Brussels: Chocolate Tasting Tour with Local Shops & Pralines

Summary

Belgian chocolate shops pralines truffles Grand Place stroll

You’ll wander from Brussels’ Grand Place through glittering galleries and cozy chocolate shops, tasting pralines and truffles with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Savor rich flavors, hear stories about Belgian chocolate’s roots, and share laughs (and samples) with fellow travelers. You might even find yourself craving just one more piece long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

We were already standing under the spires of Brussels’ Grand Place when I realized how much the city smells like warm sugar in the morning. Our guide, Elise, waved us over — she had this little box of pralines and a grin that said she’d seen plenty of tourists try (and fail) to pronounce “Grote Markt.” There was a buzz on the square, people laughing in half a dozen languages, and I remember thinking: wow, this is going to be good for my sweet tooth but maybe not my jeans.

Walking through the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert felt like slipping into another century — all that glass and gold light, and you could hear shoes echoing off marble. Elise started talking about how cocoa first arrived in Belgium (I only half-listened because someone nearby unwrapped a chocolate bar and the smell sort of hijacked my brain). We ducked into these tiny chocolate shops where the counters looked more like jewelry displays than anything edible. The first bite of ganache was so rich it actually made me pause mid-sentence; I think I said something like “oh wow” with my mouth full — very classy.

I tried to say thank you in French at The Belgian Chocolate Makers and definitely butchered it; the woman behind the counter just laughed and handed me another sample. There’s something about sharing chocolate with strangers that makes everyone friendlier. Kids pressed their noses to the glass, adults debated which truffle was best (it’s always subjective), and Elise kept sneaking us extra pieces when she thought no one was looking. By the end, I’d lost count of how many chocolates we tried — but I still think about that first silky bite under those old gallery arches. It’s funny what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Brussels chocolate tasting tour

• Meet guide at City Hall tower
• Walk through Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert
• Learn about chocolate's arrival in Belgium
• Taste pralines, truffles, and ganache
• Visit The Belgian Chocolate Makers shop

Top questions

How long is the Brussels chocolate tasting tour?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes, though it may vary slightly depending on your guide.

Where does the Brussels chocolate tour start?

The meeting point is in front of the tower of City Hall on Grand Place (Grote Markt).

Are children allowed on this chocolate tour?

Yes, children under 5 are welcome for free but their ticket doesn’t include tastings. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this Brussels chocolate tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

What chocolates will I taste during the tour?

You’ll try a variety including pralines, truffles, ganache, and classic Belgian chocolate bars from several shops.

Does this tour include a local guide?

Yes, an expert local guide leads your group through each stop.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to both the start and finish points.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings at several renowned Belgian chocolate shops around Brussels’ Grand Place and Royal Galleries, led by a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories along the way. All tastings are included — just bring your curiosity (and maybe some water).