Even if Brussels was not on top of your wish list, we are sure that after the first visit you will want to come back over and over again! The heart of Europe has so much to offer, no matter what you are looking for: history, architecture, art, food and drinks! It is all part of the wonderful city of Brussels!
The settlement here was established long before the Romans came to conquer the area. After the decline of the Roman Empire, Brussels became part of the Frankish realm. Officially established in the late 10th century and set in a favourable location, on the banks of the river Senne, the city experienced rapid development and became a thriving centre of trade, especially the textile trade. Ruled by the Dukes of Brabant Brussels belonged to the Holy Roman Empire, there was even a time when kings of Spain and Holy Roman Emperors lived here! No wonder, its legacy as the heart of Europe prevails till the present day! Over time the textile industry has reached the peak of perfection: the lace produced here was worn by the aristocracy and royals all over Europe, while the tapestries made in Brussels adorned their palaces wherever they lived. The main square of old Brussels, the Grande Place, is a vivid testimony of the wealth and prosperity of the merchants living here. It is certainly one of the most stunning squares you will ever see! The way it looks, though, is a result of the most disastrous event in the history of the city – the bombardment conducted by the French king Louis XIV in 1695. The bombing and the fire it caused consumed one third of the old city! The high-speed reconstruction carried out within 5 subsequent years continues to amaze visitors to this day!
Finally, there came a time when Belgium struck for independence. Inspired by the opera about the revolution, the people of Brussels took to the streets to fight for their freedom. It was 1830 when the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium. Following the independence and industrial revolution, Brussels grew from a small town of 60 thousand people to a metropolis of 625 thousand. The development accelerated even more in the 20th century with modernization, exquisite art nouveau houses adorning the city streets and a number of international fairs and conferences marking the clear transition of Brussels into the modern capital of Europe.
But Brussels is not only about history and architecture, it is also about the very things making us all happy and satisfied. Starting from art and comics (yes, most major European comics books artists worked and lived in Belgium!) finishing with food and drinks. If only you can forget about counting calories, visiting Brussels you will be transmitted straight to a foodie haven! Frites (traditionally double fried in animal fat), mussels, chocolate, waffles and Belgian beers (it is a whole, fascinating universum!) will make you want to stay here forever!
So waste no time! Come and join our tour and we will introduce you to the joys and marvels of Brussels!
During this 2,5 hour tour, you will see and discover:
- Grand Place
- Street art devoted to Tin Tin
- Manneken Pis
- Fragment of the old city walls
- Marolles street art
- Palace of Justice
- Church of Our Blessed Lady of Sablon
- Royal Square
- Royal Palace
- Royal Park
- Musical Instruments Museum
- Mont des Arts
