Brussels is a city that offers much more than its famous waffles and chocolate. Its compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, and its mix of historic sites, lively neighborhoods, and tasty treats means there’s a tour for every interest. We especially appreciate options like the Brussels by Bike: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour, which combines outdoor activity with sightseeing, or the Brussels: City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings, which turns eating into an adventure. Whether you’re into art, history, or just discovering where to find great food, Brussels has a tour that will suit your style.
To help you choose, we’ve rounded up the best city tours, each offering a unique way to experience Belgium’s capital. From self-guided scavenger hunts to comprehensive museum passes, these options showcase the city’s diverse appeal—so you can pick what fits your trip and interests best.
1. Brussels by Bike: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour
At number one on our list, the Brussels by Bike: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Tour is a perfect way to see Brussels from a different perspective. For 3.5 hours, you’ll glide through the city on a guided bike tour that covers both well-known sights and lesser-visited streets. The tour includes the chance to choose a comfortable bike from a wide selection, making it accessible for many travelers. Your guide leads you through historic districts, giving context to the stunning architecture and lively neighborhoods.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance of city highlights and quiet, charming backstreets. It’s a lively, outdoor activity that combines exercise with sightseeing, ideal for active travelers who want an authentic experience. The inclusion of a cozy café break offers a chance to relax and chat with fellow adventurers. With a high rating of 4.8/5 from over 420 reviews and a cost of $41 per person, it offers excellent value. The ride is suitable for most fitness levels and offers a fun way to explore the city’s layered past and vibrant present.
Bottom Line: If you like being outdoors and want an energetic, flexible way to see Brussels, this bike tour is a top choice.
2. Brussels: City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings
Topping our list at number two, the Brussels: City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings is an excellent way to explore Brussels through its culinary delights. Spanning around three hours, this walking tour takes you to the best local food spots, providing plenty of samples—both savory and sweet. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone interested in tasting authentic Belgian specialties like waffles, chocolates, or local cheeses.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour is praised for its engaging commentary and personalized food choices, including options for vegetarians. Reviewers often mention the highly friendly and informed guides, like Chloe and Olivia, who enrich the experience with local recommendations. The tour’s reviews highlight the quality and variety of tastings, as well as the opportunity to learn about Belgian culture through its cuisine. With a 4.9/5 rating from 187 reviews, it offers outstanding value, especially for first-time visitors who want a taste of everything.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and curious travelers, this tour combines delicious samples with a lively walk around Brussels’ historic center.
3. Brussels: City Card with STIB Public Transportation
At number three, the Brussels: City Card with STIB Public Transportation provides a practical way to access many of the city’s top attractions. Valid for 1 to 3 days, this card grants free entry to 49 museums and discounts on tours, restaurants, and shops. It also includes unlimited use of Brussels’ public transit system, making it easy to hop between sites without extra cost.
Reviewers appreciate how the card allows them to maximize their sightseeing time, fitting in many museums like the Magritte Museum or the Museum of the City of Brussels. The flexibility of using trams, buses, and metro makes exploring more relaxed. While some travelers mention the city feels somewhat worn in places, the access to a wide range of museums and attractions makes this a solid choice for culturally minded visitors on a budget.
Bottom Line: If you plan to visit multiple museums and want easy transportation, the Brussels City Card offers great convenience and value.
4. e-Scavenger Hunt Brussels: Explore the City at Your Own Pace
Number four brings a modern twist with the e-Scavenger Hunt Brussels. Ideal for groups or families, this self-guided experience uses an app to turn sightseeing into a game. Over approximately three hours, you’ll answer questions and solve clues, all while exploring the city on foot. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and see the sights at their own pace.
This tour stands out because it’s flexible—no fixed schedule, just download the app and go. Reviewers find it a fun, engaging way to learn about Brussels’ history and culture while avoiding the usual bus or walking tour crowds. The GPS-led map keeps you on track, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The main benefit is independence combined with an educational experience, making it ideal for families or tech-savvy travelers.
Bottom Line: This self-guided scavenger hunt offers a fun, interactive way to discover Brussels without the stress of a group tour schedule.
5. Brussels: Private City Tour on Bike with Drink Stop
Number five on our list features the Private City Tour on Bike with Drink Stop. This 3-hour tour is tailored for those who want a personalized experience. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore neighborhoods like Sablon, Marolles, and Place Royale, with stops to admire street art, historic buildings, and comic strip murals.
What makes this tour special is its private setting—perfect for couples, families, or small groups. You’ll enjoy a relaxing break in a local square with a soft drink, adding a leisurely pace to the ride. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary that balances cultural sights with fun stops. The tour offers insights into Brussels’ industrial past and modern urban renewal, making it suitable for history and art enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: For a customized, relaxed exploration of Brussels with a local touch, this private bike tour is hard to beat.
6. Brussels: Belgian Beer World Entry & Digital City Tour
Finally, the Belgian Beer World Entry & Digital City Tour is a perfect choice for beer lovers and those wanting a flexible way to discover Brussels. This one-day experience combines entry to a vibrant beer museum with an optional digital tour of the city, accessible via smartphone. It’s a great way to learn about Belgium’s beer-making heritage while enjoying a freshly poured beer with panoramic city views.
This tour offers immersive exhibits and interactive elements that appeal to visitors interested in brewing secrets and Belgian beer culture. The digital city tour upgrade allows you to explore Brussels at your own pace, using your phone for commentary and navigation. It’s a fun, casual way to combine education and relaxation, especially for travelers who prefer not to be tied to a strict schedule.
Bottom Line: For beer aficionados and flexible explorers, this combo offers a unique taste of Brussels’ brewing tradition alongside sightseeing.
How to Choose Your Perfect Brussels Tour
When deciding among these options, think about your interests and travel style. Budget travelers may find the City Card offers great value if you plan to visit several museums and attractions. Active travelers who enjoy outdoors should consider the Bike Tour, while food lovers will relish the Food Tasting Tour. Families or groups seeking fun and independence might prefer the Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt, whereas those interested in a personalized experience should look at the Private Bike Tour. Lastly, beer enthusiasts should consider the Belgian Beer Museum + Digital City Tour.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak season, and consider combining multiple experiences if time allows for a richer visit. Most tours are flexible, but check availability and start times in advance.
Final Thoughts
Brussels offers a variety of ways to explore its streets, tastes, and sights. Whether you prefer active biking, a leisurely food walk, or a museum pass, there’s an option for every interest and schedule. For those who want an energetic outdoor experience, the Brussels by Bike is a standout. Foodies should consider the guided tastings, and culture lovers will find the City Card perfect for museum hopping.
No matter what you choose, these tours make it easier to see Brussels through local eyes, ensuring you leave with memorable stories—possibly including that perfect piece of Belgian chocolate or the best comic strip mural. Book your favorite now, and enjoy your trip to this dynamic, surprisingly varied city.