Brussels All In Tour : Belgian food, chocolate, beer, waffles

Key Points

• Affordable Price: The tour costs $103.11 per person and offers a full four hours of exploration.
• Gourmet Tastings Included: Expect three chocolate tastings, two beer tastings, a Belgian waffle, mussels, and meatballs in cherry sauce.
• Iconic Locations: Visit Grand Place, Royal Galleries, Manneken Pis, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Place St. Gery.
• Expert Guide: The tour is led by knowledgeable guides like Avo and Benny who share engaging stories and culinary insights.
• All Drinks Included: Beverages, including Belgian beers, are part of the package, enhancing the tasting experience.
• Ideal for Short Visits: Perfect for travelers with limited time, offering a taste of Brussels’ food and sights in just a few hours.
• Group Size and Booking: The tour accommodates up to 20 people and is booked about 40 days in advance on average.
• Not Suitable for All: Limited to ages 12 and up, and not recommended for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Discovering Brussels on the All-In Food & Sightseeing Tour

The Brussels All In Tour is a well-rounded 4-hour guided experience designed to introduce visitors to the city’s most famous foods and landmarks. Priced at $103.11 per person, this tour combines cultural sightseeing with generous tastings of Belgium’s culinary icons. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, engaging atmosphere, with most bookings made nearly 40 days in advance.

What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive nature. It’s ideal for visitors who want to maximize a short stay in Brussels, enjoying local delicacies and major sights without the hassle of planning each stop separately. The tour’s expert guides—notably Avo and Benny—bring stories and insights that enrich the experience, making it both fun and educational.

Starting Point at Grand Place and Manneken Pis

The tour begins at the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the guide provides a historical overview of the Town Hall and the guildhouses. This central square’s ornate architecture provides a stunning backdrop for photos and a perfect introduction to Brussels’ history. Just nearby, a quick visit to the Manneken Pis statue adds a touch of whimsy, with explanations about its cultural significance.

A brief 5-minute stop allows for photos and quick explanations, setting the tone for the rest of the walk. The free admission to both sites adds to the tour’s value, giving visitors a chance to appreciate these landmarks up close without extra cost.

Shopping and Waffle Tasting at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

From the historic center, the tour moves to the Royal Galleries, a luxurious shopping arcade lined with elegant boutiques. Here, the 30-minute stop at Mokafe offers an authentic Belgian waffle, served with coffee, tea, or soft drinks. This included treat highlights Brussels’ reputation for delicious waffles and offers a chance to relax before continuing.

The Galeries Royales itself is a highlight for its architecture and upscale shops. Visitors appreciate the chance to browse boutiques or simply soak in the ambiance of this historic arcade.

Exploring Old Brussels at Place Sainte-Catherine and Place St. Gery

Next, the tour visits Place Sainte-Catherine, a lively square that was once Brussels’ old port. Today, it’s home to some of the city’s best seafood restaurants and features a fountain dedicated to Saint Michael, Brussels’ patron saint. This 10-minute stop offers a glimpse into the city’s maritime past and current culinary scene.

Then, a quick 5-minute stop at Place St. Gery introduces visitors to the oldest part of Brussels, honoring the birthplace of the city and the lost river Zenne. These stops provide cultural context and a sense of the city’s evolution from its origins.

Belgian Food and Drink Tasting Highlights

The core of the tour revolves around sampling Belgian specialties. The guide takes visitors to popular foodie haunts for steamed mussels served with herbs and crisp frites, traditionally eaten in paper cups with mayonnaise. The mussels are prepared with fresh ingredients, and the frites are renowned for their crunch.

A Belgian waffle is enjoyed at the Galeries Saint-Hubert, with whipped cream and strawberries—offering a sweet finale to the savory bites. Alongside, three chocolate tastings at exclusive shops highlight Belgium’s world-renowned chocolate industry, showcasing local craftsmanship.

The tour also includes two beer tastings, featuring Belgian beers served at a beloved local tavern. The all-inclusive drinks ensure that everyone can enjoy a refreshing beer with their meal or chocolate.

Insightful Stories Behind Brussels’ Beer

A visit to a local tavern allows for sampling Belgian beers along with stories and legends about the brewing traditions. The guide shares fascinating insights into Belgium’s beer culture, adding a layer of cultural appreciation to the tasting experience. The ambiance of these historic pubs enhances the sense of local authenticity.

The Meal of Mussels, Meatballs, and Waffles

The tour’s lunch stop features mussels with herbs and meatballs in cherry sauce, served at a well-rated eatery. The generous portions satisfy hunger and showcase Belgian comfort food. The Belgian waffle, finished in the tour, provides a light and airy sweet ending.

While some reviews mention that the main meal is served in the tour company’s dining room, it’s part of the comprehensive experience, including sightseeing and tasting. The guide’s storytelling and the food quality typically outweigh this minor detail.

Practical Details and Group Experience

The meeting point for the tour is at Grand Place 23, with the tour ending back at the same location. The group size of up to 20 ensures a lively, friendly atmosphere, and the mobile ticket format makes access straightforward.

The tour is suitable for most travelers aged 12 and above but is not recommended for those with food allergies, gluten intolerance, or lactose sensitivity. Late arrivals are not accommodated, and the tour is not private—other travelers will join in.

Booking, Cancellation, and Customer Feedback

Most bookings are made about 40 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The free cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for changing plans.

Customer reviews are generally very positive, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 253 reviews. Many praise the knowledgeable guides like Avo and Benny, the quality and quantity of food, and the overall value for money. Reviewers also appreciate the balance of sightseeing and tasting, as well as the informative stories provided.

However, some negative feedback points to communication issues or microphone problems during the guide’s narration. There are also warnings about no refund for late arrivals or miscommunication about the tour content.

Final Thoughts on the Brussels All In Tour

The Brussels All In Tour offers a comprehensive taste of Belgian cuisine combined with city highlights, making it an excellent choice for short-stay visitors. It’s particularly well-suited for those eager to try local foods like mussels, waffles, chocolates, and beer while discovering major sights like Grand Place.

The expert guides and all-inclusive food and drinks make the experience feel generous and well-organized. While it’s not private, the small group size and engaging storytelling set it apart from typical city tours. Most participants leave full, informed, and with a deeper appreciation for Brussels’ culinary culture.

Travelers looking for a blend of sightseeing, tasting, and cultural stories will find this tour a practical and enjoyable option. Just be aware of the booking and late arrival policies, and consider your dietary restrictions before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including sightseeing and tastings.

What is included in the price?
Included are three chocolate tastings, two beer tastings, a Belgian waffle, mussels, meatballs, and all drinks.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Grand Place 23, in central Brussels.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12 years old; it’s not recommended for younger children.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Are food allergies a concern?
The tour is not recommended for people with food allergies, gluten intolerance, or lactose sensitivity.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are advised, as the tour involves walking across cobblestone streets.

Is there a private option?
No, this tour is designed for groups up to 20 and is not private.

Will I learn about Brussels’ history?
Yes, guides share stories about the city’s landmarks and culinary traditions throughout the walk.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking roughly 40 days ahead is typical, especially during peak seasons.