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Culture & history tours

Culture & history tours
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Our most recommended Brussels Culture & history

Brussels Atomium Entry Ticket with Free Design Museum Ticket

1. Brussels Atomium Entry Ticket with Free Design Museum Ticket

Discover stunning panoramic views of Brussels and explore exhibitions about Belgium and digital art with this entry ticket to the Atomium. Take a walk through design works from the 20th and 21st centuries with a ticket to the Design Museum. Enter the iconic Atomium which symbolizes an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times. Step into this relic of the past which was created for the 1958 World Fair. Marvel at 360-degree panoramic views of the 19 municipalities of Brussels. Stroll through the permanent Atomium exhibition which tells the history of this pavilion and the new permanent installation called CENTRALE. The central sphere of the Atomium is the point of the construction where all forces come together. The art of Visual Systems contains rings of light that inspire you. Visit also the two temporary exhibitions, including RESTART, an immersive sound and light show and 'I have seen the Future' which presents a photographic vision of the World’s Fairs that have left their mark on both North America and Europe.. Have the option to purchase Belgian specialties or seasonal dishes at the Atomium Restaurant which offers exceptional views from 95 meters above ground. Visit the Design Museum Brussels to learn about Belgian design and its history. Make your way through permanent and temporary exhibits and see the Plastics Design Collection of around 2000 plastic objects.

From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Tour

2. From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Tour

Discover 2 of Flanders’ most enchanting cities and follow your guide back in time on a day tour. Choose between a private and a shared option. Walk through both cities and see some of their most famous landmarks, including Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral of Ghent, Bruges' Old Town, and the Lake of Love. Ghent’s medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere will impress you as you visit Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous Mystic Lamb painting (option), and pass by the Castle of the Counts of Flanders the picturesque medieval harbor Graslei and much more. In Bruges, you will enjoy the peaceful Lake of Love and the old beguinage. With your guide, discover the city and its cobbled streets on foot and you also have the option to enjoy a pleasant boat trip along the narrow canals.

Choco-Story Brussels: Chocolate Museum Entrance with Tasting

3. Choco-Story Brussels: Chocolate Museum Entrance with Tasting

Journey through the story of chocolate at Choco-Story Brussels, and learn the origins of the precious commodity and its transformation to the finished product. Delve deep in the history of the Aztecs, and discover how cocoa arrived in Europe.  Admire the exhibits of the museum, including illustrations, informative panels and videos that explain the culture of cocoa and how it is turned into chocolate. Watch a demonstration by a master chocolatier on how to make artisanal pralines.  Enjoy several tastings throughout your visit, and benefit from the chance to purchase some chocolates in the gift shop.

From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

4. From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and relax on the 100-kilometer journey to Bruges by bus. Upon arrival, discover the charms of “the Venice of the North” and see why the entire historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Marvel at highlights such as the Lake of Love (Minnewater Lake) and the 13th-century Begijnhof complex, founded in 1245 to house lay religious women. Go to Walplein Square, where the shady trees and cafes provide a perfect place to relax. Visit Stoofstraat on the site of the city's former Red Light District, and see medieval monuments such as the 11th-century Old St. John’s Hospital. Look at the world's second tallest brickwork tower at the Church of Our Lady, and see other historic monuments such as Gruuthuse Palace or the Dijver Canal. Go to one of the city's most photographed spots at Rozenhoedkaai, and admire the Belfry on Castle Square. Visit Market Square (Grote Markt) to see the Bell Tower (Belfort). Then enjoy 1-hour's free time for lunch (at your own expense) and the chance to sample some of the city's delicious chocolates.  Next, drive to Ghent, where the inhabitants have been popularly known as "noose-bearers“ since the days of Charles V. Take a guided tour of the city's historic buildings, such as the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral, where you can learn about the painting of “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers. Admire the Belfort (Bell Tower) and peculiar Gothic and Renaissance-style Town Hall. See one of the city's oldest monuments at St. Nicholas’ Church opposite the unusual facade of the Masons’ Guild House. Journey along the embankments of the medieval port of Graslei, and discover other highlights such as the majestic Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the Great Butchers’ Hall, the Old Fish Market, and Friday Market Square. Enjoy some free time in this magical city before returning back to Brussels. Our adventure is over! Don't wait and enjoy this day with us!

Brussels: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

5. Brussels: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Uncover the city's hidden gems with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, hopping off at whatever stops catch your eye. See the city's most iconic sights – and maybe even some off-the-beaten-path treasures – with the single red route. Hop on the red route and see top sights including the Palace of Fine Arts, the Sablons quarter, and the European Parliament. Look out at museums including the Train World Museum, Musical Instruments Museum, Horta Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Stop at Place Royale and enjoy breathtaking views. Admire Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens, and more. Experience the city's authentic side and visit the Marolles neighborhood. This vibrant area offers a mix of old and new, traditional cuisine, vintage shops, and a festive atmosphere. Since 18 March, we propose you a single Red line that allow you to discover even more nice attractions as Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg, Trainworld or Manneken-pis.

Brussels: Entry Ticket to Mini-Europe

6. Brussels: Entry Ticket to Mini-Europe

Explore Mini-Europe in Brussels with an entrance ticket to discover Europe's most popular attractions in miniature. See all the wonders of Europe in miniature along with bonsai trees, flowery groves, and dwarf trees that embellish the 350 monuments. Admire a 4-meter-high Big Ben, the 13-meter-tall Eiffel tower, and more with an entrance ticket. Set off the eruption of the Vesuvius and admire the take-off of the Ariane rocket. Destroy a section of the Berlin wall, launch an attack of legionnaires or scare the Vikings. Operate the many interactive live-action animations, from the Bells of Stockholm to the Windmills at Kinderdijk. Go on a walk to discover Europe and its historical, architectural, and cultural wealth. From the origins of democracy to the enterprising spirit, from Greek, Roman, or Viking heritage to the political transformations of the 21st century, find commentary at every stage of the journey in the catalog. Admire the many statues of the Grand-Place of Brussels painted with real gold leaves. Marvel at the 4-meter-tall Big Ben. At 13 meters, see the Eiffel Tower which is taller than a 3-story building. Located at the end of the park, enter the ‘Spirit of Europe’ a large indoor space where live-action models, games, and quizzes that give you the chance to test, enrich or perfect your knowledge of the 27 member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom. Enjoy spending time with your friends and family at the best miniature park in Europe. 

Brussels: Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Tastings

7. Brussels: Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Tastings

Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate during this chocolate workshop at the Belgian Chocolate Makers in Brussels. Roll up your sleeves and follow alongside a chocolatier to make your own chocolate bar, truffles, and more. Enjoy a hot chocolate or a glass of lemonade while you work. Start the activity with a warm welcome from Elisabetta or Patricia, your chocolate maker instructor for the day. Hear about the world of Belgian chocolate so you can take home an array of chocolate-making secrets. Make your very own personalized chocolate bar and some tasty mendicants and truffles using original chocolate from Haiti. As you create, hear about ruby chocolate, a newly discovered cocoa bean that is 100 percent natural that creates pink chocolate treats. Taste a real cocoa bean and a delicious liqueur de cacao. As you work, try the 3 different origin chocolates: Philippines (Mana), Congo (Ituri), and the illustrious ruby chocolate. During the activity, enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate on cold days or a glass of cool water on warm days. Before you leave, get some leaflets describing the ins and outs of cocoa production and enjoy a 20% discount in the store. At the end of the experience, pack up your chocolates and take them home with you to share with friends and family (or keep your sweet treats all to yourself). This is an entertaining workshop to learn about our cacao and Belgian chocolate. It is not a class to make some chocolate bean to bar. You cannot become a chocolatier in 1.5h... Making chocolate from the beans take a minimum of 2 days, nowhere you will learn how to make some chocolates from the beans in a few hours.

Brussels: Guided Walking Tour

8. Brussels: Guided Walking Tour

Get an overview of the fascinating city of Brussels, with a tour through the medieval and Baroque city, the industrial city, the bourgeois city, and on to modern Brussels. This tour ensures you get to see all the parts of this multi-faceted city. Learn about the city’s museums, where the best bars and local beers are, and where to buy the best chocolate at a reasonable price. Your guide will also answer any practical questions you might have about restaurants, attractions, nightlife, or even just getting around on public transport. During your walking tour of the city, the tour will be split into two different areas: the Upper City and Lower City. The tour is structured this way to help you better understand the origins and historic development of Brussels.  Highlights on your tour of the Lower City include the Grand Palace, the Everard t'Serclaes monument on Charles Buls street, the Manneken Pis and Grands Carmes street, Marché au Charbon street, the Covering of the Senne, Riches Claires street, and Grande Île street, Saint-Géry Island and more.  Whilst perusing through the Upper city, you'll notice a very different style. During this portion of the tour, you will see landmarks such as the Grand Place, the power of merchants, the Galeries Royales St Hubert, and the Mort Subite. You'll also see the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (visit inside: stained glass windows, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the pulpit), the Royal Park, the Royal Palace, the Royal Square, and The Palace of Coudenberg among many others.

Brussels: Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience

9. Brussels: Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience

Experience the diverse and vibrant nightlife scene of Brussels with a fun and friendly guide/s, and taste some refreshing beers and great cocktails at discounted prices. Party the night away and make new friends from around the world as you crawl from venue to venue over 3 hours. Get a wristband at the start of the night that gets you discounted drinks, including a welcome drink at each venue (beer or shot depending on the venue) and special drink discounts. The night will crescendo from the quietest to the busiest venues, with DJ's every night and the last venue closing at 5 AM.

Brussels: 2.5-Hour Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop

10. Brussels: 2.5-Hour Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop

Learn to make your own chocolates with the help of a professional chocolate maker. Create mendiant chocolates, personalized chocolate bars, and lollies to take home with you. Afterward, you can visit the Choco-Story Brussels museum. Explore with your audio guide and discover the history of cocoa and chocolate in an interactive and fun way. Enjoy chocolate tastings and watch a demonstration of Belgian's famous artisanal pralines.

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What people are saying about Brussels

Overall rating

4.4
(2,754 reviews)

Our guide was Fabio. And let me tell ya’ll, he is the best. No questions or doubt about that. He knows his routes and history well also how to connect with his audience. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Great tour, lots of things to see that you would never have found on your own. Entertaining and interesting tour with a nice guide

Very good trip slightly ruined by rain on the Ghent stop. Overall a very pleasant trip with plenty of time to enjoy the 2 cities

Our guide David was great. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. Our driver Alfonso was also great.

Tour was great and informative also Nikolas was friendly and attentively answered to the queries