Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
Tours & Walks, Brussels
Search:

Home » Travel Guides » Europe » Belgium » Région de Bruxelles-Capitale » Brussels » General Tips » Tours & Walks Reviews

Brussels Hotels

Real reviews from real travelers.

Tours & Walks, Brussels

Travel tips and photos posted by real travelers and Brussels locals.
• 51 Photos
• 56 Reviews

See all Brussels General Tips
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
Tours & Walks: Les Marolles
  • Tip Rating:
  • Norali
  • Updated By Norali on June 3, 2004
  • Brussels Page by Norali
  • Marolles area has the biggest set of comic murales - Brussels
    Marolles area has the biggest
    set of comic murales
    by Norali
    Don't miss this area: les Marolles - Marollen. It is the area beneath the Justice palace. You can access there either via Rollebeek street (coming from the downtown area) either from the Palais de Justice. Just take the lift to reach Rue de l'Epée then Rue Haute and here you are.

    The area used to be the home of the real Brusseliers, more often, small people. It used to have its own dialect, hence the 3rd names on their plaque. A mix of French and Dutch. To the initial Marollians were adjoined Spanish workers who came to work in Belgium mining. That was decades ago. The area was then totally inhabited by the working class.

    For sure, it has changed since some parts have been renovated so that only the rich can afford living there. Real Marolliens have left the area to make place to EC execs on one hand, and to poor foreign communities, on the other hand: African (both North & Subsaharian). The latter live in the social housing. The most famous is the set with names of workers. The street-names there indicate the types of crafts once practised here. For instance, Rue des Orfèvres (goldsmiths) and des Chaisiers (chair-makers). Also, Rue des tonneliers, des Charpentiers (carpenters)...

    Beneath Rue Blaes, the area is rather poor with those buildings that may have deserved some coating since years ago. Still, they are there: greyish, dirtyish & dusty with families living in there...

    Still, It is a charming place to stroll in. You will see the many comic strip murales while browsing around. Check the many ascending and descending streets as you walk in either Rue Blaes or Rue Haute.

    Then, have a stop in the small eateries there, to have soups, tartines au fromage blanc and the very Marollian cuisine & Spanish restaurants. OK, I have experienced it in De skieven architek and it was perfect (see my restaurant tip). For other restaurants, you'll have to wait till I can try it there in La Grande porte and Les Petits oignons.

    The pubs and estaminets are rather specific: one with live music, another with masks on the walls...etc.

    Also, don't forget the flea market that is held daily on Place du Jeu de balle, in the morning (till 1 pm). Still, the Sunday market is the most important (till 1 pm).

    Apart from the flea market, the area is the place where to find antiques, second hand shops & libraries. With neighbouring Sablon, they form the antiques Mecca in Brussels (cf. shopping tip).

    It is always a pleasure to wander in Rue Blaes (that forms with Rue Haute the main streets of the district), entering the many antiques shops with their delicate, sometimes well-worn items. With Eva (diageva), we had spent some hours in there, entering the shops, talking to antiquaires, just browsing around the tables, displaying paintings, trinkets, lamps, books.. whatever...

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Brussels?

    Read reviews about Brussels Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Tours & Walks: city sightseeing by bus
  • Tip Rating:
  • chicabonita
  • Updated By chicabonita on February 16, 2004
  • Brussels Page by chicabonita
  • Tours & Walks - Brussels
    by chicabonita
    The tour starts at the central station and takes you to all the main landmarks of Brussels. The bus stops 13 times at the different places and you can get on and off the bus as much as you want.

    www.city-sightseeing.com

    I made the tour on a sunny November saturday. I sat in the open upper part as I didn't want the dirty windows on my pictures. But, jesus, after 1h30 it was quite cold! If you do it in the next months be sure to have proper winter clothes on. I'm still wondering that I didn't get a cold ...

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Tours & Walks: St. Chatarina church in Brussels
  • Tip Rating:
  • kylian74
  • By kylian74 on January 3, 2004
  • Brussels Page by kylian74
  • chuch spotlighted in blue - Brussels
    chuch spotlighted in blue
    by kylian74
    The other side of the church was spot lighted in BLUE very Nice at night!..probably it's because chistmas, it caught attentions to many people.

    Haha...I remember at the side of this church there were an open male toilet for urinating, you can see them facing the wall while using it... but it was a toilet I witnessed. Since it's an open air, the smell was hell! I I just don't know what the idea behind of putting a toilet like that, I should be mistaken for a temporay one during xmas but I think no.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Tours & Walks: Comic Art
  • Tip Rating:
  • Imaniac
  • Updated By Imaniac on February 15, 2004
  • Brussels Page by Imaniac
  • Comic Strip Art in Brussels - Brussels
    Comic Strip Art in Brussels
    by Imaniac
    Belgium is not only known for it's chocolate and waffles. Comic books are also a big part of their culture. To celebrate this fact, walls all over the city have been painted to commemerate one of the Belgian comics. I've seen 3 during my stay in Brussels, but there are many more. You can even do a Comic Art Tour and try to see as many painted walls as you can. Go to this website: http://www.brusselsinternational.be/en/comic.htm

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Tours & Walks: St. Catharina church in Brussels
  • Tip Rating:
  • kylian74
  • Updated By kylian74 on January 3, 2004
  • Brussels Page by kylian74
  • the church in Pink spotlight - Brussels
    the church in Pink
    spotlight
    by kylian74
    The first time I saw the church was in daylight, I was together with Norali a VT friend who toured me around the area of Vismarkt, Brussel where this church nearby. Actually I was more attracted to the architecture inside rather than the pink spoted at night.
    The following day, I returned to the same place and took this picture, that time was dark enough to view the church in pink.

    My fondest memory of this place?...Hmmm, the churrus stall where I bougth my hot choco and Norali found her first taste of Churrus a typical spanish delicacy, then on the right side of the pic was a stall of belgian fries/specialties. I bought a pack of fries and shared it with Norali. The nice thing is, I am thankful to discover the place and just the next day I went back here with hubby, Kyle and my sister.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Brussels?

    Read reviews about Brussels Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Tours & Walks: A day hopping in Brussels
  • Tip Rating:
  • kylian74
  • Updated By kylian74 on January 3, 2004
  • Brussels Page by kylian74
  • Antiek style carousel at the chistmas market - Brussels
    Antiek style carousel at the
    chistmas market
    by kylian74
    This area is where the christmas market in Brussels. I believe this one is in the ' Vismarkt ' a short walk from the Grand Place and Bourse. Thanks to Norali a Vt friend who showed me the xmas market...I got wrong info before and now I found it right!

    I like the carousel although it's for kids...well, it wasn't an ordinary one, isn't it antique Norali?

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Tours & Walks: Something different for kids
  • Tip Rating:
  • kylian74
  • By kylian74 on January 3, 2004
  • Brussels Page by kylian74
  • my son Kyle on the carousel - Brussels
    my son Kyle on the carousel
    by kylian74
    While you are enjoying the christmas market around like tasting foods, not only belgians but there are always chance to find food specialties from other countries.The very popular 'gluwhien', hot chocolates and Jenever are just around the corner.

    If kids are bored hopping around, put them in the carousel, I'm sure they will appreciate it, there was a giant ferries wheel too.

    Hanging out with the family during xmas season is always the best thing.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Tours & Walks: A FAVORITE VIEW!
  • Tip Rating:
  • lmkluque
  • Updated By lmkluque on October 19, 2002
  • Brussels Page by lmkluque
  • Tours & Walks - Brussels
    by lmkluque
    See the city from a rooftop. Somewhere near the gare du nord is a parking lot at the top of a tall building. The view is worth the price of parking your car. If you don't use a car, pretend you're going up to retrieve your car and check out the view.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Tours & Walks: in the streets near to the Grand Place
  • Tip Rating:
  • chancay
  • Updated By chancay on March 3, 2003
  • Brussels Page by chancay
  • houses around the Grand Place - Brussels
    houses around the Grand
    Place
    by chancay
    on our way to the central place ("Grote Markt") we passed by these beautiful little streets, full of souvenir shops and restaurants. Here you´ll find the famous belgican choclate and all other typical stuff.
    In the background of the picture are already buildings of the Grand Place.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Tours & Walks: IT'S GOOD, IT'S BELGIAN...
  • Tip Rating:
  • LysDor
  • Updated By LysDor on October 19, 2003
  • Brussels Page by LysDor
  • Tours & Walks - Brussels
    by LysDor
    ...BIEN SUR!


    BRUSSELS IS THE CITY FOR LOVERS OF ALL KIND


    Maybe it does not have the romanticism of Paris or Venice, but it has its charm and a lot to offer for the body and mind: art, museums, food, beers, sights, outdoors...

    Keep all your senses alert and the city will enchant you in a surprising way!

    I will open-up my heart and present you some of my favourite and -dear- places I still like to go to.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    More Brussels Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 484 - Photos: 362
    Things To Do
    Tips: 2,505 - Photos: 3,696
    Nightlife
    Tips: 364 - Photos: 335
    Transportation
    Tips: 311 - Photos: 245
    Restaurants
    Tips: 780 - Photos: 715
    Shopping
    Tips: 264 - Photos: 255
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 420 - Photos: 459
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 128 - Photos: 84
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 134 - Photos: 78
    Local Customs
    Tips: 286 - Photos: 287
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 50 - Photos: 32
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 21 - Photos: 19
    General Tips
    Tips: 583 - Photos: 580
    Flights
    Tips: 35 - Photos: 0

    Best Brussels Travel Deals

    Hotel Lodging
    Up to 50% off Hotels at Expedia. No Expedia change or cancel fees!

    Local Hotel Reviews
    Read Reviews & Listings for Local New York Hotels at Switchboard.

    Hotels in Brussels
    Best rates on luxury hotels at the official Starwood Brussels site.

    Cheap Brussels Hotels
    Up To 70% Off Hotels in Brussels Instant Confirmation, Book Now!

    91 Brussels Hotels
    Our selection of great hotels in Brussels. Special Offers! Book now.

    Sponsored Links

    More Brussels Travel Deals

    Newark NJ Hotel
    Brand New Facility & Shuttle Bus 11 Minutes from the Newark Airport!

    128 Hotels in Brussels
    Hotels with Info, Photos & Reviews Free reservations at Best prices !

    150 Hotels in Brussels
    Book a hotel in Brussels online. No reservation fee. Great rates!

    Sponsored Links


    Brussels Hotels



    Local Merchants in Brussels

    » List Your Local Business For Free


    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.