Grand-Place
★ 4.8🇧🇪 BrusselsSuggested visit 1-2 hoursBest season April to October for mild weather; mid-August for the flower carpet
World HeritageHistoric siteCity walk
Called the most beautiful square in the world by Victor Hugo, ringed by 17th-century guild houses and a Gothic town hall spire.
Overview
Measuring 68 by 110 metres, the Grand-Place is enclosed by 39 guild houses of the 17th century, their gables decorated with gilded statues and emblems. The town hall tower on the south side rises 96 metres, facing the King's House, now the Brussels City Museum. The square is paved in granite and a giant flower carpet is laid every two years. It joined the World Heritage List in 1998.
History
A market square from the 12th century, it was almost entirely destroyed by French bombardment in 1695 and rebuilt by the guilds, giving it today's blend of Baroque and Neoclassical fronts.
Highlights
- •The 96-metre Gothic town hall tower
- •The gilded gables of the guild houses
- •The King's House museum
- •The biennial flower carpet
Practical tips
- •Summer evenings bring light and music shows
- •The square is crowded — watch your belongings
Practical information
- Best time
- April-October
- Tickets
- The square is free; the museum is about EUR 10
- Opening hours
- The square is open all day
- Local food
- Belgian waffles, fries, abbey beer
- Getting around
- Three minutes on foot from Gare Centrale metro.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
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