Standing majestically in the heart of Madrid, the spectacular Royal Palace (Palacio Real) isn't just another European castle – it's Europe's largest royal palace with a whopping 3,400 rooms! While Spain's royal family no longer calls it home, this 18th-century masterpiece remains the crown jewel of Madrid's attractions.
Let's make sure your visit to this iconic landmark is absolutely royal!
What to expect at Royal Palace of Madrid
Get ready to be blown away by sheer opulence! The palace blends Baroque and Neoclassical styles across its massive 1.45 million square feet. Here's what will make your jaw drop:
Must-see highlights:
- Throne Room: Prepare for serious wow-factor! Look up at the breathtaking frescoes by Tiepolo and admire the ornate thrones where Spanish kings once ruled.
- Hall of Mirrors: This dazzling room filled with sparkling mirrors and crystal chandeliers rivals Versailles (and makes for amazing photos).
- Main Staircase: One of the most impressive palace entrances in Europe with its dramatic design by Francesco Sabatini featuring a gleaming bronze handrail.
- Royal Chapel: Look for the beautiful circular layout and golden stucco dome – an architectural marvel.
- Gasparini Room: Marvel at the intricate Rococo decorations that took 15 years to complete!
- Royal Armoury: History buffs, you'll love one of the world's finest collections of medieval armor and weapons.
The Garden: After touring the palace, give your feet a break in the gorgeous surrounding gardens:
- Sabatini Gardens: Perfect for that classic palace-with-gardens photo
- Campo del Moro Gardens: Sprawling green spaces ideal for a relaxing stroll
- Plaza de Oriente: Grab a coffee at one of the cafés facing the palace for the best views
Best time to visit Royal Palace of Madrid
Best season to visit:
- Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–November): Perfect weather and fewer tourists? Yes, please! These shoulder seasons are your best bet for a pleasant visit without the massive crowds.
- Winter (October–March): Want the palace almost to yourself? Winter offers the smallest crowds, though you'll need to bundle up a bit.
- Summer (April–September): The most popular time to visit (translation: prepare for crowds!), but you'll get extended visiting hours until 8pm.
Pro tip: Weekday mornings are significantly less crowded than weekends. If you're visiting on a weekend, arrive right at opening time or late afternoon for the best experience.
When to avoid: The palace can close unexpectedly for state events and ceremonies, especially during holiday seasons. Also, remember that Sundays have shorter hours (closing at 4pm) which can feel rushed if you want to see everything.
Recommended tickets
Opening hours
Winter Hours (October-March):
- Monday to Saturday: 10am–8pm
- Sundays: 10am–4pm
Summer Hours (April-September):
- Monday to Saturday: 10am–7pm
- Sundays: 10am–4pm
Important to know: The ticket office closes one hour before the palace, so don't show up at the last minute!
2025 closure dates:
- Completely closed: January 1, January 6, May 1, December 25
- Early closure (3pm): December 24, December 31
⚠️ Heads Up for 2025: The Royal Armoury section will be closed throughout the entire year for renovations. Additionally, the palace occasionally closes for royal ceremonies with little advance notice, so checking the official website before your visit is always smart.
Entrances to Royal Palace of Madrid
Main entrances you need to know:
- Puerta del Príncipe (Prince's Gate): This is where most visitors enter – look for the ticket queues here
- Puerta de la Armería: The direct entrance to the Royal Armoury collection
- Puerta de Felipe IV: The accessible entrance for visitors with mobility needs
Money-saving tip for EU residents: If you're an EU citizen or have a European work permit, you can visit for FREE Monday-Thursday during the last two hours before closing. Just remember – these free sessions get crowded fast, and the Royal Kitchen section stays closed during free entry times.
Garden access: The gorgeous Campo del Moro gardens are included with your palace ticket, though some sections may be closed off during palace events.
Getting to Royal Palace of Madrid
- Metro: Ópera Station (Lines 2 & 5) is just a 5-minute walk away
- Bus: Routes 3, 25, 39, and 148 stop at Plaza de Oriente (2-minute walk)
- From Atocha Station: Take Metro Line 1 to Sol, then Line 2 to Ópera (15 minutes)
- From Madrid Airport: Take Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, switch to Line 10 to Plaza España, then walk 7 minutes (40 minutes total)
🚖 By Taxi/Rideshare: A quick taxi from Puerta del Sol costs around €7-10 and takes about 5 minutes. Just open Uber, Cabify, or FreeNow and you're set!
🚶♀️Walking: Already downtown? The palace is just a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor via Calle Mayor.
🚗 Driving & parking: Skip the hassle of driving in Madrid's historic center unless necessary. If you must drive, your best parking options are:
- Plaza de Oriente parking garage (3-minute walk)
- Santo Domingo parking garage (7-minute walk)
Expect to pay €20-30 for a full day of parking.
Facilities & amenities on site
Accessibility & visitor services:
The palace is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, and smooth pathways throughout. If you need mobility assistance:
- Free entry for visitors with disabilities (with accreditation).
- Complimentary wheelchair rental at the main entrance.
- Mobility scooters available upon request.
- Accessible restrooms on every floor.
Photography policy:
- Photos without flash are allowed in most areas (some special rooms prohibit photography)
- No tripods or selfie sticks allowed
- Be respectful of other visitors when taking photos
What's missing: There's no café or restaurant inside the palace, so eat before your visit or bring water if needed (especially in summer).
Insider tips for visiting
- Arrive early: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the rush.
- Book online: Book your tickets online and get skip-the-line tickets to save time.
- Download the Royal Palace app before you arrive! It offers audio guides in 16 languages, virtual tours of areas sometimes closed to the public and interactive maps to help navigate the massive palace.
- Guided tours: Guided tour tickets are an excellent choice if you want to learn about the palace’s history and get express entry.
- Dress code: While there isn’t a dress code, wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Avoid shorts and slippers.
- Photography: Follow the protocol and rules for photography. Avoid using flash as it might disturb other guests.
- Accessibility: Inform the staff at the entrance if you or your guests require a wheelchair or a mobility scooter to enter the palace.
- Food: Carry your own water and eat before coming as there is no cafe or restaurant inside the Royal Palace of Madrid.
- Follow instructions: Avoid touching artefacts and follow staff instructions.
