Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium

Brussels

Brussels packs the Grand-Place, royal parks, Art Nouveau houses and comic-strip murals into a centre that is easy to walk in a day.

Brussels: Tell Me About Brussels First Day Must Do Local Storytellers
Featured walk: Tell Me About Brussels First Day Must Do Local Storytellers · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the main seat of the European Union. Its Grand-Place, lined with gilded guildhalls and the Gothic town hall, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Lower Town around the square is a tangle of old streets, covered arcades and cafés. A short climb leads to the Upper Town, with the Royal Palace, the Mont des Arts and the main museums.

What makes Brussels distinctive

  • The Grand-Place and its guildhalls
  • Comic-strip murals across the old centre
  • Art Nouveau houses by Victor Horta
  • Chocolate shops, waffles and beer cafés

Walking tours in Brussels

Hand-picked guided walks in Brussels, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 28 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Free walking tours in Brussels · Food tours in Brussels · History walks in Brussels · Night and ghost tours in Brussels

Compare with other cities: Free walking tours · Food tours · History walks · Night and ghost tours

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Îlot Sacré

    The lanes around the Grand-Place, full of restaurants.

  • Sablon

    Antique dealers, chocolatiers and a Gothic church in the Upper Town.

  • Marolles

    A working-class quarter with a daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle.

  • Saint-Gilles and Ixelles

    Residential districts known for Art Nouveau houses and cafés.

Free self-guided walk

From the Grand-Place to the Royal Palace

A free self-guided walk from Brussels' Grand-Place through the Royal Galleries and up the Mont des Arts to the Royal Palace.

2.1 km · 6 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Lower Town to Upper Town

    From the Grand-Place up through the Mont des Arts to the Royal Palace and the Sablon.

  2. Comic Book Route

    Follow the comic-strip murals painted on walls across the old centre.

  3. Parc de Bruxelles

    A formal park between the Royal Palace and the Belgian parliament.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    The Lower Town is flat with cobbles; the walk up to the Upper Town is a steady slope with steps.

  • Distances

    The Grand-Place to the Royal Palace is about 15 minutes on foot.

  • Weather

    Rain is possible in any season, so carry an umbrella.

When to visit

  • Spring and summer

    Long days and outdoor terraces; the Grand-Place flower carpet is laid in August in some years.

  • Autumn

    Mild, with fewer visitors but more rain.

  • Winter

    Cold and damp, brightened by the Winter Wonders Christmas market.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By rail

    Eurostar trains from London arrive at Brussels-Midi in about two hours; high-speed trains link Paris and Amsterdam.

  • By air

    Brussels Airport is about 20 minutes from the centre by train.

Local transport

  • On foot

    The old centre is best on foot.

  • Public transport

    Metro, trams and buses run by STIB cover the city; contactless bank cards work at the gates.

Questions travellers ask about Brussels

How many days do I need in Brussels?

One or two days covers the centre; add a day for Bruges or Ghent, each about an hour away by train.

Is Brussels walkable?

Yes. The historic centre is compact, though the climb from the Lower Town to the Upper Town is steep in places.

What should I eat in Brussels?

Fries from a stand, waffles, chocolate, mussels and Belgian beer are the classics.

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Brussels: Tell Me About Brussels First Day Must Do Local Storytellers
Country overview

Belgium

Guildhalls, comics and chocolate in Europe's capital

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.