Brussels Historical Tour

Hi everyone, my name is Anneke and I am going to show you the real Brussels on these Brussels Walking Tours. I'm a Licensed Belgian guide and feeling an ambassador of its Capital. My clients have during the years rated me as being well prepared and entertaining. With a personal approach and huge interest in each new assignment, I like telling stories that make an impact. Born and raised in Brussels, I have been a tour leader since 2003. There's so much to discover about Brussels, from the UNESCO World Heritage Grand Place and its historical surrounds to the artistically and aristocratic Sablon, also the 17th century Flea Market Area where artists hang around and restaurants offer typical Brussels dishes and not to forget the best examples of the stunning architectural Art Nouveau style. [Art Nouveau Tour - Historical Tour - Sablon District Tour] You find out everything you need to know about this fascinating city and its proud residents. Let me take you on a tour along the most beautiful sights. I love to guide combining a mixture of entertainment, making history come alive, interesting facts about the present society as well as fun anecdotes about everyday life. Meanwhile with these stories I will try to infect you with the same love that I feel for this city. [All in One Tour - Tailored Tour] Brussels started life as a village toward the end of the 10th century. It was ruled over by various kings of Flanders through the ages, most notably Charles V, Archduke of the Habsburgs and Holy Roman Emperor. The city grew gradually around its increasingly magnificent Grand'Place and the Port District but it really began to flourish following Belgian independence in 1830. By the end of the 19th century it had established itself as one of the liveliest cities in Europe. [Medieval Tour - Port District Tour] Constant among all this is the quality of everyday life - the shopping's great, the restaurants fab, the chocolate shops sublime and the pub scene extraordinary. Natives of Brussels describe themselves as zwanze (mongrel), and it's this mixed up nature that makes the place so special. This bilingual city, under occupation by various powers for centuries, is a melting pot of influences; cosmopolitan, yet with a style all its own. There's a bohemian edge to the city, from its quirky boutiques to brilliant bars, where an up-for-a-good-time vibe is as much of an attraction as the array of potent Belgian brews. Above all, Brussels is a city at ease with itself, and this relaxed feel makes it simple to fall in love with. [Chocolate Tour - Nibbling Tour - Beer Tour] Brussels, "Capital of Europe" - it sounds modern, thrusting and perhaps a little soulless. But Brussels is none of these things. Instead it is a city on a human and eminently manageable scale (virtually all you want to see and visit is within walking distance), in touch with its medieval origins, and tweaked by its own distinct, rough-edged character and bubbling conviviality. This was the city of Brueghel, Magritte, Victor Horta (inventor of Art Nouveau architecture), Hergé (creator of Tintin) and Jacques Brel, and it does not take long to see why they were attached to it. [European Quarter Tour - Comic Strip and Street Art Tour] All you want to see and visit is within walking distance but Brussels also has an excellent public transport system of interconnected metro, tram and bus networks to reach the more distant places. Traveling with a private guide is like having a friend in Europe to take you under their wing and show you what only the insiders know. Official Tourguide for the whole country. License issued in 2008 by the General Belgian Government. I do have a driver license but don't have a vehicle. Public transport in Brussels is well-developed and easy to use. Historical and worthwhile visiting Cities in Belgium are only separated 30 km from one another and easily be reached by train.