walking brussels tourist map

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Brussels

We recently spent a short time in Brussels with our primary goal to see as much of the city as we could by walking. While we are not experts in this area, we put together our own self-guided walking tour of Brussels, thanks to advice from fellow bloggers and our AirBnB hosts’ recommendations.

As you’ll see, it was a rainy morning but we had a great time!

What you’ll find in this post:

– Two Brussels self-guided walking tour maps and itineraries (free interactive access via email form) – Photos and descriptions of each stop on the map – Recommendations for where to stay in Brussels

Table of Contents

Brussels Walking Route Map

* Get access to our Brussels walking map here *

Save time and money with the 24|48|72 hours brussels card.

– Enjoy free access to 30 museums in Brussels – Benefit from discounts in restaurants and tourist attractions – Get free use of the public transport system during the validity of your card Click here to see all that’s included with the Brussels Card

Brussels Walking Itinerary Highlights

These are the attractions you’ll discover on our self guided walking tour of Brussels.

1) Parc de Bruxelles

2) Royal Palace

3 + 4) Place Royale, View, and Meeting Center Clock

This historic square is just around the corner from the palace. Continue walking Northwest from here and you’ll get a charming view, then pass through the Meeting Center and Mont des Arts with its gigantic clock (or carillon) and bells.

The clock is surrounded by twelve historical figures from Belgian history and perched above it is a bourgeois figure, the Jacquemart, who rings a large bell.

5) Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

Note: Technically if you want to make the walking tour into a nice loop, you can visit the Cathedral at the end and skip ahead to #6.

6) Grand Place

7) Mannequin Pis

Apparently, there is a non-profit that manages the Manneken ’s weekly costume changes. When we were there, he was dressed in Mexican garb and sombrero. (Jedd was thoroughly confused by the tiny pissing boy attracting all this attention.)

8) Place de la Bourse

9) Restaurants on Rue de Bouchers

10) Les Galeries Royales de St. Hubert

Other Brussels Tours

Bonus route: brussels ‘parks and politics’ walking tour.

We took another afternoon, following our big sight-seeing day, to explore more of the sights that were out East of the city center. Whether you’re walking to sight-see or you’re a jogger needing exercise, this is another route we recommend.

* Access our free Brussels walking maps here *

1) Square Marie-Louise and Ambiorix

2) Parc de la Cinquentenaire

3) Parc du Leopold and Parliament

4) Berlaymont Building

Where to Stay in Brussels

We chose our rental apartment in a neighborhood within easy walking distance of the metro line that could get us to and from the train station. This was also convenient if we found ourselves across town and didn’t want to walk back.

B&B Be In Brussels $$$ Boutique B&B just five minutes from Grand Place. Breakfast included, shared lounge area. Click here to check prices and availability

Aparthotel Midi Residence $$ Budget studio or King studio with self-catered breakfast and kitchenette, right next to Midi Station. Click here to check prices and availability

Jacques Brel Youth Hostel $ Well-liked youth hostel with dorm beds as well as private rooms and shared kitchen. Click here to check prices and availability

Our Top Tips for Intentional Travel in Brussels

Try to make a local connection , whether it’s meeting a friend-of-a-friend you find through social media, staying with locals, or hiring a local guide.

Shop at locally owned, independent businesses rather than familiar global chains like Starbucks.

For more guidance, see:  how to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas and our simple rules for intentional travel series .

Take this article with you as your guide! Upload this post for free to your phone with the GPSmyCity app . You can also upgrade to get an offline GPS map that guides you to each location we mention. Or subscribe to access all articles and maps around the world for a full year.

Want to see more of Belgium quickly? Take a full-day tour to beautiful Bruges and Ghent. This top-rated tour includes guide and transportation – bring your walking shoes! Click here to check day tour prices >

Traveling onward by train? We like to pre-book train tickets through Rail Europe . Or get your multi-country rail passes from Eurail .

You might also like: Top 5 Things To Do in Bruges

Have you been to Brussels? What did we miss that we should see next time? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Get our 2 Brussels walking maps

Access both of our free self-guided walking routes to see the top monuments and sights in Brussels on an interactive map. (Available on MapMyRun and GoogleMyMaps.)

Success! Now check your email to get the map.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Similar Posts

Italy in September: Best Activities, Destinations, Weather, & Packing Guide

Personally, I think September in Italy is one of the best times for visitors. In fact, I’m writing this from Italy now, in September, as we typically come here in Autumn. Italy in September and early October usually means good weather and beautiful sunsets. While there are still crowds in Italy’s top destinations and main…

Exploring Nendaz, Switzerland: Hiking and Day Trips in the Swiss Alps

Why Nendaz? Nendaz, Switzerland. Most people have never heard of it. So why did we go there? Well, for this leg of our Europe trip, we wanted to meet up with my parents in Switzerland, especially to see the Alps. Because of my comfort with the French language, I limited my accommodation search to the French-speaking side…

Paris France travel requirements 2024: What American travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Paris France travel in 2024 with official Paris travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours. Paris is a destination close to our…

Day Trip to Kotor from Dubrovnik: Croatia to Montenegro

Located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, Kotor is a beautiful  tourist destination. The region where it’s situated, the Bay of Kotor, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its architecture, surrounding landscapes, rich history, and Mediterranean culture. Kotor is also conveniently located nearby the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, another top Balkan destination and…

Lisbon Portugal travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Lisbon travel in 2024 with official Portugal travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours. As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship,…

What To Know About Visiting Copenhagen and Denmark

Planning a trip to Denmark? Here’s what we’ve learned about Danish culture, food, cost of living, language, and more from visiting our Danish friends. We also highlight where to stay in and top sights to see in Copenhagen, Denmark. Updated: Summer 2020 with help from Derek Hartman of Robe Trotting. Originally published: August 2015. Disclosure:…

Brussels is an underrated city to visit. Will have to see it someday, Thanks for sharing!

How long did the Brussels walking tour take to complete? Thanks for sharing!

Alie, It really depends on how long you spend at each stop. If you simply walked the route without stopping, each walking route can be done in less than an hour.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

11 Best Walking Tours in Brussels with Local Guides (2024)

This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer .

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST WALKING TOURS IN BRUSSELS TO HELP YOU DISCOVER THE CAPITAL OF EUROPE?

You’ve come to the right place! I’m a Belgian local and I’ve walked around Brussels multiple times. It’s definitely a great and safe place to discover on your own, but it might even be better to explore Brussels through a walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the perfect walking tour in Brussels for your next adventure. 

Let’s go!

🥇TLDR? Check out the Historical Walking Tour of Brussels ! Led by an expert guide, visitors get to explore Brussels’ famous landmarks as well as hidden gems. And you’ll get some insider tips for the rest of your stay as a bonus.  

Top Walking Tours in Brussels, Belgium  

1. legends of brussels – historical walking tour of brussels.

⭐ RATING : 5/5 |⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 2 hours 30 minutes |  💰 CHECK PRICE

Experience the enchanting history and culture of Brussels like never before with the Legends of Brussels Historical Walking Tour ! Led by an expert guide, this tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to uncover the city’s hidden gems and rich history. 

You’ll explore some of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks , including the stunning Grand Place and the quirky Manneken Pis statue.

But that’s just the beginning – this tour takes you off the beaten path to discover lesser-known areas and hidden gems that you won’t find in guidebooks.

Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s past and its famous figures, from Charles V to Karl Marx.  

And the best part? At the end of the tour, you’ll get insider tips and recommendations for the rest of your trip, including the best restaurants, bars, and attractions that locals love.

This is the perfect way to make the most of your time in Brussels. 

“Our guide, Sancar, was amazing! He was so interesting and entertaining and covered so much information on our tour. For me, the highlight was how he treated the group. He made sure we all knew each others’ names, and he knew all of ours, plus our country of origin!“ Kimberly S. MARCH 2023 (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

2. Walking Tours in Brussels and Tasting Tour

⭐ RATING: 5/5 |⏳ TIME LENGTH: 2-3 hours | 💰 CHECK PRICE

The Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour is perfect for those who want to experience the heart and soul of Brussels through an exciting culinary journey.

With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll taste traditional Belgian treats like waffles, fries, chocolate, and beer while learning about the city’s culture and history. 

You’ll get to see the sights of Brussels in a whole new light, exploring landmarks like the stunning Grand Place and Mont des Arts.

The beer tasting is a particular highlight, giving you a chance to savor the unique and authentic taste of local Brussels beer – a must-try for any beer lover! 

Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the city’s rich history and culture, explaining the significance of each landmark and how food and drink have played a role in shaping Brussels’ unique character. 

“I am a flight attendant and I get to visit many places.Our guide was patient, polite, and super informative. His vast knowledge of history was well received. The tour included wonderful historical sightings, city highlights, delicious chocolates, waffles, fries, and beer.” Maria W., march 2023 ( see more reviews )

3. Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop

⭐ RATING : 5/5  | ⏳ TIME LENGTH: 3 hours 30 minutes | 💰 CHECK PRICE

Are you a chocoholic looking for the ultimate chocolate experience? Then the Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop is an absolute must-do on your trip to the city!

Join us as we explore Brussels’ world-renowned chocolate scene, visiting the most exclusive chocolate boutiques and learning about the history and process of chocolate making. 

During the tour, you’ll be treated to free tastings of a variety of chocolate types, including mouthwatering pralines and truffles.

But the real highlight is the extensive chocolate demonstration where you’ll get to sample and learn about the art of chocolate making.

Our expert guide will share valuable insights into the entire process – from the cocoa bean to the finished product. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on chocolate workshop led by a master chocolatier.

You’ll learn about the techniques and skills involved in chocolate making and even get to take your delicious creations home with you. 

“We had such a great time on the tour! We had some fantastic chocolate from multiple different chocolatiers and learned so much about chocolate and Brussels history. Would definitely recommend this tour to others who are visiting Brussels.” Bradley C jAN 2023 ( see more reviews )

4. Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour

⭐ RATING : 5/5   |⏳TIME LENGTH: 5 hours 30 minutes |  💰 CHECK PRICE

The Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour is perfect for foodies who want to explore the best of what the city has to offer. 

On this tour, you’ll get to try a wide range of culinary delights, from famous Belgian chocolates and speculoos cookies to six different types of local beer, including the rare and exclusive Westvleteren XII.

But that’s not all – you’ll also have the chance to sample some of the region’s lesser-known spirits, including Belgian whiskey. 

Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of alcohol – soft drinks are available for kids and non-drinkers, so everyone can join in the fun.

And to top it all off, you’ll even get a 10% discount at select chocolatiers, making it the perfect opportunity to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones back home. 

“Hands down this was the best tour of our two week vacation in Europe. Avo was amazing and the perfect guide. I did not know how much about chocolate, beer, whiskey, and waffles. We learned so much about the history of the area and how it shaped the chocolate and beer of today.” Jeff D. FEB 2023 ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

5. Brussels: city Highlights Walking Tour and Food Tasting –

⭐ RATING : 4.9/5 |⏳ TIME LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes |  💰 CHECK PRICE

Explore the very best of Brussels’ culture and cuisine on the City Highlights Walking Tour and Food Tasting!

Led by an expert guide, this tour takes you on a journey through the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks while treating your taste buds to delicious local foods. 

Discover the city’s most famous sights and gain fascinating insights into Brussels’ past and present.

Learn about the city’s unique character and culture, making this tour the perfect way to get to know Brussels like a local.

This tour also includes mouthwatering food tastings of some of Brussels’ most famous foods, like rich chocolates, waffles, fries, and local beers. With four different Belgian beers to try! 

And to top it all off, your guide will share insider tips for where to go, what to see, and what to eat and drink during your stay in Brussels, making the most of your time in this incredible city. 

“The tour was excellent! Tim was a great guide and was very knowledgeable and provided a ton of history about the many landmarks we saw on the tour. The food was also nice, including the Belgian waffle and amazing chocolates! Highly recommend this tour!” Christine  aug 2022 ( see more reviews )

6. Brussels: Chocolate Workshop and Guided Walking Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.7/5 |⏳ TIME LENGTH : 1 hour | 💰   CHECK PRICE

The Brussels Chocolate Workshop and Guided Walking Tour gives you a unique opportunity to taste the famous chocolates of Brussels, learn about the chocolate-making process, and explore the city’s top chocolate shops and landmarks. 

You’ll visit exclusive chocolate boutiques where expert chocolatiers will offer tastings and extensive chocolate demonstrations.

Plus, you’ll participate in a chocolate-making workshop led by a Master Chocolatier, where you’ll learn how to make sweet Belgian treats and take home your own handmade chocolates. 

Aside from that, the tour also includes a guided walking tour through Brussels .

The tour guide will provide information on the history and culture of the city while pointing out significant landmarks and attractions. 

“A fun way to spend an afternoon in Brussels. Here, you get to try chocolates made from beans from different parts of the world, get a brief overview on how chocolate is made and then you get to make your own! This was a lot of fun.” Emma nov 2022 ( see more review )

7. Marc’s Belgian Beer Tour in Brussels

⭐RATING: 4.5/5 |⏳ TIME LENGTH: 4 hours | 💰 CHECK PRICE

Marc’s Belgian Beer Tour in Brussels is the perfect opportunity to experience the rich and diverse beer culture of Belgium in a fun and immersive way. 

You’ll be taken on a journey through the city’s vibrant beer scene, visiting some of the best beer bars and breweries in Brussels, where you’ll learn all about the history and brewing process of Belgian beer and gain a deep appreciation for the different types of beer styles.

Obviously, no beer tour would be complete without tastings – and this tour delivers!

You’ll get to sample a range of different types of beer, allowing you to savor and appreciate the unique flavors and aromas of each one. 

But it’s not just about the beer – this tour also provides a fascinating glimpse into Belgian beer culture and how it is intertwined with the country’s history and way of life.

Your expert guide will share insights into the cultural significance of beer in Belgium. 

“Had an amazing time on this tour! Our tour guide, Sebastian, was super kind and knowledgeable! He not only shared history on each beer we tasted but also some fun history about the city as we walked around. Would highly recommend this tour!” Christine  mar 2023 ( see more review )

8. Brussels: Guided Walking Tour

⭐RATING: 4.5/5 |⏳ TIME LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes |💰 CHECK PRICE

Experience the magic of guided walking tours in Brussels . Led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide, this tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s fascinating history and culture. 

You’ll get to see all the top attractions and landmarks, starting with a visit to the Lower and Upper City of Brussels.

Marvel at the Grand Place, snap a photo with the Manneken Pis, and admire the Royal Palace.

You’ll even get to see the Atomium, a true masterpiece of modern architecture! But this tour is about more than just sightseeing – you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of each landmark from your expert guide, gaining a deeper understanding of this incredible city and its people. 

And of course, no visit to Brussels would be complete without a taste of its world-famous chocolates!

Your tour includes a stop to sample some of the most delicious and traditional Belgian chocolates ! 

“Tiago guided us very interestingly around La Grande Place and into the surrounding side streets, pointing out so much we would have missed otherwise. He has an intriguing take on royal history + heritage, totally informative and in the best sense entertaining.” Peter jan 2023 ( see more reviews )

9. Brussels Discovery Tour: Belgian food, chocolate, waffles, beer, sightseeing

⭐RATING: 4.5/5 |⏳ TIME LENGTH:   4 hours | 💰 CHECK PRICE

The Brussels Discovery Tour is perfect for foodies and sightseers alike, offering a unique opportunity to experience the city’s culinary traditions and cultural landmarks in one exciting journey. 

You’ll start by seeing all the main sights of Brussels , including the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, the beautiful Royal Galleries, and the famous Manneken Pis statue.

That’s just the beginning – you’ll also get to sample some of Belgium’s most beloved treats along the way!

From sweet waffles and delicious chocolates to savory frites , succulent mussels, and traditional Belgian beers this tour is a feast for the senses.  

Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the city’s rich culinary traditions and culture, giving you a deeper appreciation for the sights and sounds of this incredible city. 

“The tour guide, Sebastian, was very candid and had a lot of great stories about Brussels. The first stop at the Town Hall had the whole group laughing hysterically and it set the tone for the whole tour. It seemed like the whole group was having a great time and the food was all spectacular!” Amber H. nov 2022 ( see more review )

10. Private City Kickstart Tour: Brussels

⭐RATING: 4.5/5 |⏳ TIME LENGTH : 1 hour 30 minutes | 💰  CHECK PRICE

The Private City Kickstart Tour is the ultimate way to explore the city’s top attractions with a friendly and knowledgeable guide by your side! 

With a private guide leading the way, you’ll be able to customize your tour to your liking, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to Brussels.

Whether you want to focus on famous landmarks or discover hidden gems, your guide will create a personalized experience just for you. 

Of course, no visit to Brussels would be complete without seeing the Grand Place and Manneken Pis.

But this tour is about more than just sightseeing – it’s an opportunity to truly understand the heart and soul of Brussels.

Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the city’s rich history, culture, and must-see attractions, giving you a deeper appreciation of this incredible destination. 

“We loved Brussels thanks to our guide, Christopher. We got a little lost and Christopher helped guide us to the meeting point. After that, he took us on a GREAT local tour without the group anxieties. Loved it!” “ Brian P. dec 2022 ( see more reviews )

11. Brussels Culinary Evening Tour

⭐RATING: 4.0/5 |⏳ TIME LENGTH : 3 hours | 💰 CHECK PRICE

The Brussels Culinary Evening Tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to taste the city’s most famous dishes and learn about Belgium’s rich culinary traditions. 

As the sun sets in Brussels, you’ll embark on a night walking tour in Brussels that takes you on a culinary journey through the heart of the city.

You’ll taste the most iconic dishes of Brussels, including North Sea shrimp, mussels, beef stew, and waffles – all of which are a must-try for any food lover.

Your expert guide will also share fascinating information on the origins and significance of each dish, as well as insider tips on the best places to find them.

And that’s not all – your guide will also provide insights into Belgium’s rich food culture. 

To ensure a personalized and interactive experience, tour groups are limited to just 20 people.

This allows for more intimate conversations with your guide and fellow foodies, making it the perfect opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts on the delicious dishes you’ll be trying. 

“You will enjoy lots of history about Brussels and some amazing food and beer! This is definitely a tour worth taking. Make sure you arrive hungry. Our tour guide, Abo, was a wonderful host and was very informative. I highly recommend this tour.” Lisa M. aug 2017 ( see more reviews )

FAQ about walking tours in Brussels walking tours    

What is the most famous walking tour in brussels  .

The most famous walking tours in Brussels is hands down the Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour ! It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the city’s culture and history through an exciting culinary journey. 

What is the most affordable walking tour in Brussels?  

The most affordable walking tour in Brussels is the Brussels: Guided Walking Tour , which is only a little over €20 – a steal for a guided tour of the city’s top attractions. 

How long does it take to walk around Brussels?  

It typically takes around 2-3 hours to walk around Brussels city centre and see the main sights.  

Is it easy to walk around Brussels?  

Yes, it’s easy to walk around Brussels! The city is quite compact, and most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other.  

Is Brussels a walkable city?  

Yes! Brussels is one of the most walkable cities in Europe – and that’s no exaggeration! With plenty of pedestrian areas and sidewalks, it’s a great way to explore the city and discover both its highlights and its hidden gems. 

Other tours in Brussels

Wrapping up: best walking tours in brussels    .

To sum up, taking a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide is a fantastic way to discover the best of Brussels.

With plenty of options available to suit all interests, you can explore iconic landmarks and indulge in mouth-watering cuisine.

Out of the 11 best walking tours with local guides in Brussels, the Legends of Brussels – Historical walking tour stands out as the top choice.

This tour provides an immersive experience, giving visitors a chance to delve into the city’s rich culture and history while sampling traditional Belgian snacks and drinks.

Whether you choose this tour or another, a walking tour is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Brussels! 

🥇 Scrolled all the way to the bottom? Legends of Brussels: Historical walking tour is the best walking tour in Brussels !

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

comprehensive tourist maps for busy professionals

Ultimate interactive brussels tourist map.

This Tourist Map of Brussels is interactive and downloadable for offline use. Best of all, it includes all of the top tourist attractions in Brussels as well as recommended restaurants, bars and chocolate shops. Use this map as your Brussels guide, and don’t miss out on any of the incredible experience this charming European city has to offer.

If you are looking to explore Europe, you might find cheap airfare or a convenient train ride to Brussels. That’s because Brussels is a huge transpiration hub. With some of Europe’s busiest airports and railway stations, Brussels thrives as one of Europe’s important financial and political centers.

Table of Contents

So, why should you visit Brussels?

Brussels tourist map, manneken pis and others, mini europe, parlamentarium, royal gallery of saint hubert, belvue museum, brussels town hall, royal palace of brussels, royal museums of fine arts, comic book museum, musical instruments museum, museum of the city of brussels, st michael and st gudula cathedral, church of our blessed lady, mont des arts, grand place, cinquantenaire park.

Brussels is as important today as it was throughout history. You can visit many UNESCO World Heritage sites and observe interesting architectural styles. Walk down Medieval cobblestone streets and check out one of the world’s first shopping mall s.

Brussels is an eclectic melting pot of European cultures. You’ll hear French, Dutch and German spoken here (although, many people also learn English). With great cultural influence comes great food. Brussels is a excellent place to sample Belgian namesakes like fries, waffles & chocolate. Also, Belgium is highly regarded for beer.

Check out this top-rated beer & chocolate tour in Brussels. 

Okay, now that I’ve peaked your interest and gotten your mouth watering… let me show you all the cool things to do in Brussels!

This interactive tourist map of Brussels includes top attractions, comic murals, chocolate shops, recommended restaurants and more! The blue pins are the top places in Brussels like museums, squares, churches and historic sites. The dark blue pins with the art icons are comic strip murals (more on this later). For food, you’ll find restaurants in green and chocolate shops/dessert places in pink. You can select and deselect any of these layers to limit what you see. Also, save this map and download it for offline use.

How to Use This Map: If you click the tab at the top left corner, you’ll be able to select specific layers. Click the checkmark to select or hide specific categories.

Save This Map: Click the brackets in the top right corner to expand the map in full view. It will open in a new tab. Under the map title, right of the map description, there is a star. Click this star and the map will be saved to your Google account  in Google Maps. You can access it later from your computer or device. On desktop, go to Google Maps and click ‘Your Places,’ and ‘Maps.’ On app view, select ‘Saved, scroll down and click ‘Maps.’

Brussels Tourist Attractions

I’ve divided up all the top Brussels tourist sites into a few distinct categories. These are the places that are uniquely Brussels, museums, churches and scenic locations. Learn more about these interesting places you’ll find in the Brussels Tourist Map.

Want to do more than just taste chocolate?   Sign up for a chocolate workshop in Brussels.

Uniquely Brussels

Much of Europe has stunning examples of Gothic and Romanesque style architecture. Every famous European city has a stunning cathedral and a hundred different museums with priceless works of art. These are the Brussels tourist attractions that are uniquely Brussels, setting itself apart from any other city in the world.

If you are spending only 2 days in Brussels , you’ve got to see Menneken Pis. This is the  statue of a naked little boy peeing , and it’s become one of the  best known symbols for the city of Brussels .

Menneken Pis is one of the cutest and most famous Brussels attractions. In the picture below, you can see Manneken dressed up for the Tour de France.

Sign up for this fun bike tour of Brussels sites  (including a visit to Manneken Pis).

This is a very small statue located in Brussels city center. It’s often surrounded by swarms of tourists, so you might want to visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Manneken Pis also has two friends, Jeanneke Pis (little girl pees) and Zinnek Pis (dog pees). Zinnek is Jeanneke and Manneken’s dog, by the way.

Why is Manneken Pis so important?

Manneken Pis can be traced back in Brussels history all the way in to the mid 15th Centry. In texts as early as the 17th Century, Manneken is described as an object of glory ! In the beginning, he was an important source of drinking water. He gained fame over the years by surviving bombardments and being stolen by famous rulers . Today, Manneken is dressed up on special occasions and generally adored by most everyone.

Brussels loves comics. They even have a Comic Book Museum (more on this later). One of the best things to do in Brussels is the Comic Walk. Walk from comic to comic, you’ll explore Brussels city center as you discover enchanting works of art.

In the Brussels Tourist Attractions Map, the Comics are marked by dark blue pins with an art symbol. They can be found in a separate layer named ‘Murals’. You can select this layer and use the map to find all the comic murals. Deselect this layer if your map becomes to busy.

You’ll notice there are quite a lot of these comic book murals across Brussels…I recommend you focus on the ones nearest to city center to guide your Comic Walk . Then, later, as you make your way towards other Brussels attractions, see what murals you can catch on route. There are well over 50 of these cute and colorful artworks. Don’t pressure yourself to try to see them all!

What’s with all the comics in Brussels? The city of Brussels has long since had a love affair with comic books. Most famously, the magazines Tintin and Spirou were born in Brussels. The Smurfs were also created by a Belgian comic artist. Overall, Belgian comics helped to shape the history of European comic art . Belgian comics have always had a distinct style which is heavily influenced by the bilingual culture of it’s people.

Make sure the comic murals are a part of your Brussels sightseeing!

The Atomium is one of the most important landmark buildings in Belgium & one of the best things to see in Brussels. You can find the Atomium just outside of city center . On the map, you’ll notice it’s near to Mini -Europe and the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken. It makes sense to pair these 3 activities in half a day.

Reserve your Atomium ticket today.

You can get to the Atomium by taxi or public transportation. It’s a 25 minute cab ride or about 45 minutes of commuting (by train and walking). There are also Ubers available in Brussels.

What is the Atomium?

The Atomium is a replica of 9 iron atoms magnified 156 billion times! It was built for the Exposition of 1958 —the first world fair post WWII. The theme of the expo was “a world for the better life of mankind,” and that was based on faith in technical and scientific progress . At the time of it’s construction, the Atomium was a massive technical endeavor . It even had the fastest elevator of its time!

Book a guided tour at the Atomium and find out why it is one of the most interesting places in Brussels.

Mini Europe is near the Atomium. It’s exactly what it sounds like —a park with miniature monuments meant to represent nations in the European Union. There’s over 350 mini-buildings and about 80 mini-cities. Mini Europe is the perfect place for all ages. Take a stroll through this scenic small world.

This park is one of the top Brussels sites. It’s a fitting tribute to Europe in the European Union’s political capital . It was founded to demonstrate a unified European spirit. Truly, a delight for anyone who loves miniatures 😊

Check out these discounted combo tickets to the Atomium & Mini Europe.

No Brussels visit is complete without stopping at the European Parliament’s Parlamentarium (the Visitors Center). The Parlamentarium offers multimedia guides that take you through the history and function of the European Parliament and European Union.

Fun Facts About the European Parliament:

With over 700 members, representing more than 500 million citizens from over 20 countries…It’s the largest international body of directly-elected officials in the world ! Also, the first president of the European Parliament was a women . Furthermore, a majority of European Parliament staff are women. Yay, feminism!

*More Fun Facts…*Brussels isn’t the only political center for the European Parliament —there are actually three official headquarters (also Strasbourg and Luxembourg). Also, the EU has 23 official languages. That means that European Parliament sessions are interpreted in each one… that’s 506 possible language combinations!

Learn about Brussels politics from a local. 

Find more interesting information about the European Parliament at the Parlamentarium, one of the best places to visit in Brussels.

The Gallery of Saint Hubert are a living, breathing, piece of history. Originally built in the 1840s as a luxury shopping mall for the rich and famous. Essentially, this was a protected runway for the bourgeoisie ladies of leisure to show off their fashionable attire (you have to remember that Brussels was essentially a dirty swamp at the time 😂).

Explore the tastiest Belgian food at the Galleries of Saint Hubert.

Today, the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert still house some luxury brands, cafes and chocolate shops. Although, what’s most striking is the architecture. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, the structure is divided into two long galleries known as the King’s Gallery and the Queen’s Gallery. These galleries are separated by a row of columns. The columns, arches and glass ceiling tiles create a very dramatic effect.

Some of the best things to see in Brussels can be found within one of my many incredible museums. WARNING: They’re all closed on Mondays 😞 We ran into this problem on our most recent trip. Mondays can be an excellent time to take a day trip to Ghent or Bruges.

The Coudenberg Palace was considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe at its time. The history of the palace dates back all the way into the 12th century. Unfortunately, much of the original palace was destroyed by fire in the 18th Century.

A Royal Square was built on top of the ruins of the original palace, including the Royal Palace of Brussels. You can now visit the ruins of the Coudenberg Palace in the BELvue Museum. The BELvue Museum also has some interesting pieces from Brussels and Belgium’s modern history. It’s one of the museums you must see when you visit Brussels.

Even if you don’t go inside, the Brussels Town Hall building is one of the places to see in Brussels. It’s located in the famous square called the Grand Place. It’s one of the few Medieval structures still remaining in the Grand Place, and it’s also considered an architectural masterpiece .

The style is overwhelmingly Gothic. It was internationally renowned in the 19th Century and many town halls in Europe were modeled after it’s design. No wonder it’s considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site .  It’s famously asymmetrical & unbalanced. See if you can spot the discrepancies!

Learn more about the Brussels Town Hall on this small group walking tour.

There are guided tours of the Town Hall offered at 2PM every Wednesday and Sundays 10 AM, 3 PM and 4PM. No need to reserve or pay in advance. You can purchase tickets for 7 euros the day of your tour at the Visit Brussels Information Desk inside City Hall.

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium . Although, the royal family doesn’t live in this palace. It’s used primarily to host government functions, special guests and large receptions.

It’s located in front of Brussels Park & right next to the BELvue museum. It was built on top of the complex that was once the Coudenberg Palace. Unfortunately, you can only visit the palace late July through September.

Preview a few rooms at the Royal Palace of Brussels.

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts are some of Brussels top attractions. Together, they include some 20,000 works of art from drawing, to sculptures and paintings. Works from the early 15th Century and well into present day. They are a group of 6 museums, and they are the best places in Brussels for art lovers.

Unfortunately, each museum has it’s own admission ticket. All of them are free on the 1st Wednesday of every month after 1 PM! See if your trip falls on this day and save a few bucks. 😉 The Musée Wiertz Museum & Musée Meunier Museum are also free for everyone to visit! Musée Wiertz is dedicated to Antoine Wiertz who was a painter, sculptor and controversial figure during the Belgian Romantic movement.

Fun Fact about Antoine Wiertz : He choose to have his remains embalmed in the Ancient Egyptian burial style. He was in some ways obsessed with death and the fragility of life. Many of his paintings depict horrific scenes.

Musée Meunier focuses on the artist Constantin Meunier —the subject of his works was often social & industrial parts of Belgian life. The theme of his museum is the art of labor & labor of art.

Of the paid museums, the Musée Magritte focuses on the Surrealist style and specifically René Magritte. You can pay an extra 5 euros to view the special collections. The Old Masters Museum shows works created during the 15th – 18th Centuries, and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum provides a wide array of art produced from the late 19th Century to the very early 20th Century.

The Comic Book Museum (also called the Belgian Comic Strip Center) is one of the best attractions in Brussels. The building itself is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture . It’s located in historic Brussels, just a few blocks from the Grand Place.

The Belgian Comic Strip Center collects anything related to European Comics. Merging the styles of Ninth Art and Art Nouveau . It’s also a great place to learn more about the Brussels Comic Strip Route .

It’s a very cute museum with a library and reading room on the first floor. Special focus is on Victor Horta and the magazines Spirou and Tintin . The also offers guided tours within the building and along the Comic Strip Route.

Another gem, the Musical Instruments Museum is one of my favorite places in Brussels. It’s an an incredible building that has two very different styles . The first part is Art Nouveau and the other is neoclassical.

The Musical Instruments Museum displayed over 1000 different instruments! It’s one of the most visited museums in Brussels. During your visit, you’ll get headphones so that you’ll be able to listen to over a 100 different sample pieces. The museum’s most famous pieces include a Rottenburgh Alto recorder, giant Chinese stone chimes and one of the only luthéal pieces in existence . FYI a luthéal is a special type of piano.

Located in the heart of the action, at the Brussels Grand Place, the city museum is one of the important Brussels sights. It tells the dramatic history of the city of Brussels from Medieval times to present day. The story is told through tapestries, paintings, sculptures and photos.

The Brussels City Museum is inside an incredible Gothic Revival building, the building itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Make sure to appreciate the architecture.

We’ll now discuss some stunning churches you can find in Brussels. Before we do, I wanted to touch on the religious diversity and cynicism in Belgium. Almost a third of the Belgian population identifies themselves as non religious people (atheists or agnostics). Wow! That’s a lot. I think it’s pretty cool. While most of the god fearing citizens are Christians, there’s also a growing Muslim population in Belgium. Now, on to the churches…

Also, know as the Brussels Cathedral . This is the most famous church and one of the top tourist sites in Brussels. Historical reference of this place dates back to the 9th Century. At that time, it was a Romanesque church. The present day structure of the church took 300 years to complete ! It’s architectural style is Brabantine Gothic.

The Brussels Cathedral was made from the stone of a nearby quarry. It sits on top of the original Romanesque church and it’s ancient crypt has been excavated in the last few decades.

Learn more about mysteries, legends and religion in Brussels. 

This cool tour takes you through the history of of the Freemasons, the Templars and the Illuminati in Brussels!

On the inside, the most prominent and impressive features of the Brussels Cathedral are the mesmerizing stained glass windows (some of which were made in the 16th Century). Also, the Grenzing great organ with over 4,000 pipes, 60 stops and 4 keyboards!

Entrance to the Cathedral is free for everyone! There’s a small charge to visit the archaeological site and crypt of the early Romanesque church (1 and 3 € respectively).

The Church of Our Blessed Lady is another one of the impressive sites to see in Brussels. This church was built at the turn of the 15th Century. It is also adorned in the Barbantine Gothic style. Interestingly, the inside has a few Baroque features.

You can visit this church for free . Step inside, and you’ll notice the striking pillars that appear to extend endlessly. Notice the apostles sculpted into the columns.

Interesting Folktale: The time was 1348, and the Virgin Mary appears in the dreams of a woman living in Antwerp. The Virgin Mary tells this woman to steal an important statue and bring it to a little chapel in Brussels. The woman sails to Brussels and delivers the statue. This little chapel goes on to become the Church of Our Blessed Lady.

Scenic Locations

Meaning, “hill of the arts.” It’s a historic place, a community meeting ground. Definitely one of the most beautiful places in Brussels at sunset. At the top of the Mont des Arts , you can see the tower of the Brussels Town Hall building in the distance. In the other direction, the Royal Square is in view.

Mont des Arts is the perfect place to relax with friends, have a bite and enjoy the outdoors. It’s steps away from some of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Musical Instruments Museum and the BELvue Museum. We especially loved the chocolate shop Laurent Gerbaud near the Mont des Arts.

Book your chocolate tasting today.

We’ve already discussed it a little bit, but this special place demands it’s own introduction. The Grand Place is one of the most noteworthy places to go in Brussels. It’s the central square of the city and home of the famous Town Hall building and the Museum of the City of Brussels .

The Grand Place is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site . As far back as the 11th Century, the land that would eventually become the Grand Place was being used as a marketplace. Over the next several hundred years, the small marketplace would blossom into a large merchantmen district and the seat of municipal power.

Throughout history, the Grand Place witnessed the tragedies and dramas of human existence. It was the setting for public burnings, beheadings and other executions . It withstood bombardments, fires and unimaginable damage . But, it was always rebuilt and restored.

Today, it’s one of the important Brussels tourist places. A bustling commercial district with many chocolate shops, restaurants and cafes. I recommend the Maison Dandoy speculoos confectionery and the Neuhaus chocolate shop .

The Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence (this was in 1880). It’s a huge urban park with gardens, museums and green space . Cinquantenaire Park is the perfect place to spend half a day.

Visit the Royal Museums of Art and History and check out the three giant triumphal arches . Near the arches, you’ll find sweeping panoramic views of the city . You can walk to the Cinquantenaire Park from Brussels city center. It will take about 35 minutes. Alternatively, public transportation will get you there in 15 minutes.

Brussels Food Tips

• Have a beer at the Delirium Café. Belgian beer culture is part of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Belgians have been brewing and drinking beer since the Middle Ages (because it was safer to drink than water 😋)
• Taste praline chocolates at a fancy chocolate shop. I’ve mapped some great ones in the Brussels Tourist Attractions Map. Don’t bother bringing them home, it’s nearly impossible to keep them from melting in a travel situation.
• Locals get their Belgian fries at Friterie Tabora.
• If you are trying to find fresh Belgian waffles, scope out the place first. If they grab waffles from beneath the counter or rack and then add toppings –steer clear. You want to see the waffles come straight from the press before they are served! Say no to soggy waffles!

More time in Brussels? Take a quick train ride to the fairy tale Medieval town of Bruges.

Pin for later!

This post may contain compensated links. Please read our disclaimer for more info.

Ultimate Abu Dhabi Tourist Attractions Map

Ultimate interactive bruges tourist map – your guide to bruges, you may also like, ultimate interactive bruges tourist map – your guide..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Best Guided Walking Tours To Take in Brussels

When it comes to walking tours in Brussels, you’re spoilt for choice. There are those dedicated to Art Nouveau, comic book murals, chocolate havens and even expert beer cafés. So picking one can be a challenge. Don’t fret: we’ve done the work for you. Here are seven niche tours we can highly recommend.

Chocolate walking tour and workshop by global enterprises.

This one’s a must for foodies. Belgium has a stellar reputation for turning cocoa beans into chocolatey goodness and now you can try your hand. This most indulgent of walks starts in front of the first Godiva store, built in 1926. Next, it’s onto many a chocolate legend , such as Neuhaus, inventor of the soft-centred praline. For three hours, you’ll make your way from one chocolate temple to the next, passing landmarks and sampling authentic and exotic creations as you go. At the end, you get to make your own pralines. For those who consider themselves avid snackers but terrible cooks, this tour by Brussels Chocolate Tours is a great half-day out. Duration: 4 hours Price: €70 (£63) for adults, €40 (£36) for kids (6-12) Starting point: Grand-Place 21, Brussels, Belgium

Walking Tour by Viva Brussels

Backpackers and penniless students will be delighted to hear of this tour , organised three times a day come rain or shine – because you get to pay whatever you can afford. Besides hallmarks such as Manneken Pis , La Bourse and the Royal Palace , a young team of guides will share with you the capital’s urban legends and lesser-known mysteries. They’ll also give you the local scoop on where to get the best fries, cheapest waffles, free museums and beers at democratic prices. In the end, you simply pay what you thought the tour was worth or what’s within the limits of your pocket book. Price: whatever amount you’re willing to give Starting point: Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium , look for the orange umbrella

Comic Book Tour by Bravo Discovery

Belgian-born comic strip heroes Tintin , Marsupilami and Spirou are everywhere in Brussels, but you need to know where to look. Going in search of the icons painted on walls throughout the city centre and Laeken during a tour is the best way to discover the nooks and crannies of the capital. Some of the frescoes play into the architectural qualities of the location they’ve been assigned, such as the Ric Hochet wall, where the adventurous reporter is dangling from a rooftop to swing into a girl’s bedroom. The project was launched by the City of Brussels in 1993 and has come to count more than 50 murals, and this number increases every year. Duration: 2 hours Price: €10 (£9), €9 (£8) for students and free for children Starting point: in front of City Hall on the Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Brussels Sightjogging

These private tours are great for athletes who tend to miss exercise on their city trips. The energetic guides – all locals with a passion for running as well as the city they call home – promise to stick to your pace and the distance you’ve determined while they show you the highlights of Brussels . This is certainly a different way of discovering the city. It’s one of the most adaptable experiences and can be one of the most scenic: the tour starts under the towering Atomium and heads through several parks, leaving you surprised at just how much green space there is in the capital. Duration: 1.5 hours (approx) Price: €39 (£35), 25% discount for students Starting point: dependent on the selected tour

Beer Tasting Experience by Sandemans Brussels Tours

Beer culture runs deep in Belgium’s identity. In three of the capital’s specialised beer bars, you’ll get to enjoy one of the famous Trappist beers, brewed in monasteries under the strict supervision of the monks, and the Lambic, a Brussels specialty made exclusively in the Pajottenland region. It’s the perfect occasion to ask questions, and your guides are overflowing with beer knowledge so they’ll love to offer personalised beer advice tailor-made to your taste buds. Don’t forget your ID for this adults-only tour . Duration: 3 hours Price: €19 (£17) Starting point: Scott’s Bar, 2 Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères, Brussels, Belgium

Art Nouveau Tour by Bravo Discovery

Brussels played a pioneering role in the development of the Art Nouveau style, with its rounded lines, oceans of glass and fanciful iron flourishes, thanks to the visionary Victor Horta . On this tour , you’ll get a chance to see Horta’s famed Brussels mansions, along with the private home of another Art Nouveau pioneer, Paul Hankar. First up is the impressive Musical Instruments Museum by Paul Saintenoy, and closing the tour is the atelier and house of Horta himself, now a museum. The price of the tour is whatever you’re willing or able to pay. Duration: Every Saturday for 2.5 hours Price: whichever amount you’re willing to give Starting point: in front of City Hall on the Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium

Brussels Mysteries and Legends Tour by Global Enterprises

The Freemason and Templar societies are hardly confined to the borders of Italy’s Vatican or Dan Brown’s imagination – on this tour you’ll learn more about how these legendary organisations also exist in Brussels. Secret symbols are hiding in plain sight all over the city, in churches and temples, although they often go unnoticed by both visitors and locals. The passionate guides on this tour will point them out. The tour includes an entrance fee to the underground Coudenberg ruins, former seat of government and home of Charles V, and at the end, a hot waffle and chocolate to reward you for your efforts. Duration: 4 hours Price: €65 (£58) for adults, €35 (£31.40) for kids (6-12) Starting point: Grand-Place 21, Brussels, Belgium

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best bed and breakfasts to book in brussels, belgium.

Hip Apartments in Brussels You'll Want to Call Home

Where to Book Your Stay in Brussels for a Local Experience

See & Do

Uncover the hidden history of brussels.

Get a Unique View of Belgium With These Day-Trips From Brussels

A Walk Along the Comic Strip Route in Brussels

The Best Hotels in Brussels to Make the Most of the City

Experience Bright Brussels: The Festival of Light

A Journey Through Brussels's Alternative Nightlife Scene

The Best Hostels in Brussels

Food & Drink

Chocolatier: the best job in brussels.

How To Discover Brussels on a Budget

• Post ID: 845433
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Brussels in your pocket: tourist guides in app mode!

23 March 2022

Interactive, fun and adapted to your needs, apps are the new tourist guides and show you the best way to discover Brussels and its region. 

This list of apps is for you, whether you prefer green spaces, museums, audio-guided walks or finding the most instagrammable spots!

be walking be.brussels .  A list of all the routes and short-cuts in Brussels, aimed at pedestrians. This veritable pocket atlas plans your journey, from the fastest route, if you’re in a hurry, to the most enjoyable if you fancy taking a stroll. As a bonus, the app offers a range of points of interest: drinking water fountains, the city's oldest trees, Villo stations, public toilets and the most breathtaking views of Brussels.   Google Play

Brussels Gardens . With more than 8,000 hectares covering 18% of its surface area, Brussels is home to a vast paradise of green spaces, public parks, woods and other peaceful and discreet little gardens. Brussels Gardens will help you find the perfect natural spot. There is currently just one web version of the app available, but a mobile version is being developed.

Traditional and interactive visits

The Heritage App . From the BELvue museum to Train World and a range of different exhibitions, the Heritage App enhances your cultural walks with additional information on the places you visit and the works you see, and even offers fun games for children, teenagers and adults.   App Store & Google Play

Spotted by locals . The perfect app for discovering places tested, approved and frequented by Brussels locals. A collection of addresses and maps away from the usual tourist spots. Free location preview, full access costs just €3.99.   App Store & Google Play

365.be . This app originally suggested one attraction to discover per day, but now also (and most importantly) allows users to locate a museum, exhibition or garden according to their desires and location. It's a great idea for a full app that is very easy to use.   App Store & Google Play

Oh My Guide . Offers two formulas that allow users to discover the city from three different angles: tourist visit, fun exploration and interaction with the environment. Visits for two or more people using the 100% digital "App" version, or in hybrid "Mapp" mode, which uses a paper tourism map (with friends or with the family, from ages 12-14). From €9 to €33. A free version is available for visiting the Atomium ( atomium.be ).   App Store & Google Play  Behind Brussels . This app uses augmented reality to offer a stunning visit of the most beautiful square on earth. It’s a unique opportunity for a simple, fun visit to what is hidden behind the luxurious facades of the Grand-Place.  App Store & Google Play  Street Art Cities . As its name indicates, this website, and its app, list the many street art works that can be found on the city's walls using a map that allows users to either plan their route or wander around as they like.   App Store & Google Play  izi.TRAVEL . With museum visits, family walks in gardens, explorations of historic Brussels or jogging discoveries, the free izi.TRAVEL app offers tours and visits around the city, together with audio guides in different languages.  App store & Google Play  EPexplorer . Discover the European Parliament! This app offers a one-hour guided tour that explores not only the buildings but also the historical figures of Europe, whose names live on within the parliament. As a bonus, the app also looks at the history of the area where the European Parliament was built.  App Store & Google Play

SmartGuide . SmartGuide is a digital guide offering independent and audio-guided visits that are free of charge and available offline. Featuring tourist sites, fun activities, authentic experiences and hidden treasure, the app aims to be as complete as possible and is a must for the pockets of all roaming tourists.  App Store & Google Play

Instagrammable Brussels

SPotR . Essential for everyone who loves memorable photos. SPotR lists the city's most beautiful spots for your professional or amateur photoshoots. Listing staircases, indoor spots, architecture, car parks, alleys, gardens and monuments, it’s a veritable encyclopaedia of the best places to visit. So take your camera and snap some photos for yourself or to share with friends and all your followers.  App Store & Google Play

Practical Brussels: apps that make the city easier

Brussels at your fingertips: that's the promise made by many of the apps that are available on smartphones and make getting around the city easy!

The best escape rooms of Brussels

Are you looking for an activity to try out with family or friends?

10 original guided tours for discovering Brussels

It is time to explore Brussels’ original sites. Follow the guides.

Map of Brussels - Interactive Brussels Map

Information about the map.

Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Brussels. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

Icons on the Brussels interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

You may also be interested in

Two Day Itinerary

If you are short on time and want to see all the unmissable sights in the Belgian capital, take a look at our itinerary planned to visit Brussels in a weekend.

General Information

If you're going to travel to Brussels, it's likely you have some questions you want to be answered when planning your trip. Here you'll find general information about Brussels in order to clear up any doubts you may have when planning your trip.

Best things to see and do in Brussels

Free walking tour near brussels, others cities to visit after brussels, find other guruwalks in brussels, where are you traveling to.

Brussels Printable Tourist Map

Brussels Map: The Attractions

Grand Place

Manneken Pis

Royal Palace

Church of Our Lady of Sablon

Brussels Palace of Justice

Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral

Brussels Stock Exchange

St. Hubert Gallery

Parlamentarium

Brussels Park

Sygic travel - a travel guide in your pocket.

More Tourist Maps

• Privacy Policy
• STOCK 360° TRAVEL VIDEOS

24 Hours In Brussels – A Walking Tour Of Brussels (Brussels, Belgium)

I’ve always believed the best way to really see and know a city is to just “get out there” and walk the city streets.

Not all cities are walkable. Fortunately for us, Brussels is extremely walkable.

The capital of Belgium, Brussels has a population of about 1.2 million and is known for both its many iconic landmarks as well as its gastronomic prowess.

With that said, I want to share my walking tour with you and some of the amazing highlights I saw along the way.

Editor’s Note : This post is part of my ongoing  Travel Series on Europe . Click here for more posts on this European trip including France , United Kingdom , Germany , Netherlands , Belgium , and  Luxembourg . 

The Walking Tour Map: Brussels

I devised a walking plan that started and ended from my “home base”, The Hotel Brussels (see the blue star below).

Walking counter-clockwise, I headed eastbound on Boulevard de Waterloo on the green arrow (below) and eventually ended back at The Hotel via the red arrow (below).

This leisurely mid-afternoon stroll took me about 3 hours to complete, but that was with me taking lots of photos and getting a little lost in a couple of places.

1. Monument Léopold II

2. AXA Bank (From Monument Léopold II)

3. Palais des Académies

4. Statue at Parc de Bruxelles

5. Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais de Bruxelles)

6. Parc de Bruxelles

Fountain in front of the Palace of the Nation (Chambre des Représentants de Belgique)

7. Koningsplein (Place Royale Bruxelles)

8. Whirling Ear (L’orelle tourbillonnante) On Rue du Musee

9. Museumplein & Statue Of Charles de Lorraine

Église Protestante de Bruxelles-Musée

10. Square Of Brussels, Mont des Arts, and Statue du Roi Albert 1er

11. St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels

12. Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert And Place de l’Agora (Place du Marché aux herbes)

13. Grand Palace du Bruxelles 

Brussels town hall (hôtel de ville de bruxelles).

Brussels City Museum (Musée de la ville de Bruxelles)

Maison Grand-Place

14. Rue du Lombard, Rue de l’Hopital, Rue Lebeau And The Grand Sablon

Parlement francophone bruxellois.

Chapel Church

Pierre Marcolini La Manufacture

Place du Grand Sablon, 12

15. Église catholique Notre-Dame-du-Sablon

16. Square of Petit Sablon

17. Egmont Palace

18. Egmont Park (Parc d’Egmont)

The Hotel is up ahead on the left

Bonus: Belgian Beer (And Belgian Waffles) At Boston Steak House

Wow, what a great city!

The area surrounding the Grand Sablon had wonderful parks, bars, shopping, dining and (of course) dessert shops.

The main attraction was easily the Grand Palace square, it was simply the life of the party in Brussels.

A walking tour was the perfect way to spend the day (especially when capped off with a Belgian Waffle and a glass of Duvel) before boarding my train to London, where I’d be staying at the Hotel Indigo London – 1 Leicester Square .

Brussels is clean, safe, walkable and most of all – interesting. Be sure to get out there and explore the city on foot if you get the chance.

Flying High On Points

Review: luxembourg and dinant tour – part ii – dinant [expedia] (from brussels, belgium), review: new york-new york las vegas hotel & casino (las vegas, nevada), you may also like, hiking tour of the grand prismatic spring trail..., hiking the cliff palace loop trail at mesa..., walking tour of the animas river trail at..., hiking the balcony house loop trail at mesa..., hiking the temescal canyon loop trail at temescal..., hiking upper antelope canyon in the navajo nation, walking tour of hoover dam, hiking the pueblo bonito loop trail at chaco..., visiting the cape of good hope near cape..., hiking to the sunset point lookout in bryce....

brussels .info

Brussels walks.

Walks around Brussels reveal a trendy, exotic side of the city that is easily missed with just short looks from a tour bus. Let the trails, which take 1 or 2 hours to complete, take you on mini adventures. The city by foot will surprise you.

And if you prefer walks with an experienced guide who will tell you all about the things you are seeing, have a look at out guided tours section.

Comic Strips

There are cities with murals and there are cities with graffiti but Brussels is one of the few cities granting wall space for comic strips. These giant replicas of classic Belgian comics, such as Tintin, can be seen all over the city centre of Brussels. The short tour introduces 13 comics painted on house walls. It starts at the city centre at the Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art , where you can get more information about this route but also see lots of nice exhibits. We have a dedicated page for this museum. The walking route then circles around the Grand Place , Place St. Catherine and on the edges of Mont des Arts. A longer walk involves a tour into the Marolles area which is filled with more works of art. Overall there are more than 30 illustrations painted around the city.

European District

If you're a fan of the EU then a European District tour is a must, there is actually more to see than just glass buildings. Starting at the European Parliament at Place du Luxembourg (metro: Trone), make your way northwards to Arts-Loi. From Arts-Loi to Schuman you will see a collection of European Council and Commission buildings including the giant cross-shaped Berlaymont, one of the earliest EU buildings in Brussels. Finish up with a coffee and fries at Place Jourdan, where Eurocrats go at lunch times.

Art Nouveau

Built mostly in the south of the city (Avenue Louise, Flagey, Chatelain and the forest area) the art nouveau style in Belgium is mainly attributed to the works of Victor Horta, one of the foremost art nouveau architects. Art nouveau (literally: new art) is a style of architecture that incorporates nature-inspired motifs into buildings. Expect to see leafy lamp posts and flowers blooming from door-knockers. This was the era when artful lines jumped off canvases and straight onto buildings.

If you enjoy the beauty of architecture then you might enjoy this guided tour about Brussels Art Nouveau .

Sablon to Marolles

The Sablon is a beautiful church in the lower parts of the city centre and the Marolles is the area just below the Palais de Justice . The Marolles area is an eclectic collection of shop windows and flea markets, where the old working class lived amongst the narrow streets. The shop windows have the most fascinating displays; these shops, unlike modern day department stores, are dedicated to selling only one type of wares – mirrors, lamp shades, shower curtains. They almost invite you to take a peek!

Gourmet Trails

This path will need no explanation; it takes you through the sweet delights of Brussels, chocolate and beer. The trail starts at the Sablon, past Place de la Chapelle and up to the Grand Place where there are beer museums and chocolate museums to visit and taste! The tour finishes at the Galeries St Hubert, where Neuhaus built his first chocolate shop.

Green Brussels

Brussels tourism would not be complete without enjoying one of the green spaces in the city. Even with heavy urban development, Brussels city has managed to maintain a section of natural forest dating back to the 12th century to the south of the city. The green spaces all around Brussels make up a trail of 60km, best experienced on eco-friendly bicycles!

These are just the beginning, there are also fashion walks, family discoveries and other areas of Brussels to explore.

Best Brussels Walking Tours

Free Printable Brussels Walking Tours Map

Home / Brussels Tours / Walking Tour Map

Walking Tours in Brussels

Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels With Cheese, Clogs and Windmills

Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels

Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels

Antwerp Sightseeing Tour from Brussels

Remembrance Tour: The Battle of the Bulge in the ardennes & Luxembourg

Brussels Walking Tours Map

Brussels is Belgium’s metropolis and has 19 municipalities. It is popular for its gastronomic scenes and is home to some of the UNESCO world heritage sites. Brussels has also popularized comic strips and different unconventional artists. There are a lot of famous as well as hidden and interesting sights in Brussels that every tourist should see. You’ll discover most of these sights by joining Walking Tours In Brussels . You may also check out the Brussels Tourist Attractions Map to have an overview of different tourist spots and information on how to reach them and where to find them in the city.

One of the best ways to tour around this beautiful city is to avail of the Bike Tours In Brussels . It is perfect for exploring attractions that other vehicles can’t get past of. It’s also a great way to have fun and meet other people. A Brussels Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour is also another way to get to the most famous sightseeing spots. You can decide when to see each spot depending on your availability or your itinerary.

One should never leave Brussels without experiencing its culinary culture. Make sure to book for Food Tours In Brussels and taste its local dishes. There are also a lot of Cheap Day Trips From Brussels that you can take advantage of while in this city; however, if you are visiting the city on a budget, there are tons of Free Things To Do In Brussels . See Palais du Justice, shop in Marolles Flea Market, be captivated by the Royal Palace, and more!

Brussels Sightseeing Maps

• Interactive Brussels Attractions Map
• Recommended Brussels Attractions

Brussels Tourist Map

Brussels transport map, brussels metro map, brussels walking tour map.

Brussels Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Map

Accessibility Tools

• Invert colors
• Dark contrast
• Light contrast
• Low saturation
• High saturation
• Highlight links
• Highlight headings
• Screen reader
• Create an account
• Forgot your username?
• Forgot your password?

Do you know the Art Nouveau walking map created and published by Explore.Brussels?

• Terms of sales
• Legal texts

Explore Brussels 2024 | All Rights Reserved | Online Dispute Resolution. | Respect for privacy | gdpr

WITH THE SUPPORT OF

OUR PARTNERS

• WHO ARE WE?
• THE ASSOCIATIONS
• FRIENDS CLUB
• OWNERS CLUB
• BANAD FESTIVAL
• BRUSSELS BIENNALE OF ECLECTIC ARCHITECTURE
• BRUSSELS BIENNALE - NEOCLASSIC
• ART NOUVEAU MANSIONS
• TAILOR-MADE GUIDED TOURS
• PERSONS WITH REDUCED MOBILITY
• TRAINING FOR GUIDES

FAQ sur notre e-shop

Contactez-nous par mail à This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pour un retrait au bureau, vous devez prendre rendez-vous après avoir commandé en envoyant un mail à l'adresse This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Nos bureaux sont ouverts du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 17h (sauf jours fériés).

Les frais de ports sont alignés sur les tarifs de Bpost.

Lors de votre commande, vous pourrez noter les informations complémentaires que vous souhaitez nous faire parvenir grâce à la partie "commentaires".

Contact us by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To collet in person please make an appointment once you have placed your order by sending an e‑mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Our office is open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (except on holidays).

The shipping costs are aligned with the bpost rates.

When placing your order, please include any additional information that you feel is necessary in the "Remarks" field.

Neem contact met ons op via email op This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Voor een afhaling op kantoor moet u, na het plaatsen van een bestelling, een afspraak maken door een e-mail te sturen naar This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Onze kantoren zijn geopend van maandag tot en met vrijdag van 9.00 uur tot 17.00 uur (behalve op feestdagen).

De verzendkosten zijn afgestemd op de tarieven van bpost.

Bij het bestellen kan u aanvullende informatie noteren in de rubriek "opmerkingen".

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

European cities hope jet-setting Taylor Swift fans will splash the cash for Eras tour

The superstar arrives in Europe next month – and Swifties, tourist boards and venues are already preparing

T im Brown, 44, and his wife, Marcella, 34, may not consider themselves bona fide “Swifties”, but when it was announced last June that Taylor Swift would be visiting their corner of the globe this summer they could not resist joining the scramble for a pair of tickets.

A post-pandemic appetite for live music events has fuelled huge worldwide interest in the American singer-songwriter’s Eras tour, which surpassed in $1bn sales in November to become the highest-grossing series of concerts in history.

The pop culture event of the summer will arrive in Europe next month, kicking off in Paris on 9 May and wrapping up in London on 20 August with 49 dates in between in Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Austria, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The unique nature of the tour’s ticketing system, which was tweaked after a number of hitches last year, means there will be a mass movement of travelling fans who will not only be Swiftie in affiliation but swift-like in their willingness to travel across the continent.

In expectation of intense demand, Ticketmaster introduced a pre-registration system that rewarded some early applicants with access codes to the ticket sale proper, via staggered windows for each city.

Notionally designed to prioritise genuine fans over “scalpers” – people who buy and resell tickets for a quick profit – the pre-sales system also meant many fans registered for tickets in multiple destinations across Europe to increase their chances.

Tim and Marcella, who live in Norwich, registered not just for the nearest concerts – in London and Liverpool – but also in Amsterdam and Lisbon. The pair got lucky with a pair of €91 tickets in the Portuguese capital and have turned the trip into a weekend break. “I used to live in Lisbon so I thought why not kill two birds with one stone,” Tim said. “We booked ourselves flights and four nights’ accommodation the same day.” They are far from alone.

Katie Soo, the chief business officer of DICE, a rival ticketing company, said: “The excitement and uncertainty inherent in the ticket-purchasing process might have inadvertently incentivised fans to apply for tickets in multiple cities, thereby increasing the likelihood of travelling across Europe to attend the concerts.”

Hotel prices

Several European cities have already reported a sharp rise in demand for hotel and short-term rental accommodation over the summer, when the Swift hurricane will arrive. In Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff, rooms at the Travelodge chain around Swift’s June dates have been sold out since August 2023, a month after tickets for the shows went on sale.

In Paris, where fans anticipate Swift to debut an updated version of the Eras show with songs from the new Tortured Poets Department album, 80% of hotels and apartments listed on Booking.com are already full up. In Warsaw on 2 August, only 9% of hotels listed on the same site are still available.

Not all of the 18 cities covered by the Eras tour are obvious tourism destinations. From 17-19 July, Swift will play three concerts at the 65,000-capacity home ground of the football club Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen in Ruhr valley, western Germany. The city’s less-than-familiar name prompted one US chatshow host to quip that “the place might not even exist”.

Yet even in Germany’s rust belt the influx of Swift fans is temporarily transforming the hotel market: any two-bedroom apartments that remain available are going for €800-2,000 a night, with cheaper accommodation available only in surrounding cities that are just as off the usual tourist track as Gelsenkirchen, such as Essen, Bochum or Herne.

Cities with stricter rules on allowing Airbnb-style holiday lets and a more limited stock of short-term rental apartments are reporting a particularly marked increase in rates during Swift’s visit, with about 30% year-on-year spikes in rental rates in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Milan, according to AirDNA, a data analytics company specialising in the short-term rentals market.

Of all the tour’s European stops, Vienna is experiencing the most notable impact on its rental market, with booking rates for the nights of Swift’s concerts recorded in February 44% higher than at the same point the previous year. By the end of March the number of nights booked in the Austrian capital for the length of Swift’s stay in the second week of August had risen by 430% compared with the same period in 2023.

When Luke Tilden’s wife, Tatjana, suggested last summer that the couple buy their 13- and 15-year-old daughters, Lena and Maya, tickets to a Taylor Swift gig for Christmas, the 53-year-old Briton initially waved it off. “There’s no chance in hell we’d get a ticket without paying through our noses, I thought,” said Tilden, who works as an interpreter at the European parliament in Brussels.

But after pre-registering for tickets in London, Paris and Munich, the Tildens got unexpectedly lucky for four tickets in southern Germany and have turned the concert visit into a mini-holiday: “We’ll visit the in-laws in Bavaria, enjoy the countryside, do a bit of hiking.”

The hope in cities across Europe is that this will be replicated on a massive scale, with fans’ excitement translating into generous spending sprees on food, shopping and leisure. In Stockholm, for example, where authorities are expecting 159,000 visitors to arrive from 135 countries in mid-May, the chamber of commerce has forecast a spending boost of €50m. “We hope the whole town will buzz from the Eras tour,” said Tomas Andersson, a spokesperson for the Swedish capital’s tourism board.

after newsletter promotion

Whether fans will necessarily act like ordinary tourists, however, is up for debate. “Pop-culture tourists do not necessarily care about traditional buildings and authentic restaurants,” said Maria Lexhagen, a professor at the European Tourism Research Institute, Mid Sweden University.

“Joining up with other fan communities is stronger motivation, as is the idea that they might get closer to the stars themselves. Many of them will map out where Swift is spending her time in the city – they will seek out seemingly marginal but meaningful places like back alleys or coffee shops.” Venues may be hoping for a repeat of Sydney in February, when Swift swept into an unassuming Italian restaurant in the suburbs and sent its name into global media headlines.

In Stockholm the tourism board said it was expecting bookshops and secondhand clothes stores, rather than museums and royal palaces, to attract most of the arriving visitors. Some venues are being proactive: one restaurant within walking distance of the multipurpose Friends Arena in the Solna municipality is putting on a “Taylor Swift brunch experience” with a karaoke stage; the waterfront nightclub Debaser is hosting a pre-concert party on 16 May, an all-ages all-day party with a Swift-themed quiz on 19 May and an afterparty the day after.

Environment

As the Swift circus rolls across the continent, the transport infrastructure of urban centres will also be put to the test. Around the tour’s three-night stop in Dublin at the end of June, Irish Rail has announced additional late-night services to Cork and Limerick to meet an expected increase in demand. Extra tram and bus services are likely to be announced nearer the time.

Unlike rail operators, most airlines do not have capacity to charter additional flights. Due to yield management – airlines adjusting prices based on expected demand – a scramble for airborne journeys into cities that host the Eras tour is more likely to result in more expensive tickets rather than additional flights.

Officials at Lisbon airport said no additional flights had been chartered around Swift’s concerts on 24 and 25 May but that demand would probably be reflected in slightly higher load factors. A spokesperson for Amsterdam Schiphol said general aviation slots could be requested at short notice but nothing out of the ordinary had been logged so far.

Calculating the environmental impact of the tour with any certainty was difficult, experts said. “We can expect that some Swift fans will travel a long way to see one, if not several, shows across Europe”, said Stefan Gössling, a professor of tourism at Linnaeus University in Kalmar, Sweden. “But measuring the environmental impact of these trips is extremely difficult – it would involve a lot of guesswork.”

This did not mean the carbon footprint was negligible. “Every flight taken by a person adds to demand and hence influences supply considerations,” Gössling said. “The greater the demand, the more aircrafts are in service.”

The pop star’s carbon footprint is easier to estimate. Swift owns two jets by the French manufacturer Dassault, whose journeys are trackable. During the 2023 leg of the Eras tour, Swift’s planes spent 166 hours crisscrossing the US in about 75 individual journeys, though it is possible they were used by people other than the singer.

According to data available through the open-access aviation tracker ADS-B exchange, Swift’s jets caused carbon emissions of about 2,830 tonnes of CO 2 equivalent over the course of the US Eras tour – about 1,700 times the annual contribution of an average person.

A spokesperson for Swift told US media last year that in advance of the tour’s start in March 2023, the pop star bought more than double the carbon credits needed to offset all tour travel. Carbon offset credits are tradable certificates that allow purchasers to compensate for emissions by investing in environmental projects that claim to reduce carbon emissions, though recent studies have questioned the efficacy of these schemes.

Additional reporting by Ajit Niranjan

• Taylor Swift
• Travel & leisure
• Music industry
• Hospitality industry
• Airline industry
• Pop and rock

Most viewed