When I travel to a city, I like to spend some time in the main square because it allows me to get a feel for the destination. An urban square could be considered a city’s beating heart—it’s where locals and visitors gather to meet, chat, and people-watch, and all roads seem to lead.
From Venice to Moscow to Marrakesh, these magnificent city squares are destinations in themselves and shouldn’t be missed.
La Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium
One of the most stunning squares in all of Europe, the main square in Brussels illustrates a medley of architectural styles, including Baroque, Gothic, and Louis XIV. Probably its most notable building is the 15th-century Hôtel de Ville, or town hall. Since it survived the bombardment of Brussels in 1695, the Hôtel de Ville is the only medieval structure still standing. While La Grand-Place was historically a market, today it draws tourists and Belgians alike, some wandering from cafés and chocolate shops such as Godiva and Neuhaus, mere steps away. Although crowds are tough to miss here, this astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see attraction in Belgium.
