Brussels isn’t just about grand architecture and fine beers; it’s a city that truly shines through its hands-on workshops and classes. Whether you’re a chocoholic eager to learn the secrets of Belgian pralines or a waffle enthusiast wanting to perfect your home recipe, Brussels offers an array of experiences that go beyond sightseeing. I personally love the Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Tastings, where you’ll meet expert chocolatiers and craft your own treats—plus, get a 20% discount on chocolates afterward. For a more comprehensive chocolate experience, the 2.5-Hour Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop combines learning with tasting over 30 chocolates, offering an even deeper dive into Brussels’ sweetest craft.
If you’re after a broader, cultural food experience, the city’s chocolate and waffle workshops are hard to beat. For a taste of the local culinary heritage, the Waffle Making Workshop and Waffle Workshop with Beer Tasting allow you to master the art of Belgian waffles, with the latter pairing your creations with three local beers. For those who want to combine the best of both worlds, the Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop takes you on a scenic walk past city sights and into exclusive chocolate boutiques, finishing with a hands-on chocolate-making session.
Those interested in sweet sophistication will find several truffle workshops—like the Chocolate Truffles Workshop and Tasting, where you craft rich handmade chocolates to take home. For a more luxe experience, the VIP Chocolate Workshop offers personalized treats and a close-up look at bean-to-bar chocolate production. Lastly, for a dash of arts and fun, the Wine and Painting Workshop proves you don’t need to be Picasso to enjoy a relaxing, wine-infused art session.
Below, I’ll walk you through each of these top workshops and classes in detail, helping you decide which experience matches your interests, budget, and schedule.
1. Brussels: Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Tastings
This hands-on workshop invites you to meet a true handcraft chocolate maker right in Brussels. For just $64 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours creating your own chocolates, learning about premium cocoa, and discovering the ethics and sustainability of chocolate production. The workshop is particularly praised for the expert guidance, with Patrice earning rave reviews for his engaging and educational approach. You’ll leave with your own box of chocolates to enjoy or share, plus a 20% discount at the store. Many reviewers call it “perfect,” with comments about how fun and well-paced it was. This experience is ideal for sweet tooths and curious cooks alike, and the value for money shines through given the quality of instruction and takeaway treats.
Bottom Line: A fantastic starter experience that combines learning, hands-on crafting, and delicious tasting—perfect for anyone wanting a true Belgian chocolate experience.
2. Brussels: 2.5-Hour Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop
For around $67, this 2.5-hour workshop elevates your chocolate skills by teaching you how to make more than 30 types of Belgian chocolates from scratch. The instructor, Sem, is highly regarded for his knowledge and friendliness, helping participants craft pralines and mendian chocolates. Guests consistently mention how much they enjoyed the process and appreciated the delicious hot chocolate they sampled. This longer class makes it easier to master more complex techniques and walk away with a large box of chocolates. It’s particularly suited for chocolate lovers who want to learn authentic recipes they can replicate at home.
Bottom Line: An immersive, hands-on experience that’s great for those who want to dive deep into Belgian chocolate craftsmanship.
3. 2.5h Belgian Chocolate Pralines Workshop in Brussels
This popular 2.5-hour class specializes in pralines and mendiants, two iconic Belgian chocolates. At $55.61, you learn authentic recipes with a professional instructor, finishing with more than 30 chocolates to take home. Reviewers highlight the fun and delicious nature of the class, with some noting that the instructor made everything very interactive. Tasting their handmade chocolates along with hot chocolate adds to the authentic feel. If you’re looking for a shorter, focused experience that’s perfect for beginners or families, this workshop offers excellent value.
Bottom Line: Small-group, engaging, and perfect for chocolate fans eager to make authentic Belgian pralines.
4. Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop
Combining a guided sightseeing walk with a chocolate workshop, this 3.5-hour experience offers a well-rounded taste of Brussels—literally. Starting at the Grand Place and passing by landmarks like Jeanneke Pis and Saint Catherine’s Church, you’ll stop at exclusive chocolate boutiques for tastings. Afterward, you’ll participate in a hands-on chocolate-making session. The tour includes 10 tastings and Belgian pastries, and the guide shares chocolate-related legends. Ideal for culture and food lovers who want a mix of sightseeing and sweets, many reviews praise the charismatic guide and the variety of tastings.
Bottom Line: A lively, comprehensive introduction to Brussels’ chocolate scene, perfect if you like walking and sampling.
5. Brussels: Waffle Making Workshop
At just $43, this 1.5-hour workshop is a delightful way to learn the art of Belgian waffles. You’ll get hands-on instruction and plenty of opportunity to eat your creations. Guests love how easy it is to follow the recipes and how much fun it is for families and groups. The class covers traditional techniques, and you leave with the skills to recreate authentic waffles at home. While some mention that the toppings are mostly artificial, the focus remains on the fun and delicious experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or casual bakers wanting a quick, tasty lesson in Belgian waffle-making.
6. Brussels: Belgian Waffle Making Workshop with Beer Tasting
This unique fusion of culinary delights costs about $61 and lasts 1.5 hours. You’ll learn to make classic Brussels waffles using Belgian beer in the batter, then enjoy a tasting of three local brews. The instructor guides you through the pairing process, and many guests note how informative and fun it is. It’s ideal for beer lovers and foodies wanting a relaxed, interactive session. With excellent reviews, this experience stands out for its combination of flavors and casual atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A tasty, fun way to sample Belgian beer alongside the iconic waffle—great for adults looking for a culinary twist.
7. Brussels: Belgian Chocolate Truffles Workshop and Tasting
For $52, indulge in this 1.5-hour workshop focused on making luscious chocolate truffles. The instructor helps you craft custom-flavored chocolates while sipping on hot chocolate. Reviewers mention how fun and easy it is to create chocolates that are both beautiful and tasty. The class is suitable for dairy-free and vegan options, and many appreciate the personalized attention. It’s ideal for those wanting a refined chocolate experience without going overboard on time or cost.
Bottom Line: An elegant, interactive class for chocolate connoisseurs wanting to refine their skills.
8. Brussels: Chocolate Workshop and Guided Walking Tour
This 3.5-hour experience combines a guided tour of Brussels’ sights with 10 tastings at top chocolatiers and a chocolate workshop. Starting at the Grand Place, your guide shares stories and legends of the city’s history and its love affair with chocolate. The tour is perfect for culture and foodies who want an immersive experience. Guests praise the enthusiasm of the guide and the variety of tastings. It’s an excellent choice if you like learning about the city while indulging in Belgian chocolates.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a combination of sightseeing and tasting in a relaxed setting.
9. Belgian Chocolate Making Class and Tasting in Brussels
This 1.5-hour class offers a hands-on experience at an authentic chocolate factory. For around $81, you watch demonstrations like tempering on a marble slab and make a variety of delicious chocolates, including truffles and mediants. Many reviewers highlight the friendly host and the variety of chocolates they produced. The VIP upgrade with champagne, however, is optional. This experience suits chocolate lovers who want to learn about Belgian chocolate techniques and take away their own creations.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, authentic introduction to professional chocolate making.
10. Brussels Waffle Workshop
For $39.48, this 1.5-hour class is fantastic for beginners and families. You’ll learn how to make authentic Belgian waffles from scratch, decorate them, and eat as many as you like. Many reviewers enjoy the friendly hosts and the fun atmosphere. The class emphasizes traditional techniques and provides everything needed to reproduce waffles at home. It’s particularly popular with families with kids.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive, and delicious way to learn Belgian waffle secrets.
11. The Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop in Brussels Centre
This 1.5-hour workshop combines beer tasting with waffle making, priced at $62.23. You’ll pair your waffles with two local beers and learn about beer-infused batter techniques. Participants rave about the fun and relaxed atmosphere and the quality of both beer and waffles. The interactive nature makes it especially appealing for adults seeking a culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: A distinctive experience blending Belgian beer and waffle craftsmanship—perfect for beer lovers.
12. VIP Make Your Own Chocolates Workshop with Tastings
This VIP experience costs around $81, lasting 1.5 hours. You create mendiants, truffles, and a personalized chocolate bar to take home. Attendees rave about the educational content and premium ingredients. The workshop includes sampling premium origin cacaos and tasting fresh cacao beans. Many find it a more intimate and luxurious experience compared to standard classes.
Bottom Line: A high-end, personalized chocolate-making experience ideal for serious chocolate fans.
13. Belgian Chocolate Truffles Workshop and Tasting
For $38.98, this short but sweet workshop teaches you how to make delicious dark chocolate truffles. Reviewers mention the brilliant instructor and the fun, easy-to-follow process. You get to take home all your chocolates, and the session includes a hot chocolate tasting. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, satisfying chocolate fix.
Bottom Line: An affordable and delightful option for chocolate crafting in a small-group setting.
14. Wine and Painting Workshop Experience in Brussels
This 3-hour guided art class is a fun twist, combining painting with wine. For $92.52, you’ll enjoy stress-free creative time with a friendly host. Despite the focus on art, guests rave about the relaxed atmosphere and quality of instruction. It’s perfect if you want a different kind of cultural experience—a great choice for art lovers or couples wanting a relaxed night out.
Bottom Line: A creative, social activity that pairs art and wine in a convivial setting.
15. Brussels: Beer and Chocolate Pairing Class with Tastings
For just $41, this 1-hour class offers a taste of Belgium’s iconic flavors—beer and chocolate. You’ll sample five beers paired with five chocolates, learning pairing techniques and enjoying the flavor contrasts. Many reviewers mention how informative and fun it is. It’s an especially good option if you want a quick, flavorful experience that highlights Belgium’s culinary reputation.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious foodies who want to understand pairing science in a lively, short setting.
How to Choose the Best Workshop or Class in Brussels
If you’re trying to decide, consider your budget, time available, and personal interests. For serious chocolate fans, the VIP Chocolate Workshop offers a luxurious experience, while those on a budget might prefer the Chocolate Truffles Workshop. If your goal is a family-friendly activity, the Waffle Workshop has great reviews and is easy to join.
Thinking of combining sightseeing? The Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop offers a nice mix of culture and sweets. For those with a taste for craft and a desire to learn professional techniques, the Belgian Chocolate Making Class and Tasting is ideal.
For shorter stays, many classes last around 1.5 hours and are great for quick but meaningful experiences. Always check availability and book early, especially for popular spots like the Waffle and Beer Workshop.
In summary, Brussels offers a wide array of hands-on workshops suited for all interests—from chocolate perfectionists to waffle lovers, to art enthusiasts. Whether you want to learn a traditional craft or just indulge in delicious treats, there’s something to fit your style and schedule. Two or three of these experiences would make memorable additions to your trip, so don’t hesitate to reserve early and get ready for some tasty fun—Belgium style.