD benefits from volumes and light characteristic of Art Nouveau. Looking back at the 60 years of history of the Comic Strips in Belgium, the collection gives pride to Hergé, Tintin's father. There is even a reading room for devouring them on the spot. The Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula is a Brabant Gothic-style cathedral that takes us back to the 13th century into the atmosphere of the great builders. Its two towers give it the French look of the period. It is the most important church in Brussels. Our Royal Family still holds its marriages in this church. The MOOF or another Museum of Original Figurines shows the history of Comic Strips transposed into figurines along a themed trail (re)discovering the great heroesand myths of Comic Strips.

2 Royal Place

The Royal Fine Arts Museum of Belgium is dedicated to the paintings of the 15th to 18th century and contains hundreds of masterpieces of Memling, Jeroen Bosch, Breughel, Van Dyck and Rubens. In the Magritte Museum more than 200 original works by René Magritte are exhibited spread over 2500m2. The Museum is the reference point in the world for this artist. The BELvue Museum is housed in the prestigious Bellevue Hotel. This museum gives a chronological overview of our country's history: images of Belgian independence, the Belle Epoque, the two world wars, the golden sixties and the federalization of the country. Coudenberg's archaeological site presents in beautiful scenography the remains of the palace of the Burgundian Duke and the Aula Magna of Charles V (Charles Quint): you can visit the chapel and Isabella Street which today is situated underground. In the Musical Instruments Museum you can admire 1200 instruments with accompanying music fragments in an Art Nouveau building. In the building the Old England department store was located in the old days. On the upper floor there is a restaurant with a beautiful panorama over the city center. The Palace of Fine Arts or Bozar was built in 1928 by the master architect of the Art Nouveau, Victor Horta. It was the first major polyvalent cultural center of this type in Europe.

On the Grote Zavel/Grand Sablon , the nice Zavel district or the distric of antique shops, luxury shops and master chocolate factories, an antique market is held every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the atmosphere while drinking a glass on one of the many terraces. The Kleine Zavel/Petit Sablon is a park surrounded by a beautiful iron balustrade with 48 bronze statues that represent the Brussels guilds. At the back there are 10 statues that illustrate the Belgian 16th century, impersonated by important humanists of that time. In the middle are the statues of the graves of Egmont and Hoorn, as a symbol of our struggle against the Spanish occupation in the 16th century. The Church of Our Lady-of-the-Sablon is the glorious highlight of the flamboyant Gothic in Brabant, which we owe to the city's archers who built the church in the 15th century. The Egmont park is accessible via a gate on the Waterloo Avenue, via a path in the Grote Hertstraat or via the Wolstraat/rue Aux Laines. In the park you will find the “Pollepel” (the ladle), a beautiful medieval well. In addition, there is an orangery and a beautiful image of Peter Pan.

4 Avenue Louise - Palace of Justice

The Waterloo Avenue and the Avenue of Louise are the lanes where you can find the greatest names in fashion in a luxurious and well-framed atmosphere. Although prices are quite high, they remain a lot lower than in many other capitals or big cities of the world. The Justice Palace was the masterpiece of architect Joseph Poelaert, and is an example of the eclectic style. This important building was intended to symbolize the superiority of Belgian laws and judges. The building dominates the district of the “Marollen/Marolles” , the historical district of lower classes. This is of course not a coincidence.

5 Art Nouveau - Horta

At the Horta Museum , the genius and mastery of Victor Horta reach their height. The way he designed the building in 1898, as his own home and studio, is magical. High-level shopping can be found in a "Parisian" atmosphere in the Kastelijnstraat/rue du Chatelain , a wide avenue with beautiful mansions. You can enjoy restaurants, cafés, terraces and an excellent pastry shop. The P. Hankar House was built in 1893. The special design of the facade is Paul Hankar's first and foremost achievement, which is a break with the architecture of that time. The Solvay House is a luxurious mansion built in 1894 by Victor Horta for the Solvay family. The architect got carte blanche and was able to design interior and furniture to the smallest details himself. The beautiful Wielemans House , was built in 1925 by the boss of the Wielemans-Ceuppens Brewery, who constructed it for his wife. Mrs Wielemans had a weakness for Spain and asked the architect to imitate the style of the Alhambra in Granada.

Flagey , the sound factory ... a unique piece of heritage that is synonymous with cultural and technological innovation. The Flagey building, nicknamed the “Packet Boat”, was the building where the national radio and television broadcasted in the 1950s and 1960s. It received a second life at the beginning of the 21st century. Nowadays Flagey is the meeting place for musical and visual cultural creation and performance. It is an open house for dialogue and meeting, indispensable for cultural life in Brussels. A must for anyone who loves bustling culture!

7 Luxemburg Place - European Parliament

A visit to the Hemicycle is a great way to get to grips with the workings of the largest transnational parliament of the world. Individual visitors can enter free of charge and visit the European Parliament with a  multimedia guide (Mon.-Thu. 9:00-16:00; Fri. 9:00-12:00) or they can be welcomed by a speaker at 11:00 and 15:00 (weekdays in July and August (Fri. only 11:00), only on Mon. the rest of the year).The address of the visitors entrance to the Parliament is Rue Wiertz 60 . The Parlamentarium is the high-tech visitors centre of the European Parliament. Step inside to discover more about the impact of the European Union on your daily life thanks to dynamic multimedia displays such as a giant interactive map of Europe and a 360° cinema. It is free of charge and open every day (Mon. 13:00-18:00, Tue.-Fri. 9:00-18:00, Sat.-Sun. 10:00-18:00). It's located at the Esplanade Solidarnosc .

8 Leopold Park

In the Museum of Natural Sciences you can’t miss the beautiful staged iguanodons forming a parade that is unique in the world. The Evolution Gallery is a real journey through the history of all living creatures. The Leopold Park offers an oasis of calm in the shadow of the European District. The Leopold Park is a hilly landscaped park in which, besides the Museum of the Institute of Natural Sciences, other scientific institutions are housed, such as the Solvay library. Brush up on your history at the House of European History at Rue Belliard 135 . From its entry into modernity and the descent into destruction, through to searching for a better life by working together, the museum uses a unique transnational perspective to show you how Europe has evolved. It is free of charge and open every day (Mon. 13:00-21:00, Tue.-Fri. 9:00-18:00, Sat.-Sun. 10:00-18:00).

9 Cinquantenaire

THE ADRESS : Rue des Nerviens 135

The Museum of the “Cinquantenaire” is divided into 4 departments: National Archeology, Antiquity, Non-European Civilizations and European Ornamental Arts. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History shows medieval armor, souvenirs from Napoleon's field trips as well as more than hundred aircrafts and armored vehicles from the two world wars. Above on the triumphal arch, you will be delighted by a breathtaking panorama. Under some metal overhangs dating 1880, Autoworld will surprise you with Belgian Minervas, Imperias and the Ford T, ... A total of 400 cars, all ready to start the engines immediately. They tell us the rich history of the automotive industry and the car. There are some rare models that belong to very famous people. Presenting a Hop On Hop Off ticket for adults at the entrance gives you 2 € discount. The Triumphal Arch of the Jubilee Park was planned to be fully completed in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence, but the arch was only fully completed in 1905. The Hortapavilion or Pavilion of human drift is the first realization of Victor Horta. Architect Paul Cauchie built his own house in 1905. Admire the remarkable Art Nouveau facade.

On the Schuman square , it is the Europe politics that rule. The Berlaymont building is an icon in Europe and headquarters of the European Commission. It was fully renovated a few years ago and made asbestos-free. Admire the new Europa building in the post-modern Art-Deco style housing the European Council and the Council of the European Union. Nearby you will find the Ambiorix square . Some very intresting buildings of Art Nouveau are located there. Take some time to Hop Off here too ...

11 Royal Palace

The large, tree-lined quadrilateral park is the “Warande Park”. It is sliced in the middle by wide walking lanes that provide surprisingly beautiful faces. The symmetrical plan of the park is a set of rights and diagonals, which shows the hand of the freemasons. Between the lanes, you can find green enclaves, water basins and fountains. In this park, the first fights took place between the Belgian patriots and the Dutch troops in 1830: the beginning of Belgian independence. At one of the sides of the Warande , the Royal Palace is situated. A fluttering Belgian tricolor on the roof means that the king is in Belgium. The palace can be visited in summer, after the national holiday (from July 21st) to mid-September. If you are in Brussels during that period, make sure to visit the majestic rooms such as the throne room and the mirror room. The ceiling of the last room is covered with the cover shields of a thousand scarab beetles. On the other side of the Warande, you can find our national Parliament .

The Rogier square is a junction of several access roads to the city center. Several hotels are located in the vicinity. In the neighborhood of the Rogier square you can visit "le Botanique" , the City 2 shopping center and the Nieuwstraat/rue Neuve with numerous shops. All major brands are represented: stores and brand boutiques contain everything you can dream of as a fervent fashionista or as a more moderate shopper. "Le Botanique" is a large garden / park with an impressive orangery. The cultural center attached welcomes exhibitions, concerts and festivals.

The Atomium , inaugurated on the occasion of the 1958 World Fair and fully renovated in 2005, it was built on the model of an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. It offers the most spectacular views of Brussels and Brabant from the top sphere, where there is also a restaurant. Each sphere refers to a Belgian personality. Mini-Europe  gives you the opportunity to travel in a few minutes from the Big Ben in London to the gondolas in Venice. With its 350 high quality scale models, it shows Europe's leading cities at the foot of the Atomium. With your ticket you have a reduction at the entrance or you can buy a combi-ticket online. The Planetarium gives you a fascinating and entertaining time gazing the stars. The sky will hold no more secrets for you. The King Baudouin Stadium is the place for sports- or other manifestations.

14 Royal Greenhouses (Koninklijke Serres/Serres Royales)

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken , an impressive complex of greenhouses, was built on demand of King Leopold II by architect Alphonse Balat and his assistant Victor Horat in the park next to the royal palace of Laeken. The greenhouses date from 1873. They can be visited from mid-April to early May. The nearby Church of Our Lady of Laeken was built in the early 19th century in early-Gothic style and is dedicated to Marie-Louise, the first queen of Belgium. In this church the royal crypt was installed. The members of the Belgian royal house are buried here. The Laeken Cemetery is sometimes called the 'Belgian Père-Lachaise' due to the number of beautiful grave monuments and resting places of well-known Belgians. One of the most famous works of art of the cemetery is a bronze cast of the Rodin Thinker. Further down, you will find three buildings with a peculiar architecture. For centuries, these have been inseparably linked to the cityscape of Brussels: the stately red Japanese tower , the fairy-tale Chinese pavilion and the small Museum of Japanese Art . They were asked to be built by King Leopold II and designed by Alexandre Marcel. This architect asked Parisian artists and Belgian professionals to help for the decoration, but also imported decorative fragments from China and Japan. The Far Eastern Museums are must to visit because of their unique character. Inside, they you can admire art treasures from the Chinese and Japanese collections of the Royal Museums of Art and History.

15 Magritte House

HOUSE MAGRITTE ADDRESS : Esseghemstraat 135

The Magritte family rented the apartment on the ground floor, which was carefully reconstructed with the original furniture. At this address, René Magritte created almost half of his oeuvre. On the upper floors you will discover more than 30 original gouaches and drawings. About 400 documents, photographs, letters and objects illustrate the life and career of the painter. A visit is really recommended..

16 Basilica

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart or the Basilica of Koekelberg is the fourth largest church in the world and the largest Art Deco building ever built. The church building houses the Museum of the Black Sisters and the Museum of Modern Religious Art. A little further you will find the Aquarium of Brussels . Here you will see a permanent exhibition of 47 aquariums from the five continents. They illustrate the fascinating world of fish, amphibians and invertebrates.

17 Tour & Taxis

You must have seen the beautiful buildings of Tour & Taxis . Long ago it were the Royal warehouses for storage of all kind of goods . After the creation of the big European project and the disappearance of borders and customs, the City of Brussels wanted to give them a new function. The imposing complex was completely renovated and new buildings were erected. Large exhibitions, various companies, restaurants and even a 800m ² authentic hammam found there place in the buildings. During the summer, from mid-July to mid-August you can visit the "Brussels-Bad/ Bruxelles-les-bains” . Sand is supplied with tons, bars are opened and there are many activities in a beach atmosphere.

18 Dansaert - Mima

The districts around the Dansaertstraat/rue Dansaert and Sint-Goriksplein/ place Saint-Géry are the fashion and design areas. The ideal place to purchase a stylish wardrobe and an original interior. Founded in 2016 along the Brussels Canal, the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art (MIMA) is an atypical museum with an extensive collection of contemporary art and highlighting the talent of young artists.

19 Stock Exchange (Beurs/Bourse) - Fish Market

The Brussels Stock Exchange is housed here in an impressive building. The districts around the Dansaertstraat/rue Dansaert and Sint-Goriksplein/ place Saint-Géry are the fashion and design areas. The ideal place to purchase a stylish wardrobe and an original interior. The “Vismet” with its many restaurants and inviting terraces is the place where you can taste fresh fish and seafood. Here, everything reminds us that in the old days Brussels used to operate a very active trading port. The streets still carry the names of the quays of those days.

20 Marolles

The “Marollen” district , located between the Blaesstraat and the Hoogstraat, is a well-known, historical and tourist district of Brussels. This is the area of the true «Brusseleers *», of «Zwanzen *» and of the authentic Brussels way of living. Today, this district is inhabited by artists, craftsmen, gallery-holders ... and dealers in antiquities and curiosa who sell their "brol *" daily on the flea market at the Vossenplein/place du Jeu de balle. This is the popular neighborhood of second hand stuff, brocante, recycling and solidarity. You will find a night asylum, the Berg van Barmhartigheid /Monts-de-Piété (Mountain of Mercy) and a homeless house with free showers organised by the Order of Malta. In the cafés around the square you can hear the local dialect and the typical humor of the district inhabitants.

* Brusseleers: is the name of the Brussels inhabitants who speak the real Brussels dialect. * Zwanzen: Zeveren, an Art, a Way of Life with typical Brussels humor. * Brol: Brussels dialect word for 'stuff'.

21 manneken pis.

Planète Chocolat is the chocolate workshop where tradition and design come together. You can live a demonstration, get some explanation and .... enjoy a tasting. Guided tours during the weekend are free.  Manneken Pis is the bronze statue made in the 17th century by J. Duguesnoy. The little chap is the personification of the Brussels humoristic spirit. Once a public fountain, Manneken Pis, together with the Atomium, is today the most famous of Brussels. He has a wardrobe of about 846 costumes. The most beautiful costumes are being exhibited in the Broodhuis/ la Maison des Rois.

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BRUSSELS CITY TOURS Grasmarkt, 61, Rue du Marché aux Herbes B 1000 BRUSSELS (Belgium)

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Hop on hop off Brussels Brussels Discovery

Valid for 1 or 2 days, discover the city differently with our Tootbus hop on hop off Brussels Discovery tour. Get off the bus where you want to enjoy every moments at your own pace and explore the most popular attractions of this beautiful city.

• Explore Brussels at your own pace in the open air
• See Brussels' top attractions
• Enjoy stunning views and capture amazing shots from the open top deck
• Experience the city in comfort and safety, your ride is eco-friendly!
• Learn Key facts about Brussels through the audio guide for adults and children.

Departures every day from Monday to Sunday

18 Mar-27 Oct  First departure:  09:30 AM from stop 1 - Last departure:  6:00 PM 28 Oct-31 Dec   First departure:  09:30 AM from stop 1   - Last departure:  5:00 PM

Buses every  25-30 mins | 30 mins from 28 Oct 

Overview Hop on hop off Brussels

Discover Brussels  aboard Tootbus and explore all the  wonders   that the  Belgian capital has to  offer in one or  two   days !  

Begin your journey at any of the 18 stops and take in breathtaking views of the capital from the upper deck of the bus. Spot the places you wish to explore further and plan your itinerary according to your preferences. Follow your hit list, hop-off at the nearest stop and explore the city at your own pace with our city sightseeing tour. 

Tootbus Brussels Discovery takes you on a journey through the city's most iconic sites, including  Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral, the Belgian Comic Strip Center,  the Botanical Garden , Charles Rogier Square, Notre-Dame de Laeken Church, Royal Castle of Laeken, Royal Greenhouses, the famous Atomium,  Koekelberg Basilica,  Tour & Taxis, the Stock Exchange, Sablons, Avenue Louise, Horta,  Flagey , Cinquantenaire Park, Leopold Park , Luxembourg Square, and Royal Square .  

For  those   seeking   authentic Brussels,  don't miss the Marolles district, a  perfect   blend of  old and new  where   you'll   find the  city's   oldest bars,  traditional cuisine brasseries, vintage shops,  urban art, and the  famous   flea   market , all in a festive,  colorful , and  friendly   atmosphere .  

If  you're a  museum   enthusiast ,  don't miss the Musical Instruments Museum on Royal Square, the Horta Museum, the Royal  Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, or the Royal  Museums of Art and  History   located in Cinquantenaire Park.  

Explore the Bailli-Chatelain and Saint-Gilles  neighborhoods ,  hidden   gems for Art Nouveau  enthusiasts , or  enjoy a  peaceful   stroll   along the Ixelles ponds.

Brussels  is a  true open-air  museum –  just look up, and  you'll   find   comic   strip art and  street art on  every   street corner , from building  walls to  benches ,  lampposts , shop fronts, and  even   ceilings !  

For an  even more immersive experience, the  adventure continues  beyond the bus  with   our   Brussels  Tootwalks –  audio-guided   walking tours, available for free on the Tootbus  app! Explore Brussels' pedestrian  streets and  discover   hidden   treasures   such as Sainte-Catherine Square, the  famous Manneken-Pis, and the  majestic Grand Place,  with   its   exceptional City Hall and  magnificent Art Nouveau  townhouses ,  classified as UNESCO World  Heritage Sites  since 1998.  

Download the app and enjoy our specially crafted tours to uncover the city's finest attractions.  

Your ticket is valid for one or two days from the first scan on board, depending on the choice made at the time of purchase.  

Complete your visit with a tour of Brussels at nightfall to admire Brussels sparkling. You can also combine your tour with a visit to Mini-Europe or the Belgian Beer World .

Know before you go Hop on hop off Brussels

Routes and service.

service hours: Buses run daily. Service hours and bus frequency vary according to the season. Please kindly check the timetable page for futher information. Upon first validation on board the bus your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours according to the option booked.

Audio Guide

The audio guide commentary is available 11 languages: English, French, Dutch (BE), Spanish, German, Italian, Brazilian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Russian on the bus devices. We provide you with free earphones on board the bus. However, you can help us protect the planet by bringing your own!

Flexible Tickets

We operate the greenest fleet of hoho buses, composed by 100% electric buses. We also push to reduce plastic and paper waste and we advocate and promote sustainable tourism.

Brussels Discovery

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Free cancellation 24 hours prior to the date of the tour.

brussels .info

Brussels guided tours.

For travelers who prefer to see the sights rather than bury their nose in a travel guide, there are guided sightseeing and thematic tours available in Brussels. These tours have multi-lingual guides who speak English, French and German.

Brussels hop-on hop-off bus

Most major cities have an open-top double-decker bus that goes around the city and stops at famous attractions. You can get off-board, check out the attraction and continue the route by getting on another bus whenever you feel like it. You can also use it as a transportation service for up to 48 hours.

Brussels all-inclusive tour

Includes sightseeing, food, beer, chocolates and waffles. A 3.5 hour Brussels walking tour which combines all the must-do attractions. A taste of mussels, frites, waffles and waterzooi. Also Belgian beers and chocolates. All that while visiting the Brussels city sights.

Brussels beer tasting tour

Within an atmosphere of authentic out-of-sight Brussels taverns, you will taste beers and pair them with foods. A 4 hour tour of beer and food guided by a beer expert with 20 years of experience.

Brussels chocolate workshop tour

By the end of this tour you will understand how to choose quality chocolate and why Belgium is so famous for it. And as you are walking between chocolate shops, sightseeing and monument history commentary will brighten your way. There is also a short chocolate workshop at the end of the tour.

Flanders Great War memorial tour

See the beautiful Belgian countryside and the thought-inducing experience of First World War battle sites. Supported by knowledgeable guide and with lunch included.

One-day trips to neighbouring cities

Just a short drive from Brussels you can find some well known beauties. For example Bruges (70min drive), Ghent (50min drive) and Antwerp (50min drive). And you will definitely find something great on the road too. Read our pages to learn about one-day tours to these cities as well as about their other tourist services.

Comming Soon:

European Parliament & Brussels grand city bus tour

This Brussels tour covers the old town sights, Atomium, European quarter and the headquarters of the European Parliament.

Mysteries and legends - Brussels walking tour

This voyage of discovery will lead you to learn about Brussels' secret societies, Freemasons, alchemists, astrological and esoteric mysteries. You will visit temples, underground and out of sight outdoor places. Available only April to October.

Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 15 Best Brussels Tours

15 Best Brussels Tours

With a population of 11.4 million people, Brussels – the capital of Belgium – is an exciting place to be. The city has a very important role in Europe, but it’s also a top tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.

The city is mostly known for its foodie scene, which includes Belgian chocolate and plenty of beer. A popular place to indulge in these things is in the Grand-Place Square, where quaint little cafes and pubs are tucked away in 17th-century buildings.

A number of historical buildings, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, line the old streets, and the city is home to an abundance of parks and almost 100 museums.

Throughout the year, many festivals take place in Brussels, including the Brussels Summer Festival, The Iris Festival, Couleur Cafe Festival, and The International Fantastic Film Festival on Brussels.

Below are 13 of the best tours in Brussels.

1. Take a Walk Through History in Brussels

Walking tours offer visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the city and its people. This 2.5-hour walking tour of Brussels is the perfect way to see many of the iconic sites and learn more about the history and culture of the city.

Follow your knowledgeable guide as he or she leads you through the historic heart of Brussels while pointing out notable places and telling stories about life in the city.

You’ll make your way to the Atomium, a national symbol that was originally meant to only stand during Expo 58.

2. Taste the Food of Brussels

When it comes to delicious food and drink, Brussels is known for more than just chocolate and beer. Join a foodie expert guide on this food-tasting journey through the streets of Brussels.

During this three-hour tour, you will sample ten local food items, including street foods, traditional favorites, and dishes representing the city’s mix of cultures.

Enjoy some Bloempanch sausage with a local beer in a downtown cafe; chow down on fries dipped in mayo the way Belgians eat them; try a waffle with a cup of coffee in a traditional cafe.

As you make your way from place to place, pay close attention as your local guide tells stories and provides tips about the local foodie scene.

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3. Learn all About Art Nouveau

Brussels is known for its unique architecture, which includes many buildings built in the Art Nouveau style.

During this three-hour tour, your local guide will tell you everything you need to know about this style of architecture as you make your way around various parts of the city that are home to famous examples of Art Nouveau.

Start your journey at the Grand-Place, where you will jump on a tram headed for the Bailli District. Here, in this pretty village, you will see some of the most important Art Nouveau buildings in the city.

Other notable buildings you’ll see include Old English House, Hotel Tassel, Hotel Ciamberlani, and The Beukman House.

The tour ends in front of the museum dedicated to the man who started the Art Nouveau movement, Victor Horta.

4. Take a Day Trip to Cologne and Monschau

Escape Brussels for a day of sightseeing and exploring picturesque Monschau and historic Cologne in nearby Germany.

As you make your way towards the border in the comfort of a coach, you’ll see the stunning scenery of the Eifel mountain area and get a history lesson and hear stories from your knowledgeable guide.

Your first stop will be the small town of Monschau, where you’ll have some free time to wander the cobblestone streets and alleys.

Next, you will explore the lively city of Cologne. Explore the Roman walls and see medieval buildings. Admire a beautiful cathedral and relax on the shores of the Rhine. Use your free time to do some shopping in the world-class shops and try legendary Kolsch beer in a cozy pub.

5. Explore Brussels with a Flexible Walking Tour

This two-hour tour will take you to many of the top attractions in Brussels, but it doesn’t need to follow a strict itinerary. The tour is flexible, and your guide is open to suggestions that can include venturing off the main tourist path.

As you and your local private guide make your way through the historic city, you’ll see notable sites, including the guild houses on Grand Place, Mannekin Pis Statue, and Place Royale.

Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history of the city, and how it came to be the fascinating place it is today.

6. Take a Trip to Bruges by Train

With this eight-hour tour, you’ll arrive in the medieval city of Bruges in style. Hop on a train in Brussels to make the journey to Bruges, where you’ll join a local guide on a comprehensive walking tour of the historic city.

During the tour, you’ll taste genuine Belgium chocolate and beer and admire art at the Groeningemuseum. You’ll also see famous attractions, including the Church of Our Lady, Market Square, De Halve Maan Brewery, and Benedictine Convent of the Begijnhof.

After the guided tour, you’ll have three hours to explore the city on your own. Grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or take a canal cruise before hopping back on the train for the return trip to Brussels.

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

Embark on a 13-hour historical journey highlighting infamous sites of the Great War. Start your journey in the comfort of a coach and make your first stop at a German Cemetery.

Next, visit the WW1 trenches and Essex Farm Cemetery, where John McCrae composed his celebrated poem “In Flanders Fields.”

Along the way, you will also stop at The Brooding Soldier, Passchendaele Battlefield, and Tyne Cot Cemetery, which is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world. You’ll also cross the border into France, where you’ll tour the Vimy Memorial.

Before heading back to Brussels, you’ll witness the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate.

8. Beautiful Tulips and Historic Delft

On this 12-hour tour into the nearby Netherlands, you’ll spend the day being immersed in scenery, history, and culture.

Join your local guide on a comfortable bus and make your way through the beautiful countryside filled with bulb fields and windmills.

Stop first in the picturesque town of Delft, where you’ll see canals and old buildings, including a church that’s home to the underground burial chamber of the Dutch Royal Family. You’ll have some free time to browse the craft shops and explore the town.

Next, you’ll make your way to the Keukenhof Estate, where you’ll learn all about tulips before being given the opportunity to explore the stunning gardens, which feature more than seven million flowers.

9. Explore the Caves of Han and a Wildlife Park

If you would like to explore the natural side of Belgium, depart Brussels and make your way to the Caves of Han, where you’ll take a tram ride to the entrance of these underground caves. See stunning natural galleries and halls lit up by LED lighting.

Next, head to the Wildlife Park, where you’ll see bears, reindeer, raccoons, and many other wild animals.

10. Discover the Heart of Europe

Take it all in with a comprehensive, eight-hour combination minivan and walking tour of Brussels. Meet your guide at your hotel and set out to see a combination of attractions both old and new.

Taste local beer and dine on traditional local fare. Pass by many architecturally-important buildings and historical sites, including Royal Palace of Laken, Atomium, Palace of Justice, Waucquez Warehouse, and the EU district.

After a lavish lunch, take a walking tour through the city center and see more historical attractions, including Grand Place, Kathelijneplein, and Place St. Cathérine.

11. Spend a Day Exploring Bruges and Ghent

If you wish to explore two of Belgium’s most charming cities in one day, this ten-hour tour takes you on a journey to Bruges and Ghent.

Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and make the 100-kilometer trip to Bruges. See many of the historic attractions that make the heart of this city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During your wanderings, you’ll get to see the Lake of Love, the former Red Light District, Church of Our Lady, Gruuthuse Palace, Markt Square, and Dijver Canal.

You’ll have some free time to explore on your own and have lunch before heading onto Ghent. Once again, you’ll explore the old city streets and see top attractions such as Castle of Gerald the Devil, Belfort, St. Nicholas’ Church, and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders.

12. Discover Upper and Lower Brussels

The city of Brussels is split into two sections – upper and lower. On this three-hour private tour, you’ll get to explore both.

Meet your guide at your hotel and make your way to the Grand Place in the Lower City. Admire historical landmarks and top attractions such as Manneken Pis, St. Catherine Square, and Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries while your guide provides you with some history of the area.

Next, you’ll climb uphill to the Upper City, where you’ll see more iconic attractions, including the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Place des Palais, and the Musical Instruments Museum.

13. Get a Taste of Brussels

Brussels is known the world over for its great-tasting beer and delicious cuisine; you can experience both on this 3.5-hour tour.

Start your culinary experience in a tucked-away Belgian Tavern, where you’ll sample your first local beer. Move onto three more taverns that are off the beaten tourist path to sample three more local beers.

Next, head to a restaurant in the center of the city and pair four more local beers with various dishes, including mussels, chocolate pie, frites, and beef stew.

14. Take a Private Tour of Antwerp

Get picked up at your hotel in a luxury vehicle and head to Antwerp for a five-hour private tour of this historic city.

Arrive first in the heart of the city where you’ll wander Marquet Square. Here, you’ll see very old houses and tour Our Lady’s Cathedral which is home to two of 17th-century artist P. P. Rubens’ paintings.

Next, you’ll visit a diamond workshop and learn about the manufacturing of diamonds and how Antwerp is one of the world’s leading producers.

Before heading back to Brussels, you’ll drive by the oldest section of the city’s harbour.

15. Go Shopping in Maasmechelen Village

The shopper’s paradise of Massmechelen Village is only a 90-minute drive from the centre of Brussels and visitors to the city can easily spend a day shopping by simply hopping on the Shopping Express coach that departs the city.

Take in the lovely scenery during the drive and upon arrival, start browsing more than 100 boutique shops and outlet stores. With deals as steep as 60% off the retail price, you’ll find local and international luxury brands at a fraction of the price you’d normally pay.

Before heading back to Brussels, enjoy a bite to eat with the help of your included EUR 20 voucher for Ellis Gourmet Burger. Also included with this tour is a EUR 50 Maasmechelen Village Gift Card and a VIP card offering 10% extra savings at select shops.

15 Best Brussels Tours:

• Take a Walk Through History in Brussels
• Taste the Food of Brussels
• Learn all About Art Nouveau
• Take a Day Trip to Cologne and Monschau
• Explore Brussels with a Flexible Walking Tour
• Take a Trip to Bruges by Train
• Learn about the Great War with a Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour
• Beautiful Tulips and Historic Delft
• Explore the Caves of Han and a Wildlife Park
• Discover the Heart of Europe
• Spend a Day Exploring Bruges and Ghent
• Discover Upper and Lower Brussels
• Get a Taste of Brussels
• Take a Private Tour of Antwerp
• Go Shopping in Maasmechelen Village

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Excellent guide with lots of history about the place and Europe history in general. I liked it.

Great experience on the history of coco/chocolate founder and production. Highly recommend

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Brussels is a city known for being home to numerous EU institutions, beautiful architecture, and a fascinating history—oh, and it's a chocolate paradise!

What to see in Brussels?

The Grand Place, the historic heart of the city, is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world. Nearby you will find the Brussels Cathedral , the Manneken Pis sculpture , the  Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries , the Mont des Arts garden and other iconic sites.

If you're at all interested in politics, a visit to the European Parliament or another EU institution is still well worth it!

What to eat?

Chocolate lovers will quickly find themselves falling in love with Brussels, which has plenty of chocolate shops and specialised museums all around the city. Belgian waffles ,  moules frites (mussels and french fries), and Belgian beer are other must-try delicacies when in the city.

The best day trips from Brussels

When visiting Brussels, many travellers will embark on a day trip or two outside of the city. Ghent and Bruges are two of the most popular options, both known for their canals and medieval architecture. Leuven , with its university life, and Dinant , with its picturesque landscapes and collegiate church, are other, perhaps slightly underrated options!

Other attractions in Bruselas that might interest you

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About Brussels City Tours

Brussels city tours is the first sightseeing tour of its kind in brussels who provides more than just a great way to travel around belgium..

We offer well organized excursions to the most beautiful and important landmarks of Belgium and its surroundings.

We are extremely passionate about giving the you historically, socially and culturally a sound understanding of the visited venue, in all its many aspects. Our team is our biggest asset: we work with full time professional and multilingual guides who are highly knowledgeable about their tours. We are the only sightseeing tour who is physically present at the heart of the city center of Brussels. Brussels City Tours staff is there to help you with all your requests and will not rest until your tours are excellent. Brussels City Tours will make your time in Belgium one to remember. You can rely on our local expertise to ensure that your every need is fulfilled.

Our luxury coaches and the professional drivers will take you comfortably and safely to the destination of your choice, while our planned itineraries will help you see everything and take in every moment.

Our Destinations

Keukenhof & delft, maasmechelen village.

BRUSSELS CITY TOURS Grasmarkt, 61, Rue du Marché aux Herbes B 1000 BRUSSELS (Belgium)

0032 (0)2/513.77.44