Brussels: Food, Beer & Chocolate Walking Tour with Lunch

Summary

Belgian food, chocolate & beer tasting walk in Brussels city center

You’ll wander Brussels’ historic heart with a local guide, tasting Belgian chocolates right where they’re made, sitting down for classic mussels and frites or beef stew at lunch, sipping two local beers (or other drinks), and finishing with a proper waffle or mousse for dessert. Expect laughter, stories behind city icons like Grand-Place and Manneken Pis, plus plenty of little surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping into the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert was the way chocolate seems to hang in the air — it’s not strong, but you catch it when someone opens a shop door. Our guide, Sophie, waved us over to Neuhaus (she called it “the original one”), and handed out little squares that melted before I could even describe the taste. There’s something about eating chocolate where it was invented that makes you slow down. I kept glancing up at the glass ceiling and honestly forgot we were supposed to be sightseeing too.

We wandered through narrow streets — Sophie pointed out strange little signs on the guildhouses at Grand-Place. She said some were secret symbols for old trades, which made me squint up like I’d spot a hidden code or something. The square was busy but not overwhelming; people laughing in French and Dutch, a guy selling postcards by the corner. It felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who knows all the shortcuts.

I’d never tried mussels with fries before (moules-frites is apparently non-negotiable here), so lunch was an event in itself. The broth smelled peppery and salty — I dunked bread until there was nothing left. For dessert, I picked a Brussels waffle covered in powdered sugar. There’s no polite way to eat one without making a mess; Sophie just grinned and handed me extra napkins. Two local beers later (I picked the lighter one first, then got brave), my face felt warm even though it wasn’t cold outside. If you don’t drink beer they’ll sort you out with something else — one woman had lemonade instead.

We did swing by Manneken Pis for photos (he’s smaller than I thought) and walked past the Royal Palace where kids were kicking a ball around near the gates. The whole thing took about four hours but never dragged — maybe because there was always another taste or story coming up next. By the end my feet hurt a bit but I still think about that first bite of chocolate under those skylights, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Brussels food, chocolate, beer and sights

• Stop for explanation and pictures at Manneken Pis
• Historical explanation at Town Hall and Guildhouses
• Visit oldest shopping streets and Neuhaus chocolate store
• Explore oldest part of Brussels and lost river Zenne
• Lunch with Belgian dishes and dessert
• Visit Royal Square, Palace, Park and Mont des Arts

Top questions

How long does the Brussels food tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included on this Brussels walking tour?

Yes, lunch is included — you can choose between mussels with fries, beef stew with fries, or a vegetarian dish.

Are drinks included on this tour?

All drinks are included: two Belgian beer tastings or alternative beverages for non-beer drinkers.

Do we visit famous chocolatiers during this tour?

Yes, you’ll have four chocolate tastings at top shops including Neuhaus in the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert.

What major sights will we see on this Brussels walking tour?

You’ll see Grand-Place, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace area, Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert, plus some hidden spots.

Is there dessert on this Brussels food & chocolate tour?

Yes — choose between a classic Brussels waffle or chocolate mousse for dessert.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian dishes are available for lunch upon request.

What is the minimum age for participants?

The minimum age is 12 years old to join this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings (four chocolates from renowned shops), a full Belgian lunch with your choice of mussels and fries, beef stew or vegetarian dish, two beer tastings (or non-alcoholic options), dessert (waffle or mousse), guided walks past major sights like Grand-Place and Manneken Pis as well as quieter corners of Brussels’ old town—all drinks covered throughout the experience.