Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
The Royal Palace of Brussels stands as a magnificent symbol of the Belgian monarchy, located in the heart of the nation's capital. Although it is not the primary residence of the King and Queen, it serves as the King's administrative residence and main workplace, hosting grand state receptions and royal ceremonies. The neoclassical facade and meticulously manicured gardens make it a prominent landmark in the city center. Every summer, following the national holiday on July 21st, the palace opens its doors to the public, offering a rare glimpse into its opulent interiors. Visitors can marvel at the majestic Throne Room, the Goya Room with its exquisite tapestries, and the awe-inspiring Mirror Room, which features a ceiling covered in over a million jewel scarab wing cases. Exploring the palace provides a fascinating educational experience regarding Belgium's royal heritage and architectural brilliance.
The Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais Royal de Bruxelles) is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians in the center of the nation's capital. However, it is not used as a royal residence, as the king and his family live in the Royal Castle of Laeken on the outskirts of Brussels. The building we see today was initiated by King William I of the Netherlands at the beginning of the 19th century and was later significantly expanded and embellished by King Leopold II.
The palace's interior is a testament to the wealth and artistic heritage of Belgium. Highlights include the Grand Staircase, the Empire Room, and the spectacular Mirror Room, where the ceiling and one of the chandeliers are covered with the iridescent green wing cases of Thai jewel scarabs—an artwork by Jan Fabre titled 'Heaven of Delight'. The palace also frequently hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on science, art, and culture during its summer opening.
The Royal Palace is highly accessible via Brussels' public transportation network. The closest Metro stations are 'Parc' (Line 1 and 5) and 'Trône' (Line 2 and 6), both just a short walk away. Several tram and bus lines also stop near the Place des Palais. If you are exploring the city center, the palace is an easy and scenic walk from other major landmarks like the Magritte Museum and the Grand Place.
The Royal Palace of Brussels offers a majestic experience that appeals to a wide range of visitors, though the historical nature of the site dictates the pace.
Did you know that the facade of the Royal Palace of Brussels is actually 50% longer than that of Buckingham Palace in London? Additionally, the famous green ceiling in the Mirror Room required the wings of approximately 1.4 million jewel scarab beetles to complete.
The Royal Palace of Brussels is uniquely seasonal for tourists, as its interiors are only open to the public during the summer months.
Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.
The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.
No internet needed • Includes local translations • Free for TravelingWiz readers
Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.
Full daily spend estimation (accommodation, food, transportation, attractions).
Travel Style | Euro (EUR) | ≈ USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
Budget | 90 | 104 |
Mid-range | 165 | 190 |
Comfort | 360 | 414 |
The Prices, Daily costs, and calculator results are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on season, booking timing, personal spending habits, and currency fluctuations. TravelingWiz cannot be held responsible for discrepancies between these estimates and your final trip expenses.
Discover cooking classes, tastings and local food tours
Logistics shouldn’t be the focus of your trip—the experience should. I’ve hand-vetted these essential partners to ensure your arrival, stay, and exploration are as smooth as an Athenian breeze.
From boutique hotels to local apartments—compare thousands of options and find the perfect stay in the best neighborhood.
Getting there should be seamless. Compare the best routes and prices across top airlines to start your journey on the right note.
Connect with experts who know the destination best. Get personalized advice and insider tips to help you plan your perfect trip.
The “Engineer’s” rule: always have a backup. Secure your trip with a plan that covers every “what if” and unexpected change.
Explore at your own pace with total freedom. Compare reliable rental options and find the right vehicle for your adventure.
Don’t let paperwork slow you down. Get expert assistance with your application to ensure all your entry documents are in order.
Check out our related articles and blog posts to learn even more about the destination.
Share with your friends and family
Buy a compatible power adapter for your trip