Brussels Tootbus Christmas Tour

Travelers dreaming of seeing Brussels sparkle during the holiday season might find this Tootbus Christmas Tour an appealing way to soak in the city’s festive atmosphere without the hassle of navigating crowded streets. Offered at a reasonable price of around $28, this one-hour electric bus tour promises a quick but picturesque glimpse into Brussels’ illuminated streets, highlighting Instagram-worthy spots and holiday highlights. If you’re after a convenient, family-friendly introduction to the city’s Christmas glow, this tour might be worth considering.

Two things we really like about this experience are the enclosed glass-roof bus, which keeps you warm while still offering clear views, and the focus on iconic illuminated locations like the Grand Place and Cinquantenaire Park. However, a potential drawback is that the tour’s duration of just 60 minutes limits how much ground it covers and how deeply you can explore each site. This makes it a good option for those with limited time or as a warm-up activity before heading out on foot. Overall, it suits travelers looking for a light, festive overview of Brussels’ Christmas lights, especially those who enjoy comfortable, guided tours with some chances for photos.

Key Points

• Comfortable electric bus with a glass roof offers warm, unobstructed views and good photo opportunities.
• Focus on Christmas lights and Instagrammable spots like De Brouckère, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Cinquantenaire Park.
• Includes self-guided walking tours afterward, exploring places like the Royal Galleries and Manneken Pis dressed in Santa.
• Affordable price point provides good value for a brief, scenic introduction to Brussels during the holiday season.
• Limited duration of around 1 hour makes it a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration.
• Starts at 7:00 pm and features live-guided commentary in English and French, with a festive playlist onboard.

An In-Depth Look at the Brussels Tootbus Christmas Tour

What You Get for Your Money

At approximately $27.78 per person, this tour offers a good bang for your buck if you’re interested in a guided, comfortable way to see Brussels’ Christmas lights. The price includes access to the self-guided Tootwalks after the bus ride, free Wi-Fi, and a Christmas playlist—little touches that enhance the festive mood without added cost.

However, it’s important to note that food and drinks are not included, nor are restrooms onboard, which could be a consideration if you’re sensitive to comfort or planning a longer day in the city.

The Transport: A Warm and Clear View

The electric bus with its glass roof is one of the tour’s highlights. Reviewers like cseabrook50 appreciated the design, noting, “bus is enclosed in a glass roof to keep you warm and windows slide open to take clear photos.” This thoughtful feature means you can remain cozy while snapping pictures of the illuminated cityscape—ideal for those Instagram shots or just capturing the magic of Brussels at Christmas.

The buses are small enough to create an intimate atmosphere, yet spacious enough for 55 travelers, which means you’ll likely avoid overly crowded conditions. The live-guided commentary in both English and French ensures you get a decent overview of what you’re seeing, with some light-hearted anecdotes and local insights.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See

The tour hits several of Brussels’ most notable locations, giving you a taste of the city’s holiday sparkle. Here’s what you can expect:

• Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site and often called “the most beautiful square in the world” by Victor Hugo. During Christmas, it transforms into a dazzling display of lights, with the city’s prettiest Christmas tree standing tall at its heart. This square is an absolute must-see, and the bus tour offers a quick but memorable view.
• European Quarter, home to the European Parliament and other institutions. While not as festive as other areas, it’s interesting to glimpse the governmental side of Brussels illuminated against the night.
• Parc du Cinquantenaire is a vast green space built to commemorate Belgian independence. During winter, it features holiday lights and possibly some festive events, which you can observe from the bus.
• Mont des Arts offers a green space below Place Royale, providing a peaceful contrast to the bustling city center. It’s a beautiful spot to see the city lights shimmer above.
• Flagey Square stands out as one of the largest squares, often lively during the holiday season.
• The Royal Palace, which functions as the King’s residence, is a striking sight when lit up at night, though you can only view it from a distance on this tour.
• Brussels Christmas Market at Grand Place, with its over 200 chalets, is part of ‘Winter Wonders’, the city’s lively holiday event. While you won’t have time for shopping or tasting the food stalls on the bus, the sights from the window set a festive mood.

The Post-Tour Tootwalks: Extending the Experience

After the bus tour, the journey continues on foot with Themed Walks exploring highlights like Place Saint-Michel, the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, and the playful Manneken Pis dressed as Santa. These walks are led by local guides who share stories and anecdotes, making the experience more engaging and authentic.

Reviewers have enjoyed these extra explorations, saying they offer a deeper sense of Brussels’ culture and history, especially around the holiday season. It’s a great way to extend your visit if you’re eager to see more and learn from locals.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• The tour begins promptly at 7:00 pm at Rue Antoine Dansaert 90. Arriving 15 minutes early is advisable, especially in winter when the weather can be chilly.
• Dress warmly—brilliantly obvious but worth emphasizing during December evenings. The glass roof helps retain heat, but layering remains essential.
• The tour is most suitable for most travelers, including families, thanks to its comfort and ease.
• Most reviews are positive, with some noting the good value for money and the quality of the views. One reviewer called it “worth the ride,” appreciating the clear photos possible through the glass roof.
• The tour ends back at the start point, making it easy to continue exploring on your own or grab a warm drink.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for those who want to enjoy Brussels’ Christmas lights without walking long distances or navigating the city’s sometimes confusing streets at night. It’s especially suitable for travelers with limited time, families with children, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, guided experience with plenty of photo opportunities.

If you’re a holiday enthusiast eager to see the city’s festive glow and get a quick overview of Brussels’ notable sites, this tour hits the mark. However, if you’re after a deeper exploration or plan to spend hours wandering, you might want to supplement this experience with other walking tours or visits.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For a cost-effective way to see Brussels’ illuminated landmarks, this Tootbus Christmas Tour offers a comfortable and scenic experience. Its key strength lies in the warm, glass-roof bus that allows you to relax and snap photos of the festive cityscape, making it an appealing choice during the cold winter months. With its focus on iconic locations like the Grand Place and Cinquantenaire Park, it provides a snapshot of Brussels’ holiday spirit.

While it’s not a comprehensive tour and the one-hour duration limits deep exploration, for many travelers, it’s a charming and convenient introduction to Brussels at Christmas. The post-tour walks add value for those wishing to extend their visit and deepen their understanding of the city’s culture and history.

This experience is best suited for visitors who want a light, guided overview with stunning views, especially if they’re short on time or prefer comfort over extensive walking. It’s a good choice for families, first-timers, or anyone looking for a festive highlight during their holiday trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The bus tour lasts approximately 1 hour, providing a quick overview of Brussels’ illuminated landmarks.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes access to the electric, glass-roof bus, live-guided commentary, free Wi-Fi, and the self-guided Tootwalks afterward with themed city explorations.

Can I hop off the bus during the tour?
No, this is a non-stop tour. If you want to explore specific sites more deeply, consider the subsequent Tootwalks or visiting on your own afterward.

Is the bus suitable for cold weather?
Yes, the bus is enclosed and features a glass roof to keep you warm, but dressing warmly is recommended, especially in winter evenings.

Are there restrooms onboard?
No, the tour does not include restroom facilities onboard, so plan accordingly before boarding.

What language is the commentary in?
The commentary is live and available in English and French, ensuring most travelers can follow along.

What happens after the bus tour?
You can join the themed walking tours exploring places like Place Saint-Michel, the Royal Galleries, and Manneken Pis dressed as Santa.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, and there are no onboard options for refreshments.

Where do I meet the tour?
The starting point is Rue Antoine Dansaert 90, and arriving 15 minutes early is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the comfortable bus ride and festive atmosphere make it family-friendly, though very young children should be supervised.

In all, the Brussels Tootbus Christmas Tour offers a cozy, picturesque way to experience the city’s holiday lights. It’s a practical choice for those wanting a taste of Brussels’ festive charm without a lot of fuss, especially if you appreciate good views, a relaxed pace, and some added walking exploration.