La Grand Place

If any square in Brussels can be considered the city's main square, the Grand Place is it. With some parts dating right back to the 12th century, the Grand Place is effectively a Belgian relic and it’s worth visiting the square to gawp at the incredibly grand and beautiful buildings that line its edges. As such, it was no surprise when the square was selected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1998.

Once upon a time, this was the main food market for the city, where people would come to sell produce from local farms. The architecture is magnificent and hails from three historical periods, namely the Gothic, Baroque and Louis XIV, giving the square the allure of an enormous outdoor museum. The square is perhaps Brussels’ most famous sight and is usually packed with tourists.

One of the key features of the Grand Place is the exquisite Town Hall. Its Gothic spire is visible for miles around and dates back to the 15th century. Another building which deserves special attention is known in Flemish as the Broodhuis (or “bread house”) and in French as the Maison du Roi (“king’s house”). The spires and intricate sculptures that make this building stand out are a legacy of the most skilled craftsmen of the time. Inside you’ll find a museum of local history.

Although there is no food market here nowadays, there are still echoes of the square’s previous history. Just walk around the adjoining streets and notice how many of them are named after different foods – chicken, cheese, herbs and so on. On top of that, food still plays a central role in the square, as this is a great place to come if you want to try out some traditional Belgian cuisine. Be warned, however, that prices can be high. If you’re looking for something more affordable, try the Turkish and Mediterranean joints in the smaller streets nearby.

The Grand Place is in the centre of Brussels and easily accessible by car or metro. There is some paid parking in the streets around the square but you may find it difficult to find a space. The square is open daily and there is no admission charge.