Tucked in the middle of Cetinje, Montenegro's old royal capital, this modest little palace served for over fifty years as home to the country's royal family. Today it's one of the most fascinating museums in Montenegro, letting visitors step into the everyday world of a European royal court and admire the Montenegrin crown jewels up close.

The building itself is deceptively simple - built in the plain style typical of Cetinje houses, touched with neoclassical details, while the interiors lean into Historicism and Art Nouveau. Wandering through the rooms, it's easy to picture King Nicholas I, Queen Milena and their large family going about daily life here. Outside stretches the Royal Garden, planted since 1870 with a pine alley, flower beds of crocuses, geraniums and tulips, rose and jasmine bushes, and a cedar grove hiding a small summer-house once used to host visiting foreign royalty. Spring and summer bring the garden to life with color, while winter gives Cetinje, framed by mountains, a quiet, timeless mood.

• Cetinje town centre - the palace sits within easy walking distance of the main square, just a few minutes on foot
• Cetinje is easily reached by bus from Podgorica or Budva, with the museum a short walk from the bus station

• The entrance hall displays the Montenegrin crown jewels, the most popular exhibit in the National Museum of Montenegro
• Since 1980 the palace has been part of the National Museum of Montenegro
• Check current opening hours before visiting, as it operates as a museum department

Interesting fact: the original palace's construction was partly funded with proceeds from grain aid Russia had sent to famine-struck Montenegro - a detail that still raises historians' eyebrows today.