Versailles shines at the Paris 2024 Olympics: Explore 10 royal palaces brimming with history

Topkapı Palace, with its sprawling courtyards and views of the Bosphorus, transports you to the heart of Ottoman power. Each room tells a story—from the jewel-encrusted thrones in the Imperial Hall to the blue Iznik tiles that adorn the harem. Top it off with a Turkish coffee at the palace café, where you can sip your brew while overlooking the Golden Horn, just as the sultans once did.

If you’re already around the area, don’t miss the Topkapı Treasury, where the Spoonmaker’s Diamond—one of the largest in the world—sparkles in all its brilliance.

Did you know? The palace complex has more than 1,000 rooms and 17 acres of gardens.

London’s iconic Buckingham Palace may be known as the reigning Monarch’s official residence, but it is so much more than a stately façade. Beyond its iron gates lies a world of marble halls, priceless art collections, and rooms steeped in history.

While you can’t always peek inside, the annual summer opening gives you access to the State Rooms, where royal banquets still take place. The royal gardens, home to 325 species of wild plants, offer a serene escape from the bustling city—a hidden gem within the palace grounds.

Stay nearby at The Goring, the only hotel with a royal warrant, for a taste of regal luxury.

Did you know? The palace’s gardens cover 42 acres, containing a helicopter landing area and a lake.

No palace embodies royal grandeur quite like Versailles. Enter the famed Hall of Mirrors, and the reflections and grand chandeliers will transport you to the era of Louis XIV, the Sun King. The manicured gardens, with their geometric paths and bubbling fountains, are a tribute to French precision and artistry. Remarkably, Versailles was also a centrepiece of the 2024 Paris Olympics, hosting the equestrian events on its grand grounds—proof of its enduring magnificence.

For a truly immersive experience, visit it during the Grandes Eaux fountain shows, when water, music, and light transform the gardens into a spectacular display of royal splendour.

Did you know? You can book a private tour of Marie Antoinette’s estate and enjoy a picnic by the Grand Canal for a royal afternoon.

At first glance, the imposing neoclassical façade of the Palacio Real may seem formal, but inside lies a blend of history and art. With 3,418 rooms, this is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe.

The grand staircase and royal armoury set the tone, while quieter chambers, adorned with works by Goya, evoke a personal sense of history. Guided tours lead you through this working palace, giving you a peek into modern royal life.

Tatler Tip: You must not skip the Hall of Columns once you are in the palace. It is part of the Royal Palace of Madrid’s extensive tour, allowing everyone to marvel at its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Related: Chopard’s 1, Place Vendôme is the ultimate luxury retreat in the heart of Paris

The summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace is a Baroque masterpiece. From the gilded State Rooms to the magnificent Gloriette, which offers sweeping views of Vienna, the palace tells the story of imperial life with both pomp and intimacy. After exploring the grand halls, one can indulge in coffee and Apfelstrudel at the palace café.

If you are looking for some other place to visit, the Schönbrunn Zoo, the world’s oldest, is perfect for an afternoon of adventure with the kids.

Did you know? Schönbrunn was modelled after the Palace of Versailles.

The vast expanse of the Forbidden City, with its red walls and golden rooftops, was the centre of Chinese imperial life for nearly 500 years. As you step through the grand gates, you’ll be struck by the palace’s scale, yet its symmetrical layout offers a sense of order and calm. Whether you’re wandering through the serene courtyards or admiring the detailing on the Dragon Throne, the Forbidden City immerses you in the power and ritual of ancient China.

You may visit the private gardens, tucked away behind the main pavilions, for a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Did you know? The Forbidden City in Beijing was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty, a period of almost 500 years.

A blend of Ottoman and European grandeur, Dolmabahçe Palace is Istanbul’s answer to Versailles. Marble staircases, grand ballrooms, and the largest Baccarat crystal chandelier in the world make this palace a symbol of imperial luxury. Set along the Bosphorus, it offers some of the most stunning waterfront views in the city, where East and West meet in a cultural exchange.

For a truly luxurious experience, you may arrive by private boat to the palace, just as dignitaries once did.

Did you know? The palace’s chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall is made of Baccarat crystal and weighs 4.5 tons.

Once the seat of Russian emperors, the Winter Palace now houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s greatest art collections. Its turquoise and white Rococo façade is just a hint of the treasures inside—from Rembrandts to regal ballrooms dripping with gold. A guided tour will whisk you through the Romanov’s private quarters, giving you a sense of their lavish yet tumultuous reign.

You may book a private after-hours tour to explore the Hermitage by night when the palace is quiet.

Did you know? The Winter Palace in St Petersburg was the official residence of Russian monarchs from 1732 to 1917.

Mysuru Palace, with its Indo-Saracenic architecture and jewel-like stained glass windows, offers a blend of royal tradition and artistic innovation. The palace transforms into a wonderland during festivals when thousands of lights illuminate its ornate towers. A visit to the Durbar Hall, where kings once held court, gives you a sense of the palace’s role as both a seat of power and a symbol of Mysuru’s rich cultural heritage.

Tatler Tip: Visit during the annual Dasara festival to witness the palace in all its illuminated glory, a sight unlike any other.

Each of these royal palaces invites you to step into a world where history, architecture, and luxury converge—offering not just a glimpse of the past, but an experience fit for royalty. So, pack your finest travel attire, because your next destination might just be one of these palaces.

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