Palais Royal de Bruxelles / Koninklijk Paleis van Brussel · 브뤼셀
Location
Overview
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the Belgian monarchy's official palace, standing on the Place des Palais opposite Brussels Park in the heart of the capital and serving as a living symbol of the constitutional monarchy. Although the King and royal family actually live at Laeken, this is where the monarch works, receives guests and conducts affairs of state. After a major renovation kept it closed since 2022, it reopened to the public in summer 2026 for the first time in about four years — and, for the first time, with a paid ticket (€10). Because the interior only opens in summer, it is a rare seasonal highlight for anyone in Brussels in July or August.
The Mirror Room ceiling — Jan Fabre's 'Heaven of Delight' (2002), commissioned by Queen Paola, covers the vault and a chandelier with roughly 1.5 million iridescent jewel-beetle wing cases that shimmer green, blue and gold as you move.
The Throne Room, hung with monumental chandeliers — the ceremonial heart of the palace.
The Grand Staircase, marble columns and opulent Empire-style salons of 19th-century court architecture.
State rooms displaying fine art, including tapestries based on Goya and historic royal furnishings.
The 2026 temporary exhibitions (such as 'Louise d'Orléans, Becoming Queen') and the palace garden.
Good to know
RulesA timed-entry booking is required. Bring photo ID (passport); expect airport-style security and bag checks, so avoid arriving with large luggage.
SeasonThe interior only opens in summer (roughly early July to mid-August). In 2026 it runs 3 July–16 August, closed on Mondays and on certain mid/late-July dates, so confirm the exact dates, hours and price on the official site before you go.
CautionPickpocketing is common in central Brussels, on the metro and around the Grand-Place. Wear your bag in front, ignore 'signature petition' and unofficial ticket touts, and book only through official channels.
MannersKeep quiet indoors and do not touch exhibits or furniture. Photography is generally allowed, but flash and tripods may be restricted — follow on-site signage.
SafetyIn peak summer expect queues and crowds, and interior cooling can be limited. Bring water and comfortable shoes; early-morning slots tend to be less busy than late afternoon.
SafetyThe STIB metro and trams are the easiest way in. Buy your ticket in advance and always validate it on boarding (fines for fare-dodging), and take extra care around areas such as Brussels-South (Midi) station at night.
Practical info
It is about a 5-minute walk from Trône/Troon metro (lines 2/6) or Parc/Park metro (lines 1/5), and trams 92/94 stop at 'Palais'. The 2026 season runs 3 July–16 August, roughly 10:30–17:00 (closed Mondays and some July dates); admission is €10, free for under-13s, and timed booking is required — always confirm the latest dates, hours and price on the official website.
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