What to do · Brussels
The Grand-Place and the Gothic town hall
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 45 min
- Season
- All year; in August of even-numbered years, flower carpet
- Who it's for
- All ages, also with a pushchair
- With a dog
- On a lead, around the square
Brussels's main square is the starting point of any visit: the Gothic town hall, with its 96-metre tower, and opposite it the Maison du Roi, surrounded by the guildhalls, rebuilt in stone after the French bombardment of 1695. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1998.
When to see it
Come back twice: in the morning, when the groups have not yet arrived, and at night, with the facades lit up. In August of even-numbered years it is covered with a carpet of flowers for a few days, and in December the tree and a light and sound show are set up. Five minutes away is the Manneken Pis, along the rue de l'Étuve.
Tips
- Look up The gilded figures on each facade tell you which guild the house belonged to: boatmen, bakers, brewers.
- The Manneken Pis, on the way It is small, about 60 centimetres. Go without expectations and continue to the galleries.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see the Grand-Place?
Half an hour or three quarters for the square and its facades, and ten minutes more to the Manneken Pis.
When is the flower carpet?
In August of even-numbered years, for a few days around 15 August. The city announces the dates.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagersWith a dogWith friends
