Walks - Îlot sucré
City centre
The area around the Grand-Place is one of the oldest in Brussels. It lay right next to the Senne, and many connecting roads met there, so that crafts and trade flourished. A bombardment in 1695 largely obliterated the district. The street pattern was redesigned and the buildings changed drastically in appearance.
A few centuries later, Expo 58 marked the start of international tourism to Brussels. The centuries-old Îlot Sacré has been ‘touched up’, creating a pleasant setting for tourists to walk in.
During our tour we will point out examples of the curious combination of the authentic historical and the picturesque touristic. Our stroll takes in the Grand-Place, Rue au Beurre, the Galeries Saint-Hubert, the Carrefour de L’Europe, Place de l’Agora, St Nicholas’ church, the Brussels Stock Exchange, Place de la Monnaie and the central boulevards.
Practical information
Departure: Central Station, Place de Brouckère, Grand-Place or old stock exchange building
Finish: somewhere in the district