tours in brussels

THE 10 BEST Brussels City Tours

City tours in brussels.

• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels

2. Private Brussels Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Custom

3. Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels

4. Bastogne Battle of the Bulge from Brussels (semi-private)

5. The Battle of The Bulge tour

6. Bike tour Brussels highlights and hidden gems

7. Brussels Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide, Kickstart your Trip

8. Antwerp Sightseeing Tour from Brussels

9. A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels: From Medieval to Modern Times

10. Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels With Cheese, Clogs and Windmills

11. Private City Kickstart Tour: Brussels

12. Brussels Private Custom Food Tour with a Local Foodie

13. Brussels City Tour: Day Trip from Amsterdam

14. 14-day Taste of Europe Tour: France, Italy, Monaco,Switzerland,Germany and more.

15. Brussels Tootbus Discovery Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

16. Speed Date with Brussels at Guided Walking Tour with Small Group

17. Brussels Highlights Walking and Bus Tour w/ Waffle

18. Discover Brussels beer world with a chocolate pairing by a young local

19. Bright Brussels Highlights BikeTour ENGLISH

20. Brussels Chocolate Tour with a Local Expert: 100% Personalized & Private

21. A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories

22. Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Brussels from Amsterdam

23. Day Trip to Amsterdam from Brussels

24. Discover our Brussels craft breweries with a local, passionate, young guide

25. Private tour : Treasures of Flanders Ghent and Bruges from Brussels Full day

26. Private tour :Traditional Holland and Amsterdam city tour from Brussels Full day

27. Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour

28. Bruges Day Trip from Brussels with a Local Guide: Private & Personalized

29. Brussels Private Tours by Locals: See the City Unscripted

30. Private walking tour : Brussels historical city center Half Day

What travelers are saying.

Top Tours in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels tours.

• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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

2. Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

3. Hungry Mary's Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels

4. Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels

5. Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour

6. Bruges Day Trip from Brussels

7. Private Brussels Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Custom

8. Brussels and Bruges Guided Tour from Paris

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

10. The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels

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

12. Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels

13. Belgian Chocolate Making Class and Tasting in Brussels

14. Brussels PRIVATE TOUR With Locals: Highlights & Hidden Gems

15. Bruges and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels

16. Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop

17. Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

18. Belgian Chocolate Truffles Workshop and Tasting

19. Belgian Beer Tasting in Brussels

20. 2.5h Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Brussels

21. Bastogne Battle of the Bulge from Brussels (semi-private)

22. Brussels Small-Group Chocolate Appreciation Tour

23. Antwerp and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels With Atomium Photo Stop

24. The Battle of The Bulge tour

25. The 10 Tastings of Brussels With Locals: PRIVATE Food Tour (B-Corp certified)

26. Marc's Brussels Beer Tasting Tour

27. Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience

28. Bike tour Brussels highlights and hidden gems

29. Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Brussels

30. Small-Group Highlights of Brussels Bike Tour

What travellers are saying.

Guided City Tours, Private Tours &

The best free walking tour in brussels, local storytellers unveiling the history of the city through stories, our tours & activites in brussels lead by local guides, tell me stories about brussels.

Free Tour of Brussels

With our team of young, dynamic storytellers this is the not-boring walking tour of Brussels. See the highlight of Belgium's capital and use our recommendations afterwards.

Brussels Beer Tour

Beer Tasting & Stories Tour

Let's sample some beers! Beer is what unites Belgium. Let us do the talking, you can do the tasting.

2-hour Highlights of Brussels

Brussels Private Tour

Get your private storyteller. Focus on the highlights, discover the lesser known parts, let us introduce you to Belgian food & drinks or a combination of those!

About Brussels

Discover brussels' rich history and culture with a local guide.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Its charming architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant arts scene make it the perfect place to discover with a local guide.

You'll have the opportunity to explore the city's hidden gems and learn about its highlights. Visit the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the impressive Gothic architecture of the Town Hall and the Breadhouse.

Stroll through the scenic streets of the neighbourhoods around the city centre. Or stay in the centre to see the famous murals dedicated to Belgian comics. Take a walk around the picturesque Mont des Arts and discover the museums and Royal Palace.

Brussels is also known for its typical Belgian delicacies. With our expert local guides, you can try some of the city's famous chocolate, waffles, fries and beer while also learning about the local culinary traditions.

Join us to discover Brussels' history and culture while also gaining insight into the daily life of the locals.

Reviews we are proud of

Left by our guests on independent platforms.

Definitely going to judge all future tours against this one. Pascal was so great and you could feel his love for the city in the tour. We had so much fun with this tour and definitely walked away feeling like we’d gotten the best of Brugge.

We had a wonderful tour with Edward! He was so knowledgeable and friendly and we really got to know the city from a local perspective.

We had a great walking tour with Ray. It was very informative and hit all the must see spots. Ray was a super knowledgeable and fun guy to walk with. I would definitely recommend this to anyone traveling to Bruges.

Frequently Asked Questions

It means that it's a Pay What You Want tour. At the end of the tour, you decide what the tour is worth to you and whether you want to reward the guide accordingly (and according to your budget). That way everyone can enjoy a tour.

We do allow people to join our tours on the spot. If you want to have your spot guaranteed however, booking through our own website here is advised (and it's free and simple).

Yes they do! If we were affraid of a little rain that half of the time we'd have to cancel our tours. Instead we adapt! With some light rain: we try to fix an umbrella for the participants that forgot their own, walk faster and relax once we've found shelter again. With heavy rain: we make sure everyone is properly dressed for bad weather or divert into buildings.

Proud Founding Member of

For years local & independant tour companies like us had to fight against a few global players and large booking platforms extorting us with booking fees. The 2020 global pandemic gave us the opportunity to work on a shared platform.

If you liked our tours then take a look at freetourcommunity.com to find the highest rated free walking tours in 65 cities in 36 countries , carefully curated by an amazing coalition of free tour enthousiasts.

Quality Guaranteed Walking Tours

Whether you're looking for a free walking tour of Brussels to get introduced to the city or for a small group tour to get a greater understanding of it: we're here for you!

• Small groups : hear your guide & be able to ask questions
• We focus on our stops instead of jamming in as many instagram locations as possible
• Our guides are locals that know the city they work/live in inside out

Ambassadors of Brussels: historic tour guides storytellers in Brussels

Since most factual details are likely to be forgotten, we focus on stories to be remembered. Historically correct of course! That's how we achieved our 5-star rating.

Our Expert Recommendations for Brussels

Are being put together right now (february 2023).

We guide our guests through the city every day, buy our mums Belgian pralines, have a quick waffle before a tour, we meet our fellow guides over a beer and bring our girlfriends and boyfriends to that new breakfast or lunch spot or to a restaurant for dinner.

With all our experience we're compiling a list with recommendations for Brussels.

Check back soon and the map will be filled with our favourite places!

Meet our guides

A true Brusseleir. Storyteller by day. Stand-up comedian by night.

He spent his childhood all over the world before rooting in Brussels. And since Tom's granddad was from Brussels, you'll be in for stories from a truly local perspective.

The Irishman who lives in Brussels.

A mid-life crisis in 2014 is working out quite well for this Canadian-born Brusseleir at heart. Tristan made a career change and is now a tour guide, sketch writer, performer on The Schuman Show and he runs a weekly English comedy show .

Coming soon.

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Latest reviews

Very insightful and fun, would recommend to get a good intro to Brussels!

Amazing tour. My husband and I have taken many tours around the word, and honestly, Pablo has been so far the best tour guide. He made the tour enjoyable, and shared a lot of his knowledge with the group. I highly recommend Pablo.

Bruges and Ghent Day Trip

Bruges Day Trip

Brussels Free Walking Tour

Day Trip to Antwerp and Ghent

Ghent Day Trip

Luxembourg and Dinant Full-Day Trip

Transfers in Brussels

Flanders Fields Tour

Art Nouveau Pass

Brussels Hop On Hop Off Bus

Brussels Open-Top Bus Tour

Luxembourg Day Trip

Antwerp Day Trip

Choco Story Brussels

Brussels Pub Crawl

Art Nouveau Free Guided Tour

Mini-Europe Ticket

Brussels Card

Alternative Brussels Free Walking Tour

The best tours & experiences in brussels.

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

What to see in Brussels?

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

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

What to eat?

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

The best day trips from Brussels

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

Other attractions in Bruselas that might interest you

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Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 15 Best Brussels Tours

15 Best Brussels Tours

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

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

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

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

Below are 13 of the best tours in Brussels.

1. Take a Walk Through History in Brussels

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

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

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

2. Taste the Food of Brussels

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

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

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

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

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3. Learn all About Art Nouveau

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

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

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

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

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

4. Take a Day Trip to Cologne and Monschau

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

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

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

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

5. Explore Brussels with a Flexible Walking Tour

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

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

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

6. Take a Trip to Bruges by Train

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Beautiful Tulips and Historic Delft

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

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

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

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

9. Explore the Caves of Han and a Wildlife Park

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

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

10. Discover the Heart of Europe

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

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

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

11. Spend a Day Exploring Bruges and Ghent

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

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

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

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

12. Discover Upper and Lower Brussels

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

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

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

13. Get a Taste of Brussels

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

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

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

14. Take a Private Tour of Antwerp

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

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

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

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

15. Go Shopping in Maasmechelen Village

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

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

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

15 Best Brussels Tours:

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

• Destinations

Free tours in Brussels

• Tours in Brussels

Walking Brussels in a day

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and one of the most exciting cities to visit in Europe. With places like the Royal Palace, Cinquantenaire, and Cathedral of St, Michael and St. Gudula, there is something for everyone. One day can be spent visiting museums like Royal Museum of Fine Arts and Royal Museum of Art and History and the next can be hopping around the centre to admire Grand Place, Brussels Town Hall, and Manneken Pis, a famous bronze statue depicting a boy peeing into the fountain.

Mini Europe, a unique experience, allows you to travel around a model of the Old Continent and learn about its towns in just a couple of hours. And it’s perfectly located beside the top attraction of Brussels: Atomium. A symbol of the city, it carries 8 spheres of different heights with the top sphere (92m) dedicated to beautiful panoramic views of the city and a restaurant. And not to be missed is the LED light show held every evening!

Take a free walking tour from Freetour.com and let the guides show you around their city to give you unique perspectives of the sights and culinary scene. Besides Belgium’s well-known waffles, chocolate, and french fries, there are several traditional dishes to indulge in with both Belgium and French influences. Gourmet or not, you’re in for a real treat at any of the restaurants, cafes, and bars, especially when accompanied by local Belgium beer.

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Brussels   Travel Guide

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19 Best Things To Do in Brussels

Updated Feb. 2, 2023

Discover your inner child at the Belgian Comic Strip Museum , take a whirlwind tour of the continent at Mini-Europe or tickle your taste buds at a chocolate shop ( Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a good place to start). The Grand-Place is another

• All Things To Do

Grand-Place Grand-Place free

Whether you're just passing through Brussels or here for a week, you can't miss the Grand-Place. This square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits in the heart of Brussels and is renowned for its many Gothic and Baroque-style buildings. The Grand-Place is close to many of the city's main attractions, including the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral and the beloved Manneken Pis . At Christmas, enjoy the Winter Wonders light show at night along with a massive Christmas tree, and every August, admire an enormous carpet made of flowers inside the Grand-Place.

Travelers love the Grand-Place for its stunning architecture. Recent reviewers suggested visiting during the day and night; during the day to see the details of the architecture, and at night to witness the vibrant life that takes over the square. However, a common complaint among tourists was the constant crowds (and higher prices), but that's to be expected at such a big attraction. 

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral free

Built in the Brabantine Gothic style and so named for its chapel dedicated to St. Michael and for housing the relics of St. Gudula, this cathedral's current structure dates back to the 11th century and took some 300 years to build. Inside, you will find stained-glass windows, statues, paintings, a new Grenzing organ and a crypt that may contain the remains of St. Gudula with ancient Roman graffiti on it. Below the current church are the remains of a 10th-century Romanesque church. Outside the cathedral is a square where you can sit on benches under the shade of honey locust trees.

Past visitors appreciated the architecture of the church, with some noting the beauty of the stained-glass windows in particular and described it as "amazing" and "stunning."

Musical Instruments Museum Musical Instruments Museum

A former Old England department store built in the 19th century, the Musical Instruments Museum, also known as the "MIM," is housed in an Art Nouveau building located about a half-mile from the Grand-Place . Inside you'll find more than 1,200 instruments from around the globe displayed across four galleries. The museum gives visitors the opportunity to hear what these instruments sound like, as well. Inside, a restaurant touts fantastic views of the city.

Recent visitors were impressed with the variety of instruments inside the museum, as well as with the building itself. Some advised that there are few signs in English, so it can be a bit confusing. Many suggested parting with a few more euros to take advantage of the audio guide. Travelers also recommend taking a trip to the cafe, which offers great views of Brussels.

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Parc du Cinquantenaire Parc du Cinquantenaire free

Meaning "50th anniversary," Cinquantenaire Park was built in 1880 in honor of the 50th anniversary celebration of the independence of Belgium. It is a large French-style park inside the city surrounded by museums and filled with gardens with a large triumphal arch. The park also hosts a variety of festivities throughout the year, including concerts, fireworks and sporting events.

Past visitors said the park is a relaxing and peaceful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Brussels. They also recommend checking out the car tunnel that runs underneath the park.

Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert free

Want to get in a little shopping while visiting Brussels? Make time for a visit to Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a Renaissance-style arcade built in the mid-1800s. With a glass roof once known as the "umbrella of Brussels," the building is worth seeing whether or not you want to indulge in any retail therapy. Around 6 million visitors come to the Galeries every year to enjoy stores selling everything from clothing to chocolate to diamonds. The Galeries Royales also house restaurants, art galleries, a cinema and theaters. Victor Hugo even once enjoyed hanging out here.

Past visitors said it makes a great place to see on a rainy day and described the building as stunning. Many also recommended checking out the extensive chocolate shops.

Horta Museum Horta Museum

Art lovers should not pass up the chance to see where Victor Horta – one of the founders of the art nouveau movement – lived and worked. The home, which was built between 1898 and 1901 features murals, stained glass and mosaics that are largely intact from its original construction. As you walk through, keep your eyes open for Horta's influences, from the wing-like skylights to the winding banisters to the overhead lights stemming down from the ceiling like vines.

Recent travelers said the museum is a must-see attraction for architecture aficionados, but warned that you cannot take photos inside the museum and that lines are sometimes long.

Cantillon Brewery Cantillon Brewery

When it comes down to it, a trip to Brussels isn't complete unless you've sampled the beer. Cantillon has been brewing traditional Belgian beers, including lambic, gueuze, faro and kriek, since 1900. During your tour, you may learn about brewing, bottling or even how barrels are cleaned, and if you plan ahead, you can even attend a public brewing session to see the action first-hand.

Recent visitors said they enjoyed exploring the brewery and learning how the beer is made. Others enjoyed sampling the unique taste of lambic beer. Reviewers recommended signing up for a guided tour to make the most of your visit.

Mini-Europe Mini-Europe

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Many past visitors agreed that Mini-Europe is a great place to bring children. They described it as adorable, cute and informative and recommended adding it to your itinerary.

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Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, located in Brussels' historic center, is a group of six different art museums: the Oldmasters Museum, Modern Museum, Meunier Museum, Wiertz Museum, Magritte Museum and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum. Together, they offer a collection of 20,000 works, dating from the 15th century to modern day. Walking through the halls, travelers will be able to see works from Rubens, Rodin, Gauguin, Magritte and many more. There's also an impressive collection of works from the Flemish school, including Pieter Bruegel.

Past travelers were impressed with the museum's vast collection of art. Considering the size of the collection, many suggested allotting 2 1/2 or more hours to not just see the works, but to appreciate and enjoy them.

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

For those interested in military history, this museum makes for a great afternoon. Located within Cinquantenaire Park , the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History traces the world's military history over the last 10 centuries, displaying weaponry, uniforms and airplanes from various points in time. Spend a fair amount of time in the airplane hangar, which features some 130 aircraft, including zeppelins, F-16s and more. 

Recent visitors said this museum is well worth a visit and recommend seeking out the view of the city atop the terrace of the triumphal arch. Some warned that no cash is accepted and advised allotting several hours to spend in the museum.

Museum of Natural Sciences Museum of Natural Sciences

Set aside plenty of time to spend at this museum, which will delight the science and dinosaur lovers of all ages. With some 38 million specimens on hand (only a fraction of which are on display), this museum has the largest natural history collection in Europe behind those in Paris and London. Don't miss the dinosaur gallery, the largest room in Europe devoted to dinos, to see a replica of the largest and most complete male T. rex known today, along with 30 complete iguanodon skeletons that were discovered in Belgium 1878. 

Past visitors said the museum is a great activity for kids, with many praising the dinosaur collection. Some reviewers advised visiting a weekday to avoid crowds.

Atomium Atomium

The most popular tourist attraction in Brussels, the Atomium is a depiction of an iron crystal magnified more than 100 billion times that was originally built for the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels. Today, it houses multiple exhibitions, a panoramic view over the city and a restaurant with excellent views, and is considered to be a symbol of both Brussels and Belgium.

If there's one reason to head to the Atomium, it's the spectacular views of the city, according to many recent visitors. Travelers advised that it is far from other attractions, however, and that there can be long lines.

Église Notre-Dame du Sablon Église Notre-Dame du Sablon free

Just south of the Grand-Place , the impressive  Église Notre-Dame du Sablon – which dates back to the 14th century – is worth a visit, according to recent travelers. The church's interior features two chapels dedicated to saints and decorated with marble statues. There are also statues of St. Paul and St. Augustine inside.

Past visitors said they were impressed by the statues and stained-glass windows in the church and used words like "stunning" and "magnificent" to describe the interior.

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Belgian Comic Strip Center Belgian Comic Strip Center

Belgium is the birthplace of many legendary comic characters, including Tintin and the Smurfs, and is also home to more than 700 comic strip artists. So it's no wonder the city pays tribute to the comic art in the form of a museum. The Belgian Comic Strip Center tells the story of European comics from their beginnings to modern day through a variety of permanent and temporary collections and a Comic Strip Library boasting more than 60,000 works.

Recent visitors enjoyed their experience at the Belgian Comic Strip Center with many feeling nostalgic to learn about comics they recall growing up. Past travelers were also impressed with the beauty of the art nouveau building, which was designed by architect Victor Horta (you can learn more about him at the Horta Museum).

Manneken-Pis Manneken-Pis free

This little boy has become a renowned Brussels landmark. The Manneken Pis (which translates to "little man pee" in Dutch) is a bronze statue of a child relieving himself that also serves as a public fountain. Though the original statue dates back to the 17th century, the statue on display is actually a replica. Located just south of the Grand-Place , the statue has been the recipient of about 800 different costumes, many of which you can see at the Museum of the City of Brussels. He's even been kidnapped and returned multiple times. The statue's origin story is a bit disputed, but wherever it came from, its allure has endured.

Recent travelers were torn over Manneken Pis. Most agreed they were surprised by the boy's small size, and some maintain it's a must-see, while others say to skip it. Past visitors also warned that it is crowded at most times of the day.

Train World Train World

Train enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at Train World, which sits about 3 miles north of the Grand-Place . Inside you can see restored train stations, dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s, learn about the history of Belgium's railway, see the oldest remaining steam engine in Europe, explore the reasons people use trains from travel to commuting and more.

Past visitors said they loved the interactive exhibits and that their kids did not want to leave. They also recommended a visit to the on-site restaurant.

Parlamentarium Parlamentarium free

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What travellers are saying.

Bruges Canal Tours: Everything You Need To Know

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During our recent family trip to Europe, Abby and I took a  day trip from Brussels to Bruges , a beautiful town in Belgium. We both wanted to go on one of the legendary Bruges canal tours. I’m so glad we did! This fairytale European city needs to be on your bucket list! 

Where is Bruges?

Bruges is a serene small Flemish town just northwest of  Brussels . Visiting Bruges is a perfect day trip from Brussels and is easily accessible by train.

Bruges is known as an idyllic small European city steeped in historical charm. It’s home to gorgeous canals and many fascinating landmarks. Furthermore, The city also has many great restaurants, pubs, and street-side vendors.

Visiting Bruges, Belgium

If you are visiting Brussels for a few days, taking an extra day to go to Bruges is well worth the time. Its gorgeous canals winding along against ancient stone buildings have led Bruges to be called the “Venice of the North.” 

In this blog post, I want to provide information about taking a Bruges canal tour, highlight the city’s history, and discuss some landmarks you’ll likely see on these Bruges canal tours.

Getting to Bruges from Brussels

From Bruges, you just need to hop on the Belgium intercity train. You can board directly from one of the main Brussels train stations, including Bruxelles-Nord (Brussels North), Bruxelles-Central (Brussels Central), and Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels South).

The Brussels to Bruges train runs all day, and the ride is just over an hour.  

The Belgium train website has a  dedicated page for the Brussels to Bruges train route , which is a great resource. You can buy tickets from that page as well. 

The route trip Brussels to Bruges train tickets are a standard € 32.00 for adults. However, there are a lot of discounted ticket options listed as well, and most are € 17.50 or less. 

The Bruges Canal Tours

Once you arrive in Bruges, you should have a game plan for your canal tour. It’s helpful to know a little bit about the city's layout. 

Bruges rests within a mesh of several canals that penetrate and encircle the city. These canals ultimately allow boat access to the North Sea, located about 20 kilometers north of the city. The town’s access to the North Sea made Bruges a vital shipping hub for centuries. 

The canals lining the town are relatively inaccessible as they are flanked everywhere by houses and other structures. Because of this, there are only a few places, other than bridges, where you can see the canals.  

Therefore, the best way to see these picturesque canals is on a boat tour!

Planning Bruges Canal Tours

There are five landing stages along the canals. These are the only places you can embark on a canal tour. The routes and prices are generally the same across the different tour operators. There are several canal tour operators, each with their own open-air boats.  They pretty much all follow the same route, so in my opinion, the best Bruges canal tour is the one with the shortest line.

Bruges Canal Tour Boarding Locations

Boarding takes place at the following locations. Each tour operator will leave from a different location, so be sure to check their website.

•  Michielssens, Huidenvettersplein 13
•  Coudenys, Rozenhoedkaai
•  De Meulemeester, Wollestraat 32
•  Gruuthuse, Nieuwstraat 11
•  Stael, Katelijnestraat 4

Scroll around the above map of Bruges to get a lay of the land!

The Bruges Canal Tour boat trip takes around 30 minutes. The boats typically operate between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, with 5:30 often being the last tour. Tours generally operate most of the year, except in January and early February.  

However, tour availability will vary by operator and may change based on events like municipal construction projects, canal restoration initiatives, and severe weather.

Bruges Canal Tours Tickets

Unlike the  canal tours in Amsterdam  and the  Seine River cruises in Paris , you cannot book Bruges canal tour tickets in advance. You buy your tickets directly from the tour companies at the landing stages. As of writing this, the Bruges Canal Tour price for adult tickets is € 12.00, and children’s tickets are € 7.00.

You may need to wait in line at the landing stages to purchase tickets. The canal tours are very popular and will get busy. Bruges has an active cruise ship industry (Norwegian, Holland America, Windstar, Celebrity), and the town will fill up with  cruise  passengers on day excursions.  

The extra traffic means lines for the canal tours will get longer after about 11 am. Before 11 am is the best time to ensure you have shorter lines. It also gives you the rest of the day to explore Bruges.  

TIP: Get in line for your canal tour as early as possible in Bruges. 

Private canal tours are also available. Several companies offer tours with different types of boats. Contact the companies directly to find out more.

There are a couple of great s mall-group Bruges canal tours available through Get Your Guide . They also include a Bruges walking tour. These are a great option if you want to be able to buy Bruges canal tour tickets in advance.

Other Things to Consider

During the canal tour, the boat guide will comment on the significant landmarks and history of the area. During our  day trip to Bruges , our canal tour guide did a great job narrating the tour and pointing out interesting areas, landmarks, and historical sights. Most guides can speak multiple languages and will do their best to tailor the language to the passengers’ needs. 

The boats are cash-only. Be sure to bring a few Euros to tip your tour guide.

If you want to take pictures, try to be at the front, back, or side of the boat. Most of the boats have a line of seats down the middle, but people may block your pictures if you sit there.  

The boats are open-air and uncovered, so be sure to wear your sunscreen! Also, the tours can get pretty chilly, depending on the time of year, so bring a jacket. We love the  Amazon Essentials packable jackets  for our travels.

It’s always helpful to know the history and significance of a city prior to visiting. So, I want to take some time here to talk more in-depth about Bruges and, of course, the canals. Then, I will share some of the incredible landmarks that you will see from your Bruges canal tour. 

The History Of Bruges And Its Canals

Bruges has witnessed a remarkable evolution over the centuries. Its history encapsulates the ebb and flow of urban development, from its Viking origins to a flourishing medieval center, economic decline, and eventual modern-day revival.  

The city’s tremendous ability to adapt to changing circumstances and preserve its cultural heritage is a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Danish people across time.

Origins of Bruges, Belgium

The origin of Bruges can be traced to the 9th century when Vikings established a fortress on the banks of the Reie River. The name “Bruges” is believed to be derived from the Old Dutch word “Burg,” meaning fortress. The city gradually developed into a bustling medieval trade center due to its strategic location and access to the North Sea.

The Golden Era of Bruges

Bruges experienced its golden era during the late medieval period, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries. The city became a major commercial and cultural hub, attracting merchants, artists, and scholars across Europe.  

Bruges's thriving wool and textile industry and sophisticated network of canals contributed to its prosperity. It was home to the influential Bourse, one of the earliest stock exchanges in the world.

Bruges Economic Decline

Despite its flourishing period, Bruges faced economic challenges in the 16th century. The silting of the Zwin, a vital waterway for trade, led to a decline in maritime activity, impacting Bruges’ economy.  

Additionally, geopolitical shifts and the rise of other European trading centers contributed to the city's gradual decline in prominence.

Modern Times and Revival of Bruges

For several centuries, Bruges endured a period of relative obscurity. However, in the 19th century, efforts were made to preserve its medieval architecture, and the city gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.  

The 20th century saw a revival in Bruges’ fortunes, with tourism becoming a key driver of its economy. The city’s well-preserved medieval structures, including the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, attract millions of visitors annually.

What Do You See on the Bruges Canal Tours?

During the Bruges canal tours, your tour guide will highlight many fascinating landmarks. Each place gives you a window into the long history of this amazing city.  

Like many European cities, it’s steeped in lore that spans epochs, and seemingly every bridge or building has a colorful and long legacy.  

Here is a list of many sites you will probably see on the Bruges canal tours. 

Founded in 1245, the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde boasts serene white-colored house fronts and a tranquil convent garden.  

This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the residence of beguines—emancipated laywomen leading pious and celibate lives. Today, the beguinage is home to the Order of St. Benedict nuns.

Saint John’s Hospital

With an eight-hundred-year history, Saint John’s Hospital has cared for pilgrims, travelers, the poor, and the sick. Explore the medieval wards where nuns and monks practiced mercy, the chapel, and a remarkable collection of archives, artworks, medical instruments, and six paintings by Hans Memling.  

Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady showcases Bruges’ artisans’ craftsmanship through its 115.5 meters high brick tower. The church has valuable art, including Michelangelo’s renowned Madonna and Child, numerous paintings, 13th-century painted crypts, and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold. Abby and I visited after our canal tour, and it was incredible! 

Groeninge Museum

Offering a diverse overview of Belgian plastic arts history, the Groeninge Museum features Flemish Primitives, 18th and 19th-century neoclassical pieces, Flemish Expressionism masterpieces, and post-war modern art.

Ambachtshuis Huidevetters

Built by hide tanners, this craft house near Rozenhoedkaai has two wings. The north wing, demolished in 1629, was replaced in 1630 under the guidance of Bruges architect Jan De Smet. The building was restored in 1912. It has been used as a fishmonger and stockfish farm since the mid-19th century.

Belfry & Carillon

Bruges’ tallest tower, the Belfry, standing 83 meters tall, houses a melodic carillon with 47 bells. Climbing its 366 steps rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of Bruges and its surroundings.

Fish Market

Originally located at Markt Square, the fish market was moved here in the 18th century due to complaints about the stench. Since the Middle Ages, buyers and sellers have come together at the Bruges fish market. Fresh saltwater fish, once a luxury, is still sold every morning from Wednesday to Saturday.

These small whitewashed almshouses, dating back to the 14th century, are scattered around Bruges. Wealthy townspeople or guilds established almshouses to house poor older adults or widows. Over 46 blocks have been preserved, with 43 still occupied.

Burghers’ Lodge

Situated on Jan Van Eyckplein, the Poortersloge (Burgher’s Lodge) served as a meeting spot for the Society of the White Bear in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Later, it became the city’s Academy of Arts (1720-1890) and the State Archives (1912-2012).

Visiting Bruges: The “Venice of the North”

Visiting Bruges to take one of the Bruges canal tours is a fantastic way to add something special to your trip to Belgium. Its quaint stone houses, romantic canals, cobbled streets, cookies, waffles, and chocolate make it a bucket-list destination to take friends and family of any age.  

The iconic canals are a dream for photographers. Travel to and around the city is simple and inexpensive. And as you can tell by this post, Bruges canal tours should be on your list. I recommend this trip to everyone!  

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Must-see attractions

You’ve just arrived in Brussels and you don't know where to start? Don't worry, we've put together a list of must-see attractions for you.

Upcoming events

Jazz & comics.

Jazz and comic books have a special connection. Several comic books took inspiration from the music in terms of atmosphere, history and iconic artists. This summer, the Comic Art Museum collaborates with the Maison du Jazz in Liege and together we present an exhibition celebrating jazz and comic art. The exhibition puts forward the Belgian creative output and the variety of styles, showing the strength and dynamism of the theme. Over the years, comic artists have written powerful stories and graphic scores in which the power of line or colour determines the rhythm and tempo. The works on display, including one by Louis Joos - renowned master of black and white - are an opportunity to rediscover these two worlds and enjoy their most beautiful melodies!

Comic Strip Museum (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée)

Festival Expressions Mixtes

Bruegel Cultural Center

Roller Bike Parade

Want to roll down the boulevards and side streets of Brussels on your rollerblades, skateboard or bike, without a single car in sight? Join the Roller Bike Parade in Brussels every Friday evening. Supervised by our experienced staff, come and discover Brussels while riding to the rhythm of our Dj's!

The Roller Bike Parade is back for a new edition in 2024! Accompanied by our experienced staff, come and discover Brussels to the rhythm of our Djs! Want to rollerblade, skateboard or bike through the grand boulevards or small streets of Brussels without cars driving around you? Then join the Roller Bike Parade in Brussels every Friday night. The Roller Bike Parade is a fun and original concept that invites participants to come on rollerblades, bikes, skateboards, monowheels or longboards to invade the city streets for an evening. Two routes are planned for each parade: one for beginners (about 5 km) and one for the sporty among you (about 15 km). Family or alone, the parade is for everyone. In all cases, it is advisable to equip yourself with safety equipment (helmet, knee pads, etc.) and something to keep you hydrated. We expect you every Friday from 7 pm on the Place Poelaert in Brussels. - Gathering time: 7 pm - Departure time: 8 pm - Departure point: Place Poelaert - When: Every Friday (except June 28 and September 06). - Price: Free We are ready for a top season! Do you have any questions? Want to join us? Find us at https://rollerbikeparade.be/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RollerBikeParade - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollerbikeparade/ #rollerparade PLEASE NOTE The parade will not take place on June 28 and September 6.

Place Poelaert

Midsummer Mozartiade

The Midsummer Mozartiade festival invites you to its 8th edition, from 17 to 23 June, right in the heart of Brussels. Our main stage performances will again take place at the Théâtre Royal des Galeries, located in the elegant and historic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, just a stone's throw from the Grand-Place.

A festival that gets a theatre singing (again)! Following the resounding success of Die Zauberflöte last summer, we are proud to present the opera Mitridate, re di Ponto at the Théâtre des Galeries this summer. This is a rare production of Mozart's very first opera seria (written at the age of 14!), a veritable triumph when it premiered in 1770. This masterpiece sings a powerful story of geopolitical confrontation (in a region known today as Crimea), fratricidal conflict and thwarted love (what could be more topical?). For all those who love vocal fireworks, this is no doubt the very modern-day production in which the roles of the rival brothers (originally written for castrati) will both be sung by men (in this case a sopranist and a countertenor). And echoing the ‘intimate and grandiose’ Requiem performed last summer by the prestigious phalanges of the CAV&MA de Namur, Missa Brevis will take the stage of the Théâtre des Galeries this summer. This ground-breaking concert, conceived by the excellent emerging conductor Gabriel Hollander, promises to delight all fans of sacred music (out of the box), chamber music (of a spiritual kind) or contemporary music (in its choral form). Featured on the programme are liturgical miniatures by Mozart, Haydn… and Belgian composer Fabian Fiorini. A festival that shows you round the centre of Brussels! Besides these exciting main stage productions, you will find a variety of free events at landmark venues throughout the city centre. In the Galerie du Roi, right outside the theatre, talented young performers (a wind quintet, a voice-cello duo and a string quartet) will serenade passers-by to kick off our festival week in style. A short stroll to Place des Martyrs will bring you to Maison CFC, at number 14, and two fascinating lectures on the journeys to Italy of aspiring composers and the evolution of opera seria across the ages. Turn left into Rue aux Choux, and straight ahead you will see the beautiful Mozart-era church Notre-Dame du Finistère. This peaceful haven in the bustling Rue Neuve will be the stage for a fabulous all-Handel concert, featuring two outstanding sopranos and a four-piece Baroque band. A festival that takes opera on the road! In July, we will once again be touring our opera production to the Théâtre Royal in Mons as part of the Festival au Carré, and then to the Grand-Manège in Namur as part of the Festival musical de Namur, courtesy of the ORCW and the CAV&MA, major partners of our Brussels festival. Our shared mission is to make opera (originally a popular form of entertainment) more accessible for a broader, more diverse audience. So make a date with Mozart this June! We look forward to seeing you there.

Stefan Sbonnik (tenor); Gianna Cañete Gallo (soprano); Dennis Orellana (sopranist); Pieter De Praetere (countertenor); Sonia Sheridan Jacquelin (mezzo-soprano); Mathis Van Cleynenbreugel (tenor); Eric Gobin (director); Thibaut Lenaerts (conductor); Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie (ensemble); Gabriel Hollander (conductor); Clara Inglese (soprano); Julie Bailly (mezzo-soprano);

Théâtre Royal des Galeries

Fête de la Musique

Various places in Brussels

Brussels International Film Festival - BRIFF

The 7th edition of the Brussels International Film Festival (BRIFF), will take place from June 25th to July 3rd 2024 in the heart of Brussels! This year again, the BRIFF promises you a concentrate of strong images and emotions on the big screen. Brussels will be brimming with a bouquet of emotions as the BRIFF takes place at Cinéma UGC, Cinéma Galeries and Palace as well as evening open-air screenings, thus offering an urban and cinematographic experience to the festival goers. Keep your eyes open, more details are coming soon...

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Festival Musiq3

Rise brings together emerging and established artists from the Belgian and international classical, jazz and electro scenes.

Rise brings together emerging and established artists from the Belgian and international classical, jazz and electro scenes. Eighteen concerts for young and old, encounters, an evening of podcasts about music and human nature, a showcase for the Propulse Classique competition, new works by sound and plant sculptor Bob Verschueren and dj sets on the square! Experience classical music in a different way and get ready for the summer! And for the first time this year, the festival will open on Thursday with an exceptional evening. Head to Flagey and the surrounding area for four days of musical and artistic excellence at the Festival Musiq3.

With, among others : Vox Luminis, Thomas Dunford, the Brussels Philharmonic, Antoine Pierre, Marc-André Hamelin, Adèle Molle, Elise Caluwaerts, Jos van Immerseel, Glass Marcano... and many more!

Théâtre Marni & Flagey

Couleur Café

The Couleur Café festival, located in the verdant Osseghem park next to the Atomium, is a vibrant melting-pot of musical genres, spanning from hip-hop, reggae, and afro to RnB, funk, and dub. For 34 years, the festival has welcome thousands of beautiful people, featuring dozens of both established and emerging artists, as well as remarkable DJs.

The greenest urban festival in the country is getting ready for its 33rd edition. On the 28th, 29th and 30th of June 2024, the breathtaking Osseghem Park by the Atomium will welcome a diverse mix of established and emerging hip-hop, soul, funk, reggae, dub, dance and afro artists, as well as dozens of DJ’s on 6 stages, countless experiences and culinary highlights, an enchanting decoration and thousands of beautiful people who perfectly represent the diversity of Belgium. Couleur Café is more than a festival, it is a journey around the globe that’ll keep you dreaming for the rest of the year. And it has been for 34 years. Discover more on couleurcafe.be.

Osseghem Park

Midis Minimes Festival

From 1st of July to 30th of August at 12.15 pm Venues : Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon : Rue des Sablons, 1000 Bruxelles Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles : Rue de la Régence 30, 1000 Bruxelles

Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles, Eglise Notre-Dame des Victoires (Sablon)

Brosella festival

The Brosella Festival is a two-day jazz & urban etno festival held in the shadow of the Atomium.

The Brosella Festival is a two-day music event held in the shadow of the Atomium. Taking place on July 6th and 7th at the beautiful Theatre in the Ossegem Park, the festival attracts jazz and urban ethno artists from around the world. Featuring 20 live bands and a children's program, the festival offers a unique experience where you can enjoy outstanding music in an enchanting setting.

Urban etno: Halva - Musafir, Aishinka, Ão, Lisa O'Neill, Kara Jackson, Oumou Sangaré, Farfar Jazz: John Ghost, TaxiWars, Flat Earth Society - Boggamasta, BXL x LDN Interplay ft. Stéphane Galland - Binker Golding - Bram De Looze, Johnathan Blake's Pentad, M.CHUZI, Naïssam Jalal Children's Corner: Locas De Amor, Griboujazz, Ntoumos, Dalva, Drawing Basses

Bruxellons!

Festival Bruxellons! Au Château du Karreveld

Molenbeek-Saint-Jean

Walden Festival 2024

Walden Festival is an initiative from the founders of Klarafestival. The concept? Enjoying music in all its diversity on various stages in and around Brussels’ Leopold Park, the green heart of the European Quarter. Get ready for an adventurous summer festival for young and old alike!

The garden of the Museum of Natural Sciences, adjacent to Leopold Park, is the starting point for an exploration of classical, contemporary, non-Western music and jazz. It’s all about alternative concert formats and breaking down barriers between different genres. A string quartet, a jazz solo, Eastern music and mysterious soundscapes … encounter them all at Walden Festival. Some concerts take place in the open air while others are held in stunning architectural jewels. Put together your own schedule and wander between concerts. Combine the festival with a visit to the Museum of Natural Sciences or enjoy our tasteful festival catering. Watch, listen, taste, feel... let all of your senses be stimulated!

Leopold Park

Indian Food Festival

Food Festival celebrates cultural diversity through arts and cuisine with two themes: Indian Cuisine and Indian Mela. Indian Cuisine showcases India's diverse culinary traditions for the public to taste and enjoy. Indian Mela creates a festive atmosphere with live music, cultural performances, yoga sessions, and workshops, transforming the Park into an urban carnival.

Indian Food Festival embraces a spirit that celebrates cultural diversity and is united by a shared love for arts, cuisine, and beverages. The Indian Food Festival unfolds with two distinctive themes: Indian Cuisine and Indian Mela. Under the theme of Indian Cuisine, we endeavor to assemble India's myriad culinary traditions, each brimming with its own unique flavors, under one roof for the public to savor and relish. This endeavor comes to life as we meticulously curate each cuisine and bolster the passion of every chef involved. In the realm of Indian Mela, our aim is to craft an atmosphere of pure joy and festivity, featuring live music, vibrant cultural performances, invigorating yoga sessions, and engaging workshops. From spirited Indi-pop bhangra dancing to impromptu yoga tutorials, we spare no effort in creating an urban carnival of artists and performances at Parc du Cinquantenaire/Jubel Park.

Cinquantenaire Park

Brussels Games Festival 2024

The Brussels Games Festival is the first summer festival dedicated to board games in all their forms and for the widest possible audience.

The 9th edition of the Brussels Games Festival will take place from August 23 to 25, 2024 at The EGG - Brussels (Anderlecht). The Brussels Games Festival is the first summer festival in Brussels dedicated to board games and is open to all audiences: families, game enthusiasts, seasoned players, casual gamers, or simply the curious. It aims to promote games in all their forms and to raise awareness about the importance of gaming for all citizens, regardless of age, gender, social status, or ethnic origin. Hundreds of free-to-play games, crazy animations, a second-hand game market, a protozone to discover the games of tomorrow, tournaments, Trading Card Games (TCG), a game night, and much more!

Many publishers and distributors from Belgium and also from Europe.

Fairs and shows

Museum Night Fever 2024

See you on 19 October 2024 for another great night in the museums of Brussels.

Museum Night Fever is the Brussels' museums night. During one evening, about 30 museums open their doors between 7pm and 1am, offering an ultra-diverse, effervescent and offbeat programme in collaboration with emerging artists. The party goes on until the early hours in the afterparties. More info : www.museumnightfever.be

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Travelling Without a Passport

Willy Wonka Style Chocolate Travel Destinations

With the release of the new Willy Wonka movie, everyone will be dreaming of chocolate. Here are the best chocolate travel destinations

Excited about the upcoming release of Wonka , the hotly anticipated prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ? We are, too! The musical movie all about the eccentric chocolate maker and his fantastical creations has us dreaming about sweet treats around the world.

Whether you’re a chocoholic, want to buy a loved one an indulgent souvenir, or are interested in learning more about the history of the rich delicacy, there are plenty of chocolate locations around the world where the sweet treat can play a key part in your adventures. From the capital of chocolate and the place that is thought to have given Roald Dahl his passion for the sweet stuff, to the birthplace of chocolate, here are some of the best chocolate locations to travel to.

Kilchberg, Switzerland

While you’re unlikely to bump into an Oompa Loompa at Lindt Home of Chocolate, you will be able to visit the biggest Lindt chocolate shop in the world and see a chocolate fountain that’s nearly 30 feet tall. In Kilchberg on Lake Zurich, next door to a historic chocolate factory that’s been open since 1899, you can book a tour to learn about the origins of chocolate, discover how cocoa beans are transformed into the treat and gain an insight into the workings of a real chocolate factory. As an extra bonus, Lindt chocolatiers lead unlimited chocolate tasting.

The Swiss are the biggest consumers of chocolate in the world and there are lots of other chocolate experiences throughout the country. That’s why it’s a perennial top chocolate location.

Take a look at our Switzerland tours and trips to try some for yourself.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexico is considered to be the birthplace of chocolate so it’s a must-visit for foodies. Around 4,000 years ago, locals discovered the first cacao plants and the Olmec (the first major civilization in Mexico) turned them into a drink. Later, the Mayans also drank chocolate concoctions, often with water and chilli, and they believed that the gods gifted them chocolate.

The best place to buy chocolate in Mexico now is perhaps Oaxaca, where you’ll never be far away from a chocolate shop or stall. But this is chocolate with a difference as it’s not just about the bars or boxes of treats that you’ll find in other destinations. Specialties to try in the city are a hot chocolate drink either with water or milk and sweetened with sugar, almonds and cinnamon, or a savory mole sauce that can take days to make. You will be able to buy handmade chocolates and bars too.

Delve deeper into the history of chocolate on a Mexico tour .

Saint Lucia, the Caribbean

Fancy staying on a working cacao farm in the rainforest? Popular brand Hotel Chocolat allows you to do just this at its Rabot Hotel in St Lucia. With 25 private lodges, a spa overlooking the UNESCO-listed Piton Mountains, an outdoor restaurant and a bar, it’s a luxurious chocolate lovers’ dream and a top chocolate travel destination. 

Away from your swish accommodations, you’ll be immersed into life on the estate via Project Chocolat’s agri-tourism immersive experience. A tree-to-bar experience includes a rainforest tour of the cacao groves, making your own chocolate bar and more.

To make sure your stay is extra special, there are also chocolate and rum tastings, poolside yoga and a hotel boat to explore the nearby coast and wildlife. Non-hotel guests can book its Project Chocolat experiences, tours and spa treatments, too, so you can dip into Mr. Wonka’s dream hotel for a day.

See Also: Carribean Tours & Trips

Brussels, Belgium

Known as “the capital of chocolate” due to its long history with chocolate making, we reckon Mr. Wonka would have sussed out the competition in Brussels. Its association with the sweet stuff dates back to the 19th century when pharmacist Jean Neuhaus covered medicine in a layer of chocolate to mask its taste for his customers. His grandson went on to replace the medicine with a sweeter filling in 1912 and created the praline before Jean Neuhaus Jr.’s wife, Louise Agostini, invented the ballotin , an elegant gift box to protect the chocolates in 1915. You can still buy Neuhaus chocolates around the world today or snag some pralines and truffles in Brussels.

On your trip to the capital of Belgium, you’ll also be able to visit the Belgian Chocolate Village where you can follow an interactive trail, see chocolate sculptures of famous monuments in Brussels and step into a tropical greenhouse filled with exotic plants connected to the cocoa bean.

If you see yourself as a budding Mr Wonka, there are also a huge selection of chocolate making workshops across the city, as well as chocolate walking tours, chocolate workshops with matched wine or beer and—of course—plenty of places to buy chocolate.

Enjoy an organized adventure in Brussels on one of our tours.

Birmingham, England

Apparently, in his school days, Cadbury sent new products to Roald Dahl and his classmates to taste test before they went on general sale. This is thought to have given the author his love of chocolate, hence his story featuring Charlie, Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas. 

So, Cadbury World in Birmingham should be high up on your list of chocolate travel destinations to visit if you’d like to try the confectionary that inspired Dahl. On a trip here, you can watch interactive videos to see how Cadbury brands are made, go on a 4D-adventure on a Crunchie rollercoaster diving into liquid chocolate, travel back in time on a Victorian street to discover where the Cadbury business started, see how Cadbury chocolate used to be made before tasting a sweet treat yourself, and learn about the arrival of chocolate in Europe through a theater presentation.

York is another chocolate-filled destination in England. Terry’s, Craven’s and Rowntree’s chocolate factories were based in this handsome walled city. You can learn about these brands as well as chocolate’s origins in its York’s Chocolate Story attraction.

See some of the best bits of England on a tour.

Cusco, Peru

While Africa is the worldwide leader in chocolate production, the Peruvians have perfected the art of cocoa and craft some of the best chocolate in the world. It’s also said to be the birthplace of the sweet treat. While indigenous communities were the first to cultivate the bean, legend has it the Incas were the first to transform it into something else entirely.

Today, you can expect intense flavors and aromas thanks to 12 major cacao growing regions that are as diverse as they are unique. Head to Cacaosuoyo in the Andes for fruit- and honey-forward dark chocolate. At the Chocolate Museum in nearby Cusco, learn about the history of the decadent dessert, take chocolate cooking classes or embark on a workshop from bean to bar. The country boasts a wealth of culinary tours and organized adventures all around the chocolate bean.

See Also: Peru Tours starting in Cusco

Pennsylvania, USA

You can step into a fun-filled world of candy at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania. On its chocolate factory ride, discover how Hershey’s turned cocoa beans into its sweet creations then head to a train station for an immersive theater experience. You can even create your own candy bar, choosing your own ingredients and designing a wrapper for it.

Still not enough chocolate? You’ll love creating your own one-pound Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup with your own individual additions. Will you choose pretzels, marshmallows, cookie bits or candies? For more entertainment, you can also head out into the town of Hershey on a trolley tour with a charismatic conductor.

Cathy Toogood

Cathy Toogood is an award-winning freelance travel journalist based in Manchester. With more than 10 years’ experience, she writes about travel for The Telegraph, The Times, The Independent and Travel Weekly.

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“NO HLB IN SOUTH AFRICA:” Citrus industry asserts

South Africa is free of citrus greening disease or huánglóngbíng (HLB) despite recent reports of its spotting in Eastern Cape province, the industry says. 

Selina Wamucii got an insider look at the clarification statement by Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa.

It reads as follows:

“HLB (Huanglongbing or Asian Citrus Greening, and sometimes casually referred to as Yellow Dragon) is a citrus disease and has caused devastation in some citrus producing regions like Florida in the USA and parts of  Brazil.  

“Recently, there has been some confusion and misinformation regarding reports that HLB has been identified in South Africa. It has not. As correctly reported by The Herald (30.5.2024) the disease African Citrus Greening was detected near Gqeberha. However, other media channels falsely spread news that HLB and not African Citrus Greening was identified near Gqeberha. This is incorrect. African Citrus Greening is caused by an entirely different species of bacteria and it is a citrus disease that is not nearly as damaging as HLB.”

The statement further traces the origin of the misrepresentation to a sighting in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

“The alarmist reactions and misrepresentation of facts were started by a reefer information news snippet that was erroneously headlined: ‘Yellow Dragon lands in Eastern Cape. Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, has been identified in residential areas in the South African port city of Gqeberha.’

HLB not Viable in South Africa

“HLB does not occur in South Africa,” the statement continues. “African Citrus Greening, on the other hand, has been reported in South Africa since 1932. This Greening is under official control in South Africa by preventing movement of propagation material from Greening areas to Greening-free areas. This Greening cannot be spread by fruit or seed and there is no restriction on the movement of citrus fruit, and this applies worldwide.”

Chadwick further clarifies that up to now Eastern Cape has been without active citrus greening occurrences.

“To date, the Eastern Cape province was Greening-free and the recent find in Gqeberha will require further delimitation surveys and control measures (control of the insect vector and infected plant material) to successfully prevent spread to commercial citrus production areas.” Beforehand in early June, the Citrus Management Committee (CGC) of Spain had  recommended a  quarantine  of Eastern Cape. South Africa’s citrus industry last attracted attention in 2023 over citrus black spot (CBS) and had invoked WTO  arbitration . 

Eastern Cape and South Africa Citrus Production Statistics

Located in the southeastern South Africa, Eastern Cape produces the second-highest number of citrus nationally. The province produced  48 million  15-kg cartons out of a national  146 million  cartons in 2022. The province’s Sundays River Valley ranks as South Africa’s single largest source of citrus. While its navel oranges represent   25%  of the national output its lemons claim half the national output.

Eastern Cape’s 2022 citrus exports generated 3.4 billion Rand ($179.146 million) vis-á-vis national revenue of 34.142 billion Rand ( $1.85 billion ). In the 2021-22 season, South Africa exported  168 million  15-kg cartons of citrus and emerged the world’s second largest exporter. 

While oranges led 2022’s citrus fruit production at 1.6 million tonnes, soft citrus (including naartjie) were substantial at 660,000 tonnes. In terms of exports, South Africa ranks  8 th  worldwide for oranges and 7 th  for soft citrus.