Fodor's Expert Review Palais Royal

The Belgium Royal Family vacations in the Chateau de Laeken, so it's become a tradition during the summer months (late July--early September) to open up the official residence, otherwise known as the Palais Royal, to visitors. The palace was erected on the site of the former Palace of the Dukes of Brabant (aka Coudenburg), which was burned down in 1731, and the underground excavation of which you can still tour. The existing building was begun in 1820, but redesigned in the early 19th century by the extravagant Leopold II to fit a more glamorous Louis XII style. Today, it holds a remarkable collection of tapestries, art, and antiques from all over the world; pay special attention to the Congo-inspired mirror room, the ceiling of which is encrusted with more than a million jewel beetle carapaces. And best of all, it's free.