Royal palace of Madrid – visit and guide to visiting the interiors of the palace
I enjoyed all the pomp and historic royal palace of Madrid, visiting the interiors and collections – you’ll be able to find at this important place in the city. The tours of visiting the Madrid royal palace are a must unless you want to try and visit after hours for free, but from what I tried was only for EU citizens and not the rest of visitors from around the world.
I think a visit to the historic space is worthwhile to see the many regal rooms of the palace and enjoy the opulence and artistry to create this regal palace in the heart of Madrid. I’ll share some of the details in this easy guide on what to expect and how to go about touring the palace with minimal effort which is why I think it’s important to be part of a tour or book your own skip the line entry so you don’t waste too much time in very long lines to visiting the site.
What I learned from visiting the royal palace at Madrid was that it is one of the most popular attractions to visit and it is the largest royal palace in all of Europe measuring1.5 million square feet (135,000 sq m)
With over 3,000 hundred rooms, 44 staircases, 870 windows, the palace is huge and grand. The impressive space is really grand from the staircase entry to the palace, the tour of each impressive rooms and the details and luxurious nature of each room visited.
A little background to Palacio Real
The Palacio Real or royal palace at Madrid is an expansive 18th century palace located in central Madrid that was once the official residence of the Spanish Monarchy.
Originally built from the site that was originally the 9th century Islamic fortress that was made to protect Toledo, the ancient capital city. Built by the Islamic ruler Mohammed I, who was the emir of Cordoba and later was used by the Kings of Castile who gained control to the city around 1083. The fortress was called the Antiguo Alcázar (Old Fortress) built around the 14th century. In 1561 the royal court was moved to Madrid with the kings of Castile and in the 16th century was finally converted into a royal palace.
A major fire burned the palace completely in 1734 and a new place rebuilt in the same space, but this time made with stone and brick in place of the wooden structure, Started in 1738 and finally completed in 1754 the project included many architects including Francisco Sabatini, a well known architect of the time and the public gardens at the palace were then named in his honor.
Used as a residence o Charles III and then King Ferdinand and after, King Alfonso XII and later his son Alfonso XIII.
Inside the palace are many important artwork, sculpture and collections with important artists to include: Caravaggio, Francisco Goya, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Diego Velazquez. Theres an extensive collection of royal armory and a rare Stradivarious string quartet.
Main points of interest to visiting Palacio Real
The Royal Palace of Madrid has several impressive rooms that showcase its grandeur and history. Some of the main highlights include:
- The Grand Staircase – An elegant marble staircase designed by Sabatini, setting the tone for the palace’s opulence.
- The Throne Room – One of the most spectacular rooms, featuring red velvet walls, gilded decorations, and the throne used for official ceremonies.
- The Hall of Mirrors – A lavish room inspired by Versailles, used for royal receptions and adorned with intricate chandeliers and frescoes.
- The Royal Chapel – A beautifully decorated chapel with religious paintings and a grand organ.
- The Gasparini Room – A strikingly ornate chamber with intricate rococo-style decorations, originally used for receptions.
- The Banquet Hall – A massive dining room still used for state banquets, featuring long tables and luxurious décor.
- The Royal Armoury – One of the best-preserved collections of royal arms and armor in Europe, displaying pieces worn by Spanish monarchs.
Each room offers a glimpse into Spain’s royal history and the lavish lifestyle of its monarchy.
The grand staircase entryway of Palacio Real
Tips and Details for Visiting the Royal Palace in Madrid
1. General Information
- Location: Near Plaza de Oriente, close to the Opera metro station.
- Opening Hours:
- Winter (October–March): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Summer (April–September): 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Closed during official events and some holidays.
- Entry Fee:
- General admission: Around €12
- Reduced rates for students, seniors, and large families
- Free entry for EU and Latin American citizens on select days (late afternoons, Monday to Thursday).
2. Best Time to Visit
- Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience.
- Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring both the palace and its gardens.
3. Tickets & Guided Tours.
- Booking Online: Recommended to skip long queues, especially during peak season.
- Self-Guided vs. Guided Tour:
- Self-guided: Explore at your own pace with an audio guide.
- Guided tour: Offers deeper insights into the history and significance of each room.
- Combo Tickets: Consider packages that include nearby attractions like Almudena Cathedral or the Royal Kitchen.
4. Must-See Highlights
- Throne Room – Opulent red velvet and gilded decorations.
- Royal Armoury – A remarkable collection of historical weapons and armor.
- Hall of Mirrors – A stunning reception room inspired by Versailles.
- Royal Chapel – Beautiful frescoes and a grand organ.
- Banquet Hall – Still used for royal events.
5. Additional Tips
- Dress Comfortably: The palace is large, and you’ll do a lot of walking.
- No Large Bags: Backpacks and large items must be stored at the entrance.
- Photography: Allowed in some areas but prohibited in certain rooms.
- Nearby Attractions: Almudena Cathedral, Plaza de Oriente, Sabatini Gardens, and Mercado de San Miguel for a post-tour meal.
Check out these guided tours or skip the line visits to this historic and grand landmark.
Madrid: Royal Palace Skip-the-line Guided Tour
Madrid: Royal Palace Tour with Optional Royal Collections
Madrid: City Walking Tour & Royal Palace Skip-the-Line Tour
Where is the Royal Palace of Madrid?
Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
You can easily bet to the Royal Palace via public transportation, taxi or urber, even walking directly to the site. The Palace of Madrid is located in the western side of Madrid, in the heart of the Spanish capital.and an easy walk from from historical landmarks like Museo Nacional del Prado Puerta del Sol and Puerta de Alcalá.
Mirador de la Cornisa observation deck
This viewpoint or Mirador de la Cornisa is the impressive viewpoint between the Royal Palace and La Almudena Cathedral with panoramic views of the of Campo del Moro Park and Casa del Campo Park. The viewpoint area is worth visitign and taking selifes and visit daily from 12 noon to 10pm and admission is free of charge.
This space is also home to the main entrance of the Royal Collections Gallery. You can access the area through any of the five gates of these beautiful and ornate wrought-iron fence into the gallery
Palacio real gardens – Sabatini Gardens
The Royal gardens at Palacio Real is formal and a beautiful area that isn’t as visited compared to the palace, cathedral and the Mirador de la Cornisa, but definitely worth the time if you have extra time to visit.
The gardens of the Palacio Real in Madrid offer a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets, with beautifully landscaped spaces that complement the grandeur of the palace. The Sabatini Gardens, located on the north side, feature symmetrical hedges, fountains, and a great view of the palace façade, making them a popular spot for photos, especially at sunset. The Campo del Moro Gardens, at the back of the palace, are more expansive and feel like a hidden retreat, with shaded walking paths, fountains, and sweeping views leading up to the palace. Both gardens are free to enter, making them a great addition to a palace visit or a relaxing spot to enjoy a break from sightseeing.
Palace changing of the guards at Palacio Real
The Changing of the Guard at the Palacio Real in Madrid is a formal and precise display of military tradition that offers a glimpse into Spain’s royal heritage. Held in front of the grand entrance of the Royal Palace, the ceremony features guards dressed in traditional 18th-century-style uniforms, complete with plumed helmets and polished boots. Accompanied by a marching band, the soldiers move in synchronized steps, switching shifts with a calm but deliberate rhythm. While the more elaborate version takes place monthly, a simpler version occurs weekly, drawing onlookers who enjoy watching this mix of ceremony and pageantry in a historic setting. It’s a short but memorable event, especially if you’re already visiting the palace or nearby Plaza de Oriente.
Weekly Sentry Duty (Simplified Ceremony)
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When: Every Wednesday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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Where: At the Puerta del Príncipe (main gate facing Plaza de Oriente)
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Details: This is a smaller version of the full ceremony. You’ll see guards in traditional uniforms, with foot soldiers and sometimes horses.
Music concert at the changing of the guards
How to visit the Palacio Real in Madrid
Visiting the Palacio Real in Madrid is easy and worthwhile, especially if you’re interested in royal history and architecture. Located near the Opera metro stop and Plaza de Oriente, the palace is open to the public most days, though it’s still used for official state events. You can explore on your own with a general admission ticket or opt for a guided tour to get more context on the ornate rooms, grand staircases, and the Royal Armoury. It’s best to book tickets online in advance to skip long lines, especially during peak seasons. Try to go early in the day for a quieter experience, and allow at least 1–2 hours to take in the interior and the expansive palace grounds.
Check out these tours or skip the line ticketing to visit the royal palace
Check out these other posts on visiting Madrid
Free things to do in Madrid, Spain
Conclusion on visiting the Royal palace of Madrid
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