Things to do in Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, however, it is currently used exclusively for receptions, ceremonies, and official acts. Today the King and Queen of Spain reside in the Zarzuela Palace, located on the outskirts of the Spanish capital.
The Royal Palace is located on the site of the old Alcazar of Madrid, a medieval fortress converted into a luxurious palace by John II, Charles V and Philip II. The Alcazar was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Eve in 1734.
The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1738 and was completed in 1764, the year in which Charles III decide to reside there. Also known as the Palacio de Oriente, it is surrounded by the Campo del Moro Gardens and the Sabatini Gardens. The building is inspired by the sketches made by Bernini for the construction of the Louvre in Paris and is articulated around a square courtyard. It has a gallery and a Plaza de Armas, where the main facade of the palace is located.
Featuring 3,400 lavish rooms, visiting the largest royal palace in Europe is an experience in itself. The Throne Room preserves the original decoration from the reign of Charles III, including the impressive vault fresco by Tiepolo to show the grandeur of the monarchy. The chandelier and the Shepherd's Clock are two of the main attractions of the Gasparini Room (the room where the king dressed), and the Royal Armory is one of the most complete on the continent. Other unmissable rooms are the Hall of Columns, the Royal Kitchen, the Halberdiers' Hall and the Royal Chapel.
Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, from mid-September to mid-July, the changing of the Royal Palace guard takes place. During the summer months, the hours are from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The building can be visited practically all year round, as it is closed only during official ceremonies and festivities.
Our recommendations in Royal Palace of Madrid
Madrid Royal Palace skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid, admire the artworks by Goya and Velázquez and visit the gardens booking this 2-hour guided tour.
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Nat Geo Day Tour: Madrid's History: The Royal Palace and Lunch at the World's Oldest Restaurant
Uncover Madrid's rich history with a guided tour of the Royal Palace and Madrid de los Austrias, the city's historic hub. End at Casa Botin, the world's oldest restaurant, for a tour and meal.
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Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
Enjoy a walk from Puerta del Sol and enter the Royal Palace of Madrid with an official guide. Book your 2-hour guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
en, es
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided visit
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line tickets and enjoy a guided visit of one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe booking this 2-hour guided tour.
en, es
Madrid Royal Palace skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid, admire the artworks by Goya and Velázquez and visit the gardens booking this 2-hour guided tour.
en, fr
Nat Geo Day Tour: Madrid's History: The Royal Palace and Lunch at the World's Oldest Restaurant
Uncover Madrid's rich history with a guided tour of the Royal Palace and Madrid de los Austrias, the city's historic hub. End at Casa Botin, the world's oldest restaurant, for a tour and meal.
en
Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
Enjoy a walk from Puerta del Sol and enter the Royal Palace of Madrid with an official guide. Book your 2-hour guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
en, es
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided visit
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line tickets and enjoy a guided visit of one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe booking this 2-hour guided tour.
en, es
Small-group tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid and Royal Armoury
Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Madrid and the historic Royal Armoury with skip-the-line tickets and a small-group tour. Book now!
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Royal Palace of Madrid Entrance Ticket and In-App Audio Tour
Discover the regal atmosphere of Spanish Court life with an in-app audio tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Uncover its history and explore the royal gardens.
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Royal Collections Gallery and Royal Palace Guided Tour in Spanish
Enjoy a guided tour in Spanish of the Royal Collections Gallery combined with the Royal Palace and learn more about the country's history with an expert guide.
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Royal Collections Gallery Tickets and Guided Tour in Spanish
Enjoy a Spanish guided tour of the Royal Collections Gallery, Spain's most important museum project, to learn more about its past thanks to an expert guide.
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Royal Collections Gallery Tickets and Guided Tour in English
Enjoy a Spanish guided tour of the Royal Collections Gallery, Spain's most important museum project, to learn more about its past thanks to an expert guide.
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Royal Palace of Madrid in-app audio tour
Get this in-app audio tour to immerse yourself in the enchanting royal atmosphere of Spanish Court life and indulge in the exquisite decor.
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Royal Collections Gallery and Royal Palace Guided Tour in English
Enjoy a guided tour in English of the Royal Collections Gallery combined with the Royal Palace and learn more about the country's history with an expert guide.
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Express Madrid self-balancing scooter tour
Discover Madrid in just 1 hour on a self-balancing scooter. Learn interesting facts and fascinating stories about the monuments from an experienced guide.
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How to get there
Royal Palace of Madrid
Madrid
Spain
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