Grand Place (Grand Square), Brussels (must see)
Grand Square in Brussels, otherwise known as Grand Market, is a top tourist attraction of the Belgian capital. Recognized as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, if not the whole world, it is dominated by the flamboyant 15th-century Town Hall and the Neo-Gothic King's House, also known as Breadhouse (home to the Brussels City Museum).
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this square has functioned as a marketplace since the 12th century, over which period it has witnessed many historic events, such as the burning of Protestant martyrs by the Inquisition and the execution of counts in the 16th century.
Grand Square grew in importance alongside Brussels' prosperity, which is evident in the lavish golden embellishments of the opulent guildhalls surrounding it. Originally guild houses for various local industries (from haberdashery to baking), today these buildings accommodate shops and cafes. Notably, Number 10, previously occupied by beer brewers, nowadays houses the Brewers Museum.
During the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695, when the French artillery relentlessly pounded the square for 36 hours, many of its magnificent buildings were destroyed. Some of them, however, were later painstakingly restored. Among such are Number 3, the former guild house for tallow merchants, dating back to 1644, and Number 5, once home to the archers guild 鈥� the Phoenix seen on its facade symbolizes revival from destruction.
Presently, alongside 17th-century architectural jewels, the area is known for its centuries-old bars tucked away in alleyways, offering authentic Belgian beer. The nearby Butchers Street is packed with restaurants serving steamed mussels, as well as stores selling delicious chocolate, lace, souvenirs, and so much more.
The Grand Square also hosts a variety of festive and cultural events such as the biennial "Flower Carpet", a dazzling display of over 500,000 colorful begonias in mid-August. Also popular is the Ommegang, a medieval-inspired procession revived in 1930 to celebrate Belgium's centenary as an independent state. Other major events include the annual Christmas tree lighting, the Meyboom procession, and musical concerts.
Tip:
Visit during the daytime to fully appreciate the intricate details on the facades, and return in the evening to witness the buildings illuminated. If you're fortunate, you might catch a special sound-and-light show after dark, typically around 10:20 PM.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this square has functioned as a marketplace since the 12th century, over which period it has witnessed many historic events, such as the burning of Protestant martyrs by the Inquisition and the execution of counts in the 16th century.
Grand Square grew in importance alongside Brussels' prosperity, which is evident in the lavish golden embellishments of the opulent guildhalls surrounding it. Originally guild houses for various local industries (from haberdashery to baking), today these buildings accommodate shops and cafes. Notably, Number 10, previously occupied by beer brewers, nowadays houses the Brewers Museum.
During the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695, when the French artillery relentlessly pounded the square for 36 hours, many of its magnificent buildings were destroyed. Some of them, however, were later painstakingly restored. Among such are Number 3, the former guild house for tallow merchants, dating back to 1644, and Number 5, once home to the archers guild 鈥� the Phoenix seen on its facade symbolizes revival from destruction.
Presently, alongside 17th-century architectural jewels, the area is known for its centuries-old bars tucked away in alleyways, offering authentic Belgian beer. The nearby Butchers Street is packed with restaurants serving steamed mussels, as well as stores selling delicious chocolate, lace, souvenirs, and so much more.
The Grand Square also hosts a variety of festive and cultural events such as the biennial "Flower Carpet", a dazzling display of over 500,000 colorful begonias in mid-August. Also popular is the Ommegang, a medieval-inspired procession revived in 1930 to celebrate Belgium's centenary as an independent state. Other major events include the annual Christmas tree lighting, the Meyboom procession, and musical concerts.
Tip:
Visit during the daytime to fully appreciate the intricate details on the facades, and return in the evening to witness the buildings illuminated. If you're fortunate, you might catch a special sound-and-light show after dark, typically around 10:20 PM.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brussels. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Grand Place (Grand Square) on Map
Sight Name: Grand Place (Grand Square)
Sight Location: Brussels, Belgium (See walking tours in Brussels)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brussels, Belgium (See walking tours in Brussels)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Brussels, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Brussels
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brussels is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Brussels Introduction Walking Tour
Nowadays a major center for international politics, the capital of Belgium, Brussels, is often referred to as the "Crossroads of Europe". Indeed, nestled at the heart of the continent, this city has a history closely linked to that of Western Europe. Repeatedly changing hands between various duchies, empires, republics, and kingdoms, it has evolved from a small rural settlement to an... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
The European Quarter Walking Tour
Along with Luxembourg and Strasbourg, Brussels is one of the European Union鈥檚 de facto capitals. The office blocks of the European Quarter are mainly concentrated along and between two wide boulevards 鈥� rue de la Loi and rue Belliard 鈥� which L茅opold II built to connect his Parc du Cinquantenaire with the city center.
Begin your exploration with the EU鈥檚 most symbolic construction, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Begin your exploration with the EU鈥檚 most symbolic construction, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Grand Place Walking Tour
World-famous for its imposing Baroque-style buildings, such as the Town Hall, the King's House and the House of Dukes, the Grand Place of Brussels a whole is indisputably a masterpiece of human creative genius, with a special quality of homogeneity and coherency.
The buildings around the Grand Place, all different but built within a very short period, admirably illustrate the Baroque... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.3 Km or 0.2 Miles
The buildings around the Grand Place, all different but built within a very short period, admirably illustrate the Baroque... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.3 Km or 0.2 Miles
Brussels Historical Churches Walking Tour
As well as being Belgium鈥檚 political and cultural capital, Brussels is the spiritual home of its most significant churches. Historically, the city has been predominantly Roman Catholic, especially since the expulsion of Protestants in the 16th century. The pre-eminent Catholic temple here, located just a couple of minutes from the Grand-Place, is the Brabantine Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Chocolate Tour in Brussels
Belgium is considered one of, if not the, best producer of chocolate in the world. The country's capital, Brussels abounds in opportunities to taste more than 2,000 different varieties of this delectable treat. There is a plethora of chocolate shops in the city which offer chocolates of all imaginable shapes, sizes and colors.
Plan猫te Chocolat鈥檚 chocolate-making demonstration make a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Plan猫te Chocolat鈥檚 chocolate-making demonstration make a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Mont Des Arts Cultural Walk
Mont des Arts, meaning "hill of the arts", is one of the most important cultural sites in Brussels. A classic among the city鈥檚 vantage points, it offers a fine city garden and restored showcase of architecture, in addition to several great museums.
Start your journey by traveling towards the old part of the city, where you鈥檒l find the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, greatly admired... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Start your journey by traveling towards the old part of the city, where you鈥檒l find the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, greatly admired... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
What to Buy in Brussels: 14 Ideas for Travelers
It's no secret that Brussels is not all about JCVD muscles and EU headquarters. Small country as such, Belgium abounds in signature items, such as beer, chocolates and... the peeing boy. All of these have made prime Belgian souvenirs for years. Now you can explore the Brussels gift scene in...
Belgian Beer Tour of Brussels
Belgium is world-renowned for its beers and Brussels is the best city to sample the huge variety of flavors. We'll show you the best places to buy them and to drink them. We'll even show you a family brewery where the liquid gold is produced right in front of your eyes! This tour is meant...