Guides - Brussels and Bruges Travel Guide 2015 Essential Tourist Information, Maps & Photos

The Grand Palace is the main square located in the heart of city and it can be considered the epicentre of life in Brussels. This is also the most popular tourist attraction in the city, and its enduring popularity as well as its beauty and abundance of important buildings have secured its UNESCO heritage status.

The earliest known documentation of the Grand Place dates back to the 12th century, but the most iconic buildings on the square mostly date back to the 17th century. By standing in the middle of the square and viewing the panorama of all the buildings, it is possible to see many artistic and architectural styles sat side by side, illustrating just how important this square has been over the centuries.

The most iconic landmark of all the many buildings in the Grand Place has to be Hotel de Ville, otherwise known as City Hall . Dating right back to the early 15th century, this building has been fortunate to escape many of the bombardments that other buildings on the square have faced. Still, the building has been restored many times and the faade now owes much to a 19th century style.

One of the most interesting but temporary features of the square is a flower carpet. In 1971, a huge carpet of flowers was created in the centre of the square. The attraction proved to be so appealing to both locals and tourists that a flower carpet is now created in the square every two years.

Traveller Tip: If you want to dive directly into the heart of the city, then the Grand Place is where you'll want to start. On the edge of the square you'll also find the official Brussels tourism office.

Where: Grand Place, Brussels

If you have Internet access and are reading this guide from a smart phone, tablet or computer, you can view the full map showing all 10 attractions here: http://travelbugguides.com/brusselsmap.html