Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace which includes a park, a city and château or palace
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid


Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

The Spanish Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is one of the biggest palaces in Western Europe. The palace is known for its extravagant interior and the staggering collection of furniture, artwork, weapons, armor and accessories found throughout its 3,400 rooms. Construction of the building you see today started in 1738 after the previous royal residence burned down on the same site in 1734. Nowadays the Spanish royal family does not live in the palace.

Walk up the 70 steps of the Grand Staircase and through to the intricately decorated banquet halls and residential quarters. They were fitted out under the direction of King Carlos III and are some of the most impressive in Europe. You’ll also have access to his apartments, where you’ll find lavish furniture and masterful works of art.

Move on to the Throne Room to see one of Giambattista Tiépolo’s finest frescoes, the Glory of Spain, as well as ornate chandeliers, mirrors and tapestries. Head to the Hall of Halberdiers for a look at another of Tiepolo’s works or view the Royal Chapel to admire the elegant marble work and gold trimmings. Visit the Royal Library to examine rare old books and papers. You’ll also find maps, drawings and a selection of Stradivarius violins.

Explore the Painting Gallery to gaze at works by Velázquez, Caravaggio, El Greco, Goya and others, or wander through to the magnificent Royal Armories. You’ll see weapons used by the kings of Spain and their family for hundreds of years. Move on to the Royal Pharmacy to see old medicine bottles, storage cabinets and equipment.

The Royal Palace is in central Madrid and the closest metro station is Ópera. Visitors can wander the rooms at will or can join a guided tour for an extra fee. The palace is open every day except national holidays.

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The Social Hub Madrid 4
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Reviews of Royal Palace of Madrid

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
242
" "5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
196
" "4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
24
" "3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Check it is open on the day you want to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Book tickets on line to save queuing, we actually did this while we were at the back of the queue, it was a great feeling moving to the fun, particularly in 30* + heat.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good value at €13 each. You are not rushed about. Get there early before it opens at 10am if you do not have a ticket. The que is smaller. It has one of the best Armoury I have seen. Better than the Tower of London! The audio guide is worth having too.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

There is an extra charge if you want to tour the kitchens

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go eRly or late although queues go down very quickly. Use audio guide & visit the kitchens

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If the queues are long, go away and try again a bit later (there is a significant difference throughout the day).

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.