Brussels
Historic city of Belgian elegance
Where medieval charm meets modern European spirit
Grand Place
Step into the heart of Brussels with a visit to its most magnificent landmark. Admire this UNESCO World Heritage site with its ornate guildhalls, the stunning Town Hall, and opulent Maison du Roi. Experience this 17th-century architectural masterpiece surrounded by cafés and chocolate shops, embodying the grandeur and cultural richness of Belgium's historic capital.
Atomium Monument
One of Brussels' distinctive landmarks, created for the 1958 World's Fair. Standing at 102 meters tall with nine interconnected stainless steel spheres, it represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Visit exhibitions within its spheres, enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top sphere, and appreciate this iconic symbol of scientific progress and Belgian innovation.
Charming Sablon District
Wander cobblestone streets where artisans and chocolatiers showcase their crafts. Discover hidden antique shops, the stunning Gothic Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon, and elegant townhouses. On weekends, explore the famous antique market and enjoy Belgian waffles or chocolates at traditional cafés in this picturesque neighborhood.
Great Days out and see Brussels
Historic Elegance & Modern European Union Capital
Yes, a weekend is sufficient to explore Brussels' main highlights. In two days, you can visit Grand Place (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace, Atomium, Mini-Europe, and sample local delicacies. A well-organized weekend itinerary allows you to experience the city's historic centre, museums, and culinary highlights while still having time to enjoy the café culture.
The best time to visit Brussels is during late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer tourists than summer months. Summer (July-August) offers more events and festivals but comes with larger crowds. Winter, especially December, brings charming Christmas markets and festive decorations that transform the city into a magical destination, though temperatures can be cold.
Absolutely! Brussels offers numerous specialized chocolate and beer tours catering to all levels of interest. For chocolate lovers, guided walking tours take you to renowned chocolatiers where you can learn about Belgian chocolate-making traditions and enjoy tastings. Beer enthusiasts can join brewery tours or pub crawls exploring Belgium's centuries-old brewing heritage, with opportunities to sample various Belgian beer styles from Trappist ales to lambics. These tours can be customized for different group sizes and preferences.
Yes, both the European Parliament and European Commission welcome visitors and offer guided tours for groups. The European Parliament's Hemicycle in Brussels can be visited free of charge, with guided tours available in all 24 official EU languages when booked in advance. Groups of 10 or more should reserve at least 8 weeks ahead through the official website. The European Commission's Visitors' Centre also offers free group tours of the Berlaymont building, typically lasting 1.5-2 hours, where you'll learn about EU policy-making and the Commission's role. Security clearance is required for both institutions, so all visitors need to provide identification details in advance. These tours offer fascinating insights into the EU's operations and are particularly educational for students and those interested in European politics.
Weekend Tour to Brussels:
Explore magnificent Grand Place, historic architecture, and world-famous chocolate shops, and experience vibrant café culture in this charming European capital full of history and flavour.
Sample itinerary
Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes and cultural requirements
1
Morning
Afternoon
Afternoon departure via Eurostar to Brussels and hotel check in.Evening
After check in, early evening walking tour of Brussels and group will see the Grand Place, Mannequin Pis, Cathedral St Michel and more. Ovenight stay.2
Morning
After breakfast group travel to European Commission or European Parliament for a visit to see the day to day operations of these European institutions.Afternoon
After group's visit to European parliament or commission, group can opt for a visit to the Atomium Monument or mini-Europe or simply explore the city centre at their leisure.Evening
Group stay in the centre of Brussels to explore at their leisure and can try some authentic Belgian delicacies before overnight stay.3
Morning
After breakfast, group spend time in the centre before making their way to Brussels train station for return Eurostar.Afternoon
Group take Eurostar train back to London and onwards travel to home city if needed.Evening
End of Tour.Price includes
- Return transport via Executive coach
- Experienced Tour Guide throughout
- Amazing Day Out
The visits shown in the sample itinerary above are not included in your quoted price unless indicated. If you would like to add any of these activities to your quote price, please get in touch.
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers departing from selected departure points on selected dates and is subject to availability.
Optional Extra Activities Paid Admissions
- Atomium – Visit this iconic Brussels landmark, a unique 102-meter-tall structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, offering panoramic views of the city from its upper spheres and interactive exhibitions about Belgium’s history.
- Mini-Europe – Explore detailed 1:25 scale models of Europe’s most famous monuments and landmarks, featuring 350 miniatures including Brussels’ own Grand Place, complete with sound effects and animations.
- Belgian Beer Experience – Participate in a guided tasting tour at the Brussels Beer Project or traditional breweries, sampling a variety of authentic Belgian beers while learning about the country’s centuries-old brewing traditions.
- Chocolate Museum & Workshop – Discover the history of Belgian chocolate at the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, followed by a hands-on praline-making workshop with master chocolatiers to create your own Belgian treats.
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts – Admire masterpieces by Flemish Primitives, Bruegel, Rubens, and Magritte across six museums housed in this impressive complex, showcasing Belgium’s rich artistic heritage.
Top visits for groups in Brussels
Brussels is waiting for you!
A historic and amazing escape to the capital of the European Union