Looking to brush up on your cultural knowledge of the city whilst getting your stroll on? Well, look no further. From old crime walks to exploring architectural Art Nouveau beauties, this list has you covered.
Brussels Crime tour (city centre)
This organised walking tour will take you through the nooks and crannies of Brussels' historic centre and soak in the stories of the 19th and 20th centuries.
An array of anecdotes such as the legend of the Devil's Corner, the crime of the Saint-Géry square, and a story of the 'Mort Subite' will be shared to immerse wanderers in the dark history of the city.
Credit: (left) Les Halles Saint Géry, (right) My Guide Brussels
Learn about the society and customs of the city that dates back to Europe's dark ages and its experience with violence, honour, revenge, passion, and villainy.
Find more here.
Pro Velo Cycling tours (various locations)
The organisation that aims to make "cycling accessible to all" hosts a plethora of tours in varying neighbourhoods throughout the Brussels region for adults, children, and everybody in between.
Discover the route of Brussels' covered Senne river, the greenery of Watermael-Boitsfort, and catch a glimpse of the city's definitive sports scene, all on two wheels.
Credit: Pro Velo
Grab the opportunity to attend a Pro Velo 'Maintain your Bike' workshop in the meantime.
Find more here.
Alternative Brussels - 1000 Years of Struggle tour (Marolles)
The working class district of Marolles is home to decades (if not centuries) of rebellious sentiment.
Its cobbled streets have been walked by past and present communities who have all fought back against injustice – notably opposition, diseases, wars, poverty, gentrification, globalisation, and more. All stories align to illustrate the struggles of the urban quarter.
Credit: Visit Brussels
During the tour, you will learn about the tales of the streets, among others, the 1969 'Battle of the Marolles' and the 1989 'Mattress Wars',
Find more here.
Sustainable Brussels Ecosafari (Canal district)
Traverse Brussels' up-and-coming Canal district bursting at its seams with shops, street art murals, urban farms, and alternative scenes with a cosy sized crew. The tour centres on themes of societies uniting to develop environmentally aware lifestyles within urban spaces.
Credit: Visit Brussels
Walkers can connect with fellow eco-conscious minded individuals over the three hours which the group covers 5 stops.
Find more here.
Brussels vs Brusselization tour (city centre)
The tour delves into the infamous urban planning phenomenon – Brusselization – which took over the Belgian Capital following the Second World War. During the tour, you will learn Brussels' uniquely functionalist landscape, explore the historic city centre, the Leopold district, the inner ring roads, the station areas, and beyond.
Credit: Visit Brussels
The tour looks into the processes of rapid urbanisation as well as the combination of old and new buildings dotting the scene that "constitute[s] an important architectural heritage for Brussels."
Find more here.
ARAU Art Nouveau tours (various locations)
The Urban Research and Action Workshop, ARAU, campaigns for protection of Brussels' historical buildings. They also offer walking tours of Brussels' most well-loved Art Nouveau structures in the neighbourhoods of Saint-Gilles, Louise, and Forest.
Top features include the Villa Beau-Site, Victor Horta’s Tassel House, and works from renowned architects Ernest Blérot, Paul Hamesse, Armand Van Waesberghe, and Paul Hankar.
Credit: Visit Brussels
Embrace the weird and wonderful wrought-iron gems on the two-hour long stroll.
Find more here.
