How to Plan Your Architecture Tour of Brussels

Are you planning a trip to Brussels and want to explore the city’s stunning architecture? One of the best ways to do so is to book an Architecture Tour of Brussels with a local architect and guide. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your tour.

Overview

The Architecture Tour of Brussels is a group tour led by a local architect and guide, Jamal. Over the course of the tour, you’ll visit some of the city’s top architectural landmarks, including Grand Place, Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Place De Brouckereplein, Notre Dame du Sablon, and Mont des Arts. During the tour, Jamal will share insights into the city’s architectural history, explaining how its buildings have evolved over the past five centuries.

What’s Included

The tour includes a professional and local guide, as well as transportation to the various landmarks. You’ll meet Jamal at the designated meeting point, Godiva Grand Place, located at Grand Place 21/22 in Brussels. The tour begins at 8:00 PM and ends back at the meeting point.

What to Expect

During the tour, you’ll visit several of the city’s top landmarks, each with its distinctive architectural style. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to see:

Grand Place

The tour begins at Grand Place, a magnificent square surrounded by some of Brussels’ most iconic buildings. Here, you’ll see the Gothic-style Town Hall, as well as the stunning Guildhalls, each with its unique design.

Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

From Grand Place, the tour moves on to Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful covered arcade lined with elegant shops and cafes. The arcade is particularly famous for its stunning glass ceiling.

Place De Brouckereplein

The tour continues to Place De Brouckereplein, a bustling square featuring several notable landmarks, including the Brouckere Tower and the Centre Monnaie shopping center.

Notre Dame du Sablon

Next, the tour stops at Notre Dame du Sablon, a stunning Gothic-style church with intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows.

Mont des Arts

Finally, the tour concludes at Mont des Arts, a hill overlooking the city with breathtaking panoramic views. Here, you’ll have a chance to take photos and enjoy the incredible scenery.

Booking Your Tour

To book your Architecture Tour of Brussels with Jamal, visit the Viator website at book the tour here. Remember, the tour begins at Godiva Grand Place, so be sure to arrive on time!

FAQ about Brussels

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is known for its rich history, culinary scene, and architecture. As a popular tourist destination, it is natural for travelers to have a lot of questions about this fascinating city. Here are some frequently asked questions about Brussels:

1. What is the best time to visit Brussels?

Brussels is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the months of April to June or September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. The summer months of July and August can be hot and crowded, while the winter months of December to February can be cold and wet.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Brussels?

There are a lot of things to see and do in Brussels, but some of the top attractions include: – The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Manneken Pis, a small statue of a urinating boy – Atomium, a unique steel structure in the shape of an atom – Mini-Europe, a miniature park featuring the famous landmarks of Europe – Royal Palace of Brussels, the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium – Brussels Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city

3. Is Brussels a safe city for tourists?

Brussels is a safe city for tourists, but like any other popular city, visitors should take precautions to avoid any petty theft or pickpocketing. It is also recommended to stick to well-lit and busy areas, especially at night.

4. What is the currency used in Brussels?

The official currency of Brussels, and Belgium as a whole, is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and most major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops.

5. What is Brussels famous for?

Brussels is famous for its chocolate, beer, waffles, and fries. It is also known for its impressive architecture, including Gothic and Baroque buildings, as well as its political significance as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.

6. What is the best way to get around Brussels?

The best way to get around Brussels is on foot or by using public transportation. The city has an extensive metro and bus system, as well as trams and trains. Visitors can purchase a Brussels Card, which provides unlimited access to public transportation, as well as discounts to many attractions.

7. What is the legal drinking age in Brussels?

The legal drinking age in Brussels, and Belgium as a whole, is 18 years old. However, it is not uncommon to see minors drinking alcohol in public places, such as parks and squares.

8. What are some traditional Belgian dishes to try in Brussels?

Belgium is known for its culinary scene, and visitors to Brussels should try some of the local dishes, such as: – Moules-frites (mussels and fries) – Carbonade flamande (beef stew) – Waterzooi (fish or chicken stew) – Stoemp (mashed potatoes and vegetables) – Speculoos (spiced cookies)

9. Is English widely spoken in Brussels?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Brussels, especially in tourist areas and by younger generations. However, it is always polite to learn some basic French or Dutch phrases before visiting, as these are the official languages of Belgium.

10. What is the voltage and electrical outlet type in Brussels?

The voltage in Brussels, and in Belgium as a whole, is 230 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hertz. The electrical outlet type used in Brussels is Type E, which has two round prongs with a grounding pin. Visitors from other countries may need a voltage converter and an adapter to use their electronic devices.

Book Your Tour Now

Brussels is a fascinating city with a rich history, unique architecture, and delicious cuisine. Visiting this Belgian capital city can be an exciting experience, but it is always helpful to have some basic information beforehand. By following these frequently asked questions about Brussels, travelers can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Brussels

Brussels is a beautiful city that is full of culture, history, and excitement. It is the capital of Belgium and is often known as the capital of the European Union. There are a lot of things that you can do while in Brussels, from exploring magnificent museums to trying out some of the most delicious Belgian chocolates. In this guide, we will provide you with some ideas on how to spend your time as a tourist in Brussels.

1. Visit the Grand Place

The Grand Place is one of the most visited sites in Brussels, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This beautiful square is home to the stunning Gothic City Hall, and you can enjoy some of the best Belgian waffles, chocolate, and beer in the area. There are also a lot of cafes and restaurants around, where you can sit back and relax while taking in the stunning architecture that surrounds you.

2. Explore the Atomium

The Atomium is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels, and it is shaped like a giant atom. This iconic building is home to a museum that explores the history of science and technology. You can also enjoy some breath-taking views of the city from the top of the Atomium. It is an excellent destination for children and adults alike, and you can spend a whole day here exploring the various exhibitions.

3. Take a Bicycle Tour

One of the best ways to explore the city of Brussels is by taking a bicycle tour. You can rent a bike and join a tour group that will take you through some of the most iconic sites in the city, such as the Royal Palace and the EU Commission. You will also get to explore lesser-known areas such as the Marolles and Sablon neighborhoods. It is an excellent way to see the city from a local’s perspective.

4. Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

If you are an art lover, then the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a must-see destination. It is home to more than 20,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings, including works by Belgian artists such as Pieter Bruegel and René Magritte. The museum also houses one of the finest collections of ancient art in Europe.

5. Discover Belgian Chocolate

Belgium is known for producing some of the world’s finest chocolates, and there is no better place to sample them than in Brussels. You can visit various chocolate shops such as Neuhaus and Godiva, where you can taste some delicious Belgian chocolate truffles and pralines. You can even take a workshop to learn the basics of chocolate making.

6. Visit Mini-Europe

If you want to explore Europe’s most prominent landmarks without leaving Brussels, visit Mini-Europe. It is a miniature amusement park that features miniature models of famous landmarks from all over Europe such as the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Big Ben. You can also take a miniature train that travels through various countries.

7. Enjoy a Beer Tasting

Belgium is known for producing some of the world’s finest beers, and Brussels has a lot of beer cafes where you can taste them all. You can visit the Delirium Cafe, which is famous for having over 2,000 different types of beer on its menu. You can also take a tour of the Cantillon Brewery, which produces an exclusive type of beer called sour beer.

8. Discover the Comic Book Route

Brussels is famous for being the birthplace of Tintin, and you can explore the Comic Book Route to discover more about the Belgian comic book culture. The Comic Book Route is a trail of comic book murals located throughout Brussels, which showcases some of the famous Belgian comic book characters such as The Smurfs and Lucky Luke.

9. Visit the Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a little boy urinating, and it is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels. The statue has become a symbol of the city’s rebellious spirit, and it has been dressed up in various costumes throughout the year. You can also visit the museum located opposite the statue to learn more about its history. In conclusion, Brussels is a fascinating city with a lot to offer its visitors. This guide provides you with just a few ideas on how to spend your time as a tourist in Brussels. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just good food, you are sure to find something that suits you in this beautiful city.