The Grand-Place (Grote Markt) in Brussels is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is a remarkable collection of largely similar and homogeneous buildings centered around a large open space. The buildings are of both private and public nature and are dating mostly from the late 17th century. The architecture illustrates the high level of social and cultural life in the late medieval age and is especially highlighted by the dominant structure of the Brussels City Hall.

Today, it is a lively and still functional part of the city, and is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, museums and other attractions. The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Grand'Place is the center stage for many events throughout the year with the annual Ommegang Pageant being one of the most elaborate events staged. Don't miss this colorful medieval festival taking place every year on Brussels Grand' Place. Brussels' Ommegang Pageant is an historical evocation of the festival held in 1549 for Charles the Fifth, his son Don Philip, infant of Spain and Duke of Brabant, and his sisters, Eleanor of Austria, Queen of France and Mary of Hungary. For the spectacle at the Grand Place (there are 1400 performers) you will need to buy a ticket. The festival accommodates 3,000 seating places. For more information www.ommegang.be

Every two years in August, an enormous "flower carpet" is set up in the Grand Place for a few days. A million colourful begonias are set up in patterns, and the display covers a full 79 by 250 ft, for area total of 19,000 sq ft.The first flower carpet was made in 1971, and due to its popularity, the tradition continued, with the flower carpet attracting a large number of tourists. The 2010 flower carpet is on display August 13 through August 15. For more information www.flowercarpet.be

The best thing however to do is to sit on one of the terraces of the glorious Grand’Place, sip a beer and let the world float by.