Het Coudenbergpaleis — Attraction in Brussels

Amongst the Top-5 Musts when visiting Brussels. Excellent archeological remains of the Coudenberg Palace provide visitors with glimpses into royal life of the 15th and 16th centuries.

A very interesting introductory film of about five to ten minutes starts the journey by inviting visitors into the history and landscape of the former palace. Exploration of the subterranean remains of the Chapel and Great Banqueting Hall await.

Well-signed in English, French, German, and Nederlands, the information provides wonderful context. A free app that guests access on their phone provides additional information, with a few entries having brief, recorded audio information. Worth a half day for lovers of history and archaeology.

I combined my visit with one to the BELvue Museum, aboveground and thoroughly...

This place is interesting, but the map you get doesn't have much explanation about the site, nor do the signs posted throughout the museum. For example, on a column there was a number corresponding to a description on my map. When I looked it up, it said ''column'. Hello captain obvious!! Small descriptive panels with more detailed information or more information contained on the map/brochure received with entry would help to bring this place to life. It seems like they're really pushing you to pay extra for an audioguide, which I think is manipulative. The site itself is very interesting though, but you shouldn't HAVE to buy an audioguide in order to actually get something out...

Half hearted effort at taking an interesting piece of history and throwing bad management and lack of effort at it. However, as not many people visit then the revenue will not warrant the expense. Although seeing as it is next to (undernath the Royal Palace at the heart of Brussels the government heritage sector should throw a little money at it and take the hit in the wallet for the sake of pride alone. Perhaps they need to recruit a professional marketing, events and design team to make a considered effort. My 2 star rating is only for the fact that it is there and also for the good order of the visitor toilets. Atmosphere zero but...