Castles & palaces
Royal Palace of Brussels
Royal Palace Overview
The Royal Palace of Brussels serves as the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians. While the royal family resides at Laeken Palace on the outskirts of the city, this central location is used for state occasions and official audiences. Visitors go here to view the architecture and, during specific periods of the year, explore the interior state rooms.
Getting There
The palace is located in the center of Brussels. From the city center, it is accessible via public transport or by walking. Depending on your starting point, the journey typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
Visit Duration
Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours for a visit. This provides enough time to view the exterior and the surrounding gardens, or to tour the interior if it is open to the public.
Timing Your Visit
The palace can get crowded during the summer months when the interior is typically open to visitors. To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting during the early morning or on weekdays. Be aware that access to the interior is limited to specific times of the year.
Nearby Attractions
The palace is situated near several other points of interest, making it easy to combine with other visits on foot:
- Church of St. James on Coudenberg (0.1km)
- Place Royale - Koningsplein (0.2km)
- Magritte Museum (0.3km)
- Musical Instruments Museum (0.3km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors