Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
The largest palace in Western Europe opens its doors onto the Plaza de Oriente. Admire the Stradivarius palatins and Tiepolo's frescoes in a carefully curated protocol setting. Book your slot to minimize waiting, noting that security checks remain mandatory.
Ticket options
Prices and conditions
Royal Palace of Madrid: Fast Track Entry
From 22 €.
Wander Europe's biggest royal residence at the Madrid Palace.
Royal Palace Madrid: Entry Tickets + Royal Kitchen Tour and Digital Royal Guide
From 22 €.
Learn what life was like in the heat of a royal kitchen.
Royal Palace of Madrid: Fast Track Ticket + Audio Guide
From 29,95 €.
Tour the grand rooms and see the rare Stradivarius instruments.
Royal Palace of Madrid: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour
From 39 €.
Step into a realm of art, history, and royalty bypassing long queues.
Royal Palace of Madrid: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour
From 30 €.
Walk around the Armory Square and follow your guide through the Grand Staircase.
Royal Palace of Madrid: Guided Tour
From 35 €.
Tour the halls and learn about the palace’s historical traditions.
Royal Palace of Madrid: Entry Ticket + Guided Tour
From 34,61 €.
Tour the Throne Room and view paintings by Velázquez and Goya.
Royal Palace of Madrid: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour
From 42 €.
Tour the palace's rooms and learn about its history.
Royal Palace Madrid and Cathedral of La Almudena: Skip-The-Line & Guided Tour
From 48 €.
Explore the Royal Palace and La Almudena Cathedral with a guide.
Royal Palace of Madrid: Skip The Line Ticket + Small Group Guided Tour
From 39 €.
Join an in-depth exploration of Europe's biggest royal residence with an expert.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We booked the skip-the-line ticket and it was the best decision. Without it, the queue would have been endless in front of the Plaza de Oriente. The visit went smoothly, and we were able to admire the frescoes by Tiepolo without being jostled by the weekend crowds."
"The palace is huge, and with its 3,418 rooms, you really feel the grand scale. I found the 22-euro price a bit steep, but the view of the Throne Room with its monumental chandelier is worth every cent for history lovers."
"Traveling solo, I loved the audio guide available in 16 languages. It helped me understand the value of the Palatine Stradivarius, which I had almost completely ignored. A rare quiet corner in the middle of Spain's capital."
"With my kids, the visit was long, but the breaks in the gardens helped. The Mirrors Room blew them away immediately. Plan your time slot carefully, because queues often exceed an hour if you haven't booked in advance."
"We chose the combined ticket to visit the Royal Collection Gallery separately, which stretched out our stay. The collection of royal weapons is fascinating, although some rooms were closed that day for protocol reasons."
"Arriving 15 minutes before your time slot is crucial, as advised. We avoided the peak crowds between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The frescoes by Tiepolo are often overlooked, but they truly deserve a look up to fully appreciate them."
"The Royal Chapel preserves Manuel Azaña's desk, a poignant historical detail many miss. The changing of the guard is free and spectacular. It's an essential stop for understanding the historical depth of Madrid."
"A very beautiful monument, but walking around such a space is exhausting. You absolutely must wear comfortable shoes. The beauty of the interiors makes up for this fatigue, especially facing the paintings by Goya and Velázquez under the golden ceiling."
"Built after the 1734 fire, the palace reuses the site of the Alcázar. This added history combined with the architectural grandeur makes the visit unique. The adjacent Sabatini Gardens offer a peaceful break after the crowded galleries."
"It's almost twice as large as Buckingham Palace, and you feel it immediately. The staff is discreet and efficient. I particularly appreciated the quality of the welcome despite the vastness of the place and the constant number of visitors."
"I visited late in the morning, which was a mistake: too many people. The advice to favor a weekday is right. The Throne Room remains magnificent, but difficult to photograph properly without fighting through the dense crowd."
"The Palatine Stradivarius are an unexpected and precious discovery. The entire set of royal instruments is displayed with care. For classical music lovers, this detour into the royal collections is a must-see and very well presented."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
28071 Madrid, Spain
Communauté de Madrid
Central Madrid · Metro: Bailén (L1, L2) or Ópera (L2, Plaza de Oriente exit), 5 min walk.
Opening hours
Sun : 10:00 - 15:00
Hours vary by season (April-Sept vs Oct-March) and day (Mon-Sat vs Sun). Check the official website before visiting.
Fares
Royal Palace Madrid: Entry Tickets + Royal Kitchen Tour and Digital Royal Guide : From 22 €
Royal Palace of Madrid: Fast Track Ticket + Audio Guide : From 29,95 €
Royal Palace of Madrid: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour : From 39 €
Royal Palace of Madrid: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour : From 30 €
Royal Palace of Madrid: Guided Tour : From 35 €
Royal Palace of Madrid: Entry Ticket + Guided Tour : From 34,61 €
Royal Palace of Madrid: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour : From 42 €
Royal Palace Madrid and Cathedral of La Almudena: Skip-The-Line & Guided Tour : From 48 €
Royal Palace of Madrid: Skip The Line Ticket + Small Group Guided Tour : From 39 €
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Free for children depending on age (check variants). .
Visit duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Main entrance adapted with elevators; some upper levels may present difficulties, contact the accessibility service for a precise itinerary.
Family
Children welcome, under 5 free; plan breaks as the visit is long with 3,418 pieces and marble floors.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Weather in Madrid
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover Royal Palace of Madrid
An iconic monument since 1738
Discover the key figures of this architectural gem
1738
Construction start
3 418
Total rooms
135,000 m²
Total area
1.4M
Visitors in 2016
Located on the Plaza de Oriente, the Madrid Royal Palace is the largest palace in Western Europe with 3,418 rooms. Built after the 1734 fire by order of Philip V, it houses masterpieces by Goya and the Palatine Stradivarius. Check the exact opening hours and available time slots on the official website before your visit for a smooth experience, keeping in mind that security checks apply to all visitors.
History of the Madrid Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was built after the destruction of the Royal Alcázar by a fire in 1734, by order of King Philip V. The foundations of the old fortress were reused for this new Baroque masterpiece. Construction began in 1738 under the direction of Filippo Juvarra, then continued by his disciple Juan Bautista Sacchetti, who adapted the plans to the existing site.
Other distinguished Spanish architects such as Ventura Rodríguez, responsible for the Royal Chapel, and Francesco Sabatini, in charge of its completion, contributed to its splendor. Charles III was the first monarch to reside there uninterruptedly, transforming the place into a permanent official residence. The last head of state to live there was Manuel Azaña during the Second Republic, whose office is still visible near the chapel.
Today, the Kings of Spain reside at the Palacio de la Zarzuela, but the Royal Palace remains used for protocolary functions and major national ceremonies. Its architecture reflects the evolution of Spanish artistic taste in the 18th century, blending Italian and French influences. The richness of its interior decorations makes it a living testament to Spanish monarchical power.
What to see in the Madrid Royal Palace
The Throne Room impresses with its gold-leaf ceiling and its collection of artworks including paintings by Goya and Velázquez. The private chambers of Charles III offer an intimate glimpse into 18th-century royal life. The Royal Armory displays ancient weapons, while the porcelain and clock collections reveal the refinement of the Spanish court.
The grand salons are adorned with magnificent frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, often overlooked by hurried visitors. These painted ceilings depict mythological and historical scenes with exceptional technical mastery. The palace also houses the complete set of musical instruments known as the Palatine Stradivarius, an exceptional musical heritage preserved under optimal conditions.
The Royal Chapel, designed by Ventura Rodríguez, constitutes a spiritual highlight of the visit. Furniture tapestries and sculptures complete this artistic journey through three centuries of history. Each room tells a different facet of Spanish culture, from religion to music, passing through martial arts and international diplomacy.
Practical information and accessibility
Opening hours vary by season: from April to September, the palace is open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday. From October to March, hours change to 10am-6pm on weekdays and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Free entry is offered Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 8pm for general admission only, allowing you to visit the palace at a lower cost in the late afternoon.
The standard ticket costs €18, with reduced rates of €9 for children aged 5 to 16, students up to age 25, and seniors over 65. Combined tickets with the Royal Collection Gallery or the Palace Kitchen are offered at €24. The gallery is valid 7 days before or after the main visit, offering great flexibility to organize your stay in Madrid at your own pace.
The palace is located on the Plaza de Oriente, immediately close to Puerta del Sol and accessible on foot from the city center. For wheelchair accessibility, check specific conditions on the official website as some levels may present constraints. Wear comfortable shoes to walk the marble and stone floors of the 135 000 m² complex.
What awaits you at the Royal Palace
Baroque splendor and royal treasures
Tips for visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid
Insider tips
Arrive right at your time slot
Queues can reach 2 hours during peak times. Arriving 15 minutes before your slot is enough to pass security quickly and start your visit calmly without unnecessary stress.
Start at the Plaza de Oriente
Take time to admire the façade and the Royal Theatre before entering the building. The exterior is an integral part of the Baroque experience and offers the best photos of the monument in the natural light of morning or evening.
Choose the combined ticket if you have time
The Royal Collections Gallery is valid for 7 days, allowing you to visit it separately if the Palace is too much for your day. This flexibility is ideal for families with tired children or visitors on a tight schedule.
Avoid weekends during peak season
Crowds are heaviest on the weekend and late morning, particularly between 10am and 2pm. Prefer a weekday early afternoon for a calmer visit and a better experience of the main rooms like the Throne Room.
Spot the Tiepolo frescoes
Don't miss the painted ceilings in the grand salons, often overlooked by hurried visitors who stay at ground level. Take time to look up and appreciate these masterpieces of Spanish and international Baroque art.
Plan breaks for children
With 3,418 pieces, the visit can be long and tiring for the youngest. Plan stops in the nearby gardens or cafés located immediately close by to allow children to relax and regain their energy.
Check free entry conditions
Free entries (Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 8pm) apply only to the entrance alone and not to combined visits. Read the fine print carefully before purchasing to avoid disappointment at the ticket counter or online.
Comfortable shoes required
The floor is mostly marble and stone across the 135,000 m² complex. Wear good shoes to walk through all the rooms without pain, as the cumulative distance is considerable for a full day's visit.
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Little-known anecdotes
Larger than Buckingham
With its 3,418 rooms, this monument is almost twice as large in surface area as Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Versailles. This exceptional size makes it the largest palace in Western Europe, an impressive architectural record.
Born from a fire
Built after the destruction of the Royal Alcázar by a fire in 1734, on the order of Philip V, the palace reused the foundations of the old fortress. This tragic episode justified the complete replacement with a building in the style of the time.
The Royal Stradivarius
It houses the complete set of musical instruments known as the Palatine Stradivarius, an exceptional musical heritage preserved in the palace. These instruments testify to the artistic richness of the monument throughout the centuries.
Azaña's office
A room near the royal chapel still preserves the desk of Manuel Azaña, the last head of state to reside there during the Second Republic. This historical detail reminds us that the palace also served as a government headquarters under the name of the national palace.
Tiepolo masterpiece
Frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo adorn the grand salons, alongside paintings by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya. These painted ceilings are often overlooked by hurried visitors, yet they constitute one of the most beautiful decorations in the palace.
Seventh Spanish monument
In 2016, the palace welcomed over 1.4 million visitors, ranking it as the seventh most-visited monument in Spain. This massive attendance confirms its status as a must-see site for all travelers passing through the Iberian capital.
Incorporate the Royal Palace of Madrid into your trip to Madrid
Three itineraries depending on available time
Historic heart of Madrid
- 10:00: Visit the Royal Palace with a reserved slot to avoid queues.
- 12:30: Stroll through Plaza de Oriente and view of the Royal Theatre.
- 14:00: Lunch in the lively Sol district, near Puerta del Sol.
Royal splendors and museums
- 10:00: Complete exploration of the Royal Palace and its royal collections.
- 13:00: Visit the Prado Museum, located immediately next to the palace.
- 16:00: Coffee break and stroll along Gran Vía to digest the art.
Complete Madrid: history and modernity
- Day 1: Royal Palace, Retiro Park and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
- Day 2: Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor and Flamenco show in the evening.
- Evening: Gastronomic dinner in the barrio de las Letras, literary quarter.
Prado Museum of Madrid + Reina Sofía Museum: Skip-the-line Ticket
Choose the Art Walk Pass and avoid queues during your visit to 3 of Madrid's best museums with a single ticket.
From 28,50 €
See also
More must-see experiences in Madrid
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Royal Palace of Madrid
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Royal Theatre of Madrid
2 min walk
Located on the direct axis of the palace, this Baroque theatre offers a majestic exterior view before entering.
Sabatini Gardens
5 min walk
Terrace green space above the Plaza de Oriente offering an exceptional panorama over the rooftops of Madrid.
Sol District
10 min walk
Historic heart ideal for lunch after the visit, between lively squares and traditional restaurants.
San Miguel Church
8 min walk
Neighboring temple where the remains of Philippe V, the first Bourbon king to reside at the palace, are laid to rest.
Plaza de Oriente
1 min walk
Iconic square lined with royal statues, an ideal starting point to admire the facade of the Royal Palace and its theater.
How to get to the Royal Palace of Madrid
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Arenal (5 min walk) Bus : Palacio Real (5 min walk)
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 2,4 km → 12 min
- From Plaza de España 0,7 km → 8 min
- From Sol 1,0 km → 8 min
- From Embajadores 1,7 km → 10 min
- From Recoletos 2,0 km → 11 min
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 2,4 km → 17 min
- From Plaza de España 0,7 km → 11 min
- From Sol 1,0 km → 12 min
- From Embajadores 1,7 km → 15 min
- From Recoletos 2,0 km → 16 min
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 2,4 km → 11 min
- From Plaza de España 0,7 km → 5 min
- From Sol 1,0 km → 6 min
- From Embajadores 1,7 km → 9 min
- From Recoletos 2,0 km → 10 min
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 2,4 km → 13 min
- From Plaza de España 0,7 km → 5 min
- From Sol 1,0 km → 6 min
- From Embajadores 1,7 km → 10 min
- From Recoletos 2,0 km → 11 min
- From Madrid-Atocha Station 2,4 km → 29 min
- From Plaza de España 0,7 km → 9 min
- From Sol 1,0 km → 12 min
- From Embajadores 1,7 km → 21 min
- From Recoletos 2,0 km → 25 min
Accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your visit
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Royal Palace of Madrid on video
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
Royal Palace of Madrid in pictures
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Royal Palace of Madrid vs other European palaces
Quick comparison with other major sites
| Royal Palace of Madrid | Buckingham Palace | Palace of Versailles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year created | 1738 | 1703 | 1661 |
| Visit duration | 1h30 - 2h | 2h | 3h |
| Particularity | Palatine Stradivarius | Official residence | Symmetrical gardens |
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