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

5 Reviews 3.80 out of 5 stars Based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Brussels, Belgium
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

A royal palace buried beneath the streets, a medieval wall hiding among modern buildings, and a tiny bronze boy who became a national icon: Brussels is full of surprises. Former resident Isaac guides you from the Royal Palace to the city’s best viewpoint, through 800 years of history. The best part, enjoy went you want and at your pace!

-See the Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
-Hear the Mont des Arts carillon and discover the lost Coudenberg Palace
-Browse the chocolatiers of the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
-Meet Manneken Pis and find the medieval Black Tower
-Finish with a climb to the Palais de Justice for the best view in Brussels. The steps are worth the view!
-72 stops, 2.8 miles, about 2 hours, day or night on a well-lit route

Starts outside the Royal Palace, near Parc and Arts-Loi metro stations. Redeem your code in the VoiceMap app before you go. GPS audio works offline.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Pl. des Palais 1
1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Rue des Minimes 66
1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

The tour ends at Lookout des Marolles (Point de vue des Marolles).

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Royal Palace of Brussels (pass by)

Start outside the Royal Palace, the official palace of the King of the Belgians, beside the Parc de Bruxelles. Your guide Isaac, a former Brussels resident, introduces Belgium’s royal family and how a young country chose a German prince as its first king.
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Place Royale (pass by)

Stand in the elegant Place Royale (UNESCO site) beside the statue of crusader Godfrey of Bouillon. Beneath your feet lie the ruins of Coudenberg Palace, once one of Europe’s grandest royal residences, destroyed by fire in 1731.
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Musical Instruments Museum - MIM (pass by)

Admire the Old England building, an Art Nouveau gem of iron and glass that was once a department store and now houses the Musical Instruments Museum. Its rooftop café has one of the best views over the city.
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Mont des Arts (pass by)

Walk down through the Mont des Arts gardens for a classic view over the lower town toward the Town Hall spire. Look for the carillon clock with its bell-ringing figures, a local favourite that chimes on the hour.
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Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (pass by)

Stroll through one of Europe’s first covered shopping arcades, opened in 1847. Its glass roof shelters chocolatiers, cafés and bookshops, so it’s the perfect place to sample Belgian chocolate on the way.
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Royal Theatre Toone (pass by)

At Toone, you'll encounter a unique puppet theater, steeped in tradition and offering entertainment rooted in Brussels' cultural folklore.
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Jeanneke Pis (pass by)

Amidst the city's landmarks, you'll find the playful Jeanneke-Pis statue, echoing the quirky spirit of Belgians and adding a touch of whimsy to your tour.
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La Monnaie (pass by)

Discover the opera house where a performance in 1830 inspired the audience to spill onto the streets and start the Belgian Revolution. It’s said to be the only revolution in history sparked by an opera.
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Black Tower (pass by)

Spot the Black Tower, a surviving piece of Brussels’ first city wall from the 13th century, now surrounded by a modern hotel. It’s a striking reminder of how much medieval history hides among the city’s newer buildings.
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Place Sainte-Catherine (pass by)

Explore the lively Sainte-Catherine quarter, built over Brussels’ old harbour docks. Today it’s known for its fish restaurants and seafood stalls, and its church was designed by the architect of the Palais de Justice.
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Brussels Stock Exchange (pass by)

Pass the grand 19th-century Bourse, once the heart of Belgian finance and now home to Belgian Beer World. Its steps are a favourite meeting spot and a great place to watch city life go
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Grand Place (pass by)

Step into the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Hear how its gilded guild houses rose again after a French bombardment in 1695, and how the square comes alive with a flower carpet in summer and lights at Christmas.
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Brussels Town Hall (pass by)

Look up at the Gothic Town Hall, built in the 1400s and crowned by a 96-metre spire topped with Saint Michael slaying the devil. Hear how it survived the 1695 bombardment, and the legend of the architect who was said to despair over its lopsided design.
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Manneken Pis (pass by)

Meet Brussels’ most famous resident, a tiny bronze boy who has been relieving himself since 1619. Hear the legends behind the statue and how he came to own a wardrobe of more than 1,000 costumes.
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Sablon Quarter (pass by)

Wander up to the Sablon, the chic quarter of antiques dealers and Belgium’s top chocolatiers, crowned by the Gothic church of Notre-Dame du Sablon with its glowing stained-glass windows.
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Palace of Justice (pass by)

Ascending the steps of the Palais de Justice offers the city's best panoramic view, allowing you to reflect on your journey through medieval Brussels' rich history.
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Show 15 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels: From Medieval to Modern Times?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-110804P630

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.80
5 reviews

Average 3.80 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

Activity name