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Royal Palace of Brussels

16 Rue Brederode, Bruxelles, Bruxelles

Description

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians; it is used for affairs of state but not as the royal residence. It was developed in phases during the 19th century, in particular under King Leopold II with the additions of rooms such as the Grand Gallery and the Throne Room; the current façade dates from the early 20th century. Highlights include the Empire Room (ambassadors are received there), the Throne Room, the Large Gallery, and the Mirror Room which evokes the Congo.

Access & Transport

The palace is situated between Brussels Park and the Place Royale. The Palais and Royale/Koning tram stations (92, 93) are both only 200m away from the building. Some bus services also stop on the eastern side, on Rue Ducale.

Instructions & Recommendations

Visits are only for 5 weeks in the summer (but not in 2023 and 2024 due to renovations). Bookings are limited to 5 persons (no large groups) and can be made at the following web address: https://www.koninklijk-paleis-palais-royal.be/en/reservations

Meta review

The Palace is not widely considered a tourist attraction given the limited number of days during which it is open to visits. Online reviews are overall positive, describing the interior as interesting with plenty of anecdotes about the royal family but little description about the furniture and decoration since it is used for official purposes during most of the year. As for the exterior, it stands out for its monumental façade and is worth a detour according to the majority of reviewers.

Environmental & Social

Maintenance consumes energy but the main purpose is not for tourist visits. Part of the city and country's architectural and artistic heritages.

Conclusion

The Royal Palace of Brussels is one of the most striking buildings in Bruxelles and worth a detour to admire its façade even for those who have not managed to make a booking or are visiting outside of the summer window. The interior rooms are impressive but not the most spectacular among European palaces.

Key positive

Stunning, stately façade

Centrally located with other attractions nearby

Key negative

Seldom open to visitors

Suitability

There is a lift available for wheelchair users

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Visits are only from 23 July to 28 August every year

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jul, 23

Season 1

MONDAY10:30 - 17:00

TUESDAY10:30 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY10:30 - 17:00

THURSDAY10:30 - 17:00

FRIDAY10:30 - 17:00

SATURDAY10:30 - 17:00

SUNDAY10:30 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Aug, 28

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Free

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