How long does it take to walk the Royal Quarter of Brussels?

This specific walking route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is roughly 1.5 kilometers (1 mile), but you will want extra time to admire the views at Mont des Arts and the architecture of the Royal Palace.

Is the Royal Palace of Brussels open to visitors?

The Royal Palace is generally only open to the public from late July until early September. Entry is usually free during this period, but for the rest of the year, you can only admire its impressive neoclassical facade from the exterior.

Can I see the Grand Place from Mont des Arts?

Yes, the Mont des Arts offers one of the most famous views in the city. You can clearly see the 96-meter tall spire of the Brussels Town Hall, which is the centerpiece of the Grand Place located in the lower city.

What are the underground ruins in Brussels?

The Coudenberg Palace ruins are located beneath the Place Royale. These are the remains of the former palace of Charles V, which was destroyed by fire in 1731 and later buried to make way for the current neoclassical square.

Is the Brussels Royal Quarter walk hilly?

The route is considered moderate as it is located in the 'Upper Town.' There is an elevation change when moving between the Grand Place area and the Royal Quarter, but the walk within the quarter itself is mostly level with some slight inclines.

What is the best time for photography at Mont des Arts?

The best time for photography is during the 'Golden Hour' just before sunset. The light hits the Town Hall spire and the garden hedges perfectly, making it the most Instagram-worthy spot in Brussels.

Are there green spaces in the Royal Quarter?

Yes, the Parc de Bruxelles (Warandepark) is the largest urban park in the city center. It is located directly across from the Royal Palace and offers wide, symmetrical walking paths and fountains.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Perched on the Koudenberg hill, the Royal Quarter of Brussels offers a majestic journey through the city's aristocratic past and its vibrant cultural present. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the 'Upper Town,' a district defined by neoclassical elegance, sprawling parklands, and some of the most impressive panoramic views in Europe. Unlike the medieval labyrinth of the Grand Place below, this neighborhood stroll reveals the grand ambitions of the Belgian monarchy and the Enlightenment-era architects who reshaped the city. Your walking route begins at the stunning Old England building, an Art Nouveau masterpiece that houses the Musical Instruments Museum, before leading you through the symmetrical perfection of the Place Royale. This area serves as a living museum of Belgian history, where you can stand above the hidden ruins of the ancient Coudenberg Palace, once the seat of power for emperors like Charles V. As you follow this independent walking route, you will encounter the official administrative residence of the Belgian King at the Royal Palace. The scale of the architecture here reflects the wealth of the 19th-century Belgian state. Beyond the stone facades, the journey takes you to the Mont des Arts, or 'Hill of the Arts.' This urban garden provides a transition between the upper and lower cities, offering a world-famous view of the Town Hall spire framed by manicured hedges. This photography-focused experience is perfect for those who want to capture the essence of Brussels without the constraints of a group schedule. The walk concludes in the serene Parc de Bruxelles, a former royal hunting ground that now serves as the city's green lung. Throughout this travel experience, you will discover how Brussels evolved from a fortified medieval stronghold into a modern European capital, all while enjoying the freedom of a self-guided adventure at your own pace.

Highlights

The Art Nouveau facade of the Musical Instruments Museum

Panoramic city views from the garden of Mont des Arts

The neoclassical grandeur of the Place Royale

The imposing facade of the Royal Palace of Brussels

Hidden history of the underground Coudenberg Palace

The symmetrical alleys of the Parc de Bruxelles

Tour Stops (6)

Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)

Start your journey at one of the most beautiful buildings in Brussels: the Old England. Originally a department store built in 1899, this structure is a premier example of Art Nouveau architecture, featuring intricate wrought iron and sweeping glass windows designed by Paul Saintenoy. Today, it houses the Musical Instruments Museum, or MIM. While the collection inside is world-class, the building itself tells the story of 'Brussels 1900,' a time when the city was a global center for avant-garde design. Look up at the turret and notice how the industrial materials of iron and steel were used to create organic, floral shapes. This site marks the transition from the old medieval city to the modern, artistic capital.

Place Royale

Step into the center of the Place Royale, a square that exudes Enlightenment-era order. Built between 1775 and 1782, this neoclassical square was designed to be perfectly symmetrical, replacing the ruins of the old palace that burned down decades earlier. In the center stands the statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, the leader of the First Crusade, perched heroically on his horse. The uniform white facades surrounding you house important institutions like the Magritte Museum and the Church of Saint Jacques-sur-Coudenberg. This square was modeled after the royal squares of Paris, signaling Brussels' desire to be seen as a major European power during the Austrian Habsburg rule.

Het Coudenbergpaleis

Beneath the modern pavement of the Place Royale lies a hidden world. The Coudenberg Palace was once one of the most beautiful residences in Europe, the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy and later Emperor Charles V. In 1731, a devastating fire destroyed much of the complex, and rather than rebuilding it, the ruins were leveled and buried to create the square you see today. It wasn't until the late 20th century that excavations revealed the vaulted cellars and the Rue Isabeau, a medieval street that now sits underground. This site serves as a reminder that the royal history of Brussels is layered, with centuries of power buried right beneath your feet.

Royal Palace of Brussels

Facing the Parc de Bruxelles stands the Royal Palace, the official administrative residence of the King of the Belgians. While the King actually lives in the Royal Domain of Laeken, this palace is where he exercises his duties as Head of State. The facade you see today is actually newer than it looks; it was significantly lengthened and redesigned during the reign of King Leopold II at the turn of the 20th century to give it a more 'imperial' scale. If the Belgian flag is flying from the roof, it means the King is currently in the country. The palace represents the Belgian monarchy's role in a modern democracy, standing directly opposite the Parliament building at the other end of the park.

Mont des Arts

Walk toward the Mont des Arts, or 'Hill of the Arts,' for the most iconic view in Brussels. This site was once a densely populated neighborhood, but King Leopold II ordered its demolition to create a cultural district. The current garden was designed in the 1950s for the World Expo. From the elevated terrace, you can see the spire of the Town Hall in the Grand Place, and on a clear day, the Atomium far in the distance. Listen for the carillon in the clock tower nearby, which plays traditional Belgian folk tunes. This spot perfectly captures the 'dual-level' nature of Brussels, bridging the gap between the royal upper town and the commercial lower town.

Parc de Bruxelles

Conclude your walk in the Parc de Bruxelles, also known as the Warandepark. This was originally the hunting grounds for the Dukes of Brabant. Today, it is a masterclass in urban landscape design, featuring a layout that some claim is filled with Masonic symbolism, with paths forming the shape of a compass. The park is flanked by the Royal Palace on one side and the Belgian Parliament on the other, symbolizing the balance of power. As you walk through the shaded avenues, notice the many statues and the central fountain, which provides a peaceful escape from the city's bustle. It is the perfect place to reflect on the royal history you have explored.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk is the best way to explore the Royal Quarter at your own pace. This route covers the Musical Instruments Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Mont des Arts, allowing you to stop for photos or coffee whenever you like.