Who says you have to be royal to experience royal life? Gone are the days when only the exclusive few can enjoy what a royal lifestyle feels like.
Thanks to more and more modern-day monarchs opening the doors of their palatial pads to welcome the general public, ordinary folks can now explore the luxurious halls, stately royal apartments, and well-kept gardens up close and personal.
To help you embark on your royal experience, here are some of the royal residences in the world that you can visit:
Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles and its sprawling grounds originally began as King Louis XIII’s hunting pavilion during the early 17th century before it was further expanded by Louis XIV with the French court moved to the palace in 1682.
This royal residence became renowned for its ornate gardens, opulence, and grand public spaces. However, it was once abandoned in 1715 after the death of Louis XIV. But in 1722, it was brought back to its glory as a royal residence.
Today, visitors can go on a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history and explore some of the 2,300 rooms and visit the park, the gardens, and the intimate Estate of Trianon.
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria
The dream of every royal lover, this is what Imperial Vienna is all about. The city alone serves as the home to three majestic palaces, with Schönbrunn Palace as one of the most popular.
This baroque palace with 1441 rooms served as the mighty Habsburgs’ summer residence from 1642 to 1918. Aside from the gardens and interiors, Schönbrunn Palace is also home to the oldest zoo in the world.
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey
The Ottoman Empire’s former court not only boasts a colorful façade but also an interesting history it sheltered for more than 400 years. In 1924, it was turned into a museum, and the palace houses magnificent sights such as the treasury filled with jewels and the imperial harem.
You will feel like you have traveled back in time to the bygone era of secrets and sultans as you stroll through the maze of gardens and courtyards.
Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain
The Royal Palace of Madrid is where you can get a taste of the royalty of Spain. Although the Royal Family often stays at the Palace of Zarzuela which is more modest, the Royal Palace remains to be their official residence.
It was in 1764 when the palace was completed under Philip V’s order and today, visitors can explore Campo del Moro Gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, the many luxurious rooms, and the paintings by El Greco, Goya, and Velasquez.
Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan
World-renowned for being Japan’s best-preserved and most beautiful castle, the origins of Himeji Castle can be traced back to 1333. This stunning castle with its shimmering white exterior is also called Shirasagi-jō or Hakuro-jō or White Heron Castle due to its resemblance to a bird taking flight.
The next time you want to feel like a royal, don’t forget to schedule a visit to any of these royal residences!
