Visiting the Grand Place

Hidden in the urban maze of Brussels, the Grand Place is the city’s main square and has been the social hub for centuries. With the impressive Town Hall and the grand and ornate guildhalls it is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful city squares. As well as the beauty there are several museums, cafes, and chocolate shops to peruse making the Grand Place Brussels’ star attraction.

Town Hall

With its great gothic spire towering above, Town Hall is the grandest structure on the square with its beautiful intricate façade with statues of saints and nobles woven in. A 5 meter high metal statue of Brussels patron saint archangel Michael slaying a dragon sits at the top. Inside is a business space but also art and tapestry collections and it is possible to see inside with a tour but is best admired from the square.

City Museum

Located in the King’s House opposite City Hall the museum gives a historical overview of the Brussels while the third floor houses a selection of Manneken Pis’ extensive wardrobe. He owns around 700 pieces sent to him from around the world.

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

Feel better about your chocolate consumption levels by learning how it came to end up in your mouth with a visit to the chocolate museum located just of the Grand Place in Rue de la Tete D’Or. Once you are educated reward yourself by stopping by the chocolate shops conveniently located in Grand Place like Godiva, Neuhaus and Leonida.

Everard 't Serclaes

In need of a spot of good luck? All you need to do is rub the elbow of the statue of Brussels hero Everard 't Serclaes near Rue Charles Bul.

Manneken Pis

The infamous Manneken Pis is a short walk from the square along Rue de l’Etuve. Be sure to look up en route to see the Tintin mural. The little, naked boy peeing into a fountain is a city icon and he is regularly costumed to the amusement of locals and tourists alike.

Flower Carpet

Every two years the Grand Place is turned into a giant pattern using 800,000 begonias impressively arranged but it only happens for 5 days in August on even years.

A Bite to Eat and a Drop to Drink.

The Grand Place is a great place to pick up a waffle while you take in the beauty of the square. At night it is beautifully lit and a nice place to sit with a glass of Belgium’s finest beer. Dining can be costly so head down the alleys leading off the square for cheaper options like nearby ‘Pita Alley’ on Rue du Marche aux Fromage for Greek, Turkish and Egyptian restaurants where a basic pita gyro will cost around €3.50.

In its heyday medieval tournaments and public executions took place in Grand Place but nowadays tourists wander its cobbled surface taking photos and admiring the grand buildings. Grand Place is always full of activity and the impressive baroque façades led to it being UNESCO listed in 1998. It is a city icon and the loveliest place to spend your time in Brussels.