16 activities in Brussels, Belgium

Play a city game and go on a walking tour to discover the most famous drinking places and admire Brussels’ old town. You will learn about Belgium beer, discover stories about an underground river, and about famous people who used to drink in Brussels. Are you up for a 3,5 km adventure in Brussels?
Highlights
- Walk on the most beautiful city square in Belgium- the magnificent Grand Place.
- Check out the bar where you can drink literally thousands of beers.
- Get to know the favourite bars of the Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte and French poet Charles Baudelaire.
Storyline
You’re the son of a beer brewer from a tiny village near Brussels. It’s the 19th century, and you don’t have much choice but to help your father. But you’re so lazy.
One day, your father gets fed up with you and refuses to keep you under his roof anymore unless you’re going to learn about beer making. For that, you have to take a trip to Brussels. You need to go from bar to bar and gather the best tips and recipes to make great beer. Will you be able to do what your father asks, or will you end up with a hangover in the gutter?

Know before you go:
Quest available in German, English, French. This quest has 12 challenges. Best during day time. Instagrammable. After booking, follow the instructions you receive by e-mail for playing this city game & walking tour. Make sure you download the Questo mobile app from GooglePlay or the Apple App Store. Create a new account inside the Questo app with your email address to begin the game. Please note, in order to play the game, you will need an internet connection. This is a self-guided game type tour. You must be at the starting point (that you'll see in the app) in order to begin, or else the game won’t start.

Mini-Europe is a miniature theme park situated at the foot of the Atomium in the European capital of Brussels. It is the only park where you can visit all the countries of the European Union in just 1.5 hours. It truly is a unique voyage. With a catalogue in hand, visit the European highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, The Big Ben and the House of Parliament, the gondolas of Venice.

Languages
French, English, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, German, Chinese, Hebraic.

Looking for open air activities in Brussels? Having just a few hours in town and want to see the best of the capital of Belgium in one go? Tootbus Brussels Express offers you the possibility to get a unique overview of the capital from the open top deck of the bus, together with the flexibility to jump on and off both the blue and red routes during the two hours duration. Have a look at the routes, pick the sights you want to see, get on the route that works best for you and let yourself be charmed by Brussels architectural treasures and historical sites.

Most of Brussels' iconic tourist attractions are on the blue route including Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral, the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, the Botanical Garden, Charles Rogier Square, the Basilica of Koekelberg, the church Notre-Dame de Laeken, the Royal Palace of Laeken and Royal Greenhouses, the Atomium, the Magritte Museum, Sainte-Catherine Square, the Manneken-Pis and the magnificent Grote Markt - Grand Place with the outstanding Town Hall and the Art Nouveau major townhouses, designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1998.

While the red route reveals the best viewpoint over Brussels from Mont des Arts and concentrates a huge number of museums most of them located around the Place Royale and the Coudenberg Palace including the Musical Instruments Museum the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

You can start the tour at any of the designated bus stops. So wait no longer, find the stop closest to your location on the map, hop aboard the bus and let the city simply take you by surprise!

Blue Route
Until 22 March buses run from Friday to Sunday with 3 departures per day from Central Station: 10:15am, 1:00pm and 2:45 pm.
From 28th March until 14th April buses run every day with 4 departures per day from Central Station: 10:15am, 1:00pm, 2:45pm, 4:30pm.
From 15th April to May on weekends buses run daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm every 50 min and during the week from 10am to 4pm.
From June to September buses run daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm every 35 min.

Red Route
Until 22 March buses run from Friday to Sunday with with 3 departures per day from Central Station: 10:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm.
From 28th March to 14th April buses will run every day with 4 departures per day from Central Station: 10:30am, 1:15pm, 2:45pm, 4:30pm.
From 15th April to May on weekends buses run daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm every 45 min and during the week from 10am to 4pm.
From June to September buses run daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm every 30 min.

Get VIP priority seating, skip the long lines and feel like a rock star! Like all great revolutions, the Hard Rock Cafe wasn’t meant to succeed. It was 1971 and as the Swinging Sixties had given way to the Super Seventies, fashions and tastes were changing. Two hungry young Americans were in London and couldn’t find a decent place to eat a decent burger… so they opened up a joint in the English capital. Their landlord didn’t think it would last and only gave them a six-month lease. Four decades later, there are almost 200 Hard Rock Cafes in more than 50 countries worldwide.

The first T-shirt hit the streets in ‘74 and the first piece of memorabilia came, fittingly, by chance in ‘79 when Eric Clapton asked to hang his Lead II Fender guitar over his favourite bar stool and thus marked it as his spot. Today, the rock 'n' roll collection has more than 74,000 pieces and is the largest of its kind. By 1982, the Hard Rock Cafe had gone global and the rest, as they say, is history (that’s still being written).

Choose from one of the following menus:

Gold Menu

Mains
Legendary Burger: 8oz Burger topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, a fried onion-ring and served with seasoned fries
Veggie Leggie Burger: Veggie patty topped with courgette, butternut squash and roasted red pepper and served with seasoned fries
Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken topped with bacon and cheese served on a toasted brioche bun with seasoned fries
Chicken Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce topped with grilled chicken, croutons and shaved parmesan cheese with Caesar dressing
Twisted Mac, Chicken and Cheese Pasta: Cavatappi macaroni in a three-cheese sauce with roasted peppers, topped with parmesan parsley breadcrumbs and grilled chicken breast

Dessert
Lil Brownie: Vanilla ice cream and hot fudge on a chocolate brownie, topped with fresh whipped cream

Drinks
A coffee, a tea or a soft drink

Diamond Menu

Starters

Lil Feta Salad
Lil Wings

Mains

Legendary Burger: 8oz Burger topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, a fried onion-ring and served with seasoned fries
Veggie Leggie Burger: Veggie patty topped with courgette, butternut squash and roasted red pepper and served with seasoned fries
Barbeque Combo: Pork BBQ ribs and hickory smoked pulled pork, served with seasoned fries, cowboy beans and citrus coleslaw
Herb Grilled Chicken Breast: Grilled herb marinated chicken breast with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables

Chicken Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce topped with grilled chicken, croutons and shaved parmesan cheese with Caesar dressing

Twisted Mac, Chicken and Cheese Pasta: Cavatappi macaroni in a three-cheese sauce with roasted peppers, topped with parmesan parsley breadcrumbs and grilled chicken breast

Dessert
Lil Brownie: Vanilla ice cream and hot fudge on a chocolate brownie, topped with fresh whipped cream

Drinks
A coffee, a tea or a soft drink

Discover the most historical buildings and the most modern area of the "Capital of Europe" aboard a comfortable bus in no time! Starting at the world famous Grand Place, the heart of medieval Brussels, you will be mesmerized by its splendid architecture.

This extensive two and a half hour bus tour will take you to all the main attractions including the Royal Residence, Royal Square, the Belgian Houses of Parliament, the Chinese Pavilion and the Japanese Tower. We'll pass through the elegant Cinquantenaire district, with its Triumphal Arch, exceptional museums and splendid Art Nouveau houses. Other attractions include the imposing EU buildings (European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers) and the world-famous Atomium, built to commemorate the World Exhibition of 1958.

Finish the tour near the Central Railway Station, where you can explore Brussels at your own leisure. Belgium makes some of the best chocolates and beer in the world, so you should not miss the chance to try some. Nor should you leave without trying some delicious waffles. The best are to be had in the area around the Grand Place.

Languages
English, French, and Spanish

Check out all the wonderful things Brussels has to offer in 24 hours or 48 hours when you hop-on board the Tootbus Brussels Discovery tour! Your ticket is valid on the blue and red route, hop on at any of the stops available, take advantage of the incredible views of the Belgian capital from above to make your way around and pinpoint all the Brussels attractions you want to see up close. Follow your hit list, hop off at the nearest stop and explore the city at your own pace.

The blue route will take you past Brussels must-see attractions including Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral, Centre Belge de la Bande dessinée, the Botanic Garden, Charles Rogier Square, Basilique de Koekelberg, Eglise Notre-Dame de Laeken, Château de Laeken, the Atomium, the Magritte Museum, Sainte-Catherine Square, the Manneken Pis and the unmissable Grote Markt - Grand Place and its stunning Flemish style gold ornate buildings, named UNESCO World Heritage in 1998.

Don't miss the opportunity to walk around some of Brussels' charming neighborhoods like Ixelles and St Gilles. While walking around, pay attention to every corner, street art made Brussels become an open-air gallery, the artworks are all around and may cover building walls, benches, lamps, shop fronts... and even on ceilings like the Smurfs next to the gare centrale. You may be looking for the best viewpoint in Brussels, jump on the red route, get off at Mont des Arts stop and enjoy stunning views the city with the gardens as a perfect backdrop and its gorgeous Flemish buildings.

The red route is also jam-packed with museums, most of them located around the Place Royale; the Musical Instruments Museum, the Magritte Museum... The validity of your ticket starts at the moment of redemption on board the bus. Upon first validation on board the bus your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours according to the option booked.

Blue Route
Until 22 March buses run from Friday to Sunday with 3 departures per day from Central Station: 10:15am, 1pm and 2:45pm.
From 28th March until 14th April buses run every day with 4 departures per day from Central Station: 10:15am, 1pm, 2:45pm, 4:30pm.
From 15th April to May on weekends buses run daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm every 50 min and during the week from 10am to 4pm.
From June to September buses run daily from 9:30am to 6pm every 35 min.

Red Route
Until 22 March buses run from Friday to Sunday with 3 departures per day from Central Station: 10:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm.
From 28th March to 14th April buses will run every day with 4 departures per day from Central Station: 10:30am, 1:15pm, 2:45pm, 4:30pm.
From 15th April to May on weekends buses run daily from 9:30am to 6pm every 45 min and during the week from 10am to 4pm.
From June to September buses run daily from 9:30am to 6pm every 30 min.

Medieval Leuven, a fairy tale city, so trendy, young and smart.

Leuven is one of the oldest university cities in Europe where brilliant minds and international researchers feel at home. The city should absolutely be in your bucketlist as it is full to the brim with things to see and to experience. Close to Brussels it is a fascinating truly medieval city with stately university buildings dotted throughout the centre, But… its definitely the many students that bring the city alive 24/24 and 7/7.

Your guide takes you on a breathtaking walk through the ancient heart of Leuven. He will definitely take you to the most beautiful city hall of Belgium , the largest Beguinage in Flanders, the ancient cloth hall, the baffling university library and so much more. You will also call at the tomb of Father Damien, the patron of the lepers who was recently beatified. Although we show you still much more you certainly get a sound portion of free time to experience the city yourself. Yet, do remember that paying a visit to the unique ‘Old Market’ area is like pulling up a chair at the longest bar in Europe. Its many catering establishments have always been Leuven’s meeting place par excellence, particularly in warm weather when the numerous terraces quickly fill up.

Start the trip nice and early, as we pick you up from the centre of Brussels and make our way to the city of Bruges, located about 100km northeast of the capital, and just 15km away from the North Sea. Discover its charm and why the historical centre is a prominent Unesco World Heritage Site.

During the tour we’ll see all the iconic landmarks and highlights. Admire the Lake of Love, the heart of the park and has the legend that if you kiss your loved one on this bridge, your love will become eternal. Admire the architecture of the old Beguinage, a complex made to accommodate religious woman who did not wed. Next we’ll visit the precious Walplein Square, filled with cobbled streets, little lanes and the quaintest little buildings. Some of our other stops will include: Stoofstraat, Dijver Canal, Old St. John's Hospital, Church of Our Lady, Gruuthusemuseum, Rozenhoedkaai, Burg Square and the Gothic City Hall, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Market Square and Saint Salvator's Cathedral and so much more! This tour literally includes all the must-see places!

After the tour, you have four hours for free time to spend as you wish in the city. Try some exquisite chocolate and see the famous lace shops before returning to Brussels.

Languages
Spanish.

For many, Ghent is the most beautiful city in all of Belgium and one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, with its impressive historical town center dating back to the sixteenth century. Unravel the charm of Ghent and its people with this magnificent tour, which allows you to understand why the locals are popularly known as people with "nooses around their necks" since the time of Charles I and some of the most interesting historical events.

During the visit you will be able to visit the following places of interest: the Castle of Gerardo the Devil; The Cathedral of St. Bavo, where the famous painting of the Van Eyck brothers (the "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb"); The Belfry Belfort; The peculiar town hall, with Gothic and Renaissance part; The church of San Nicolás; The guild house of the masons; The spring of herbs and grains; The majestic castle of the Counts of Ghent; The Patershol neighborhood; The meat and fish markets; The great Friday Square and much more.

At the end of the tour, you will have 4 hours of free time to eat and go the city as you please. Visit the magnificent Ghent Alterpiece, taste traditional Flemish food or have a Kwak beer in Dulle Griet, known as the "shoe bar".

Languages
Spanish

This unspoilt medieval city has recently undergone extensive urban regeneration attracting many artists and quirky shops, bar and restaurants to the area around the old docklands. It is also an important diamond trading centre.

After leaving Brussels, we drive north through Brabant heading for Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Our guided tour takes us from Het Steen, an impressive medieval fortress built to protect the city and its port. Visit the Great Market Square and see the gothic style houses that were once the headquarters of the medieval guilds.

While here you will also visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the most impressive and largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe: built in 1351 it stands over 400 ft tall. It also houses some of Rubens' most famous paintings. We pass by the famous MAS Museum located along the River Scheldt and visit the incredible Antwerp Central Train Station, regarded as one of the finest examples of railway architecture.

Visit Saint Bavo Cathedral, home of the famous Mystic Lamb painting. During the city tour you will admire many important buildings from the Middle Ages; such as the Belfry, St Nicholas Church and the Earl's Castle. In Bruges, discover the Lake of Love, the Church of Our Lady with the statue by Michelangelo and more major attractions. You can take an optional boat tour along the canals. The Saint Bavo Cathedral, named from Saint Bavo of Ghent, is the seat of the diocese of Ghent. The original Chapel of St. John the Baptist, built with a wooden structure, was consecrated in 942. The church became the Cathedral in 1559. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor was baptised here. Whilst here, you will have the option to view the famous Mystic Lamb Painting (not included).

The Church of Our Lady in Bruges was originally built in the 13th century. Its 122 metres tall tower is the tallest structure in the city and the second tallest brickwork tower in the world. In the choir space behind the altar is the tomb of Charles the Bold, last Valois Duke of Burgundy built in bronze over black stone. The main attraction of the site is a white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child created by Michelangelo around 1504, purchased by a merchant and later donated to this church.

Languages
English, French and Spanish.

Are you short on time? Do you only have one day left? Complete the Belgium map with BD City Tours, travelling to Bruges and Ghent and discover our bestseller activity!!
Wander through the channels of our little Venice, lose yourself in the charming atmosphere of Bruges and complete your journey visiting the city where Charles V was born.

If you are planning to visit Brussels, you cannot lose the chance to discover the most beautiful cities of Belgium with BD City Tours, avoiding public transportation issues. Get involved in the charming of these magnificent medieval cities with our English-speaking guide and let yourself be guided through the narrow streets, colourful channels, and wide squares.
The typical sold out activity you cannot lose at all!

Departure at 08:30 am from the centre of Brussels, and transfer to the magic town of Bruges. Enjoy one of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe with an English-speaking guide and discover why the entire historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will have 1h as free time for lunch after the guided tour to explore the city as you please. Our guides will recommend you some of the exclusive Bruges pastry shops, where you will find the best chocolate in the world, and pop into some of the legendary lace shops.

Languages
English

Discover beautiful Amsterdam, city of canals and the capital of Holland with this fantastic day trip from Brussels. This great value trip is an opportunity to delve into the best of Dutch culture, tradition and history, offering you a great opportunity to get to know atmospheric and picturesque Amsterdam.

From Brussels you will travel through Antwerp, crossing the Dutch border and passing through the endless polders, flat reclaimed fields under the vast Dutch skies, broken only by the reflections in the dykes, windmills, and thin lines of elm trees.

As soon as you set foot in the Dutch capital, your day of cultural discovery will begin! visit a traditional craft centre and discover many of the old traditions, local delicacies and handicrafts associated with Holland. Try delicious Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Edam, and learn about the history of wooden carved clogs. There is also pottery on sale, with the beautiful glazed blue and white scenes that Delft made famous in the 16th century.

Strolling through Amsterdam, you will uncover quaint cobbled streets, churches with pretty bell towers and many leafy squares. Looking down over the canal, you will see 17th century merchant houses and warehouse, where goods from all over the Dutch Empire entered the capital to be traded.

Last, but not least, this tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant boat trip through the labyrinth of canals (not included). With this little romantic trip, you will soon fall in love with the charms of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a fascinating and friendly city to explore and this day tour takes all the fuss out of organising your trip. So just hop on the bus and prepare for a day of new experiences in atmospheric Amsterdam.

Languages
Dutch, English, French and Spanish

Head to the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, a vibrant, cutting edge city - brimming with life. During this full day tour you can enjoy a guided tour of Amsterdam with a Spanish guide. Explore the enchanting canals, the endless windmills and the curious red-light district!

The walking tour starts at Central Station, a place built on three artificial islands just off the original port. From here we walk along various canals to where the city originated in the late 13th century. Nowadays, Dam Square is considered the heart of the city where we can relive its history looking at the most emblematic buildings of the square, such as the New Church, the Royal Palace and the obelisk, built in honour of those who lost their lives during the Second World War.

From here we head to the oldest part of the city which is home to the Oude Kirk (Old Church), the first in the city, now on the periphery of the red-light district. We continue to De Waag, one of the most enchanting neighbourhoods in the city housing the only remains of the city wall. It was a testament to one of the most macabre events in the city’s history and the most scientific advances of their time.

The old Jewish quarter is where you find Rembrandt’s house, now one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city thanks to the Waterlooplein market. We end the tour in the flower market, whose stalls line the canal filling the area with life and colour.

At the end of the tour you have 3 hours of free time to eat and enjoy the city at your leisure: why not try the delicious cheese and wander around the historic centre!

Prepare to explore Brussels, from the comfort of a bus. First, stroll around the world famous Grand Place, the heart of medieval Brussels with its splendid old guild houses and marvel at the magnificent St. Michael’s Cathedral with its twin bell towers. Wander around the area around Sablon Square in the old town with its many antique shops and quirky restaurants and bars. You will find yourself some of Brussels main attractions including the Royal Residence, Royal Square, the Belgian Houses of Parliament, the Chinese Pavilion and the Japanese Tower, the Triumphal Arch, past splendid Art Nouveau houses and the imposing EU buildings.

Then it’s time to hop back on board the bus for the scenic ride through Brabant and Flanders to Antwerp, one of the most important commercial cities in Europe. Here, explore the impressive Market Square with its medieval guild houses and the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady. We'll also visit the massive port and a diamond workshop. There will also be some free time for shopping, so you can stock up on Belgian chocolates or maybe you feel like some trying some of Belgium's famous beer or waffles.

Make delicious treats such as orangettes, and pralines to take away, as you learn the art of chocolate making in the heart of Brussels.

Take a walk through with a helpful and informative guide as they take you around the Grand Place area and tell you about the ins and outs of the heart of the old city. Together, you will see the Manneken-Pis, the oldest citizen of Brussels, the Sablon square filled with antique shops, the Royal Galleries, home to the oldest chocolate shop in Europe Neuhaus; credited with inventing the praline and the ballotin (box).

Eventually you will follow the Brussels Comic Strip Route, a series of giant comic murals and colourful statues that enliven alleys throughout the old city centre. In addition to this extensive walk past the city's most luxury chocolate shops where you will taste some of the most high-end chocolate from boutiques such as Pierre Marcolini, Godiva, Withamer, Neuhaus to name a few.

With so much to see and do, you will certainly not be disappointed.