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Grand Place

Grand Place, Brussels

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Grand Place

See all things to do
See all things to do
Grand Place
4.5
34,543
#1 of 520 things to do in Brussels
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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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.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • Beurs • 4 min walk
  • De Brouckère • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,355 within 3 miles
Tonton Garby
1,736
0.1 mi$ • French • Belgian • European
Pasta Divina
3,474
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The Lobster House
4,501
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Belgian • Seafood • European
Yummy Bowl
220
0.1 mi$ • International • Korean • Fusion
Midtown Grill
944
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • European
Le Pecheur
576
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Healthy
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
500
511 ft$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Belgian
Veganwaf'
75
341 ft$ • Dessert • Belgian • Fast Food
La Table de Mus
598
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • European • Healthy
DANS LE NOIR ? BRUSSELS
138
0.1 mi$$$$ • International • European • Gastropub
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Attractions
502 within 6 miles
Guild Houses
985
36 ftArchitectural Buildings
Lower Town
72
51 ftNeighborhoods
Tourism Information Centre at Grand Place
42
92 ftVisitor Centers
Maison du Roi
25
95 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Museum of the City of Brussels (Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles)
842
101 ftHistory Museums
Brussels Jazz Marathon
6
116 ftMusic Festivals
Monument à Éverard t'Serclaes
290
148 ftMonuments & Statues
Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
3,324
162 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Beer Museum
449
179 ftSpeciality Museums
Banksy:Genius Or Vandal ?
14
179 ftExhibitions
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
34,547 reviews
Excellent
25,405
Very good
7,858
Average
1,082
Poor
127
Terrible
75
June A
Surrey, UK2,382 contributions
The heart of Brussels
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.
TvdMerwe
Bristol, UK415 contributions
Spectaculair Sound & Light Show
Dec 2019 • Family
The Grand Place (Grote Markt) is the central square of Brussels. It is probably one of the most important sites in Brussels and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The most important site is the Town Hall with its beautiful Gothic architectural features.

During the Festive Season the sound and light show is part of the Winter Wonders programme where a 360 degree sound and light show takes place on the facade of the Grande-Place including the City Hall.

The Grand-Place is surrounded by chocolate shops, bars and restaurants worth visiting is De Kelder and The Cave (reservations recommended) and if you’re looking for a pub type lunch, I can recommend the La Rose Blanche, a traditional cafe-restaurant with a stucco ceiling rose and heavy wood beams with a wonderful atmosphere.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dormouse_rad
Pazardzhik, Bulgaria9 contributions
Beautiful architecture
May 2022
Visited around New Year's 2020 and had a chance to see the sound and light show, which was great. End of December/beginning of January is probably not the best time to visit the city but this experience at the square alone makes it totally worth it.
All the different buildings of the guilds are quite impressive, too.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Weak Knee Traveler
Singapore, Singapore11,766 contributions
Beautiful Square
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.
WarrenFretwell
Syracuse, NY3,621 contributions
This Is It!
Sep 2019
If you go to Brussels, then this is a must place to see! It is a large, square plaza surrounded by buildings, including a town hall, that can only be described as opulent.

Started in the 10th Century, built and rebuilt over the ages, it is a marketplace that now house offices and restaurants. It is said to be one of the most remarkable plazas in Europe and it cannot fail to impress.

Lots of tourists, especially at night when some of the buildings are lit up with colored lights.

The alleyways that lead to and from the Grand Place are ripe with shops, chocolatiers and stores that cater to tourists. There are restaurants as well, but I found better prices a little farther off.

The area seems very safe. We went during all times of the day and night and never encountered any problems. Of course, you should probably keep your cash in a money belt anyway.

Bring a camera for photos and videos because this is the place that was made for it!
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mmmmlp
Chennai (Madras), India30 contributions
Square having beautiful buildings
Oct 2019
This is a big square in the city that is visited by every tourist to the city. The square has architecturally most beautiful buildings around and mostly restaurants. The shopping mall lane is so nearby but the chocolates were a bit costly compared with some shops a bit away from here. Just scroll around for a better bargain.
Written April 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris_Orleans
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia233 contributions
Best place on Earth
Jan 2022 • Couples
Probably the more beautiful place in the world. Exsquiste and amazing back in time area. Each house, building, palace is covered of sculptures, gold, curves, pitons, mostly from flamish classic XVIIcent . Wow wow even under the endless rain Dec . Light Laser show for Xmas a bit outdated but beautiful .
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BPMKMT
Toronto, Canada25 contributions
This is a Stunning Square
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.
Kspeller
Enfield, UK850 contributions
A wonderful festive experience
Nov 2021 • Couples
The Grand Place is spectacular in its own right, with incredible historic architecture (not even diminished by the presence of a Starbucks). But during the festive period it is extra special with a sound and light show playing every half an hour. The music is mesmerising and the light show is just magical. Worth braving the cold to see it. There is of course the obligatory Christmas tree and a full size nativity. May be a post covid thing but not too crowded either.
Written December 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kevin K
8 contributions
The Most Beautiful City Center Square in Europe
Dec 2021
I used to live in Bruxelles and went to school not far from this wonder of the world. Every time I visit this magical city, Grand' Place is a must visit place. There can be no doubt that this is one of the most beautiful city center squares in all of Europe - the architecture, the restaurants, the shops and the pedestrian-only streets all make it super special. My recent trip in December 2021 brought back some very special memories as the Christmas trees and decorations made it even more magical. Don't miss this treasure on a trip to Bruxelles!
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Place
Grand Place is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Grand Place tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 95 Grand Place tours on Tripadvisor