City Essentials: First Day

5.0 (382)

Brussels Uncovered: A First Look at the City

3 hours English

5.0 (382) 100% Personalized

Explore Brussels beyond the must-sees—uncover hidden details, soak in history, and enjoy local flavors at a relaxed, flexible pace.

Senna

Tyler

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

3 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Transport Mode:

Walking experience (may use public transport for long distances)

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Meeting point:

Grand Place, Grand-Place de Bruxelles, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring:

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials
Cash is not accepted on Brussels public transport. If needed, use a contactless payment method (Apple Pay, Google Pay, bank card) or a STIB/MIVB travel card for fares.

What’s Included:

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s Excluded:

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

What makes it special

From the grandeur of Grand Place to secret bookstore corners, street art enclaves, and rooftop views, this flexible journey brings Brussels’ history, flavors, and culture to life—your way.

Key Highlights:

Admire the golden façades of Grand Place before the crowds arrive
Taste locally loved pralines inside a historic shopping arcade
Wander past street art and hidden Art Nouveau gems in Saint-Géry
Enjoy a panoramic view of Brussels from Mont des Arts
Sip coffee with skyline views at a rooftop café, no ticket needed
End with Belgian fries, waffles, or a local Half-en-Half at a 19th-century brasserie

What travelers think of this experience

Mark 1 November 2025

What tour is Brussels would be complete without a stop to the little boy statue...and the dog statue.. and the mostly unknown little girl statue?? On our tour we saw all three. Fabio was excellent in showing us around the city and giving us great tips on what the locals do. The encyclopedia of information that he had on all the buildings in the square was impressive. By far the best bit of local info was the Madagascar restaurant he showed us to check out for dinner. It was by far the best meal we had there.

Diane 1 November 2025

Our Guide Fabio was AMAZING! He was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour so much FUN. We saw a lot of intersting things and learned a lot about the area. A must do in Brussels~!!

Adam 1 October 2025

Sebastian: The King of Brussels (and Possibly of Waffles) If you think you’ve seen Brussels by simply walking its streets, think again until you’ve wandered it with Sebastian. Within minutes, he had us laughing, learning, and falling slightly in love with a city that’s equal parts chocolate, politics, and comic books. Sebastian doesn’t just know Brussels he lives it. Every alleyway has a secret, every statue has a scandal, and every waffle apparently has a spiritual message (who knew?). He somehow managed to weave history, humor, and local gossip into a walking tour that felt more like hanging out with your delightfully witty Belgian cousin who happens to know everything.

Michele 1 October 2025

Fabio was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Highly recommend his tour.

Kathy 1 October 2025

Great overview for first time Brussels visitors. You learn about current political events, history and architecture or whatever your interests are.

Angie 1 October 2025

He was an excellent guide with vast knowledge of the coty and its history

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Grand Place, Grand-Place de Bruxelles, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Grand Place – A Historic Square with 360° Views

One of Europe’s most breathtaking squares, steeped in centuries of history.

Brussels Uncovered: A First Look at the City

Take in the full 360° view of this UNESCO-listed square, surrounded by ornate guild houses and the impressive Town Hall. Keep an eye out for hidden details, like the golden phoenix atop Maison du Cygne.

Galeries Royales – Chocolate & Timeless Elegance

Stroll through a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade with hidden gems.

Step into a glass-roofed arcade with pralines, bookstores, and boutiques showcasing Brussels' elegance. If you fancy, enjoy a quick praline tasting—one of the city’s sweetest traditions.

Saint-Géry – Street Art, Local Vibes & Markets

A creative hub blending history, cafés, and colorful murals.

Once an island in the Senne River, Saint-Géry is now a buzzing area filled with street art and Art Nouveau details. Duck into Halles Saint-Géry, a former market hall hosting cultural pop-ups.

Mont des Arts – The City’s Best Panoramic View

A breathtaking viewpoint framed by elegant gardens and grand architecture.

Take a moment to soak in the sweeping view, where Brussels’ rooftops and the Town Hall tower meet the horizon. If you like, enjoy a quiet coffee at the MIM Rooftop Café—no museum ticket required!

Café Le Cirio – A Classic Brussels Food Stop

A historic 1886 brasserie, perfect for a relaxed Belgian treat.

Step into old-world charm and try local favorites like crispy Belgian fries, light Brussels waffles, or the Half-en-Half—a unique blend of white wine and champagne, loved by those in the know.

Real Stories, Real Connections

Enchanted Autumn Nook: A Witchy Welcome

Skyward Dreams: The Ferris Wheel's Embrace

Enchanting Evening Strolls in a Gilded Gallery

Majestic Gothic Wonder: A Day at the Cathedral

Sunlit Monument: A Golden Evening Encounter

Architectural Elegance Under a Sapphire Sky

Majestic Elegance Amidst the Clouds

Tranquil Morning in the Heart of Brussels

Cathedral Chorus: Where Light Meets Faith

Sunlit Smiles in the Heart of Brussels

Brussels from Above: A Skyline Worth Climbing For

Sunshine & Street Views: A Perfect Afternoon at Mont des Arts

Green Strolls and Grand Stories in the Royal Quarter

A Cultural Pause with the Grand Place as the Backdrop

Moules-frites and Memories: A Family Feast in Brussels

Drizzly Days, Warm Conversations: Brussels in the Rain

Neon Nights & Gothic Lights: Grand Place After Dark

A Brussels Family Affair: Bright Smiles, Blue Skies

Wandering with Wonder: An Afternoon of Hidden Corners

Shared Curiosity in Every Step: Faces of Discovery

Stepping Back in Time in the Heart of Brussels

Skyline Conversations Above Brussels

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Absolutely. Your host can adjust the itinerary on the day based on your pace, energy, or any new ideas you have. It’s a flexible experience from start to finish.

Will we enter attractions, or just explore from the outside?

That’s up to you! Some experiences include visits inside attractions, while others focus on the city's culture and atmosphere, which can be hard to truly experience without someone who knows the city inside out.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your experience will still go ahead, and your host will adapt the day to suit the conditions. One of the great things about City Unscripted is that no two experiences are the same, and your host knows the city well enough to find great “rainy day” alternatives.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

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$112.88 Per person incl.
taxes & fees

$112.88

per person
including taxes & fees

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This experience will be tailored just for you

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★★★★★

Carly

Dec 2025

Anna packed a ton into our day! From history to art to food plus gave us ideas on our own for the next day.

Tony

Adriana felt like more than a tour guide, from the moment we met Adriana outside our hotel we felt like we were walking with a friend we had known for a long time.

Melanie

Dennis is an amazing guide! He is very knowledgeable and worked hard to show us a great time. We love everywhere he took us and all the food. He introduced us too.