Brussels Historical Walking Tour: The Story and Legends of Grand Place, Manneken Pis & More
by Legends Free Walking Tours Brussels
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€2.99Overview
This historical walking tour of Brussels lasts about two and a half hours and covers several important sites in the city center. The tour begins at the Grand Place, where the guide meets participants in front of the Town Hall holding a red umbrella. Visitors spend approximately fifteen minutes learning about the guildhalls and the architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The group then walks to the area near the Comic Art Museum to see colorful murals featuring characters like Tintin and the Smurfs, which highlight Brussels' comic heritage. Next, the tour stops at the Manneken Pis statue, a small bronze figure from the 17th century, where the guide shares its story and legends. The route continues to the Church of St Nicolas, one of the oldest churches in Brussels with 12th-century origins and a history involving the city's former belltower. Afterward, the group visits the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, a well-known opera house noted for its architecture and cultural significance. The tour includes a stop at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, featuring boutiques, theaters, and cafes. Participants then explore the Saint-Géry Island district, a former market area now known for its nightlife, bars, restaurants, and cultural venues. The tour proceeds to the cathedral built in Brabant Gothic style from the 13th century, where the guide explains some of the legends connected to the site. Next is Royal Park, a green space located between the Royal Palace and the Belgian Parliament, offering a peaceful environment. The group then visits Royal Square, dominated by the statue of King Albert I and surrounded by neoclassical buildings including the Royal Palace and Belgian Parliament. The tour concludes at Mont des Arts, providing a view over Brussels near the main square. The tour is led by local professional guides and includes all fees and taxes. Food, drinks, and tips for the guide are not included. Guides work on a volunteer basis and accept cash tips. The tour runs daily in any weather, so suitable clothing is recommended.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Grand Place
The tour starts at Brussels' central square, Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring elaborate guildhalls and the Town Hall with Gothic and Baroque design. The guide will be waiting in front of the city hall with a red umbrella.
15 min
Comic Art Museum - Brussels
This stop highlights Brussels' comic book culture with outdoor murals of famous characters such as Tintin and the Smurfs that decorate the city streets.
15 min
Manneken Pis
Visitors see the small bronze statue of a boy urinating, which dates back to the 17th century and is a well-known Brussels landmark.
10 min
Church of St Nicolas
One of the oldest churches in Brussels, Saint Nicholas was built in the 12th century. It once had the only belltower in the city, symbolizing Brussels' wealth and independence.
10 min
Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie
The group visits this renowned opera house known for its architectural grandeur and quality performances.
15 min
Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
One of the world's oldest shopping arcades, this gallery houses luxury shops, theaters, and cafes in an elegant setting.
10 min
Saint-Géry Island
A former market area turned trendy district with bars, restaurants, and cultural venues that contribute to Brussels' nightlife.
15 min
Brabant Gothic Cathedral
The tour includes a visit to a cathedral built in the 13th century featuring Brabant Gothic style and linked to local legends.
15 min
Royal Park
Located between the Royal Palace and Belgian Parliament, this green area offers a quiet place for relaxation amidst the city.
15 min
Royal Square
This historical square features the statue of King Albert I and is surrounded by neoclassical buildings including the Royal Palace and Parliament.
15 min
Mont des Arts
The final stop provides a view over Brussels from the Mount of Arts, close to the main square.
15 min
Meeting point
The tour starts in front of the city hall on the main square (Grote Markt). Look out for the red umbrella!
End point
The tour ends on top of the Mount of Arts, a 10 min walk from the starting point, with a beautiful view over the city.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Brussels Historical Walking Tour: The Story and Legends of Grand Place, Manneken Pis & More
by Legends Free Walking Tours Brussels
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€2.99Overview
This historical walking tour of Brussels lasts about two and a half hours and covers several important sites in the city center. The tour begins at the Grand Place, where the guide meets participants in front of the Town Hall holding a red umbrella. Visitors spend approximately fifteen minutes learning about the guildhalls and the architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The group then walks to the area near the Comic Art Museum to see colorful murals featuring characters like Tintin and the Smurfs, which highlight Brussels' comic heritage. Next, the tour stops at the Manneken Pis statue, a small bronze figure from the 17th century, where the guide shares its story and legends. The route continues to the Church of St Nicolas, one of the oldest churches in Brussels with 12th-century origins and a history involving the city's former belltower. Afterward, the group visits the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, a well-known opera house noted for its architecture and cultural significance. The tour includes a stop at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, featuring boutiques, theaters, and cafes. Participants then explore the Saint-Géry Island district, a former market area now known for its nightlife, bars, restaurants, and cultural venues. The tour proceeds to the cathedral built in Brabant Gothic style from the 13th century, where the guide explains some of the legends connected to the site. Next is Royal Park, a green space located between the Royal Palace and the Belgian Parliament, offering a peaceful environment. The group then visits Royal Square, dominated by the statue of King Albert I and surrounded by neoclassical buildings including the Royal Palace and Belgian Parliament. The tour concludes at Mont des Arts, providing a view over Brussels near the main square. The tour is led by local professional guides and includes all fees and taxes. Food, drinks, and tips for the guide are not included. Guides work on a volunteer basis and accept cash tips. The tour runs daily in any weather, so suitable clothing is recommended.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Grand Place
The tour starts at Brussels' central square, Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring elaborate guildhalls and the Town Hall with Gothic and Baroque design. The guide will be waiting in front of the city hall with a red umbrella.
15 min
Comic Art Museum - Brussels
This stop highlights Brussels' comic book culture with outdoor murals of famous characters such as Tintin and the Smurfs that decorate the city streets.
15 min
Manneken Pis
Visitors see the small bronze statue of a boy urinating, which dates back to the 17th century and is a well-known Brussels landmark.
10 min
Church of St Nicolas
One of the oldest churches in Brussels, Saint Nicholas was built in the 12th century. It once had the only belltower in the city, symbolizing Brussels' wealth and independence.
10 min
Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie
The group visits this renowned opera house known for its architectural grandeur and quality performances.
15 min
Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
One of the world's oldest shopping arcades, this gallery houses luxury shops, theaters, and cafes in an elegant setting.
10 min
Saint-Géry Island
A former market area turned trendy district with bars, restaurants, and cultural venues that contribute to Brussels' nightlife.
15 min
Brabant Gothic Cathedral
The tour includes a visit to a cathedral built in the 13th century featuring Brabant Gothic style and linked to local legends.
15 min
Royal Park
Located between the Royal Palace and Belgian Parliament, this green area offers a quiet place for relaxation amidst the city.
15 min
Royal Square
This historical square features the statue of King Albert I and is surrounded by neoclassical buildings including the Royal Palace and Parliament.
15 min
Mont des Arts
The final stop provides a view over Brussels from the Mount of Arts, close to the main square.
15 min
Meeting point
The tour starts in front of the city hall on the main square (Grote Markt). Look out for the red umbrella!
End point
The tour ends on top of the Mount of Arts, a 10 min walk from the starting point, with a beautiful view over the city.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.