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TLDR: The Royal Palace of Brussels serves as the King's administrative workplace and is only open to the public in summer (typically July 21st to early September). Admission is free, but online reservation is mandatory to secure a time slot. The King does not live here; his residence is at the Castle of Laeken.
Standing proudly opposite Brussels Park, the Royal Palace (Palais Royal) is the symbol of the constitutional monarchy. While the exterior is impressive year-round, the opulent interiors - including the famous "beetle wing" ceiling - are accessible only during the annual summer opening.
This guide covers the 2026 opening dates, how to book your free entry, and the must-see rooms inside.
What is the story behind Palais Royal?
The palace stands on the site of the medieval Coudenberg complex, lost to fire in 1731. Its present form grew through late 18th and 19th century rebuilds, then gained today’s grand façade in the early 1900s under King Leopold II.
It functions as the monarch’s workplace, not a residence, hosting receptions and state ceremonies.
- Site: former Coudenberg Palace
- Style: Neo-Classical envelope with 19th to 20th century phases
- Role: working palace for the Belgian monarchy
Can you visit Royal Palace in Brussels?
Yes, but seasonally. The palace traditionally opens for a free summer open house, with a one-way route through ceremonial rooms like the Throne Room and the Mirror Room.
Security screening applies, backpacks are limited, and photography rules can vary by room.
- Entry: free seasonal open house
- Route: signed, one-way through state rooms
- Tip: light bag, arrive early to avoid queues
What to see inside the Royal Palace in Brussels?
Must-See highlights in the Royal Palace in Brussels include:
- The Mirror Room: Famous for Heaven of Delight, a ceiling covered in 1.6 million jewel beetle wings by artist Jan Fabre.
- The Throne Room: The majestic hall used for state receptions, featuring massive chandeliers and bas-reliefs by Rodin.
- The Empire Room: The oldest part of the palace, originally the ballroom of the Austrian representative.
- The Grand Staircase: A stunning marble staircase designed by Alphonse Balat.
Does the king live in the Royal Palace in Brussels?
No. The royal family resides at the Royal Palace of Laeken on Brussels’ northern edge. Palais Royal Brussels is the monarch’s official workplace, used for audiences and state events.
That explains its formal layout and the focus on reception rooms rather than private apartments.
How much does it cost to visit the Royal Palace Brussels?
The summer open house has historically been free, with optional printed guides or exhibitions sometimes carrying small fees. Cloakroom services can be mandatory for larger items.
- Reservation: You must book a specific time slot on the official Royal Palace website. Booking usually opens in early July.
- Ticket: Bring your digital or printed QR code ticket.
- No Ticket? If you arrive without a booking, you will likely be turned away, as slots fill up fast.
When is the best time to visit?
Early weekdays are calm, the light is soft, and the line moves quickly. Late afternoons can bottleneck at the most photogenic rooms. Rainy days drive more people indoors, so aim for clear mornings.
I usually start at Parc de Bruxelles, enter at opening, then drift to Mont des Arts for views. StoryHunt will nudge your timing and route block by block.
- Best: weekday mornings
- Busy: weekends and rainy afternoons
- Pairing: park first, museums after
When is the Royal Palace of Brussels open?
The Palace is an active government building, so it remains closed to the public for most of the year.
- Opening Period: It opens annually the day after the Belgian National Holiday. For 2026, expect it to be open from July 21st to early September.
- Hours: Typically Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 3:45 PM).
- Closed: Mondays.
What are the rules for visiting the Royal Palace of Brussels?
Important visitor rules:
- Bags: Large backpacks and luggage are not permitted; there is no cloakroom for large items.
- Security: Expect airport-style security checks at the entrance.
- Photos: Photography is generally allowed (without flash), but tripods and selfie sticks are banned.
How do you get to the Royal Palace of Brussels?
Walk ten minutes from Brussels-Central Station, following signs to Parc de Bruxelles and Place Royale. Trams and buses stop along Rue Royale and Place Royale, leaving a short stroll.
The area is very walkable, so go car-free and let the city breathe.
- Rail: Brussels-Central, about 10 minutes
- Transit: Rue Royale and Place Royale stops
- Wayfinding: follow Parc de Bruxelles, Place Royale
Is it worth seeing Palais Royal?
Yes, with sensible expectations. The route is short, access is seasonal, and a few rooms show their age. Yet the setting is elegant, the Mirror Room’s beetle-wing ceiling is unforgettable, and the price is right.
If you love architecture and ceremony, it is a rewarding hour. For maximum value, walk to it with StoryHunt, then continue through the park toward the museums.
- Highlights: Mirror Room, Throne Room, ceremonial sequence
- Caveats: seasonal opening, occasional queues
- Verdict: a worthwhile, free cultural stop
What else is nearby Palais Royal?
This area is perfect if you want to experience all the major attractions in Brussels:
- Parc de Bruxelles, formal lawns and shade directly opposite
- Mont des Arts, terrace views and museum cluster
- Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, 1847 glass-roofed arcade
- Grand Place, the city’s UNESCO-listed showpiece square
Explore Brussels with intention, not guesswork. Download the StoryHunt audiowalk, start at the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, and let the city tell its own story as you stroll.
Keep the day car-free, follow the cues, and give the centre the time it deserves.
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