Grand Place

The Grand Place in the Historic Centre of Brussels, Belgium, is a UNESCO-listed medieval square ringed by gilded guildhalls, the Gothic Town Hall and the Maison du Roi. As a photo spot it is hard to match: the buildings form a continuous wall of sculpted gables, gold leaf and statuary, and the square rewards slow, wide-angle viewing. The Town Hall, with its tall asymmetrical spire, anchors the south side, while the Maison du Roi faces it across the cobbles. The guildhalls, rebuilt after the bombardment of 1695, carry names and symbols of the old trades, which make good close-up subjects. The best time for photographs is blue hour, when the sky turns deep blue and the floodlights bring the gold detail into relief, giving the square a theatrical glow. Early morning is also strong, with soft light and almost no people in the frame. A good vantage point for a wide shot is the corner near Rue des Chapeliers, while detail shots work from the centre of the square. Visitors should allow an hour or so for photography, plus time for a drink on a terrace. The square is crowded from late morning, especially in summer, and tour groups cluster in front of the Town Hall. In August of even-numbered years the Flower Carpet transforms the square, offering a rare overhead composition from the Town Hall balcony. The square is a five-minute walk from Gare Centrale and from the Bourse premetro stop. It is open at all hours and free to visit.