Brussels is often introduced through its grand squares, European institutions, and famous landmarks. Yet beyond these familiar images lies another Brussels — a city shaped by struggle, solidarity, and everyday life. Brussels By Foot was created to reveal that deeper story. Through alternative guided tours, it invites visitors to explore Brussels on foot and understand the forces that have shaped its neighborhoods and people over centuries.

The Story Behind Brussels By Foot

A Journey That Led Back Home

The creation of Brussels By Foot begins far from Belgium. After spending several years working as a guide in Colombia, François Ghislain gained valuable experience sharing cities with travelers. Guiding abroad allowed him to understand what visitors truly seek: not just information, but meaning, context, and stories that bring places to life.

When he returned to Belgium, François looked at Brussels with a renewed sense of curiosity. Familiar streets suddenly raised new questions. How had the city evolved? Who had shaped it? And why were so many important stories absent from classic guided tours? This reflection marked the beginning of a new approach to discovering Brussels.

Showing the City as He Loves It

François did not want to promote a polished or simplified version of Brussels. Instead, he aimed to share the city as he knew it — complex, diverse, sometimes chaotic, but deeply fascinating. His goal was to give visitors a different view of Brussels, one rooted in social history rather than official narratives.

This vision became the foundation of Brussels By Foot: walking tours that go beyond monuments and focus on people, neighborhoods, and historical struggles.

The Concept of Alternative Guided Tours

Walking as a Way to Understand the City

Walking plays a central role in Brussels By Foot. Moving slowly through the streets allows participants to observe details that are often overlooked. Buildings, squares, and streets become storytellers, each revealing traces of past conflicts and transformations.

Unlike traditional tours that emphasize speed and efficiency, these walks encourage reflection. The city unfolds step by step, creating a connection between physical space and historical events.

Learning Through Stories, Not Just Facts

François reads extensively to prepare his tours. History books, essays, and archival texts provide the raw material, but facts alone are not enough. What makes Brussels By Foot different is the way historical knowledge is transformed into engaging narratives.

Each tour tells a story with a clear thread, helping visitors understand how individual events fit into broader social movements. This storytelling approach makes complex history accessible and memorable.

“1000 Years of Struggles”: A Foundational Tour

Why the Marolles Matter

The first tour written by François Ghislain is called “1000 Years of Struggles.” It focuses on the Marolles, a neighborhood that perfectly reflects the themes central to Brussels By Foot. For centuries, the Marolles has been associated with working-class life, popular resistance, and strong community identity.

Rather than portraying the district as a curiosity, the tour presents the Marolles as a key space where Brussels’ social history unfolded.

Centuries of Social Conflict and Solidarity

“1000 Years of Struggles” traces major social movements that have shaped Brussels over time. From medieval tensions to modern urban conflicts, the tour explores how ordinary people defended their rights, homes, and ways of living.

Participants learn about housing struggles, labor movements, and collective protests, all connected to specific locations within the neighborhood. By walking through these places, history becomes tangible and immediate.

A Human Perspective on Brussels’ History

Ordinary People at the Center of the Story

One of the defining characteristics of Brussels By Foot is its focus on everyday people. Rather than glorifying power and authority, the tours highlight collective action and grassroots movements.

This perspective offers a more balanced view of Brussels’ past, showing how the city was shaped not only by rulers and institutions, but also by residents who resisted change imposed from above.

Connecting Past and Present

The tours also encourage visitors to draw parallels between historical struggles and contemporary issues. Urban development, social inequality, and community resistance are not just topics from the past — they remain relevant in today’s Brussels.

By linking historical events to present-day realities, Brussels By Foot helps participants understand that history is not frozen in time but continues to influence the city’s evolution.

Who Are These Tours For?

Curious and Engaged Visitors

Brussels By Foot appeals to travelers who enjoy learning while exploring. These tours attract people interested in history, social justice, and urban culture, as well as locals eager to rediscover their city from a new perspective.

The experience is designed for those who prefer depth over speed and reflection over consumption.

A Meaningful Way to Experience Brussels

Rather than collecting photos, participants leave with a deeper understanding of Brussels’ identity. The tours create lasting impressions by encouraging curiosity and dialogue, often sparking further exploration long after the walk ends.

Brussels By Foot Today

A Growing Alternative to Classic Tourism

Since the creation of its first tour, Brussels By Foot has continued to develop guided walks that reflect the same philosophy: thoughtful storytelling, strong historical grounding, and respect for the city’s complexity.

Each tour is carefully crafted to balance information with narrative, making history both engaging and accessible.

Seeing Brussels Through New Eyes

Brussels By Foot ultimately offers a new way of seeing the city. Through walking, listening, and questioning, visitors are invited to step outside conventional tourism and engage with Brussels on a human level.

For those who want to understand Brussels beyond its façades, Brussels By Foot provides an experience rooted in authenticity, passion, and a deep love for the city.