Food Tours in Brussels

From indulging in sumptuous chocolates and waffles to relishing traditional Belgian beer and moules-frites, Brussels is a city overflowing with diverse, mouthwatering flavors. This bustling capital of Belgium is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and its diverse and delectable food offerings reflect this in every bite.

While you can always eat your way around the city at your own pace, the best way to discover the vibrant culinary scene is through an immersive Brussels food tour that takes you on a gastronomic adventure to infamous eateries, local hotspots, chocolate factories and age-old breweries.

Not only will you get to try some of the best Belgian dishes, but you’ll also gain insights into Brussels’ long-standing heritage as one of the most important cities in Europe, navigating through charming cobblestone streets and checking off quintessential landmarks along the way.

Here's all you need to know about food tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Brussels.

What are the best food tours in Brussels?

In the enchanting city of Brussels, food enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with an array of tantalizing food tours. With options catering to various preferences, budgets, and group size, there's a culinary adventure to suit every palate.

Small group chocolate and beer tour in Brussels

Focusing on a delightful combination of two Belgian specialties, this small group tour kicks off with the wonders of Belgian chocolate tasting as you visit renowned chocolate shops and cafes around Grand Place, tasting all kinds of pralines and artisan truffles. Then, quench your thirst with a Trappist beer at a typical Belgian beer tasting.

Small-group 4-hour Brussels discovery tour

Combing sightseeing with food, beer and a walking tour, this locally-led tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city, checking off all of the quintessential highlights of Brussels.

With a focus on the old town, the tour takes guests to the Grand Place, Royal Palace, and other historical attractions before making stops at some of Brussels’ renowned eateries. You'll get to try local specialties like waffles, beef stew and chicon gratin, with delicious Belgian beers to wash it all down.

Market tour and cooking lesson in a Brussels home

Providing a far more local and intimate experience than the average food tour, this small group activity offers an insight into the daily life of a Brussels family.

Starting with a guided tour of a local outdoor market (usually Le Marché Bio), you'll learn about seasonal ingredients and traditional Belgian recipes before embarking on an exclusive cooking class in your host's kitchen.

After preparing your meal together — a delicious three-course dinner — you'll get to sit down, relax, enjoy the fruits of your labor and learn about local life.

Private food tours

This type of private food tour in Brussels promises up to 10 delectable tastings. As you make your way around the city you can expect to sample classic Belgian fries, rich chocolate and a handful of local specialties — collectively, this tour covers a wide range of savory and sweet flavors.

Along the way, you'll also get to see highlights of the city, such as La Bourse and Saint Gery Café Des Halles. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, this roughly 3-hour tour provides a delightful immersion into Brussels' food culture.

Private tours also have the ability to be personalized and tweaked to suit your preferences. You could discover the city's iconic dishes while exploring family-owned brasseries, or pop into traditional cafes and cozy taverns – it's up to you!

Vegetarian alternatives are available, ensuring that everyone can indulge in this culinary adventure.

Brussels private trip to Bruges with food tour

A wonderful option for travelers looking to do some sightseeing at the same time, this inter-city adventure tour offers a delightful culinary adventure on a Bruges day trip.

With a private guide by your side, you can explore the charming streets and taste the iconic delicacies of Bruges — from traditional Flemish cuisine to Belgian frites and sweet Belgian waffles, you'll usually enjoy around six delicious tastings.

This eight-hour tour includes personalized experiences, return train tickets and recommendations throughout the day.

Which places are visited?

Every food tour in Brussels is different, however, most excursions follow a similar itinerary. The most common stops are listed below.

Grand Place

Food tours typically begin at the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you'll find an assortment of traditional Belgian food stalls and cafes offering mouthwatering treats like Belgian waffles, savory gaufres de Bruxelles and frites.

Sainte-Catherine

Located near the Brussels Fish Market, Sainte-Catherine is a charming neighborhood known for its seafood delights. Here, you can sample fresh oysters, mussels and plenty more.

Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

This elegant shopping arcade is a must-visit during a food tour (or any tour) in Brussels. Alongside luxury shops, you'll find renowned chocolatiers, including the first chocolate shop in the country. Expect to hop around different shopfronts, sampling pralines, truffles, and ganaches.

Sablon

Known for its elegant atmosphere, Sablon is a neighborhood that boasts numerous high-end chocolate shops and patisseries. Here, you can savor luxurious handmade chocolates, delectable pastries and delicate macarons while exploring the picturesque streets.

Delirium Brewery

Renowned for its selection of over 2,000 beers, this bar is considered one of the best in Brussels. It's often the last stop on the food tour, as it's located in the city center near the Grand Place. This is just one of many different bars and breweries featured on Brussels food tours.

How much do food tours in Brussels cost?

Food tours in Brussels span a range of price points to suit different budgets, starting at around €40 for a small group chocolate and beer food tour.

The more comprehensive 4-hour Brussels Discovery Tour costs about €90, while a market tour and cooking lesson costs around €150

Private tours are more expensive, ranging between €150 and €180. However, these prices vary depending on how many people are in your group – on private tours, the more people in your party, the lower the cost per person.

Finally, a food-themed day trip to Bruges starts at €220 for adults and €75 for kids.

What is included?

Typically, food tours in Brussels include a carefully curated selection of food and drink experiences. You can expect to indulge in traditional Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels with fries), carbonnade flamande (beef stew) and stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables). Your sweet treats — like chocolates and waffles — are also included, as are any beer tastings.

In addition to tasting sessions, the cost of your tour also covers all of your transportation to and from stops, the services of an expert local guide and the cost of any entrance fees.

Every food tour in Brussels is slightly different, so make sure to read the terms and conditions before booking.

Where does it start?

A food tour in Brussels typically starts at the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of the city. This bustling square serves as a vibrant hub for traditional Belgian food stalls, cafes, and restaurants, setting the stage for a delicious culinary journey through Brussels.

Occasionally, some tours may start at other notable landmarks, so it's best to double-check when booking.

How long does it last?

The duration of a food tour in Brussels can vary depending on the specific tour package and itinerary.

Generally, a food tour lasts around 2-3 hours, or up to 4 if there's beer involved. A day tour to Bruges typically lasts around 8-9 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some Brussels food tours are wheelchair accessible, but others are not. Some tours may have limitations due to the layout of certain venues or historical sites.

It is advisable to check with the specific tour operator beforehand to ensure they can accommodate wheelchair users.

When is the best time for a food tour in Brussels?

The best time to visit Brussels for a food tour is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather during these periods is generally mild and pleasant, perfect for strolling around the city and exploring various food spots. During this time, the city is also less crowded with tourists compared to the summer months, making for a more enjoyable experience.

Travel tips

• If you have any dietary restrictions, let your tour operator know beforehand.
• You'll likely be doing a lot of walking during your food tour. Comfortable shoes are a must to enjoy your culinary journey.
• With so many delicious options to try, you'll want to pace yourself. Drink plenty of water and don't rush. Enjoy each tasting and the experience that comes with it.
• If you're visiting around a particular holiday or season, look out for seasonal specialties. Belgium is known for its festive food traditions, so you might discover something unique and delicious.