Free European Quarter Tour Brussels

From the elegant embassies to fascinating museums, see the other side of Brussels that most tourists miss.
Be awed by the impressive European Parliament building, where decisions that transform the continent are made.
Enjoy the Cinquantenaire Park, an emblematic green oasis that celebrates Brussels' history and independence.

FAQ

So you've explored the historic center of Brussels, and you think you've seen it all? Ah, but you haven't discovered the European Quarter yet, a completely different world that stands as the modern heart of not just Belgium, but Europe itself! Forget the classic Brussels waffles and buildings for a moment; this is where you'll find commanding embassies and modernist architecture. The European Quarter is the bustling hub of European politics and culture, but it’s also an open-air museum of modern Europe! A free tour of this unique area is a phenomenal way to grasp Brussels' complexity and cosmopolitan nature. With your knowledgeable guide by your side, you will discover the landmarks, history and secrets of this peculiar quarter. So what are you waiting for? Come explore the EU's nerve center!

Start your tour by hearing the story of Brussels' development as the capital of the EU and how the city has changed to accommodate the thousands of workers who come from all over the continent. You will make your way through the Ravenstein Gallery—an essential shortcut for the Eurocrats who populate the area. Feel the diplomatic aura as you pass by Brussels Park (formerly known as Royal Park) and see various embassies and consulates. Wander towards the famed Robert Schuman Roundabout, the very epicenter of European political life, where the European Commission and the European Council reside. But that's not all! Explore the lush Leopold Park and the bustling Luxembourg Square, culminating in the European Parliament. Along the way, get ready for a series of fascinating facts and hidden secrets that make the area far more than just a collection of official buildings.

Just when you think you're becoming an EU policy expert, your tour will take you to the gates of the House of European History. It’s a great place to visit independently after the tour if you want to dive deeper into Europe’s complex past and promising future. The tour reaches its crescendo at the magnificent Cinquantenaire Park. Built by King Leopold II, this park celebrates Belgian independence and is home to some of the city’s most important museums. By the end of this tour, you won’t just have seen another part of Brussels; you’ll have gained a better understanding of what makes the EU such a powerful institution. In fact, you haven't really experienced Brussels until you've explored its European Quarter. So come along—discover a different side of Brussels and broaden your European horizons!