Tour operator
Pro Velo
A Brussels cycling association running themed three-hour guided bike tours of the city from March to December, with classic and electric bikes to rent.
ARAU
A Brussels urban action association whose guided tours explore the city's architecture and heritage, including a summer tour of Art Nouveau around Avenue Louise.
At a glance
- Type
- Architecture and urban heritage tours
- Area
- City Centre, Brussels, Belgium
- Official site
- arau.org
Good to know
- Scheduled guided tours
- Private group tours
- Gift vouchers
- Tours in French and English
Why we recommend it
ARAU, the Atelier de Recherche et d'Action Urbaines, is a Brussels association that works on urban planning and mobility with a simple aim: to make sure the city remains a pleasant place to live for everyone. Its campaigning background shapes its guided tours, which go beyond facades and dates to explain how Brussels has been built, demolished and rebuilt, and why its neighbourhoods look the way they do.
The programme covers architecture and heritage across the city, with scheduled tours open to individuals and a calendar that changes through the year. One example is Brussels: Capital of Art Nouveau, a two-hour tour that ran in summer 2026 and centres on the Avenue Louise district. It takes in Victor Horta's Tassel House, regarded as a manifesto for the Art Nouveau style, and compares it with the more geometric work of Paul Hankar. The meeting point for that tour was the corner of the Avenue Louise and the Rue du Bailli.
ARAU suits visitors with an interest in architecture, history and how cities work, as well as residents who want to look at familiar streets with fresh eyes. The tours are thoughtful and detailed rather than light entertainment, so they are best suited to adults and older teenagers. If you have particular interests, ARAU can organise private tours tailored to a group.
Book through the association's website, which lists the next scheduled tours and lets you reserve a place; the site is available in French and English, so check the language of each tour when booking. Gift vouchers are also available. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
ARAU's office is on the Rue du Midi in the old centre, but meeting points vary by tour and are given in each listing. Allow time to reach the meeting point, especially for tours in the outer districts such as Saint-Gilles and Ixelles, which are well served by trams.
Pairing an ARAU tour with a visit to the Horta Museum in Saint-Gilles is an excellent way to understand Brussels Art Nouveau, combining the streetscape with one of its finest interiors. Because the programme changes through the year, check the website shortly before your trip to see which tours are scheduled during your dates.
ARAU FAQs
What is ARAU?
The Atelier de Recherche et d'Action Urbaines, a Brussels association working on urban planning and mobility that also runs guided tours.
What kind of tours does ARAU offer?
Guided tours on architecture, heritage and the development of the city, plus private tours for groups.
Is there an Art Nouveau tour?
Yes. Brussels: Capital of Art Nouveau is a two-hour tour around the Avenue Louise district, including Horta's Tassel House.
How do I book?
Through the booking section of the ARAU website, which lists upcoming tours.
Can groups book private tours?
Yes. ARAU organises visits adapted to a group's interests.
What languages are available?
The website is in French and English; check the language of each tour when booking.
Where do tours start?
Meeting points vary and are given for each tour.
Are gift vouchers available?
Yes, ARAU sells gift vouchers.