11 Best Free Walking Tours in Brussels

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED TRYING ONE OF THE FREE WALKING TOURS IN BRUSSELS?

If you’re travelling to Brussels, be sure to take advantage of the free walking tours that the city has to offer! 

These tours a not only a fantastic way to explore the city’s top attractions, but they’re also an ideal opportunity to get to know the city’s history and culture. 

Joining a free walking tour in Brussels will allow you to experience the city from a local perspective.

Compared to traditional tours, free walking tours do not have a fixed price.

Instead, participants in the tour can give a considerate amount to the guide, depending on their performance and the guests’ satisfaction. 

There are so many free walking tours that you’ll find in the city, and you can’t possibly try everything in just one day.

To help you get started, I have put a list of the best free walking tours that you must try in the city of Brussels. 

Let’s go! 

11 BEST FREE WALKING TOURS IN BRUSSELS

1. Stories About Brussels: An Insider’s View by Local Storytellers  

⭐ RATING: 4.62 out of 5 stars (2068 reviews)  | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

This free walking tour in Brussels is a 2.5-hour tour that is led by local guides who will share their different perspectives and knowledge about the city. 

The Stories About Brussels will take you on a journey to the history and culture of Belgium.

Although it’s been a long way from the long-gone medieval city, it’s still possible to get a sense of what it was like in those days with the help of these guides.

You’ll hear fascinating stories about the city’s past including its role in the development of Europe. 

During this tour, you will get the chance to discover the secrets of the city! Enjoy the scenic view as you pass down the most historical parts of Belgium.

And of course, don’t forget to enjoy some delicious Belgian waffles, chocolates and fries along your way. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• Grand Place / Grote Markt 
• Manneken Pis 
• Downtown Brussels 
• Royal Galleries 
• Cathedral of St. Michael & St. Gudula 
• The Royal Palace 
• Mont des Arts 

“We had an amazing tour of Brussels with Conor! The range and depth of information he shared were perfect, giving a flavour of just about everything to do with Brussels. We particularly appreciated all of his recommendations of chocolatiers, restaurants, café and bars – definitely worth taking the tour near the beginning of your time in the city so you can make the most of these recommended places.”

JOHN (sEE MORE REVIEWS)

 2. Free Tour Through Brussels (The Essential)

⭐ RATING: 4.65 out of 5 stars (2244 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 15 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

Discover Brussels’ sights, culture and history with this 2-hour and 15-minute tour.  Enjoy a guided walk through the city centre, taking in the sights of interest.

The Free Tour Through Brussels is loved by most tourists because of its knowledgeable guides who can speak English and Spanish fluently. 

During the tour, you will learn so much about the history of Brussels.

Even if history is not your thing, this tour will give you a better grasp and understanding of the city. 

The tour starts at the Grand Place where you’ll visit some of the oldest buildings and landmarks in Belgium.

Along the way, you can discover gastronomic secrets and find the best chocolates, waffles, fries and beer in the city.

The tour ends with a visit to a museum or art gallery so you can see much more than just buildings! 

Highlights you’ll see: 

“Bea has been a great host, she knows what she is explaining and you can tell that she does it with great enthusiasm.”

sheila (see more reviews)

3.  “All in 2 Hours” Fullest Brussels Experience + Chocolate Tasting

⭐ RATING: 4.36 out of 5 stars (11 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

This free walking tour is led by a local tour guide Valeria. Her knowledge and passion for history and arts make this tour perfect for small and private tours in Brussels. 

For 2 hours, you will learn interesting facts about Belgium, Brussels in particular.

Everything from the Flemish masters and surrealism, even the dark pages of the Belgian royal family. 

With the All in 2 Hours Fullest Brussels Experience, you can explore the sights of beautiful medieval buildings and architecture.

The free walking tour also includes a chocolate-tasting stop where you can sample some of Belgium’s world-class chocolates! 

Also don’t hesitate to ask questions about the city. Valeria will recommend the best food and restaurants for you to try during your stay. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• The Grand Place 
• Royal Galleries 
• The Central Station 
• Mont des Arts 
• Royal Palace 
• Manneken Pis 

“Amazing Experience! This tour was so great to go on, I would definitely recommend it to anyone that visits Brussels. I had no idea what to expect from this tour. Our fantastic tour guide, Valeria showed us all the amazing history and beauty of Belgium. She also took us chocolate tasting and chocolate melts in your mouth. She was super personable and knowledgeable. We only had one day in Brussels and she made it worth wild. Definitely worth the trip!”

angela (See more reviews)

4. The Free Tour of Brussels (The Most Complete)

⭐ RATING: 4.67 out of 5 stars (2632 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 15 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

If you’re planning to visit most of Belgium’s famous attractions and landmarks, then this tour is for you! 

The tour starts at the Grand Place as you explore all of the most impressive architecture and buildings in Brussels.

The guides are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the city, which makes each stop more fun and informative. 

During the tour, you will visit the symbolic statue of the peeing boy, the Manneken Pis.

You will also pass by the neighbourhood in Sablon Square and explore all of the city’s famous landmarks.  

This complete free tour of Brussels includes a free tasting of Artisan Belgian chocolates that will make your tour even more delightful. 

This free walking tour offers tours for small and large-sized groups. Although, for large groups, there is a chance of little interaction with the guide because of the number of travellers. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• Grand Place 
• Street Art 
• Monument to Everard Serclaes 
• Manneken Pis 
• Medieval Wall 
• Sablon Square 
• Church of Notre Dame du Sablon 
• Courthouse 
• Royal Square 
• Palace of the Kings 
• Museum of Music and Instruments 
• Mount of the Arts 

“Highly recommended tour: informative, interesting, relevant details and super presentation of the visual “meterial”. The route covers the most iconic points of the city. Thanks a lot to the guide!”

Liudmyla (See more reviews)

5. Free Tour Brussels European Quarter

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars (285 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours and 15 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

If you’re looking for an affordable and informative way to explore the European Union – which holds great significance in shaping Europe, then this tour is for you! 

Brussels is the home of the European Parliament. And this tour will allow you to discover more about the EU and learn about its fascinating history, political system and emblematic EU buildings.  

The tour will start at the central station and moves towards the different EU institutions including the European Parliament and European History Museum.

This free walking tour will also allow you to visit European neighbourhoods in the city centre also known as the European Quarter. 

Along the way, you’ll see other interesting landmarks such as the Berlaymont building and other structures that define the European Quarter.

The Brussels European Quarter free tour will conclude at the Fiftieth Anniversary Park where you’ll find the monument dedicated to Belgium’s independence. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• Brussels Central Station 
• Ravenstein Galleries 
• Royal Park 
• European Parliament 
• European History Museum 
• Leopold’s Park 
• Schuman Roundabout 
• Berlaymont 
• Council of the EU 
• Press Palace 
• Fiftieth Anniversary Park 
• Mosque 
• Fiftieth Anniversary Arc 

“Very good tour. A lot of interesting information.”

Sócrates (See more reviews)

6. Brussels Classic Free WaLking Tour with Richi

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 stars (28 reviews)  | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours and 30 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

This free walking tour guided by Richi is another great way to explore the beautiful city of Brussels.

No matter which part of Europe you are from, you don’t have to worry if you don’t speak English – Richi can speak 6 European languages.  

Richi also has extensive knowledge of the city’s history, architecture and culture which he loves sharing with his guests.

The tour, which lasts for about 2.5 hours, starts in the Grand Place and will take you through some of the most popular landmarks in Brussels.

Brussels Classic Free Walking Tour with Richi will provide interesting insights on each landmark and share some fun facts about Brussels that you may never hear before. 

Highlight you’ll see: 

• The Grand Place / Grote Markt 
• Manneken Pis 
• The Cathedral 
• Sablon Quarter 
• Marolles Quarter 
• Royal Court 
• Mon des Arts 

“If you are looking for something with a little different than the classic walking tour, you should try this alternative walking tour. Richi made the walk intereSTing and fun, and his energy was contagious! Make sure you have a good walking shoes because Richi’s tour lasts over 2 ½ hours!”

ANN LAHUCIK (see more reviews)

7.  Essential Brussels by Locals + PDF Guide

⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 stars (460 reviews)  | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

If you’re looking for a more personalized free walking tour experience, then this tour might be the one for you! 

Discover Belgium in small groups and discuss topics such as the history and legends of Brussels, the architecture, the arts and comics, and of course the secrets including Belgian chocolates, waffles and fries. 

Essential Brussels by Locals offers a unique and interactive way to explore the city with knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring their flair to the tour. 

At the end of each tour, they will provide you with a PDF guide complete with the best places and recommendations in Brussels for you to continue exploring the city on your own. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• The Grand Place 
• Mural of Tintin and Belgian comics 
• Manneken Pis 
• Royal Square 
• Art Noveau 
• Mount of the Arts 

“Gerard was a great guide and very knowledgeable about the history of Brussels and Belgium. There were so many things that I oearnt and had not completeed the tour, I would’ve missed some pretty cool facts, especially about the Grand Place and its famous habitants! I would defiitely recommend this tour! Thank you Gerard.”

NATASHA (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

8. Free Tour “Unusual and Alternative Brussels the Lower Town”

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars (145 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

Composed of professional and freelance guides, this free walking tour in Brussels will guide you into the main and popular attractions of the city. 

They specialize in offering custom-made tours that balance culture and leisure based on guests’ interests and preferences.

They offer a lot of attractions to visit including a tour of the Lower Town Brussels which is somehow overlooked by tourists. 

During your tour, you will be led through the charming streets of Brussels and immerse yourself in rich history and culture.

They also provide the best recommendations for places to eat and bars. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• The Grand Place 
• Monument of Everard t’Serclaes 
• The Manneken Pis 
• The Notre Dame de Bon Secours Church 
• Anspach Boulevard 
• La Senne 
• Saint-Gery Islet 
• Reconstruction of the old arm of the Senne 
• The Halles Saint-Gery 
• The Zinneke Pee 
• Saint-Catherine Square 
• The Black Tower 
• Saint–Jean Baptiste Church 
• Brouckere Square 
• The Royal Galleries 

“Really enjoyed this tour. Guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Loads of local history and recommendations on places to visit, eat and drink. Would recommend this tour especially on your first day in the city.”

TONY (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

9. Free Tour Art Nouveau and Victor Horta (Brussels)

⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 stars (30 reviews)  | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

If you want an in-depth and more informative tour of Art Nouveau and all of Brussels’s historic architecture, then this tour is definitely for you! 

Belgium is known for its mix of grand and modern medieval buildings.

This free walking tour will take you through the city’s stunning Art Nouveau architecture and the fascinating stories behind its creation.  

You will learn interesting facts about the evolution of European architecture and know all of the famous architects behind them during the 18^th and 19^th centuries including Victor Horta, who was one of the pioneers of Art Nouveau architecture. 

This 3-hour guided tour begins at the Grand Place and concludes at the front of Maestro Victor Horta’s house which is now known as the Horta Museum. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• Old House England  
• Tassel Hotel, built by Victor Harta  
• Van Rysselberghe House, built by Ocatave Van Rysselberghe 
• Otlet Hotel, built by Ocatave Van Rysselberghe and Henry van de Velde 
• Goblet Hotel d’Alviella, built by Ocatave Van Rysselberghe 
• Ciamberlini Hotel, built by Paul Hankar 
• The House of the Painter Rene Janssens, built by Paul Hankar 
• The Beukman House, built by Albert Roosenboom 
• The Private house, built by Paul Hankar
• Victor Horta Museum 

“Maria was a wonderful guide. She is very passionate about Art Nouveau and her passion is infectious. Her format was very professional and she allowed for question and answer them with ease. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning more about Art Nouveau. Thanks for a great walking tour! 

STEPHANIE (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

10. Free Tour of the Authentic Historical Centre of Brussels

⭐ RATING: 4.2 out of 5 stars (103 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

This free walking tour at the authentic centre of Brussels is a must-try for anyone interested in exploring the charming city’s rich history and stunning architecture on foot. 

The tour includes professional guides who can speak English or Spanish and will take you on a journey through the beautiful streets of Brussels.

They will provide you with all of the information about the best museums in Brussels, their collections, and all of the best bars and restaurants. 

This 2.5-hour historical centre tour covers almost every attraction in the city of Brussels.

Discover everything about the comic, and Belgian gastronomy, where to find the best Artisan chocolates and all the things you’d like to know about the city. 

The starts at the Lower Town of Brussels and winds its way through the Grand Place and concludes at Charles Buls Square. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• The Grand Place 
• Manneken Pis 
• Saint-Jacques de Compostela 
• Our Lady of Good Help Church 
• Enredo Mural, Carin Mural, Rio Hochet, and the Nero Mural 
• Anspach Boulevard 
• The River Senne 
• Island of Saint Gery, and the market area 
• Zinneke Pis 
• Santa Catalina Square 
• The Black Tower 
• Church of San Juan Bautista 
• De Brouckere Square 
• Plaza de la Moneda 
• The Jeanneke Piss and Café Delirium tremens 
• San Huberto Royal Galleries
• Charles Buls Square 

“Walid was very knowledgeable. He knows his facts and makes history interesting. It was worth it even though we just went on another tour. He gave the necessary info without being boring.”

anna (see more reviews)

11. Free Tour Brussels the Royal Palace and the Grand Sablon

⭐ RATING: 4.2 out of 5 stars (52 reviews)  | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes | 📅 CHECK AVAILABILITY

Get the chance to visit the historical centre of Brussels and learn more about the Belgian Monarchy, the political system, and the European Union on this tour! 

This tour focuses on the nobility and the church, the Burgundian dynasty, the Habsburgs, and the Guild of Archers.

You will explore all of the historical sites including the beautiful churches of St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. 

Included in this informative tour are an English-speaking guide and a free tasting of Belgian chocolates. However, trams, buses, and museum tickets are not included. 

Highlights you’ll see: 

• The Grand Place 
•  St. Hubert Royal Galleries
• The Mort Subite 
• The Cathedrals of St. Michael and St. Gudula 
• Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament 
• The Royal Park 
• Royal Palace 
• Royal Square 
• The Musical Instruments Museum (Art Nouveau) 
• The Palace of Charles de Lorraine 
• The Magritte Museum and the Palace of Fine Arts 
• The Petite Sablon and the Grand Sablon 

“It was a great tour, the guide was passionate and gave us much more information than I expected!”

Miléna (see more reviews)

Frequently Asked Questions  

---

OTHER TOURS IN BRUSSELS

WRAPPING UP: BEST FREE WALKING TOURS IN BRUSSELS

Without a doubt, free walking tours in Brussels are one of the greatest ways to explore the city and get some insider insights from knowledgeable guides. 

Aside from the beautiful attractions, you can learn so much about history, architecture, culture and of course the food! What’s more satisfying is that it’s totally budget-friendly and you get to discover Brussels from a unique and interactive perspective. 

From this post, we hope we’ve been able to showcase all the best free walking tours that you’re looking for in Brussels. Depending on your interests and preferences, there is always choose a free walking tour that best suits you. 

By taking one of these tours, you can make the most out of your time in Brussels and get to know this vibrant city on a deeper level! 

🏆 Scrolled all the way to the bottom? Stories About Brussels free walking tour is the best walking tour in Brussels!