Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a fascinating destination with a rich history and a vibrant culture. One of the most popular landmarks in the city is the City Hall, a Gothic-style building that dates back to the 15th century. This historic site is a must-visit destination for any traveler who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Brussels. In this article, we will explore the fascinating City Hall in Brussels and uncover some of its hidden gems.
Exploring the Fascinating Architecture
The City Hall in Brussels is a magnificent building that stands tall in the city’s central square, known as the Grand Place. The building has a distinctive Gothic architecture style, with intricate carvings, towers, and spires. One of the most impressive features of the City Hall is its central tower, which rises to a height of 96 meters and provides panoramic views of the city.
Inside the City Hall, visitors can explore a variety of rooms, each with its unique character and history. The most impressive of these is the Gothic Room, which is adorned with stunning frescoes and tapestries that depict scenes from the city’s history. Other notable rooms include the Wedding Room, where civil ceremonies take place, and the Council Chamber, where the city council meets to make decisions about the city’s governance.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems of this Historic Landmark
While the City Hall’s magnificent architecture and interior design are well-known, there are some hidden gems that many visitors miss. For example, the building’s underground chambers, which were used as jails in the past, have been transformed into an exhibition space dedicated to the history of Brussels. The exhibition features artifacts and interactive displays that provide an insight into the city’s past.
Another hidden gem is the Carillon, a musical instrument that consists of 49 bells that are played manually by a musician. The Carillon is located in the tower of the City Hall and can be heard throughout the city, especially during public events and festivals.
Guided visits
There are two types of guided tours: the classic tour and the panoramic tour. With the classic tour, a guide will explain the building’s different construction periods by showing you the main facade overlooking the Grand-Place and the inside rooms, offices, and galleries with their decorations and works of art.
On the other hand, the panoramic tour offers a chance to see the Wedding Hall and the Gothic Hall, followed by a visit to the balcony for a bird’s eye view of the Grand-Place. The tour continues with a climb up the tower via a spiral staircase, rewarding visitors with an exceptional view of Brussels at the top.
Getting There
The City Hall is located in the central square of Brussels, Grand Place, which can be easily reached by public transportation.
The nearest metro stations are Gare Centrale/Centraal Station and Bourse/Beurs. Several bus lines also stop at Grand Place.
Address
Hours and Fees
Hours
Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:15 pm)
Admission
15 euros (adult)
25 euros (panoramic visit – only on Saturdays)
40 euros (family pack: 4 tickets for 2 adults + 2 children up to 18 years)*
6 euros (7 to 18 years)*
6 euros (student, 65+)
Free (0 to 6 years)*
