Brussels City Tours: 10 Best Tours in and Around Brussels
Brussels offers far more than its famous Grand Place. From historic walking tours and chocolate tastings to brewery visits and full-day excursions across Belgium, the capital is one of Europe’s easiest cities to explore with a guide. Thanks to Belgium’s compact size and excellent transport links, it’s also the perfect base for discovering medieval towns, dramatic river valleys and even neighbouring countries in a single day.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, these are some of the best Brussels city tours to consider.
Historic Walking Tours
A guided walking tour is the ideal introduction to Brussels. Most routes begin at the UNESCO-listed Grand Place before visiting landmarks such as Manneken Pis, the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, and hidden streets that many visitors would otherwise miss. Along the way, local guides bring the city’s medieval history and modern identity to life.
Chocolate Tours
Belgium is renowned for its chocolate, and Brussels is home to many of the country’s finest chocolatiers. Chocolate tours typically combine tastings with visits to artisan shops, where you’ll learn about pralines, truffles and traditional Belgian chocolate-making. Some experiences also include hands-on workshops.
Belgian Beer Tours
Beer lovers can explore Brussels’ centuries-old brewing culture through guided tastings in traditional cafés and specialist beer bars. Many tours introduce visitors to Trappist beers, abbey ales, lambics and gueuzes while explaining what makes Belgian brewing unique.
Brussels Food Tours
Food tours offer an excellent way to experience local flavours beyond the city’s famous waffles and fries. Depending on the itinerary, you may sample Belgian cheeses, regional dishes, chocolate, beer and seasonal specialities while exploring neighbourhoods away from the busiest tourist areas.
Comic Book and Street Art Tours
Brussels is widely regarded as the comic book capital of Europe. Guided tours follow the city’s famous Comic Strip Route, featuring murals inspired by Tintin, The Smurfs, Lucky Luke and other beloved Belgian characters, while also showcasing contemporary street art.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
If you prefer exploring at your own pace, hop-on hop-off buses provide an easy way to reach attractions spread across the city. Popular stops include the Atomium, Mini-Europe, Cinquantenaire Park, the Royal Palace, the European Quarter and Brussels’ historic centre.
Bruges and Ghent Day Tours
Among the most popular excursions from Brussels are full-day trips to Bruges and Ghent. These beautifully preserved medieval cities are known for their canals, guild houses, churches and lively market squares. Visiting both in one guided tour allows you to experience two of Belgium’s highlights without organising transport yourself.
Luxembourg and Dinant Day Tours
This scenic day trip combines the dramatic Meuse Valley with Luxembourg City, one of Europe’s smallest capitals. Dinant is famous for its clifftop citadel, riverside setting and connection to Adolphe Sax, while Luxembourg’s historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antwerp Day Tours
Antwerp offers a different perspective on Belgium. Known for its diamond district, fashion scene and impressive cathedral, the city blends medieval history with modern culture. A guided day trip makes it easy to explore its highlights from Brussels.
Amsterdam Day Tours
Brussels also serves as a convenient starting point for visiting Amsterdam. Organised day tours allow travellers to experience the Dutch capital’s canals, historic centre and major landmarks without changing accommodation, making it a popular option for visitors with limited time.
Which Brussels Tour Should You Choose?
If it’s your first visit, a historic walking tour paired with a chocolate or food tour offers an excellent introduction to Brussels. Travellers with three or more days should consider adding at least one day trip to destinations such as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp or Dinant to experience more of Belgium’s rich history and varied landscapes.
Brussels is often used as a hub for exploring Belgium, and many of the country’s best destinations are within two hours of the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tour in Brussels?
Historic walking tours are often the best choice for first-time visitors, as they cover the city’s main landmarks while providing useful historical context.
Are Brussels day tours worth it?
Yes. Belgium’s compact size makes cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Dinant easy to visit in a single day, making guided excursions an efficient way to see more of the country.
How many days do you need in Brussels?
Most visitors find that two to three days is enough to explore Brussels itself. Staying longer allows time for one or more day trips to other Belgian cities.
Can you visit another country from Brussels?
Yes. Luxembourg and Amsterdam are both popular day trip destinations, and Brussels’ excellent transport connections make international excursions straightforward.
Explore Brussels and beyond
Brussels rewards travellers who venture beyond its most famous landmarks. Whether you prefer history, chocolate, beer, art or medieval cities, there is a guided tour to suit every interest. Better still, the Belgian capital makes an excellent base for exploring the rest of the country without changing hotels.
Ready to discover more than just Brussels? Browse our Brussels City Tours and Day Trips to explore Bruges, Ghent, Dinant, Luxembourg and other unforgettable destinations with experienced local guides.
