Brussels Walking Tour Review: Highlights & Waffle Tasting

Brussels Walking Tour Review: Highlights & Waffle Tasting

Brussels Walking Tour Review: Highlights & Waffle Tasting

Brussels Walking Tour Review: Highlights & Waffle Tasting

So, you know, Brussels – that city is often mentioned in the same breath as chocolate and beer, but there is absolutely much more to it than just those sweet treats, I think. Very recently, I took a stroll through the heart of Belgium, specifically through a guided walking tour that promised to deliver all of the city’s famous spots plus the incredibly important and essential experience of enjoying an actual genuine Brussels waffle. Did it live up to the hype? Very well, let me give you the details, as they say.

What to Expect on the Walking Tour

Manneken Pis Brussels

For example, imagine you are stepping into a world where history and tasty eats meet in a very captivating way, basically. This Brussels Highlights Walking Bus Tour isn’t like your slightly typical walking tour, so it seems, is that you, yet, get to see a whole host of city landmarks and get a yummy waffle tasting experience along the way. A little more specifically, the tour covers spots, arguably some which could be Grand Place, Manneken Pis (of course!), the Royal Palace, and several cool hidden places that might be easily missed if you’re going solo, it turns out. Typically, tours such as these last around three hours, which actually feels like the correct amount of time to see the major attractions without feeling like you’re running a marathon, which is actually a lot more helpful than you might realize. What is more, very importantly, you are given all of this background history on each place from your guide; stories that, really, bring the city’s past to life, I suppose.

The Grand Place: A Sight to Behold

Architecture Grand Place Brussels

First, let’s chat about Grand Place, as I was saying. Often called the most breathtaking square in Europe, this place actually lives up to that big claim, as a matter of fact. So, to me, the buildings that surround the square are, quite honestly, architectural eye-candy. Like your eye is on a lovely candy treat or something. It isn’t only just looking though. Apparently, the guide shares some stories about the history of the square; events and anecdotes which paint the square not just like your cluster of buildings but as an actual living place that’s been there for centuries. Think guilds forming, events that went down long ago; history actually comes to life. Basically, if you are even slightly interested in history, this spot is just totally worth your while, it seems. Very, very beautiful place.

Manneken Pis: More Than Just a Statue

Manneken Pis Costumes

Manneken Pis… who doesn’t know this tiny peeing statue? But do you actually understand why it’s important? Very well, our tour guide offered several theories, but anyway, that local stories have evolved around the statue, giving it a meaning that stretches farther than its rather smaller size. Like it’s bigger than it is, metaphorically, I guess. It seems it can actually be fun trying to spot him in one of his cute little costumes, so, the tour even points out where they, might be, change them up at certain points during the calendar year. I actually enjoyed that small piece; more than I was expecting, basically. Is that something to be said about that, I think?

The Royal Palace: A Glimpse into Royalty

Royal Palace of Brussels exterior

After that there is, arguably, a stroll toward the Royal Palace, which kind of offers a window into Belgian royalty, alright. The guide gave details of the palace’s story; speaking of its construction, its uses, also how the royalty in Belgium live in the modern age, so I remember, for instance. The Royal Palace may not be overly elaborate compared with other well-known palaces of Europe, yet it gave an interesting glimpse of Belgian political history that I really found actually unique. Plus, getting photos of that area may just offer very perfect opportunities, you realize, you like your picture.

Waffle Tasting: A Sweet Conclusion

Brussels Waffle

Oh, let’s not forget the highlight that many may come to the city specifically for; a genuine waffle! So, too it’s almost, included within the tour is a tasting stop at one of those notable waffle vendors of the city, I hear. Now that sounds so cool! Now I do not just speak any old waffle: that tour actually makes sure that you sample a true Brussels waffle, so it seems; light and fluffy, with a certain slightly crispy exterior. Very well, it may sound simple yet that waffle’s flavor? A little different, seriously. That really capped off the tour on such an actually sweet note (pun absolutely very much intended, of course!). This just is more than merely a treat, in that case; rather it’s an immersive experience in Brussels’ culinary side that makes this exploration truly worth its while.

What Makes This Tour Special?

brussels guide

So, what actually sets this tour, as a matter of fact, aside from many others, might be that they really make something that can appeal for the casual tourist. To that, I might have thought. I have to say. That tour, very importantly, wasn’t only hitting the touristy places. Basically, it’s more about finding those cool places a casual wanderer might never actually find solo. Then it adds on a whole host of little stories by the tour guide that kind of actually add real value to the attractions covered. Also, wrapping it all up along with that food tasting? Seriously? Now that turns the tour from being a mere walking thing into one complete encounter, basically something amazing that you do yourself.

Recommendations and Tips for the Tour

comfortable walking shoes

So, if this Brussels walking exploration seems really like a fun use of time, there actually is several points you might want to jot down, so to speak, I would assume. Comfortable footwear should be an absolute must, right, that makes common sense too. This just will keep those feet smiling happily throughout that duration of the tour; no painful complaints, of course! Depending on weather you may have want to pack things to handle those occasional showers that I am told pass, but it may still make time outside not so pleasurable anyway. You will also want to hydrate regularly, that just makes sense! Maybe, take like your own bottle, basically, just do not drink every vendor out of their refreshment; be polite. Very, very importantly, remember to arrive promptly in that location for tour meetup location! I recall waiting before a group of like your, very own and getting pretty concerned that some might just bail out there. Finally, keep the questions flowing on with your guide there. Engaging actually enhances the full Brussels exploration; just don’t get so invested so you don’t end up tipping the tour guide enough. After all, very good tour leaders really could also tailor information, so, providing those individualized touches, which you did do, which made experiences absolutely valuable and special.

Final Thoughts

happy traveller

Arguably, tours may actually offer something interesting; that this particular experience may actually provide the nice history of sights, while also getting those delightful savories such that tour does really hold that something to offer those folks considering tour times. Experiencing Brussels is so immersive to take those deep historical buildings along, so arguably walking might make those sites personally important. Is it not? To add what I can with sampling food on the same visit simply creates that unforgettable blend between tourism and gastronomy. Ultimately whether those folks really love something fascinating from stories or some great tasty pastries then they certainly provide this all-rounded trip worthy making that visit enjoyable there. I totally believe something special goes from this experience since its tour guide adds some intimate knowledge too, that it definitely offers great appeal overall.

#Brussels #WalkingTour #Belgium #Waffle #TravelReview #Foodie #Sightseeing #EuropeTravel