Brussels: City Highlights Walking and Tasting Tour

Exploring Brussels with a guided walking tour that combines history, culture, and plenty of Belgian treats offers a rich, flavorful way to experience this vibrant city. This tour, offered by SODA Entertainment, has garnered nearly 440 reviews and a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating, which speaks to its popularity and value.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, it’s a well-balanced mix of historic sightseeing and delicious tasting experiences—from chocolate and waffles to fries and Belgian beers. Second, the enthusiastic guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.

A potential consideration? It’s a 2.5-hour walking adventure, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.

If you love history, food, and the chance to meet fellow travelers, this tour is a perfect introduction to Brussels’ lively core. It’s especially great if you want a guided overview with a focus on authentic local flavors and iconic sights.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Highly praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills.
• Authentic Tasting: Includes Belgian chocolates, waffles, fries, and four Belgian beers.
• Iconic Sightseeing: Focuses on Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Saint-Hubert Galleries, and Mont des Arts.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines cultural landmarks with opportunity to enjoy local street food and drinks.
• Value for Money: At $79, the combination of sights, tastings, and expert guidance offers substantial value.
• Accessible & Flexible: Easy to join, with options to reserve and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Consider This Tour?

If you’re arriving in Brussels and want a structured, engaging way to get your bearings while sampling some of Belgium’s best-known treats, this City Highlights Walking and Tasting Tour provides a compact yet comprehensive experience.

We love how this tour manages to blend cultural landmarks with culinary delights. Instead of just looking at old buildings, you’ll get stories behind them—and taste the local specialties that make Belgian cuisine famous. And with a high rating of 4.9 based on hundreds of reviews, it’s clear that most participants walk away happy, often mentioning the guides’ enthusiasm and the tasty samples.

One of the biggest advantages is the variety. You’ll explore key sites like the Grand Place—arguably Europe’s most beautiful square—and the quirky Manneken Pis statue. Alongside, you’ll enjoy Belgian chocolates, waffles, fries, and beers—a true culinary passport.

The main drawback? It’s a relatively short tour—2.5 hours—so you won’t see every corner of Brussels. However, it gives a fantastic overview and leaves you hungry for more.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate history and culture paired with good food. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time, plenty of eager explorers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting.

What to Expect During the Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

Meet your guide in front of the Hilton Brussels Grand Place—a convenient central location close to many accommodations. From here, the tour kicks off with a walk towards Mont des Arts, a scenic hilltop park offering stunning views of the city. As you stroll, your guide will explain the significance of the buildings and artworks surrounding you, adding context to your sightseeing.

Mont des Arts & Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries

The Mont des Arts area is not just picturesque; it’s historically significant. You’ll learn about Brussels’ development and enjoy sweeping city views perfect for photos. Then, to a nearby highlight, the Saint-Hubert Galleries, one of Europe’s earliest shopping arcades. This beautiful covered passageway is adorned with mosaics and glass ceilings—your guide will discuss why it was built and its role in the city’s commercial life.

More Great Tours Nearby

Grand Place: The Heart of Brussels

Next, your group will arrive at the Grand Place, the grandest square in Belgium, renowned for its ornate guildhalls and historic buildings. Expect to spend around 45 minutes here, during which your guide will point out architectural details and share stories behind the facades. It’s the perfect place for a street food tasting—perhaps a Belgian waffle or some crispy fries—to enjoy while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Manneken Pis and Quirky Landmarks

A quick visit to the famous Manneken Pis follows—a small statue with a surprisingly big reputation. Your guide will tell you the amusing tales and legends that surround this tiny boy urinating, a true symbol of Brussels’ sense of humor. It’s a brief stop, but often a highlight, thanks to its quirky charm.

Local Bar & Beer Tasting

No Belgian experience is complete without tasting some local beer. The tour includes a visit to a local bar where you will sample 4 different beers—a chance to appreciate Brussels’ world-renowned beer culture. Many reviewers praise the selection and quality of the beers, with some guides suggesting sweeter, cider-like options for non-beer drinkers.

Food Sampling & Authentic Flavors

Throughout the tour, you’ll have opportunities to try traditional Belgian chocolates, waffles, and fries. The guide’s commentary adds richness, explaining how each treat fits into Belgian life. According to reviews, the generous samples and excellent guide insights make these tastings a real highlight.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Hilton Brussels Grand Place

This meeting point is perfect for travelers arriving centrally. It’s an easy spot to locate and provides a convenient start without needing extra transportation.

Mont des Arts

This scenic hilltop park offers panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and historic skyline. The guide’s explanations about the area’s role in Brussels’ cultural development make this stop more meaningful. Plus, it’s a lovely spot for photos.

Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries

As one of Europe’s first shopping arcades, the Saint-Hubert Galleries are both beautiful and historic. The mosaics, glass roof, and elegant shops create a striking atmosphere. Your guide will share stories about its foundation, making browsing the boutique stores more engaging.

Grand-Place

Spending 45 minutes here allows ample time to admire the baroque architecture, take photos, and perhaps enjoy a snack. The square’s scenic views are often described as breathtaking, especially in the late afternoon light or during festive events.

Manneken Pis

This tiny statue has a big reputation. The story behind it, often humorous, offers insight into Belgian humor and national identity. It’s a quick but memorable stop—some reviewers even find it surprisingly charming.

Local Bar & Beer Tasting

Spending about an hour in a local bar, sampling 4 beers, provides a genuine taste of Brussels’ beer scene. Many reviews mention that the guide’s recommendations for different beers, including sweeter options, made the experience enjoyable for all palates.

Food & Treats

Tasting Belgian chocolates, waffles, and fries is a highlight. The guide often points out the history and cultural significance of each, elevating these simple pleasures into memorable moments. The generous portions and variety ensure everyone leaves satisfied.

How About the Value?

At $79 per person, this tour offers a solid value. You gain expert guidance, multiple tastings, and a rundown of Brussels’ highlights—all in just over two hours. The reviews confirm that the quality of the guide and the delicious samples make it worth every penny.

While it’s a short tour, the focus on quality and authentic experiences means you get a taste of what makes Brussels special. It’s especially good for those wanting a guided introduction to the city’s sights and flavors without committing to a longer or more expensive tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want a concise yet enriching introduction. It’s great for food lovers eager to sample Belgian chocolates, waffles, fries, and beers. It also appeals to history buffs interested in the stories behind iconic landmarks.

Though it’s wheelchair accessible and includes live English-speaking guides, it’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility impairments, given the walking nature and some standing at sites.

Final Thoughts

This Brussels City Highlights Walking and Tasting Tour marries history, culture, and culinary delights into a manageable, engaging experience. It’s a fantastic way to get oriented, meet fellow travelers, and indulge in Belgium’s signature flavors—all while learning from knowledgeable guides who keep things lively and fun.

If you value authentic local experiences, enjoy guided storytelling, and want a taste of Brussels in a short time, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments. It’s a rewarding start or a perfect day cap in the Belgian capital.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years old, primarily because of the walking and tasting schedule.

Are the tastes included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes food and drinks tastings (chocolates, waffles, fries, and four beers), all covered in the $79 fee.

What’s the meeting point?
You meet in front of the Hilton Brussels Grand Place, a central and easy-to-find location.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, but travelers should be prepared for some walking.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, as you will be walking outdoors.

Are drinks and food tastings enough for a meal?
The tour provides enough samples to satisfy most appetites but isn’t intended as a full meal.

Will I have enough time at each site?
Yes, each stop is timed to balance sightseeing and tasting, with 45 minutes at Grand Place, 15 at Saint-Hubert Galleries, and about an hour in the bar.

How many people will be in my group?
While specific group sizes vary, reviews suggest the group isn’t too large, allowing for engaging interaction with your guide.

In sum, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Brussels—literally and figuratively—making it a top pick for those eager to explore the city’s sights, stories, and flavors in a friendly, manageable package.

You can check availability for your dates here: