Tours & activities in Brussels

Free Tour of Brussels

Book the original Brussels free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guide

ABOUT THE Free Tour of Brussels

This 2.5-hour Brussels Free Tour will show you all the top attractions in the old city. Local experts will take you to must-see spots such as iconic Grand Place, the Mannekin Pis and the birthplace of everyone’s favourite comic adventurer, Tintin. Join us as we explore the political capital of Europe the way Brussels was meant to be seen; by walking along ancient royal buildings, through the cobblestone streets and up the hills to the museum quarter.

 

Your Brussels Free Tour starts in front of the tower of City Hall on Grand Place/Grote Markt and finishes by Mont des Arts. Navigating this trilingual city can be daunting, even for the most experienced traveler, which is why SANDEMANs NEW Brussels is here to help! We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.

 

From the heart of trade to the centre of politics

Brussels today might be known as the political powerhouse of Europe, but it got its start as a trade capital. 

Despite being occupied by Germany in both World War I and II, the city remained relatively undamaged. After the war, Brussels underwent extensive modernisation and is now home of many international institutions, making it one of the most important cities in Europe. We lead you through the winding streets and discover the sites of the beginnings of the city over 1,500 years ago.

Brussels comic art scene

No other country has produced more comic artists than Belgium – Tintin, Spike and Suzy and the Smurfs are all created by Belgian artists. Get a brief insight into the history of comic art in Brussels and even see your favourite characters painted on the sides of buildings!

Free Tour concept

The tips-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Image for meeting point

The Brussels Free Tour starts in front of the tower of City Hall on Grand Place/Grote Markt

  • Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Grand Place and Town Hall
  • Learn about the history of Brussels at the Maison du Roi
  • See the 217 year old Stock Exchange building
  • Window shop at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
  • Giggle at the Belgian humour of the Manneken Pis statue
  • Visit the La Monnaie, home to the National Opera of Belgium
  • See the oldest church in Brussels, Saint Nicholas’ Church
  • Find the library and Nation Archives found in the Mont des Arts
  • Discover Brussels’ comic art scene
  • Finish the tour by Mont des Arts

TOUR SCHEDULES

Today
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
PHOTOS
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
  • Local English-speaking guide
What’s not included
  • Gratuities for the guide (optional)
Additional Information
  • Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
  • Wheelchair accessible
MAP
City Hall, Grand Place
The Free Tour starts in front of the tower of City Hall, Grand Place Open in Google Maps
Mont des Arts
Mont des Arts
Grand Place or Grote Markt
Grand Place
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis
La Monnaie De Munt
La Monnaie De Munt
St. Nicholas Church
SONY DSC
St. Nicholas Church
Tour start Tour starts here
End start Tour usually ends here
Tour usually covers

Customer reviews

What is a Free Tour?

 

The Free Tour is the best introduction to Brussels! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 2.5 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.

The Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!

We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Brussels' best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.

Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?

  • The route covers many of Brussels' major landmarks
  • The meeting point is centrally located in the Grand Place (or Grote Markt)
  • The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
  • The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN BRUSSELS

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  • Pub Crawl
  • Private Tour

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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