Free self-guided walk · Brussels

From the Grand-Place to the Royal Palace

A free self-guided walk from Brussels' Grand-Place through the Royal Galleries and up the Mont des Arts to the Royal Palace.

Distance
2.1 km
Walking time
27 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsBrussels city guide

About this walk

This walk climbs from the medieval Lower Town to the royal Upper Town, the two halves of old Brussels.

Detour two streets south of the Grand-Place to see the Manneken Pis before you set off, or after you return.

  • Terrain: Flat and cobbled in the Lower Town, then a steady climb with steps through the Mont des Arts.
  • Best time: Morning, before the Grand-Place fills up, or at dusk when the guildhalls are lit.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Grand-Place

    Start in the square, with the Gothic town hall and the gilded guild houses.

  2. Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert

    Walk through the glass-roofed arcades from the 1840s.

  3. Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula

    Cross to the twin-towered Gothic cathedral on the slope.

  4. Mont des Arts

    Climb the terraced garden and look back at the town hall spire.

  5. Place Royale

    The neoclassical square at the top, with the statue of Godfrey of Bouillon.

  6. Royal Palace

    Finish at the palace facing the Parc de Bruxelles.

Tips

  • The Royal Palace opens to visitors only in summer, usually from late July to early September.
  • Many museums, including the Magritte Museum, are around Place Royale.
  • Both French and Dutch names appear on street signs.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.