RoutesHiking trails & RoutesBelgiumBrusselsVille De Bruxelles - Stad Brussel
Grand Place, Brussels – Brussels Town Hall loop from Anneessens
RoutesHiking trails & RoutesBelgiumBrusselsVille De Bruxelles - Stad Brussel
Grand Place, Brussels – Brussels Town Hall loop from Anneessens
Easy
4.4
(14)
88
hikers
Grand Place, Brussels – Brussels Town Hall loop from Anneessens
01:46
6.72km
60m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 10, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions. Check ahead to confirm restricted segments are open to the public.
After 1.18 km for 66 m
Waypoints
A
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
1
635 m
Broodhuis / Maison du Roi (King's House)
Highlight • Historical Site
The most important work of art in the collection is undoubtedly the building that houses the museum.
This neo-Gothic building, called Maison du Roi in French and Broodhuis in Dutch, dates from the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Its unique history reflects that of the city.
But why does it have two different names?
Broodhuis in Dutch refers to the oldest history of the place. In the thirteenth century, a bread market stood on the central market square of Brussels, today's Grand Place. The French name, Maison du Roi, refers to the title of the building's later owners: the Dukes of Brabant. In the early sixteenth century, the lord of this place was none other than Charles V, "King" of Spain. Both on the facade and inside the building, there are several references to the emperor: his statue, centrally located on the front facade, welcomes visitors, and the stained-glass windows in the stairwell recall the territories he ruled.
For more information, click through to monument.heritage.brussels/nl/buildings/31143
About the building: The height of the King's House is 20.21 m. With the central tower, this is 38.49 m. For comparison, the Town Hall with its tower is 96 m high.
At the level of the first balcony, the length of the main facade is 30.78 m, while the building's depth is 21.28 m.
This neo-Gothic building, called Maison du Roi in French and Broodhuis in Dutch, dates from the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Its unique history reflects that of the city.
But why does it have two different names?
Broodhuis in Dutch refers to the oldest history of the place. In the thirteenth century, a bread market stood on the central market square of Brussels, today's Grand Place. The French name, Maison du Roi, refers to the title of the building's later owners: the Dukes of Brabant. In the early sixteenth century, the lord of this place was none other than Charles V, "King" of Spain. Both on the facade and inside the building, there are several references to the emperor: his statue, centrally located on the front facade, welcomes visitors, and the stained-glass windows in the stairwell recall the territories he ruled.
For more information, click through to monument.heritage.brussels/nl/buildings/31143
About the building: The height of the King's House is 20.21 m. With the central tower, this is 38.49 m. For comparison, the Town Hall with its tower is 96 m high.
At the level of the first balcony, the length of the main facade is 30.78 m, while the building's depth is 21.28 m.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2
779 m
Grand Place, Brussels
Highlight • Historical Site
Very nice here. But better to come here without a bike.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3
838 m
Brussels Town Hall
Highlight • Monument
The first architect of the town hall was Jacob van Tienen. He was a pupil of Jan van Osy, who was the founder of the Brabant Gothic style. The construction of the left wing and the belfry (lower part of the current tower) started in 1402 under the auspices of the wealthy families of the city. The town hall was built of calcareous sandstone from the Dilbeek quarries, a few kilometres away.
In a fortified room on the first floor, the municipal charters were most likely kept.[1] It is unclear whether the municipal bells were also hung there. During the turbulent period around the municipal uprising of 1420-1421, the town hall was stormed several times. There was factional strife among the patricians, social unrest among the crafts, an economic crisis in the cloth industry and dynastic problems in the duchy. This is probably why the belfry function lasted a few decades at most. The charters and privileges were transferred to the treasury rooms of the St. Gudula and St. Nicholas churches.[2]
Long balconies were provided in the front facade to allow events on the Grote Markt to be followed, such as the magnificent knightly tournaments and the joyous entries.[3] The privilege room in the tower served as a ducal lodge, four of whose windows looked out onto the square. This was where the prince and the city magistrate took their mutual oath during joyous entries. It was a space full of symbolism, where the preciously illuminated manuscripts of the Brabantsche Yeesten and the rhyming chronicle of Jan van Heelu were also kept.
In 1421, the craft nations conquered a place in the city magistrate, which may have partly motivated the expansion that was started in 1444. Charles the Bold laid the first stone of the right wing, which was certainly also intended to provide support for the heightening of the tower. The latter was a matter of prestige. The right wing is smaller than the left and is the work of Willem de Voghel, who also became the architect of the Magna Aula in 1452. The tower of the town hall, 96 meters high, was crowned from 1449 by Jan van Ruisbroeck, architect of Philip the Good.
Source: Wikipedia
In a fortified room on the first floor, the municipal charters were most likely kept.[1] It is unclear whether the municipal bells were also hung there. During the turbulent period around the municipal uprising of 1420-1421, the town hall was stormed several times. There was factional strife among the patricians, social unrest among the crafts, an economic crisis in the cloth industry and dynastic problems in the duchy. This is probably why the belfry function lasted a few decades at most. The charters and privileges were transferred to the treasury rooms of the St. Gudula and St. Nicholas churches.[2]
Long balconies were provided in the front facade to allow events on the Grote Markt to be followed, such as the magnificent knightly tournaments and the joyous entries.[3] The privilege room in the tower served as a ducal lodge, four of whose windows looked out onto the square. This was where the prince and the city magistrate took their mutual oath during joyous entries. It was a space full of symbolism, where the preciously illuminated manuscripts of the Brabantsche Yeesten and the rhyming chronicle of Jan van Heelu were also kept.
In 1421, the craft nations conquered a place in the city magistrate, which may have partly motivated the expansion that was started in 1444. Charles the Bold laid the first stone of the right wing, which was certainly also intended to provide support for the heightening of the tower. The latter was a matter of prestige. The right wing is smaller than the left and is the work of Willem de Voghel, who also became the architect of the Magna Aula in 1452. The tower of the town hall, 96 meters high, was crowned from 1449 by Jan van Ruisbroeck, architect of Philip the Good.
Source: Wikipedia
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4
1.58 km
Zinneke Pis
Highlight • Monument
Perhaps this peeing dog or Het Zinneke is the most remarkable stop of this walk. This work by Tom Frantzen has been "doing his thing" against a Brussels pole since 1998. The statue is related to Manneken Pis & even Jeanneke Pis. The name Zinneke is based on the river Senne and the nickname for the people of Brussels (or mongrel dog), Zinneke.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5
2.40 km
Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels
Highlight • Historical Site
The Grand Place, known as Grand-Place in French, is the bustling heart of the Belgian capital Brussels and an absolutely iconic symbol of the city. The square is rich in history and beautiful architecture, of which the Gothic town hall and impressive baroque closed facades are some of the highlights. The harmonious mix of old buildings with their unique designs gives the Grand Place an enchanting character and rightly so it is one of the most admired squares in Europe.
In 1998, the Grand Place, along with other architectural treasures, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to this beautiful square is an absolute must for any traveler to Brussels.
In 1998, the Grand Place, along with other architectural treasures, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to this beautiful square is an absolute must for any traveler to Brussels.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6
3.05 km
St. Catherine's Church
Highlight • Religious Site
On the cozy Sint-Katelijneplein, you'll discover a place where history and city life effortlessly blend. Where the imposing Sint-Katelijne Church stands today, there was once a 15th-century church. It made way for the current building, but the charming baroque tower from 1629 was preserved and now stands there distinctively beside it.
The church itself was built between 1854 and 1874, designed by Joseph Poelaert and his student Wynand Janssens. The result? A surprising mix of styles in a place that was once partly water: this is where the old Sint-Katelijne dock was located, connected to the Willebroek Canal.
The surroundings also tell their story. Street names like Baksteenkaai and Brandhoutkaai refer to the district's industrial past. Today, it's a vibrant neighborhood full of atmosphere, cafés, and restaurants—perfect for a wander and soaking up Brussels' rich history.
The church itself was built between 1854 and 1874, designed by Joseph Poelaert and his student Wynand Janssens. The result? A surprising mix of styles in a place that was once partly water: this is where the old Sint-Katelijne dock was located, connected to the Willebroek Canal.
The surroundings also tell their story. Street names like Baksteenkaai and Brandhoutkaai refer to the district's industrial past. Today, it's a vibrant neighborhood full of atmosphere, cafés, and restaurants—perfect for a wander and soaking up Brussels' rich history.
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Tip by
7
4.13 km
Cathedral of Sts. Michael and Gudula
Highlight • Religious Site
The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (Fr. Cathédrale St. Michel et Gudule, ndl Sint-Michiels en Sint-Goedelekathedraal, often shortened to St. Gudule) is the main church of the city of Brussels and seat of the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels ,
On the site of today's cathedral on the Treurenberg was already in the Carolingian period (8th century), a baptismal church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. With the transfer of the bones of Saint Gudula here in 1047, the patronage was extended accordingly. The present building was begun in 1226 and completed at the end of the 15th century with the completion of the 69 meter high towers. With the collection of the Archbishop's seat in 1962, the church was officially the title of a cathedral. As the national church of the Kingdom of Belgium, royal weddings, state funerals and similar ceremonies are often held in St. Gudula.
Source: Wikipedia
On the site of today's cathedral on the Treurenberg was already in the Carolingian period (8th century), a baptismal church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. With the transfer of the bones of Saint Gudula here in 1047, the patronage was extended accordingly. The present building was begun in 1226 and completed at the end of the 15th century with the completion of the 69 meter high towers. With the collection of the Archbishop's seat in 1962, the church was officially the title of a cathedral. As the national church of the Kingdom of Belgium, royal weddings, state funerals and similar ceremonies are often held in St. Gudula.
Source: Wikipedia
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8
4.26 km
Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral
Highlight • Religious Site
Look around, you will see that the cathedral is the only old building in the area. It initially resisted the bombardment of 1695. It then escaped another demolition, because it is at the foot of the cathedral, under the concrete pavement, that the north-south rail link passes, the work of which lasted 1902 to 1952 and during which a large part of the old town was demolished.
This old lady, however, suffers from the vibrations caused by the metro and the train which pass under its foundations. During its restoration, which lasted several decades, the buttresses which support the roof had spread so far that the whole threatened to collapse. The curator at the time brought in Sicilian miners to dig under the buttresses and give them a more stable foundation, which saved the cathedral.
This old lady, however, suffers from the vibrations caused by the metro and the train which pass under its foundations. During its restoration, which lasted several decades, the buttresses which support the roof had spread so far that the whole threatened to collapse. The curator at the time brought in Sicilian miners to dig under the buttresses and give them a more stable foundation, which saved the cathedral.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
6.72 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.03 km
2.46 km
613 m
546 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.88 km
370 m
295 m
168 m
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Weather
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Wednesday 1 July
23°C
14°C
70 %
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