Grand Place & Surrounding

Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall)
The main tourist area in Mons is very small.
So visiting Mons as a daytrip would actually do.

The easiest start is through the main/ town square, the historic centre of Mons.. the Grand Place.


Like in most of the main square in Europe, we’ll find a signature Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). A charming medieval building giving soul to the town. 
I love to see it in winter evening, where the lights of the buiding give more of beautiful touch.

It is recommended to have a look around the Grand Place. Not just to see the details of the buildings, you'll also get a glimpse of the vibe of Mons and the people.  
And don't forget, find the famous monkey!


Stroke the monkey's head with your left hand for good luck!
Other famous characters, from the Battle of  Lumeçon

Protected monument

In the middle of the square there's a big circle with names of the smaller town within the arrondissement (administrative region) of Mons.


Our town, the capital of Hainaut

Other important buildings on the left and right side of Hôtel de Ville are Salle St. Georges and Théâtre Royal. Also don't forget to check out the Maison du Tourisme! 
The exhibitions in Salle St. Georges are always interesting. Most of them are free and last for weeks, even months. 

A historical building, linked to the Town Hall

Grand Place is simply the place to be. 
The heart of Mons. 
There are always things going on over there. 
It’s where the locals meet and hanging out, also the main place for many events. 

On a nice and warm summer day, it's packed with people enjoying typical Belgian specialty.. beer and frites, while kids are playing in the fountain and splashing each other. Fancy and big motorbikes (and also Ferrari) parked there, like an outdoor showroom.

Looks so fun and refreshing

Even it’s not the best or most spectacular in Europe, the Grand Place Mons has always been my all-time favorite. In a beautiful day, I love to spend a moment just sitting in the round steel bench and people watching. Mesmerizing how nice the gothic Town Hall building and its surrounding. Listening the bell from the clock tower. I just love the atmosphere. 
Or you can pick one nice café which scattered in the Grand Place to enjoy Belgian beer with a view.
And if I got bored, the Grand Place gives easy acess to the shopping street.