Guild houses of Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium

© Richard Taylor/Sime/eStock Phot

A cheerful case of the blues. Guild houses of Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium

In the heart of Belgium, Brussels is a vibrant capital city that combines history with a modern, cosmopolitan feel. Famous for its architecture and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand-Place of Brussels exudes an air of grandeur with its ornate guildhalls and centuries-old buildings.

Most of this central square was destroyed by French troops in 1695, during the Nine Years' War. Thanks to reconstructions in the following decades, the square today is a harmonious blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV architectural styles. Charming in every season, the Grand-Place hosts a bustling flower market in the summer and transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holidays.