Palais du Coudenberg: Brussels' Royal History Unearthed
Unearth Brussels' royal past: Explore the excavated ruins of Coudenberg Palace beneath Place Royale, a journey through centuries of power, art, and dramatic history.
Delve into the heart of Brussels and unearth the secrets of the Palais du Coudenberg, the former palace of Brussels. Once one of Europe's most magnificent princely residences, home to rulers like Charles V, it met a fiery end in 1731. Today, descend beneath Place Royale to explore the excavated ruins, a fascinating archaeological site revealing the palace's foundations, underground passages, and the preserved Rue Isabelle. The adjacent BELvue Museum complements the experience, offering insights into Belgian history. It's a unique journey through time, offering a tangible connection to Brussels' rich royal past and a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped its destiny.
A brief summary to Palais du Coudenberg
- Pl. des Palais 7, Brussels, Brussel, 1000, BE
- +3225004554
- Visit website
- 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 the underground site involves walking on uneven surfaces and cobblestone paths.
- Download the audio guide on your smartphone for a self-guided tour in English, French, Dutch, or German.
- Combine your visit with the BELvue Museum to gain a broader understanding of Belgian history.
- Book your visit in advance, especially if you are visiting with a group, to ensure availability.
- Note that the archaeological site is only partly accessible to wheelchair users; contact the museum for specific accessibility information.
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. A 24-hour ticket costs €8.40, offering unlimited travel within the city.
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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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