Glass-roofed shopping arcade opened in 1847, one of Europe's earliest covered galleries, lined with chocolatiers, glovemakers, a bookshop and the Théâtre Royal des Galeries.
The Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert are a glass-roofed shopping arcade at Galerie du Roi 5, in the historic centre of Brussels, a short walk from Grand Place and Gare Centrale. Opened in 1847, they are among the earliest covered shopping galleries in Europe and remain one of the most elegant. The arcade is made up of the Galerie du Roi, the Galerie de la Reine and the connecting Galerie des Princes, and a long glass and iron roof lets daylight fall over cream-coloured neoclassical façades with pilasters, arched windows and mosaic floors. Visitors can walk through freely at any hour, since the arcade is a public passage, though shops generally trade from about 10:00 to 19:00. The units are occupied by well-known Belgian chocolatiers, glovemakers, a bookshop and boutiques, while cafés and the Théâtre Royal des Galeries add cultural life, and a cinema and cabaret-style venues have also been associated with the complex. Window-shopping and browsing chocolate counters are the main activities, and a stroll end to end takes only fifteen minutes, so most visitors allow 30 to 45 minutes including a pause for hot chocolate or a pastry. Good photo angles are found from the centre of the Galerie du Roi looking along the roofline, and from the crossing with the Galerie des Princes. In the evening, lit shop windows give the arcade a warm atmosphere, and rainy weather makes it a popular shelter. Weekends and the Christmas season are the crowded times, when the narrow passage fills and lingering in the middle becomes hard. Early morning, before shops open, is the quietest time for photography. The galleries sit beside the lively Rue des Bouchers restaurant district, so they pair naturally with a meal nearby.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Arcade open daily; shops open about 10:00-19:00 |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Evening for lit windows, or wet weather for shelter |
| Getting there | 5-minute walk from Gare Centrale or Grand Place |
| Address | Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussels |
Location
Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussels
50.8479, 4.3542 View on map
Highlights
- Glass-roofed arcade opened in 1847
- Belgian chocolatiers, glovemakers and a bookshop
- Neoclassical façades and mosaic floors
- Théâtre Royal des Galeries within the complex
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the evening for lit windows, or early morning for quiet photographs.
- Use the arcade as shelter on wet days.
- Entry is free; budget only for chocolate or a café stop.
- Combine with Grand Place and nearby Rue des Bouchers.
- Shops usually close on Sundays or have shorter hours, so check before going for purchases.
When to visit
Evenings suit lit shop windows, while early mornings and wet days offer shelter and fewer crowds.
Accessibility
The arcade has a flat, paved floor and is largely step-free, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though crowds can narrow movement at peak times.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for the galleries?
No. The arcade is a public passage and is free to walk through at any time.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors need 30 to 45 minutes, longer with a café stop.
Are the galleries suitable for children?
Yes, the covered, traffic-free passage is easy for families, and the chocolate shops are a draw for children.