La Grand-Place, Brussels: A Beautiful Heart of Belgium

La Grand-Place is situated in the center of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. It is a highly visited square. Visitors from all over the world come to see it. The square is also called Grote Markt in Dutch. La Grand-Place is not only beautiful. It is also highly historical. The buildings are old, stunning, and wonderfully decorated. The place looks like a myth. This blog will provide you with everything you need to know about Grand-Place. We will learn about its history, architecture, significant buildings, events, and tourist tips. You will also find information on nearby places, the best times to visit, and local food options.

A Glimpse into History – La Grand-Place, Brussels 

Early Beginnings

In the 11th century, La Grand-Place started as a marketplace. Farmers would sell vegetables, meat, and dairy. It was the center of everyday life. Slowly, the square evolved. More houses were built. Traders and merchants came. The place became bustling and vital.

Growth and Prosperity 

In the 15th century, the square became a hub of political and financial activity. Important meetings were held here, and guilds built their headquarters there. Architecture improved, and each building symbolized wealth and pride.

The 1695 Bombing

But something terrible happened in 1695. The French army bombed Brussels, destroying a few buildings in the square. People had a hard time rebuilding it, but it was restored in four years. The rebuilt square was even more stunning than it had been before.

Beautiful Architecture – Grand Place, Belgium

La Grand-Place is a work of architectural wonder. The architecture is a combination of Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV styles. Despite their varied styles, all the buildings look good together. Let’s talk about the most famous ones.

The Town Hall (Hotel de Ville)

This is the most beautiful building in the square. It was built from 1402 to 1455. The tower is tall, approximately 96 meters high. At the top is a golden statue of Saint Michael. The Town Hall was the only building that survived the 1695 attack undamaged. It has many sculptures and windows. It is still used for official work today.

The King’s House (Maison du Roi)

This house is across from the Town Hall, but no king ever resided here. It was named “King’s House” because it belonged to the ruler. It is called “Broodhuis” (Bread House) in Dutch. Long ago, bakers used to sell bread here. Nowadays, it is the Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles. There are paintings, old clothing, and the famous costumes of Manneken Pis.

Guildhalls

There are numerous guildhalls in the square. A guild is a group of people with the same profession. Each hall belonged to a different guild, such as bakers, brewers, boatmen, etc. The houses feature golden statues, carvings, and fancy balconies. Some of the names include La Maison des Boulangers, Le Cygne (The Swan), and La Maison des Brasseurs (Brewers’ House).

Events at La Grand-Place

La Grand-Place is bigger than a square. It’s a stage for many occasions. Let’s explore some of the famous ones.

The Flower Carpet

The square is adorned with a flower carpet every other August. Thousands of flowers are laid out on the ground in intricate colors. Preparing takes days. But the outcome is stunning. Tourists and locals love it. When viewed from a bird’s-eye perspective, it appears even more awe-inspiring.

Christmas and Winter Wonders

The square becomes magical in December. A big Christmas tree is placed at the center. Lights are present everywhere. There is music, shows, and even a light and sound show. Everyone is cheerful because of this event.

Ommegang Festival

It is an ancient parade held in July. It started during the 16th century. People wear old clothes. Horses and flags are in the square. The celebration honors Emperor Charles V’s visit to Brussels. It is travelling in time.

What to Do at La Grand-Place

There are lots of things to do at La Grand-Place. Here are some fun things.

 Walk Around and Take Photos

The houses are charming. You will be willing to take many photos. Go in the daytime and at night. The night lights cast a golden glow over the buildings. It’s lovely.

Visit the Museum

Step into the King’s House to see the Brussels City Museum. Discover the city’s rich history and be sure to visit the Manneken Pis costume collection.

Enjoy a Café or Restaurant

Sit outside and enjoy coffee, beer, or waffles while people-watching and taking in the view. There are numerous cafés and Belgian restaurants located near the square.

Food and Drinks

Belgium is renowned for its high-quality food. You can have many meals around Grand-Place.

Belgian Waffles are Soft inside and crunchy outside. You can have them plain or with cream, fruits, or chocolate.

Belgian Fries are served with sauces like mayonnaise. Crunchy and tasty.

Chocolates have fresh homemade chocolates. There are plenty of shops around the square.

Belgian Beer: Local beers, including sweet, strong, and fruity ones, are available. The beer culture is vibrant here.

Nearby Attractions

Manneken Pis is about a 5-minute walk from La Grand-Place. It is a small statue of a boy peeing in a fountain. It is funny and highly famous. Visitors from all over the world come to look at it. The statue itself is tiny but meaningful. It is a part of Brussels’ history. At special times, he wears costumes. There is also a woman version named Jeanneke Pis. She is nearby as well.

It is close to La Grand-Place. It is a shopping gallery with glass roofs and pleasant lighting. Within, there are chocolate houses, cafes, and upmarket shops. It is lovely for a stroll and a rest. The shops are pricey but unique. You can also get a coffee and watch people. This gallery is the oldest in Europe.

Mont des Arts translates to “Hill of the Arts.” It is only a 10-minute walk. It has lovely gardens and fantastic views. You can see the city from this vantage point. There are museums nearby, such as the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The area is tranquil. It’s a lovely spot to unwind and take in the scenery.

It is located within the King’s House of La Grand-Place. So you are already quite close. It depicts the history of Brussels. There are maps, paintings, and even clothes. There is also the costume of Manneken Pis. Thousands and thousands! They’re all sent from all over the world. It isn’t too big, but tales spill from each corner!

There is a big church not far from here. It takes 10–15 minutes to walk there. The cathedral is old and very beautiful. It has tall towers and stained-glass windows. You can go in for free. It is quiet and calm. There are sometimes concerts too. If you’re passionate about history and art, you’ll likely enjoy it.

This place is about 15 minutes away. It was once a port, but it has evolved into a fashionable destination, featuring seafood restaurants and cafes. There are both new and old constructions. There is a church in the center of the square. It’s simply plain but very pretty. Many people come here to eat and rest. Try to eat some local fish foods if you can.

It is a small street close to La Grand-Place. There are restaurants along it. The street is colorful and thin. You smell food everywhere. There is some touristy food, but there is still excellent food to be had. It is a nice place to walk. There is music and lights at night.

Belgium loves comics. This museum shows the history of comic books. You can see Tintin, The Smurfs, and more. The building is quirky, too. It is a lovely Art Nouveau. It is a 15-minute walk from La Grand-Place. Kids and adults both enjoy it. There is also a gift shop with a comic theme.

This art center is near the Mont des Arts, approximately 15 minutes away. It features paintings, concerts, and more. The building is spacious and newly constructed inside. If you are culturally inclined, it is worth visiting. Check the list of events beforehand.

It is the biggest park in the city center. You can walk there in 15 minutes. It has flowers, trees, and fountains. There are benches where you can sit and rest. In the summer, people visit there to relax or have a picnic. Children can run and play. It is next to the Royal Palace.

It is near Brussels Park. It is big and impressive. You can’t go in all year. But in summer, the palace is open for free visits. You get to see royal rooms and fancy decorations. It is fun to hear about the kings and queens of Belgium. Even outside, the palace is quite beautiful.

Do you like beer? This café is famous. It is near the Grand-Place. They have a vast selection of beers. The walls are lined with signs and bottles. It is never still. People come from all around the world to sample Belgian beer. Even if you’re not planning to drink, it’s worth visiting. Also, travellers visit Germany from Belgium to make a memory with Neuschwanstein Castle.

How to Get There

La Grand-Place is easy to reach.

By Train, take a train to Brussels Central Station. The square is just a 5-minute walk away.

By Metro Gare Centrale is the closest metro stop. Just follow the signs.

Driving a car in Brussels is not easy, and parking is expensive. Walking or taking public transport is better.

Best Time to Visit

La Grand-Place is pretty any time of year, but certain times are that much more special. In spring and Summer, it’s warm. Flowers are out. The city is lively. August (Flower Carpet Time): In even-numbered years, you can see the flower carpet if you go in mid-August. December (Christmas Season): Lighting, music, and smiles. La Grand-Place turns into a winter heaven.

Tips for Visitors

These tips are helpful. Keep on wearing simple shoes. Stones constitute the roads. Visit early or late when the area is not crowded. Visit during the daytime and evening. Take care to utilize bags and cameras judiciously. Take precautions against pickpockets. Eat meals at local restaurants to cut expenses.

Conclution

The square was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998. The famous writer Victor Hugo once lived in the area of the square. It was ranked as the most beautiful square in Europe by many visitors. There is free Wi-Fi in the area. Some of the buildings have gold-colored dates engraved on their walls. La Grand-Place in Brussels is not just a square. It is a symbol of beauty, history, and culture. The architecture is beautiful. The activities are exciting. The food is terrific. Everything about the place is charming. No Brussels trip is complete without going to La Grand-Place. Whether you go for the first time or for countless times, it will never fail to impress you. So make your visit. Bring your camera. And enjoy one of the most beautiful squares in the world