The Grand Place (French, pronounced [ɡʁɑ̃ plas]; "Grand Square"; also used in English) or Grote Markt (Dutch, pronounced [ˌɣroːtə ˈmɑr(ə)kt] (listen); "Big Market") is the central square of Brussels, Belgium. It is surrounded by opulent Baroque guildhalls of the former Guilds of Brussels and two larger edifices; the city's Flamboyant Town Hall, and the neo-Gothic King's House or Bread House building (French: Maison du Roi, Dutch: Broodhuis) containing the Brussels City Museum. The square measures 68 by 110 metres (223 by 361 ft) and is entirely paved.
The Grand Place's construction began in the 11th century and was largely complete by the 17th. In 1695, during the Nine Years' War, most of the square was destroyed during the bombardment of Brussels by French troops. Only the facade and the tower of the Town Hall, which served as a target for the artillery, and some stone walls resisted the incendiary balls. The houses that surrounded the Grand Place were rebuilt during subsequent years, giving the square its current appearance, though they were frequently modified in the following centuries. From the mid-19th century, the square's heritage value was rediscovered, and it was thoroughly renovated.
Monday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Roel Thys | Jan 24, 2018
I work closely to this city square, and it is sometimes easy to take its beauty for granted. It has the reputation to be one of the prettiest city squares in the world and I truly believe it deserves it. The historical buildings all around have recently been renovated. And being in the middle of the square with these buildings all around you really leaves an impression. I can really recommend the Christmas light show at the end of the year. It really brings a magical atmosphere with the lights all around on the buildings.
Michael Azad | Jan 10, 2018
The grand place is in essence everything that is Belgium and Brussels. It’s architecture is beautiful and grand. It’s gilded exteriors but equally as enticing interiors are a token to the beauty of the heart of the city. I highly recommend anyone making a visit to Brussels to take a moment to enjoy and relax within the centre of this historic marketplace. You may find at night that the place itself lights up with it’s tall tower becoming a light show itself. Whilst beautiful during the day, I find the place to be the best at night.
April H | Mar 3, 2018
YES YES YES. If you’re in Belgium this is a definite must. Be ready for lots of tourists but it’s so beautiful it worth it. The architecture is absolutely stunning and it’s like nothing I even imagined from seeing the pictures before being there in real life. I can’t wait to go back to see it again. It’s so gorgeous.
Vassilis Ipsilantis | Jan 12, 2018
These buildings are amazing! They are standing proudly to remind you the wealth and the power of the past ! The outstanding architecture and the cosmetic details, declare the passion for luxury and innovation for the time they were built. It's one of the must visit places in Brussels!!! Generally all the surrounding area is very interesting, offering the visitor lots of entertainment and educational choices. If it's your first visit you will need a few days to spend around and be prepared to pay a bit more than you had in mind eating out. Brussels is a beautiful but a bit pricey!
Leggo Tung Lei | Feb 6, 2018
This is a European-style buildings surrounded by the open space, next to the City Hall, are preserved in the buildings of ancient Europe buildings, beautiful, 360 degrees are beautiful, and without money, stay how long can be, it is worth a visit . The square is the city's historic center with churches, cafes and restaurants. Attractions should be visited at any time of the year. The square is surrounded by ancient and charming buildings, but it is a pity that flowers can not be seen in winter. I did not expect to have evening light music show, was deeply stunning, embracing her husband and enjoy standing, so beautiful and romantic. During the Christmas market, you can go to a great place to visit. On a cold night in November, there are beautiful Christmas shows and delicious food. The Christmas market and show starts on November 24 until the holidays end. During the Christmas market, you can go to a great place to visit. On a cold night in November, there are beautiful Christmas shows and delicious food. The Christmas market and show starts on November 24 until the holidays end. Both adults and children will gather here, and I think the most beautiful sunset at sunset, the twilight, the building will be magnificent, there is no art, no beggars, only a lot of people will sit on the square floor.
Todd Martin | Apr 4, 2018
What a beautiful place for a quick photo opportunity. There are tons of shopping and places to eat nearby. Security is in place so that you feel safe in the crowd. Look at the main building and see if you can see the architectural disaster with the main door. Definitely worth the trip in both the day and night.
Darryl Davis | Mar 23, 2018
Cool and just never gets old. Don't bother eating or drinking at the places on the square as they are all expensive tourist traps. Go at night in the rain for great reflections off the ground. In the summer, do like the locals do in the evening... Bring a bottle of something and a couple friends, sit right down in the middle and enjoy the view.
Sha Mar | Apr 3, 2018
It’s one of the most spectacular place on planet earth! I love this square night and day! Can’t have enough of it! Love this place and if you are in Belgium you must come and see this place! Definitely recommend this place.
Adam M | Apr 30, 2018
It is one of Europe's most beautiful squares. No joke. Jean Cocteau once said that the Grand Place is the world's most beautiful theatre. And truly, you can stand on it for hours, just watching the human race
M Kegler | Apr 8, 2018
Wonderful place with plenty of landmarks. We weren't able to see all the flowers but maybe that's even better, because we might have avoided some wild crowds! One of my favourite places in Brussels, in the morning for some coffee in the sun and in the evening for some exquisite Belgian beer (either in the restaurant or at the curb). On warm Friday nights the place is crowded with locals having some drinks, what produces very nice, organic feeling.
Alice Landolfi | May 5, 2018
I don't know if Victor Hugo was right when he described Grand Place as the most beautiful square in the world (I come from Rome...), but I surely love it. Beautiful with the sunlight, amazing at night, with that luxurious shine and majesty. During Christmas time it is just magic, I suggest going there around 7/8 PM, when you can see a show of coloured lights changing at the same time with the music. It is hard to describe, definitely worth a visit in December to see what I mean :)
Syed Shan-e-Ali Zaidi | Apr 20, 2018
Great tourist attraction. You can sit outside on a nice warm day. Lots of eating options are available nearby. Occasionally holds a light show in evening, at Christmas and New year time, which is the best part.
Junwoo Lim | Apr 25, 2018
When in Brussels, where else to go? Very crowded (=so be careful) and full of actions happening there. But everything is around this place, so it works as a main portal to other small attractions in the old Brussels part. It's like a Times Square of NYC, just about a 250 years older version. Walk around the connecting streets for a more modern Belgium touch.
journei antonidas | Jun 2, 2018
Architectural jewel of the city. Beautiful buildings including the old City Hall and Guild Houses. Be sure to come back at night it's lit up and even more impressive. Many of the free walking tours meet there and start at that location. They are worth it to get a history lesson on the Grand Place and the surrounding city center. The restaurants in the Grand Place are fine, obviously a little pricy due to tourism. We ate their twice in the evening and the food was good. Have some beer, wine, coffee or water and sit in the evening and enjoy the view.
Ashish Anthony | May 21, 2018
A very beautiful place. One of the best ones out there. Very ornate and perfectly detailed. The symbolism of each little bit is pretty deep. Looks exceptionally gorgeous at night. Overall it's a place absolutely worth visiting. A very good photo op place and historic.
S. A | May 31, 2018
Needless to say that grand place is one of the main places to visit in Brussels. Aside from the beautiful historical location, it has a very nice atmosphere. Sometimes there are events taking place. I was lucky to arrive on the last day of a jazz festival that was held in the grand place square. JAZZ MUSIC AND RAIN WITH LIGHTS ON OF THE GRAND PLACE SQUARE..... A memorable experience ❤
John Brock | May 13, 2018
Beautiful palace. Not really sure it's purpose but many people like to sit in the square and drink at night. As well and just hang around and take pictures of all the buildings. I could only go inside the tourist Info center and the surround shops like the chocolate shops. But they were pretty good! And this place has wonderful food
Adib B | Jul 1, 2018
It’s a must to visit, amazing and stunning square. Host many events throughout the year, don’t miss the flower carpet each two years. You can eat or drink there, or just grab your Belgian beer and sit on the ground and enjoy the atmosphere. My best place in Brussels.
Randy H | Jun 28, 2018
This is one of the most stunning town squares in Europe. Try to get there before 10am to avoid the crush of tour groups. However it is also a great place to hang out any time of day. You need to stay a while to soak it in. If you just snap pictures and leave, you will miss so much. I visited this several times at different times of day. The changing light makes it look like a whole new place.
Taneisha Warner | Jun 18, 2018
Was a lovely place! We visited several times and on one occasion saw a beautiful parade! During a wait for food at one of the restaurants we looked at busing some more and noticed that there were so many beautiful details! Would definitely recommend it for any visit to Brussels!
David Crocker | Jul 3, 2018
Absolutely stunning. If you can get there early in the morning (around 8ish) and there will be no one there. When I visited it seemed like the city didn't wake up until 2 in the afternoon, so if you head out early you'll get to see a lot of the sights with very few other people there. The buildings themselves are breath taking. The gold that reflects the sunlight, the whole place is just so amazing it isn't possible to put into words
Joji Marie Teves | Jul 15, 2018
Very lively place with plenty of stores to choose from. :) there are a lot of good deals on Belgian chocolates that comes in packages. Authentic Belgian waffles at 1€ is good. Plenty of trinkets and souvenirs to buy from. The Mannequin pis is also just within the vicinity. Places for dinner or a complete meal can be quite difficult to navigate because of the crowd. Also, helpful to keep in mind the shops’ operating hours too. Overall, it was a vibrant stroll in the streets. Definitely a sight to experience for any tourists.
Tim Mason | Jul 20, 2018
Very impressive square in the middle of Brussels. Very historic. Architecture is almost 'over-the-top', but definitely worth seeing. Lots of cafes around the outside of the square. Good food - reasonable prices (for this type of location). It gets crowded on a nice day to photos are best taken early or late in the day. Close to lots of other sights. Allow an hours to look around + whatever restaurant time you need.
Sofia Robertson | Aug 15, 2018
Its a nice place for tourists but there isnt much going on in the of season. I personally think the best time to go there would be around Christmas when the giant pine tree is put up and the do the light display with music, all the building are lit up with different coloured lights that change colour with the beat of the music.
harsh desai | Aug 9, 2018
The most beautiful square I have ever visited... Loved the decor of buildings and the lightings... One can just come down here and sit down to relax.. there would be some or the other person who would be entertaining the crowd through their skills, it might a band performing on different songs or a musician playing musical instruments or a person showing off his/her football skills. The place is lively and surrounded by chocolate shops and cafes and bars...
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