International Dance Festival Brussels
Narcisse & Friends presents an international dance spectacle at the Petit Théâtre Mercelis in Brussels.
Plizio Visual Lab
Royal Palace of Brussels
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
palace
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official residence of the King and Queen of the Belgians, although it is primarily used for official receptions and state ceremonies rather than as a private home. Located opposite the Palace of the Nation at the edge of Brussels Park, the building stands as a symbol of the constitutional monarchy. The current monumental facade was constructed after 1900 during the reign of King Leopold II in the Louis XVI style, integrating older structures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Inside, the palace features opulent rooms such as the Throne Room, the Mirror Room, noted for its ceiling covered in millions of jewel beetle wings, and the Large White Drawing Room. Since 1965, the palace has traditionally been open to the public during the summer months.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Royal Palace · Musée des Arbalétriers · Musée BELvue - BELvue Museum
- Nearby: Grimbergen (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Royal Palace of Brussels can be viewed from outside at any time. The interior is only open to the public during the summer months, typically from July to September.
Typical hours
During the summer season, the palace is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Outside these hours, entry is not possible.
Photography
Photography of the exterior facade and gardens is allowed at any time. Inside, photography is generally prohibited, even without flash.
Time needed
For the exterior viewing, about 30 minutes suffice. If you also visit the interior, allow one hour.
Combine with
Combine the palace visit with a walk through the adjacent Brussels Park. The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is also within walking distance.
Getting there
The palace is located right next to Brussels Park, accessible by metro (Parc station). From the main station it's about a ten-minute walk.
Insider tip
Check official dates before your visit as interior opening times may vary yearly. Queues are shortest in July.
Geography
Facts
- The current facade was built between 1904 and 1934 under King Leopold II.
- The palace facade is approximately 50% longer than that of Buckingham Palace.
- The Mirror Room's ceiling is adorned with 1.6 million jewel beetle wings.
- The original Coudenberg Palace was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1731.
- The royal family actually resides at the Royal Castle of Laeken, north of the city.
- Since 1965, the palace has been open to tourists every summer for free.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Royal Palace of Brussels (10)
Hôtel Belle-Vue🏰 castle
Historic building in Brussels, once housed a hotel and museum.
ING Gallery🏛 museum
Art gallery in Brussels, displays works from the ING collection.
Palais des Académies - Academiënpaleis🏰 castle
Former palace in Brussels, now seat of the royal academies.
Palace of the Count of Flanders🏰 castle
Palace in Brussels, residence of the Count of Flanders, now offices.
Henry Le Bœuf Hall
Concert hall in the Palace of Fine Arts in Brussels, known for acoustics.
Bozar
Arts centre in Brussels, hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cinema.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the palace open to visitors?
Usually only in summer, from late July to early September, following the National Day.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, during the summer opening, entry to the palace is free.
Does the royal family live there?
No, the palace is used only for official receptions. The family lives in the Palace of Laeken.
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, but respectful attire is expected.
Is photography allowed inside?
Usually, photography inside the palace rooms is strictly forbidden.
Royal Palace of Brussels: where is it located?
Royal Palace of Brussels is located in Belgium.
Royal Palace of Brussels: what is there to see?
Highlights include Royal Palace, Musée des Arbalétriers, Musée BELvue - BELvue Museum.
Royal Palace of Brussels: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Royal Palace of Brussels: why is it worth visiting?
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official residence of the King and Queen of the Belgians, although it is primarily used for official receptions and state ceremonies rather than as a private home.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belgium →
Nearby cities
Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and home to one of the world's largest ports.
Ghent
Ghent is a prominent university city in Flanders featuring a well-preserved medieval center.
Charleroi
Charleroi is the economic hub of Wallonia and a major industrial city.
Namur
The capital of Wallonia sits at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, crowned by one of Europe's largest citadels.
Leuven
Leuven is a dynamic university city east of Brussels, home to the oldest university in the Benelux.
Mons
Mons is a historic city in Wallonia and the cultural center of the Hainaut province.
Aalst
Aalst is a Flemish city on the Dender River, famous for its vibrant carnival.
Mechelen
Mechelen is located in Flanders between Antwerp and Brussels, once serving as the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria.
La Louvière
La Louvière is an industrial city in the Hainaut province.
Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas is a Flemish city located between Antwerp and Ghent.
Dendermonde
Dendermonde is located at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers.
Beveren
Beveren is a municipality in the province of East Flanders.
Merksem
Merksem is a vibrant district of Antwerp, known for the Sportpaleis venue and the Bredabaan, blending urban energy with proximity to the …
Lokeren
Lokeren is a Flemish city on the Durme River.
Heist-op-den-berg
Heist-op-den-Berg is a municipality in the Antwerp province, situated on a 48-meter high hill.
