The Grand Place of Brussels

The Grand Place of Brussels is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It is surrounded by magnificent buildings, including the City Hall and the King's House. The square is also home to the famous statue of Godfrey of Bouillon.

Every year, the Grand Place is decorated for the Christmas market and is truly a sight to behold. If you are visiting Brussels, take some time to explore the Grand Place.

The history of the Grand Place

The Grand Place of Brussels is one of the most visited places in Belgium. It is located in the heart of the city and is a central square dating back to the 11th century. The Grand Place was initially known as “Market Square” because it was used as a market space for merchants and tradesmen. In the 13th century, the square became known as “Grand Place” due to its large size.

The Grand Place has been the site of many important events. In 1348, Charles V held a grand tournament here. In 1477, Margaret of York married Charles the Bold in the Grand Place. And in 1515, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I was crowned in the square.

The Grand Place has also been witness to more somber events. In 1695, during the War of the League of Augsburg, French troops bombarded Brussels and heavily damaged the Grand Place and many other buildings in Brussels. And in 1789, riots broke out in Brussels on Pentecost Sunday and killed several people in front of City Hall, located on the Grand Place.

Today, the Grand Place is one of Brussel's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can admire the opulent architecture of City Hall and other historic buildings around the square. They can also enjoy views of the impressive Flower Carpet, made entirely of begonias and covers 2,800 square meters (about 30,000 square feet) of the Grand Place every two years.

What to see at the Grand Place

The Grand Place of Brussels is Europe's one of most beautiful historical squares. Surrounded by magnificent architecture dating back to the 11th century, the square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many important monuments and landmarks.

Some of the most notable buildings around the Grand Place include the City Hall, the King's House, and the Breadhouse. The City Hall, built in the Gothic style in the 15th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Brussels. The King's House, now housing a museum, was once the residence of the Duke of Brabant. The Breadhouse, built in 1695, is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.

In addition to its architectural treasures, the Grand Place is also home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can find everything from Belgian chocolate and waffles to luxury goods and souvenirs. There is also a daily market in the square, where fresh products and other goods are available. No visit to Brussels would be complete without a stop at the Grand Place.

How to visit the Grand Place

Assuming you are starting from the Central train station, it is a short walk to the Grand Place. From here, one can see the fantastic architecture and maybe even grab a bite at one of the many cafes or restaurants. During the night time, the decoration with thousands of lights on the square attracts tourists.

If you are looking for something a little more active, you can take a guided tour of the Grand Place. These usually last around an hour and will take you to all the landmarks in the square. You will learn about the history and get some great tips on where to eat and drink.

Conclusion

The Grand Place of Brussels is an unforgettable experience that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The beauty and grandeur of the buildings, the delicious food, and the friendly people make it a place to remember. If you are ever in Belgium, visit the Grand Place Brussels.

00 Comments

No comments yet.

We are offering for you

Featured Articles

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. Every year, millions of people visit Niagara Falls to see the amazing sights and experience the natural wonders of this world-famous destination.

The History of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has been a tourist destination for centuries. The first person to visit Niagara Falls was Father Louis Hennepin, a French missionary, in 1678. He wrote about the beauty of the falls, which attracted other European explorers and settlers to the area.

In the early 19th century, Niagara Falls became a popular honeymoon destination for American couples. The popularity of the falls as a tourist destination grew throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Different Views of Niagara Falls

There are three different ways to view Niagara Falls: from the Canadian side, from the American side, and from above.

· The Canadian side offers the best views of Niagara Falls. There are several observation decks, viewing areas, and a boardwalk that takes you right to the edge of the falls. You can also take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which gets you up close and personal with the falls.

· The American side offers different views of Niagara Falls than what you will see from the Canadian side. The most popular spot to view Niagara Falls on the American side is Goat Island, where you can walk out to the edge of Horseshoe Falls. Another great spot for views is Prospect Point Park, where you can get a bird’s eye view of all three waterfalls.

· For something truly unique, take a trip aboard the Niagara Gorge Railway and enjoy panoramic views of Niagara Falls from above. It is a great way to see all three waterfalls at once and get an idea of how massive they are.

The Edge of the Niagara Falls

The edge of the falls is the best place to see the power of the water as it tumbles over the precipice. Several observation decks along the Niagara Gorge offer breathtaking views of the falls. The Rainbow Bridge, which spans the gorge just upstream from the falls, is a popular spot for picture-taking and boasts an up-close view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Daredevils of Niagara Falls

Since the early days of Niagara Falls, people have been drawn to its raw power and beauty. Over the years, many have attempted to conquer the falls, often with tragic results. Here are some of the most famous (or infamous) daredevils who have taken on Niagara Falls:

· Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She did it on her 63rd birthday in 1901 to achieve fame and fortune. Thankfully, she survived the stunt and lived to tell the tale.

· Bobby Leach was the second person to went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. He did it in 1911 and also survived. Later he performed other stunts, including walking across a tightrope stretched over the falls.

· Charles Stephens attempted to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1920 but died during the attempt. His body is still missing.

· Red Hill Sr., along with his son Red Hill Jr., became the first (and only) father and son duet, who went over Niagara Falls together in a barrel. They did it in 1951, and both survived.

· Nik Wallenda became the first person to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 2012. He completed the stunt, which was televised live around the world.

How to get to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are located on the border between the United States and Canada, so there are a few different ways to reach them depending on your location.

If you are coming from the United States, the easiest way to get to Niagara Falls is by car. Several highways lead right to the falls, and once you cross the border into Canada, signs will point you in the right direction.

If you are coming from Toronto or another Canadian city, you can take a bus or train to Niagara Falls.

Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, there are plenty of ways to get up close and personal with the falls.

· You can walk along the edges of the waterfall.

· You can ride an elevator to the top of one of the falls for an incredible view.

· You can also take a boat tour that takes you right into the spray of the falls.

Travel Guide for Niagara Falls

While planning a trip to Niagara Falls, there are a few things to know before visiting. Here is a travel guide for sightseers that will help you make the most of your trip:

When to Visit: The best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the summer season when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that June through August are also the busiest months at Niagara Falls, so expect large crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for September or October when the weather is still pleasant.

What to See: There is more to see at Niagara Falls than just the falls themselves. Be sure to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour for an up-close look at the powerful falls, and do not forget to visit Goat Island for some fantastic views. For something truly unique, check out 'Journey Behind the Falls', where you can stand inside a cave behind the raging waters of Horseshoe Falls.

What to Do: Other than sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Niagara Falls. Take a walk along one of the many scenic trails, go whitewater rafting or tubing down the rapids, or take a helicopter.

Where to stay when visiting Niagara Falls

The first question you need to ask when trying to find accommodation in Niagara Falls is, how close to the Falls do you want to be?

If your priority is to walk out of your door and see the Falls, then you can stay in hotels like the Niagara Falls Marriott or the Sheraton on the Falls. Both of these come with a high price tag, so if you are looking for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of other hotels located a little further away from the Falls. These hotels will still give you easy access to all the main attractions.

If you are hoping to do some wine touring, then it might be worth considering staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quaint town, situated right in the middle of Ontario's wine country, offers visitors plenty of options for day trips and activities. There are also several good restaurants and cafes, as well as several bed and breakfasts if you are looking for a more intimate accommodation option.

No matter where you choose to stay, there is no doubt that Niagara Falls is an incredible destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders and a must-see for any traveler. With its three massive waterfalls, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world to be visited once in a lifetime. This travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to Niagara Falls, from where to stay and what to do, to how to best experience this natural wonder. So start planning your trip to Niagara Falls today.