All-in discovery tour, Brussels

Last updated: 25 June 2023

It’s a rainy Saturday afternoon & we’re scheduled to meet Avo, our guide with Global Enterprises to experience their latest tour, the all-in discovery tour.

The all-in discovery tour ticks most of the boxes for a visit to Brussels. There’s no need to take a beer, a chocolate AND a city tour as the all-in discovery covers all these in one go. Of course you CAN take three tours, but if you’re wanting to experience Brussels in a day then perhaps this all-in style is more suited to you.

Covering Belgian delicacies such as mussels, waffles and chocolate washed down with Belgian beer and a city tour combined, it’s no wonder this tour is rated number one on Trip Advisor.

We assemble outside Godiva in the Grand Place, the main square of Brussels where we’re given a brief history of the city by our guide, Avo. Avo’s not just any guy. He’s a history graduate, been a tour guide for nearly two decades and his English is spot on. Avo recounts the history of the city, tales of the stinky Seine river and the defining moments of Belgium’s past. It’s a young country, now the centre of Europe and home to the EU.

The Grand Place was mainly replaced after the French army bombardment of Brussels in 1695. The town hall stands proudly in the Square. Take a moment and look up to see the patron of the city, St Michael, sitting atop. Built in/between 1401-1455 it was restored after the bombardment. Rebuilt by the stonemasons, they made their mark on the city

Avo tells us, the Grand Place square is a UNESCO world heritage site and holds the title of the most beautiful square in Europe. I’m intrigued for more.

A few more steps along the Grand Place, Avo introduces us to the shells in the pavement. It’s the Way of St. James, or Camino de Santiago. Brussels was the traditional starting point for pilgrims, although these days it’s a bit different. These shells are all across the city. They’re in walls of churches, in buildings and in the pavement pointing pilgrims to the next destination, church or section of the route.

Our next stop is the Royal Gallery. It was the first of it’s kind in Europe, a glass enclosed market place and home to the fanciest shops in Brussels.

We stop off at Théâtre Royal de Toone. Avo explains how anti government messages used to be passed along via the puppetry shows throughout the city. We sit down at the tables, the choice is fruity or blonde beer. We split our odds and choose one each. The blonde is a local brew, while the Kriek Boon is a red beer with an overtone of cherries. Toone is the last bar of its kind in the city, tucked away in the bowels of the city’s lane ways it’s not easy to find.

Historically, public drinking was discouraged in the city. So hidden throughout the city are lane ways such as this. Within some of these laneways are bars that are unique surprises. We wander past St Nikolas alley and Cadeaux Geschenken. What appears to initially be a nondescript dark alley that most tourists would actively avoid, it should not be shied away from. Heading down here will lead you to a 170 yr old pub which is worth a visit.

What’s a Trappist beer?

Not unique to Belgium, trappist beer is predominately dominated by the Belgian market with 6 of the world’s 12 Trappist breweries being Belgian.

Avo explains the Trappist concept. Monks brewed beer initially because the quality of the city’s water was so poor that the public would get sick. These potent beers now turn quite a profit however, all profits must go to the Church, charity or to those in need.

Huddled under umbrellas, we wind our way through the alleys lined with tables covered with red and white checkered tablecloths. Waiters thrust menus in our faces as we make a beeline for Le Jardin de l’Ilot Sacre, our lunch venue. First up is the entrée I’ve been looking forward to. Belgian mussels. Served in a light white wine, garlic and celery sauce. It’s delish.

I’m beginning to fill up when it’s announced a second course will arrive soon. Uh oh. I start to stretch my arms above my head to try and make room in my stomach for the next deliacy to arrive at our table.

Waterzooi on all-in discovery tour — Waterzooi

Two mains arrive. Waterzooi, a delicious chicken stew. The other is a slow cooked beef, it tastes a bit like goulash. We wash both down with a crisp French white wine.

The next stop is a must for anyone visiting Brussels in a day. Manneken Pis. The most famous little boy pissing in the world. There’s even a team of individuals whose job it is is to design costumes for the little guy. The origin of the statue is mixed. Some say he urinated on the burning fuse and thus saved the city from destruction, others say it’s more of a way to thumb your nose at the authorities. Whatever the story, it’s resulted in a cult following. I’m surprised he doesn’t have his own Twitter account!

Brussels for a day you can’t miss the series of comics sprayed onto the side of buildings all across the city. Tin Tin & The Smurfs are the most popular features, paying tribute to the success of both comics and educating the rest of the world to the tiny country of Belgium.

It’s back to the Royal Gallery where we learn about the history of chocolate and the Royal Warrant for the Belgian royal household.

Neuhaus, originally a pharmacist, then eventually a full time chocolatier. This household was the first chocolatier to officially patent the fixed chocolate boxes used today. Take a peak inside and see for yourself; the interior of the store hasn’t changed in decades. Remove the chocolate, mirrors and glittery lights, add some imagination and then you’re easily transported back to a vintage pharmacy.

Next up is my most anticipated experience of the day. Belgian waffles. Avo tells me these are the good ones, not the overly sweet sugar laden you get for one euro on the street, these are the real deal. There’s a catch though, I like my waffles with vanilla icecream and strawberries. Na ah says Avo, it’s important to avoid moisture to stop the waffles turning soggy & rubbery. I heed the advice of this reknown local who clearly knows his stuff, and opt for chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries. My waffle is significantly larger than I was expecting.

Final stop of the day is to the current holder of the Royal Warrant for chocolate. The official chocolatier to the Belgian royal family; Mary. A small store in the Royal Gallery, lined with glass and it all looks a bit posh. We all cram into the store. Inside i stand very still, no sudden movements for fear of destroying the entire shop with my backpack, like a bull in a China shop.

Mary has held the Royal warrant for more than seven decades and it’s been renewed by each succeeding monarch. We try the exclusive royal variety. It’s a rose champagne truffle. It’s a myriad of complex flavours with a sweet finish. It’s tasty but, for me, one’s enough!

It’s here our tour ends. I’m sad it’s over so soon. Keen for dry clothes & a little nap after so much good food in my belly.

Avo hands out some vouchers at the end of the tour, discounts for chocolate, waffles and beer for anyone that’s keen to stock up before heading home.

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