Are you fascinated by opulent architecture, royal legacies, and destinations that push the limits of human achievement? Whether you’re a globetrotting adventurer, a history junkie, a student crafting a cultural thesis, or a lifestyle influencer looking for iconic backdrops—you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we explore the largest palace in the world and why it continues to captivate millions across continents.
What Is the Largest Palace in the World?
The Istana Nurul Iman in Brunei holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest royal residence in the world. This palace isn’t just a symbol of power—it’s a masterpiece of architectural scale.
- Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
- Built by: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (1984)
- Size: Over 2.15 million square feet
- Rooms: 1,788 (including 257 bathrooms)
“Istana Nurul Iman is the pinnacle of palatial design, fusing Islamic and Malay architectural styles.” — Dr. Amanda Singh, Professor of Southeast Asian Architecture, National University of Singapore
How Big Is the Largest Palace on Earth?
To understand its scale, let’s compare the Istana Nurul Iman with other gigantic historical buildings:
| Palace | Country | Size (sq. ft.) | Rooms | Completed |
| Istana Nurul Iman | Brunei | 2,152,782 | 1,788 | 1984 |
| Louvre Palace | France | 2,260,421 (now a museum) | N/A | 14th Century |
| Forbidden City | China | 1,614,586 | 980 | 1420 |
| Buckingham Palace | UK | 828,820 | 775 | 1703 |
| Versailles Palace | France | 721,206 | 2,300 | 1682 |
“While the Louvre and Versailles are among the most famous royal palaces, Istana Nurul Iman trumps them in usable floor area.” — Lonely Planet Travel Guide
Who Built the World’s Largest Palace?
Commissioned in 1984 to celebrate Brunei’s independence, Istana Nurul Iman was designed by Filipino architect Leandro V. Locsin and built by Ayala International, with interior work by Khuan Chew of KCA International (also known for Burj Al Arab).
The palace serves multiple functions:
- Official residence of the Sultan of Brunei
- Seat of the Brunei government
- Religious venue for Islamic celebrations like Eid
*”Luxury and function converge in this residence, a rare feat among *massive palaces in the world.” — ArchDaily
Top 5 Largest Palaces You Can Visit
Here’s a deeper dive into five of the most awe-inspiring, grandest palaces on Earth. Each stands as a magnificent blend of history, architecture, and royal legacy—perfect for luxury travelers, content creators, and heritage enthusiasts alike.
1. The Louvre Palace – Paris, France
- Size: 2,260,421 sq. ft.
- Rooms: Originally a royal residence, now a museum
- Highlight: Home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo
- Experience: Walk through centuries of art and royal opulence beneath its classic French Renaissance architecture.
2. The Forbidden City – Beijing, China
- Size: 1,614,586 sq. ft.
- Rooms: 980
- Highlight: Former imperial palace for 24 emperors
- Experience: Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s rich in symbolism, symmetry, and imperial Chinese tradition.
3. Buckingham Palace – London, United Kingdom
- Size: 828,820 sq. ft.
- Rooms: 775
- Highlight: The official residence of the British monarch
- Experience: Witness the Changing of the Guard and explore its lavish State Rooms during public access months.
4. Palace of Versailles – Versailles, France
- Size: 721,206 sq. ft.
- Rooms: 2,300
- Highlight: Hall of Mirrors, stunning gardens, Baroque design
- Experience: Step into the lavish lifestyle of Louis XIV and the epicenter of French court culture.
5. Royal Palace of Madrid – Madrid, Spain
- Size: 1,450,000 sq. ft. (approximate)
- Rooms: 3,418
- Highlight: The largest functioning royal palace in Europe
- Experience: Attend royal ceremonies or explore the Throne Room, Royal Armory, and grand staircases.
How to Get to Istana Nurul Iman in Brunei
Flight: Brunei International Airport (BWN) is well-connected via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila.
Transport: Taxis and riverboats from Bandar Seri Begawan city center
Access: Public entrance only during Hari Raya (dates vary each year)
Best Time to Visit the Largest Palace in the World
- Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr) is the only time the public is allowed inside
- The Sultan hosts open house days where visitors meet the royal family
- Dress code: Conservative attire is required
Tip: Check the Islamic calendar and book flights early. Demand surges during Eid week.
Luxury Travel Guides Featuring Massive Palaces
Content creators, take note: these world’s most extravagant palaces offer rich content fodder for reels, blogs, and vlogs:
- Versailles Palace: Grand chandeliers and mirrored halls
- Royal Palace of Caserta (Italy): A film set for Star Wars and Mission Impossible
- Mysore Palace (India): Weekend light shows and public festivals
Suggested Hashtags: #PalaceGoals #RoyalItinerary #LuxuryLandmarks #WorldWonders
Versailles Palace Size vs Others
While the Versailles Palace is known for elegance, it is smaller than Istana Nurul Iman in raw square footage. However, its influence on art, architecture, and global palace design is unmatched.
- Versailles: 721,206 sq. ft.
- Istana Nurul Iman: 2.15 million sq. ft.
- Forbidden City: 1.61 million sq. ft.
Comparison: Buckingham Palace vs Other Large Palaces
| Feature | Istana Nurul Iman | Buckingham Palace |
| Location | Brunei | United Kingdom |
| Area | 2.15 million sq. ft. | 828,820 sq. ft. |
| Rooms | 1,788 | 775 |
| Public Access | Limited | Partial year-round |
Buckingham Palace remains iconic, but it’s dwarfed in size by Brunei’s royal residence.
Sources Cited:
- Guinness World Records
- Lonely Planet
- ArchDaily
Final Thoughts
Whether you study iconic palatial structures, document travel on YouTube, or dream of walking regal halls, the largest palace in the world offers awe-inspiring magnitude and cultural depth. It may not be as frequently visited as others, but its story, scale, and significance make it a must-know landmark in world architecture.
Experience the grandeur. Understand the legacy.
Because some places aren’t just buildings they’re living emblems of culture, power, and art.
FAQ’s
What is the largest palace in the world?
The Istana Nurul Iman in Brunei is the largest palace in the world by floor area.
Which country has the biggest palace?
Brunei holds that title with the Istana Nurul Iman.
How big is the largest palace on Earth?
It spans over 2.15 million square feet with 1,788 rooms.
Who built the world’s largest palace?
Designed by Leandro V. Locsin and built by Ayala International in 1984.
Is the Forbidden City the largest palace?
It’s one of the largest historical palaces but smaller than Istana Nurul Iman.
Can you book tours to the largest palace in the world?
Public access is only allowed during Eid celebrations.
Are there hotels near the world’s biggest palace?
Yes, Bandar Seri Begawan has luxury and budget hotels nearby.
Best time to visit the largest palace in the world?
During Hari Raya Aidilfitri when the Sultan opens the palace to the public.
