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Belgium Brussels Central Brussels Square

Grand Place

Grand Place
About

The Grand Place, or Grote Markt, is the historic heart of Brussels and one of Europe’s most breathtaking squares. Surrounded by ornate 17th-century guildhalls, the Gothic Town Hall, and the neo-Gothic King’s House—now the Brussels City Museum—it reflects the city’s rich civic and commercial heritage. Originally a medieval marketplace, the square rose to prominence as a hub for merchants and guilds. Though heavily damaged during the 1695 French bombardment, it was swiftly rebuilt, resulting in the harmonious architectural ensemble seen today. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the Grand Place is more than a visual marvel—it’s a vibrant stage for cultural life. From the biennial Flower Carpet to festive Christmas markets, it hosts events that draw visitors from around the world. Day or night, its cobbled expanse and gilded façades offer a timeless spectacle, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to experience the soul of Brussels.

Brussels Belgium
Location

The Grand Place, or Grote Markt, is the central square of Brussels, located at Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels, and is widely regarded as the city’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by opulent Baroque guildhalls, the Gothic Town Hall with its soaring 96-meter tower, and the neo-Gothic King's House (Maison du Roi/Broodhuis) which houses the Museum of the City of Brussels, the square forms the historic and geographic heart of the city. The Grand Place is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant flower carpet event every two years, and festive celebrations such as the Christmas market and sound-and-light shows, making it a lively hub year-round. Just steps from the Grand Place, visitors can explore the famous Manneken Pis statue, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for elegant shopping, and the bustling Rue des Bouchers lined with restaurants. The area is also home to chocolate shops, cafés, and the Everard’t Serclaes statue, believed to bring good luck to those who touch it. With its central location and proximity to major attractions, the Grand Place is the perfect starting point for discovering Brussels’ rich heritage and vibrant city life.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Brussels Magritte Museum Magritte Museum Brussels Belgian Comic Strip Center Belgian Comic Strip Center Brussels Musical Instruments Museum Musical Instruments Museum Brussels Autoworld Autoworld Brussels BELvue Museum BELvue Museum Brussels Train World Train World Brussels Museum of the City of Brussels Museum of the City of Brussels Brussels Brouwerij Cantillon Brouwerij Cantillon Brussels Royal Palace of Brussels Royal Palace of Brussels Brussels Palace of the Nation Palace of the Nation Brussels Castle of Laeken Castle of Laeken Brussels La Monnaie La Monnaie Brussels Théâtre Royal du Parc Théâtre Royal du Parc Brussels Royal Flemish Theatre Royal Flemish Theatre Brussels Palais du Coudenberg Palais du Coudenberg Brussels Parc de Bruxelles Parc de Bruxelles Brussels Parc du Cinquantenaire Parc du Cinquantenaire Brussels Bois de la Cambre Bois de la Cambre Brussels Botanical Garden of Brussels Botanical Garden of Brussels Brussels Mont des Arts Garden Mont des Arts Garden Brussels Atomium Atomium Brussels Manneken Pis Manneken Pis Brussels Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral Brussels Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert Brussels Place Royale Place Royale Brussels Statue of Everard t'Serclaes Statue of Everard t'Serclaes Brussels Brussels Town Hall Brussels Town Hall Brussels

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