The Royal Palace of Brussels, also known as the Palais Royal de Bruxelles, is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians, used for state functions. It stands at Rue Brederode 16 in the centre of the Belgian capital, within the Brussels-Capital Region.
What to expect
The palace is an example of neoclassical architecture, and its formal faรงades and interiors reflect the purpose it serves: the ceremonial business of the Belgian state rather than a private residence. Because it is a working palace, most of the building is closed to visitors for most of the year.
The palace opens to the public during the summer months, which is the main opportunity to see inside. Plan your visit around that period, and check the official contact details before you go: telephone +32 2 551 20 20.
Visiting the area
- Location: Rue Brederode is in the historic core of Brussels, so the palace fits easily into a walk through the city centre.
- Setting: The palace is best seen as part of a day in the capital, combining the architecture with the streets and squares around it.
- Purpose: A visit suits anyone interested in the institutions of Belgium, in neoclassical architecture, or in seeing where state ceremonies take place.
If you are in Brussels in summer, the palace makes a worthwhile stop. Outside that season, the exterior and its surroundings still give a sense of the building's role in the life of the country.
