Brussels: Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour

If you’re visiting Brussels and want to combine indulgence with culture, this Beer and Chocolate Tour by Hungry Mary is a standout choice. It’s a 4.5-hour walk through the city’s most iconic sights, paired with tastings from top boutique chocolate makers and local breweries. This experience promises an authentic taste of Belgium’s favorite treats, paired with insights into their craftsmanship.

What we love about this tour is how it balances fun, flavor, and learning — all while exploring Brussels’ lively city center. You’ll visit the Royal Galleries, Grand Place, and Manneken Pis, but it’s the chocolate and beer that steal the show. One possible consideration? It’s a quite indulgent experience, so pacing yourself is key if you’re not used to back-to-back tastings. Perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, or anyone curious about Brussels’ legendary beer and chocolate scenes, this tour offers a memorable deep dive into local craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Authentic Tasting Experience: Sample up to 10 boutique chocolates and 6 beers from both craft and traditional breweries.
• Insightful Guides: Guides like Marie, Clemens, and Jeremy bring energy, humor, and rich knowledge to each stop.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines sightseeing with tasting, allowing time to enjoy the city’s highlights comfortably.
• Great Value: For $112, you get a comprehensive taste of Brussels’ top food and drink spots, plus discounts at local shops.
• Cultural & Educational: Learn about the history and manufacturing of Belgian beer and chocolate from passionate artisans.
• Suitable for Vegetarians: The tour is vegetarian-friendly, but not vegan due to dairy in tastings and chocolates.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour is a well-rounded way to experience Brussels’ most famous indulgences without the need to hunt down individual spots on your own. It’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and tasting, guided by knowledgeable locals. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the blend of cultural insights and delicious samples makes this a special outing.

Starting Point and Location

The tour kicks off at the Charles Buls Fountain, a recognizable city landmark just a short walk from Brussels’ central sights. From there, the guides lead you into the heart of the city, with a focus on its busy, lively atmosphere. The meeting point is straightforward — just look for the statue of a man with a dog, which makes it easy to find your group.

Walking Tour with Highlights

Throughout the 4.5 hours, you’ll stroll around several of Brussels’ highlights, including the Royal Galleries, Grand Place, and Manneken Pis. What makes these stops enjoyable isn’t just the sights but how the guides weave stories and historical tidbits into the walk. Reviews consistently mention guides like Marie and Clemens, who keep the group entertained with humor, anecdotes, and thoughtful explanations about the city’s history and culture.

Chocolate Tasting: A Sweet Journey

The chocolate part of the tour is a highlight, especially for those who appreciate craftsmanship. You’ll visit up to three boutique chocolate shops, each offering generous tastings. The focus is on artisan chocolatiers who make their chocolates from bean to bar, avoiding mass-market brands. Travelers describe the experience as “delightful,” with “detailed information on each shop’s history and lots of delicious tasters.” Expect to taste a variety of chocolates, from dark and intense to creamy and sweet. Many reviewers note that guides like Marie and Daphne make the experience even more enjoyable with their friendly and passionate explanations.

Beer Tasting: Discovering Belgian Beers

After indulging your sweet tooth, the tour moves into the beer portion, usually in local bars and taverns near Grand Place. You get to sample up to six beers from small breweries or traditional breweries, which showcase Belgium’s incredible beer diversity. The atmosphere is casual, convivial, and educational — perfect for those new to Belgian beers or seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Multiple reviews mention guides like Clemens and Jeremy, who share stories about the origins of the beers, their brewing processes, and the history of Belgian brewing culture. For example, one reviewer appreciated the “overview of all Belgian beer styles,” which helps understand why Belgium is famous for its beer variety. The inclusion of extra nibbles like cheese, cured meats, fries, and regional snacks makes the experience more filling and balances the alcohol.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour includes a friendly guide, walking at a relaxed pace, and offers discounts (10%) in selected chocolate and beer shops. Bottled water is also provided, which helps keep everyone hydrated through the tastings.

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it’s important to note that hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to meet at the designated start point. The duration is 4.5 hours, making it an ideal half-day activity. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry an umbrella in case of rain. The tour is operated in English, but arrangements for other languages might be possible on request.

Guides and Guest Experience

The reviews rave about the guides, highlighting their personality and deep knowledge. Guides like Marie, Clemens, Jeremy, and Daphne are repeatedly praised for making the experience engaging and fun. One reviewer called Clemens “the best ever,” thanks to his clever insights and enthusiasm. Several guests mention that the guides are very accommodating, especially if dietary restrictions or preferences, such as switching from beer to cider, are requested.

What Travelers are Saying

Reviews consistently reflect satisfaction, often rating the tour as 5 out of 5. Visitors mention that it’s “the highlight of their trip,” “great value for money,” and “a fun, cultural introduction to Brussels.” Many also note that the stops include places they wouldn’t have discovered alone, adding to the tour’s authenticity and surprise factor.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies and drink lovers who want to experience Brussels from a local perspective. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy learning about craftsmanship and culture while tasting authentic products. The relaxed pace and engaging guides make it suitable for a wide range of travelers, although it’s not wheelchair accessible. The vegetarian-friendly aspect makes it accessible for vegetarians, but vegans should note that many tastings include dairy.

Final Thoughts

The Hungry Mary Beer and Chocolate Tour offers a memorable journey through the heart of Brussels’ most beloved treats. It combines sightseeing with tasting, all delivered by guides who bring humor, knowledge, and warmth to the experience. For $112, you gain access to some of the best boutique chocolates and authentic Belgian beers, along with insights into how they’re made and their cultural significance.

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed way to explore the city’s culinary heritage, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s especially suited for curious travelers eager to understand the craftsmanship behind Belgium’s famous products while enjoying some delicious samples along the way.

FAQ

Is there hotel pickup available for this tour?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You’ll need to meet your guide at the designated starting point near the Charles Buls Fountain.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the tour is suitable for vegetarians. If you have allergies or food restrictions, it’s recommended to inform the guides at the start.

How many stops does the tour include?
The tour includes visits to three boutique chocolate shops and multiple bars for beer tastings. You’ll sample up to 10 chocolates and 6 beers.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 4.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity in Brussels.

Is this tour suitable for children or minors?
The minimum drinking age is 16 years old, so it’s suitable for teenagers who meet this age requirement.

Are the guides multilingual?
Tours are primarily in English, but other languages may be available upon request.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and an umbrella in case of rain.

This tour strikes a great balance of culture, flavor, and fun — a true highlight for anyone wanting to experience Brussels’ famed beer and chocolate scene in one go.