Palais du Coudenberg: Unearthing Brussels' Royal History
Explore the hidden ruins of Brussels' Palais du Coudenberg, a once magnificent royal residence, now an intriguing archaeological site beneath Place Royale.
Descend beneath Place Royale to explore the fascinating remains of the Palais du Coudenberg, once one of Europe's most impressive royal residences. Discover the underground ruins of this former palace, which served as a center of power for nearly 700 years, and learn about the counts, dukes, and emperors who shaped the history of the Duchy of Brabant and the Netherlands.
A brief summary to Palais du Coudenberg
- Pl. des Palais 7, Brussels, Brussel, 1000, BE
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- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-7 pm
- Sunday 11 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven cobblestones and old tiles in the underground site.
- The archaeological site is only partially accessible to wheelchair users; book your visit in advance and come accompanied if you require assistance.
- A free audio guide is available on your smartphone, enhancing your understanding of the site's history.
- Combine your visit with the BELvue Museum, which shares the same entrance, for a broader understanding of Belgian history.
- Note that the underground spaces can be chilly; dress accordingly.
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Getting There
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Public Transport
The Palais du Coudenberg is easily accessible by public transport. From Brussels Central Station, it's a short 7-minute walk. Alternatively, take Metro lines 1 or 5 to Parc station, or Metro lines 2 or 6 to Trône or Porte de Namur stations, all within a few minutes' walk. Tram lines 92 and 93 stop at Royale and Palais, close to the entrance. Several bus lines (27, 38, 71, 95) also serve the Royale stop. A single journey ticket within Brussels costs €2.30 if purchased in advance or €2.50 if purchased on board.
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Walking
From the Grand Place, walk southeast towards Place Royale. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. Enter Place Royale and locate the BELvue Museum on the right side of the Royal Palace. The entrance to the Palais du Coudenberg is inside the BELvue Museum.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Brussels. A short taxi ride from Brussels Central Station to Palais du Coudenberg will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services like Uber may offer slightly lower fares. Keep in mind that taxi fares in Brussels start at €2.60, with an additional charge of €2.30 per kilometer and €0.60 per minute. There may be a surcharge of €2 for rides between 10 PM and 6 AM.
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Driving
If driving, several parking options are available near Palais du Coudenberg, including Place des Palais, Grand Sablon, Parking Albertine (Rue des Sols), Place du Trône, and Rue Ducale. Parking fees typically range from €2 to €3 per hour. Consider using a parking app like Mobypark to reserve a spot in advance. Be aware that traffic in the city center can be congested, especially during peak hours.
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