Grand Place
Grand Place
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, the ornate Grand Place is the center of Brussels, where many historic buildings dating from the 17th century are located.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • Beurs • 4 min walk
  • De Brouckère • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • paul k
    10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great city break
    The hotel (Warwick grand place) great location to explore the city from. Do not take the toot hop on hop off bus tour, terrible. Best for brunch is woodpecker 47. Best Thai is fanny Thai. Also ate at Sole d'italia for delicious Italian. All bar are great but we loved Rois de belges , Falstaff and Bizon. Gotta have the Belgian frites too!
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 29, 2023
  • Margaret F
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and Walkable
    The Grand Palace and the square are definitely worth the walk through. It is especially beautiful at night. The architecture is amazing. The surrounding streets are filled with restaurants, shops etc. It's always filled with people and very lively. We actually walked through it every day on our way elsewhere. We enjoyed it very much.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 1, 2023
  • Seagoat1959
    25 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely gorgeous space
    It is one thing to see buildings that were built in the 1600's; it is quite another thing to sit in these same building eating and drinking. The architecture and ornamantation of the building is almost a visual overload at first look. Definetly make time for this "space" on your trip to Brussles; you will see everything from the tourists taking photos, and the local children kicking around a futbal.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 1, 2023
  • themanofec
    North Canton, Ohio536 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Square
    It is a prime spot in Brussels and worth the time to visit, explore and take pictures. We were not disappointed and took a couple of small stopoffs to get photos from all sides. Nice shops in that section as well
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 2, 2023
  • Marianne C
    Burnham, United Kingdom971 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everyone goes here and so should you.
    Buildings and statues Recently re-gilded and boy did they shimmer in the rare April sun, fantastic. Cobbles everywhere so no heels (same across Brussels). Plenty of decent cafes to have plump mussels with frites (got to be done at least once on any trip to Belgium). Sit and chew the fat in a special ambiance, preferably outside.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 6, 2023
  • Jim W
    Sindelfingen, Germany2,930 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One Of The Most Amazing Main Squares In Europe
    It is hard to believe that Brussels is only the fifth largest city in Belgian. What this does enables is that the main square is much more quaint than some of the larger European cities. This is my third time here and I am still enchanted by its charm. What a great city you have!
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 9, 2023
  • Alconcalcia
    London, United Kingdom87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Simply a must see place.
    If you stopped to think how long everything must have taken to create and build everything in the Grand Place, it would do our head in. It's a simply incredible place, a sight to behold, both day and particularly night. A spectacular display of the craftsmanship that went into buildings centuries ago. There are also many eateries, souvenir shops and, of course, chocolate emporiums, to explore. It's definitely the must go to place when you visit Brussels.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 15, 2023
  • Louisa H
    Widnes, United Kingdom2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely place
    The square and surrounding are beautiful and have a variety of shops, restaurants, bars etc. plenty of guides around in various languages (unsure if they were free or not but many people where listening to the history being told) the art of the brick museum was fantastic even as an adult it was so fascinating and right inside of the square only €11 for adults. Also very close to the location of the famous ‘weeing statue’ and many beautiful places around, definitely recommend if you’re coming to Belgium to heading by
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 30, 2023
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, California16,858 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic Preservation with Crowds of Tourists
    This is the showpiece of the city, the old town square, a big space with impressive guild houses and large buildings on all 4 sides. Nicely-preserved historic buildings with no invasion of modernism. But there is an invasion of tourism, so be prepared for big crowds.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 12, 2023
  • Mas Timotheus
    Manchester, United Kingdom5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic plaza defintely worthy for visit.
    A historic plaza definitely worthy for visit. This place filled with chocolate shops, restaurants and souvenir shop. There are paid/non-paid tour in English and Spanish. Check the museum and city hall opening time and fee before visit.
    Visited March 2023
    Written May 30, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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The Weak Knee Traveler
Singapore, Singapore11,769 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Solo
This square is a UNESCO heritage site and the main square in Brussels. It is beautiful and a must visit when in Brussels, esp. during the X'mas season. There was a light show at the square in the evening and it was crowded. It was so much quieter when visited early in the morning just before sunrise. But no less beautiful.
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

June A
Surrey, UK2,679 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Brussels during the brief period last summer when things returned to at least some semblance of normality. I stayed just a few minutes from the Square and so walked past or through it almost every day in some capacity. It's a huge open space filled with the most glorious and majestic buildings - the best known of which are of course the famous Guild Houses. These are every bit as beautiful as they look in the pictures and house a variety of different institutions some of which are open to the public. The restaurants and bars were open for business when I visited and were doing a brisk trade with people no doubt wishing to make up for the many months of confinement. On the day I arrived in Brussels the square had a team of acrobats entertaining the crowd, which I must admit threw me a little. It was though all very organised and although crowded I felt perfectly safe as everyone was masked up and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere at night is very different - the buildings are lit up with groups of friends sitting on the cobbles in the square drinking, smoking and catching up with each other as the sun gradually does down and the light fades. The buildings look even better at this time than they do during the day and for a woman alone it is of course perfectly safe.
Written April 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BPMKMT
Toronto, Canada25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
This review is a year later, we visited last summer. Been lucky enough to visit a few beautiful squares in Europe in our time, The Grand Place is my favourite. The old town streets all will funnel naturally towards the middle of this beautiful square with 2 beautiful tall buildings that stand across each other. Interesting note, neither are places of worship one is a Government building. I would recommend joining a tour with one of the locals with a yellow umbrella. It is free, but do expect to tip the tour guide, it is how they make a living and it is well worth it. From there you make your way anywhere, Brussels is very walkable, I suggest a walk by the Gallery where they sell tasty chocolate. Sit and have a Belgium waffle and expresso. I would recommend Neuhaus and Mary's chocolate if you are like fine chocolate. From there make your way to the Royal Palace. You can't get lost, you can always make your way back to the square with the arches of the tall buildings visible.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tony G
Milton Keynes, UK563 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Grand Place was awe inspiring. Imposing architecture on all sides includes the Maison du Roi, in French meaning the king’s house, the Town Hall and various guildhalls. The square is the heart of Brussels and was full of locals and visitors, as well as a huge Christmas tree when we were there. It’s surrounded by streets and alleys and was a short walk from Brussel-Centraal station. The square is surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops and other Belgian shops. We walked to the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert which was delightful and where some of the best chocolatiers can be found.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gwenkay
Sacramento, CA79 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
A must see for Brussels. Many cafes, waffle places, and chocolate shops nearby. Beautiful architecture including the 15th Century Gothic town hall with tower. A must see is the City Museum. You can also join a free tour of the city almost every day here at 1:30pm.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bob K
Fairfax, VA2,234 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The Grand Place is the central square in Brussels. It is surrounded by opulent guildhalls and two larger edifices, the city's Town Hall, and the King's House or Breadhouse building containing the Brussels City Museum. The square measures 223 x 361 ft. The Grand Place is the most important tourist destination and most memorable landmark in Brussels. It is also considered as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. To counter the Town Hall’s symbol of municipal power, from 1504 to 1536, the Duke of Brabant ordered a large building to be constructed across from the Town Hall as a symbol of ducal power. It was erected on the site of the first cloth and bread markets, which were no longer in use, and it became known as the King's House although no king has ever lived there. Over time, wealthy merchants and the increasingly powerful guilds of Brussels built houses around the square. A number of guild houses have been converted into shops, terraced restaurants and brasseries. Notable institutions include Godiva Chocolatier and the Maison Dandoy speculoos confectionery. One of the houses owned by the brewers' guild is home to a brewers' museum. This square has lots to offer. Allow ~1 + hrs for your visit.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Madame Toutlemonde
Timbuktu, Mali266 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Friends
As they say, one of the most beautiful medieval squares in the world! Having visited several times with various friends, it is a phenomenal location to have a beer during sunset.

Caution: Eat elsewhere. The restaurants are even more expensive than the already bank account draining prices in Brussels. Beer is +/- €7 for a large but chips and salsa (only one round of each) is €15.

Shop the various chocolatiers, buy trinkets for people back home, get your Starbucks fix.
Nearby shopping is fun.

STRONG CAUTION: Do NOT pay cash for a taxi. They will try to tell you they only take cash (a lie) and try to settle on a price beforehand so they don’t have to use the meter. This is a ripoff. One driver told me €10 and i chose another who used the meter. It was €7.

Great place to spend an evening.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Louisa H
Widnes, UK2 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
The square and surrounding are beautiful and have a variety of shops, restaurants, bars etc. plenty of guides around in various languages (unsure if they were free or not but many people where listening to the history being told) the art of the brick museum was fantastic even as an adult it was so fascinating and right inside of the square only €11 for adults. Also very close to the location of the famous ‘weeing statue’ and many beautiful places around, definitely recommend if you’re coming to Belgium to heading by
Written April 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Susanne L
47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
The Grand Place with its outstanding buildings is a must see in Brussels. Beside the wonderful architecture of the building ensemble there are lots of restaurants, shops and museums nearby. Lots of tourists, but this can be a chance also. We had the luck the meet a womens choir group doing some sightseeing and starting to sing and perform in this inspiring ambiance.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jbg74
Saint Paul, MN1,057 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
This square definitely has some incredible architecture. There is also the city museum as well as tours of the old town hall on certain days. You have to pre-book the tours. The square is definitely worth a visit for anyone travelling through Brussels. Architecturally, it is one of the most beautiful squares I have seen. The cafes may be overpriced but it is a beautiful place to stop for a coffee or meal too.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Grand Place, Brussels

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