Monument
Atomium
Brussels, Belgium
A giant model of an iron crystal, built for the 1958 World's Fair and now an icon of Brussels.
Square · Belgium · Brussels-Capital Region
Grand-Place
Brussels' gilded market square, ringed by guild houses and the town hall.
UNESCO World Heritage Free to enter about 45 min
For storytellers
Why Grand-Place matters
The Grand-Place is one of the most dazzling squares in the world. Gilded guild houses, each a different shape, surround the cobbles, with the ornate Gothic town hall and its tall spire on one side. Every two years a giant flower carpet is laid out on the stones. Go in the evening when the lights come on.
Talking points
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Guild houses show off gold decoration.
- A giant flower carpet is created every other year.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Brussels
Monument
Manneken Pis
Brussels, Belgium
The tiny fountain statue of a boy, one of Brussels' quirkiest symbols.
Shopping
Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries
Brussels, Belgium
One of Europe's earliest glass-roofed shopping arcades, filled with chocolate shops and cafes.
Museum
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Brussels, Belgium
A museum in an Art Nouveau building celebrating Tintin, the Smurfs and Belgian comics.
Church, mosque or temple
Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula
Brussels, Belgium
The Gothic cathedral on a hill above the centre, with stained glass and two twin towers.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.