Brussels and Bureaucracy: A Self-Guided Tour of the EU District
Discover the heart of the European Union on this self-guided walking tour of Brussels. Start at the stunning Parc du Cinquantenaire, where Belgium’s imperial ambitions come alive, and walk under the iconic Triumphal Arches. Explore the EU Quarter, home to striking architecture like the Berlaymont and Justus Lipsius buildings, and learn about the history of the European Parliament. Along the way, find hidden gems such as the House of European History, the "Future is Europe" mural, and secret meeting spots tied to EU diplomacy. This tour is perfect for travelers curious about the EU's culture and history or professionals needing a quick lay of the land. Uncover the stories that make Brussels the capital of Europe.
Options
Brussels and Bureaucracy: A Self-Guided Tour of the EU District
What's included in Brussels and Bureaucracy: A Self-Guided Tour of the EU District
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Parc Du CinquantenairePass-by Only
Parc du Cinquantenaire is a sprawling green space filled with manicured gardens, majestic fountains, and historic museums, making it a highlight of Brussels. As you wander through the park, you’ll uncover its roots as a symbol of Belgian unity and imperial ambition.
The Triumphal Arch stands as a monumental gateway, with its intricate carvings and commanding presence at the heart of Parc du Cinquantenaire. Walking beneath its arches, you’ll hear stories of its creation and its role in celebrating Belgium’s independence.
Monument Aux Pionniers Belges Au CongoPass-by Only
This imposing monument tells the story of the Belgian pioneers who played a role in the Congo’s colonial history. Passing by, you’ll hear about the controversial history it represents and the broader context of Belgium’s imperial ambitions.
Inclusions
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Food and drink
- Transportation
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Some parts of the route may be challenging for wheelchair users due to uneven pavements and stairs, so full accessibility cannot be guaranteed.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- The tour starts outside the Merode metro station and in front of Cinquantenaire Park, facing the arches. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
End Points
- The tour ends at the entrance of the European Parliament complex, or the Espace Léopold.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
VOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app Create an account Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT ─── For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]
