Grand Place, or Grote Markt in Dutch, is the central square of Brussels and arguably the main tourist attraction of the city. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Place was once a swampy sandbank sitting between two brooks. The start of its beautification can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when wooden houses were built around the market. When the 14th century rolled around, wealthy merchants began building stone mansions in the area, turning it from a dank and forgotten street to a bustling commercial area. When the town hall was established there in 1402, royalty started visiting the square, which resulted in the beautiful tourist attraction that visitors and locals alike know and love today. Whether you’re there to explore the markets or to sit at a café and people watch, the sights and sounds are bound to please and amaze.

Grand Place, Brussels Main Square, Belgium, Brussels

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