Brussels: Chocolate Tasting Tour & Praline Shops Walk

Summary

Stroll Brussels tasting pralines & truffles in historic chocolate shops

You’ll taste your way through Brussels’ best chocolate shops with a local guide by your side—sampling at least seven pralines and truffles as you stroll from the Royal Galleries to Grand-Place. Along the way you’ll hear stories behind every bite and share laughs with fellow travelers. Expect sticky fingers, new favorites, and a little more warmth in your day.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first bite to actually stop me mid-step — but it did. We’d just ducked into this old shop tucked inside the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert, and our guide, Sophie, handed out these glossy little pralines. The air was thick with that warm, cocoa smell (sort of like when you open a new box of baking powder at home, but sweeter). I let it melt on my tongue while Sophie started talking about how Belgian chocolate-makers used to guard their recipes like family secrets. She had this way of making the stories feel personal — she even pointed out her favorite spot for coffee just around the corner, which made me laugh because she said it’s “where all the real locals gossip.”

We wandered through three more shops in those galleries — each one felt different somehow. One was all marble counters and gold trim; another had a guy behind the counter who winked when he saw us eyeing the truffles. I tried saying “praline” in French and butchered it completely; he just grinned and gave me an extra sample (hazelnut, I think?). By the time we reached Grand-Place for another tasting, my hands were sticky from chocolate wrappers and I’d lost track of how many times someone said “just one more.” It’s not a long walk between stops, maybe ten minutes or so, but there’s so much to look at — lace shops, street musicians, people arguing gently over pastries.

Honestly, I thought seven tastings would be too much. But each shop had something different going on — orange peel in one truffle, sea salt in another. Sophie explained how Brussels became this chocolate capital (something about colonial trade routes and stubborn grandmothers — I might have missed a detail while chewing). At some point it started raining lightly; nobody minded. We just huddled under an awning outside the last shop and compared favorites. Someone asked if kids could come along; turns out they join free if they’re under ten. That felt right somehow.

I still think about that first praline sometimes — how it surprised me, how Brussels felt so much warmer after sharing chocolate with strangers for two hours. If you’re even half-curious about why people make such a fuss over Belgian chocolate, this is probably where you’ll get it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chocolate tasting in Brussels city center

• Visit 3 shops at Royal Galleries
• Taste at least 3 pralines/truffles
• Pass by a nice part of town
• Visit 1 shop at Grand Place
• Taste at least 2 pralines/truffles
• Visit 1 shop in another area
• Taste at least 2 pralines/truffles

Top questions

How many chocolates do you taste on this Brussels tour?

You’ll taste at least 7 pralines or truffles during the tour.

Is this Brussels chocolate tasting tour suitable for children?

Yes, children under 10 can join for free with an adult.

Are nut allergies accommodated on this tour?

The tour is nut and peanut allergy friendly if you warn your guide at the start.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour runs rain or shine—bring an umbrella just in case!

Is public transportation nearby for this chocolate tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point.

How long does the Brussels chocolate appreciation tour last?

The tour lasts around 2 hours total.

Are service animals allowed on this Brussels food tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is this walking tour suitable for strollers or prams?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

What’s included

Your two-hour stroll includes at least seven praline or truffle tastings across several top Brussels chocolate shops—plus stories from your knowledgeable local guide as you wander between Grand-Place and Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert. Children under 10 join free; allergy-friendly options are available if you let your guide know before starting.