Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Grand-Place
- Îlot Sacré
- La Bourse
- Federal Parliament (exterior)
Photos & Highlights
- Join an engaging local expert at the top of their field, such as history or politics, as you explore the intriguing Belgian capital
- Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Enjoy a private tour with just you and your party
Select a date
Tour Description
Your introduction will start in the beating heart of Brussels at the Grand Place. Surrounded by guild houses, the City Hall and the Maison du Roi, this historic square provides a convenient backdrop to begin your exploration. You will learn about the evolution of the square from a marketplace to a revolutionary meeting point to today’s UNESCO World Heritage site before beginning to wander through the picturesque cobbled streets of the Quartier de L’Îlot Sacré.
Perhaps you will stop into the Royal Gallery of Saint-Hubert, a dazzling glass-covered shopping arcade (perfect for catching a glimpse of some chocolatey treats), or wander through the Brussels stock exchange building. Other stops may include popping through an Estaminet to learn about the historical significance of these drinking halls, peeking into see some murals at the Church of St. Nicolas, admiring the Brussels Cathedral, or passing in front of the most famous baby statue in the world. You may also touch upon Belgian architecture and the history of the Belgian monarchy at the Place Royale and discuss the site of the former Coudenberg Palace (of Charles V) that is now underground.
Leaving this introductory experience, you will have gained a more profound appreciation of the vibrant Belgian capital. You will have touched upon subjects from medieval history to modern Belgian history, stopped to admire the diverse architecture, and learned about some intriguing local customs. Now it’s time to taste one of those famous Belgian chocolates…
Experts
- It is your first time in Brussels, or you are passing through on your way between Paris and Amsterdam, and you are looking to get the most out of your visit.
- You enjoy wandering and want to see many areas of the city through the eyes of a local.
- Grand-Place- the central square of Brussels, lined with intricate guildhalls and significant buildings.
- Îlot Sacré-an enchanting district boasting narrow cobblestoned streets and historic buildings, as well as charming shops and restaurants.
- Petit Sablon-initially used as a cemetery, now a charming park lined with bronze statues.
- La Bourse- the neoclassical former Stock Market Exchange.
- Mont des Arts- a wonderful vantage point from which to take in the city.
-
Royal Palace-the seat of the Belgian royal family.
Tickets
- Are there any entrance fees included? No. There are no entrance fees included on this tour. We will visit the listed venues from the exterior only, any interior visits are free of entry fees.
Transportation
- Can I be picked up from my hotel? We do not currently offer hotel pick-up in Brussels.
- Where do I meet my Context Guide? Where does the tour end? You will meet your guide in the heart of Brussels, in the vicinity of the Grande-Place. Your confirmation email will have an address and a map.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Belgium, take a read through our Context Stories.
Will I see all of the major monuments on this tour?
Brussels is a major metropolitan city and it is complicated to touch upon every important monument in the city in 3 hours, but our guides certainly endeavor to give you the most in-depth experience possible.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While this tour is not specifically designed for kids, we can certainly provide a family-friendly guide to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
What happens if it's raining?
Our tours take place rain or shine, and our expert guides are skilled at adjusting the route to make the most of any weather conditions. Be sure to bring along an umbrella or jacket, just in case, and get ready to have a fantastic time exploring with us.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Brussels, as with most European cities, is still working on making the city completely wheelchair friendly. There are narrow sidewalks and cobblestone streets on this tour, however there are no major inclines or staircases.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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14 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Francisco met if not exceeded our
expectations in relation to our Brussels tour.
His knowledge on the history of Brussels was extensive and highly interesting. It was great to hear of Belgium's rich, colourful history. We knew a bit from colonial times but were unaware of the many layers of culture and influence prior to this era. He also targeted the tour to include The Palace of Justice.
Context Tours is very fortunate to have him on board.
Vicki and Geoff Drozdowski
Vicki
Oct 8, 2024
We did the introduction and foodie tours today with Francisco. We learned lots of history and enjoyed the favorite local’s foods. It was a pleasure to spend the day with Franciso. He is smart, well-traveled, and knows the city.
Linda
May 26, 2024
Elisabetta was very knowledgeable and led a lively, interesting tour. Highly recommend.
Cheryl
May 8, 2024