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The Royal Palace of Madrid: The Grandeur of Spanish Royalty

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Entry to the Royal Palace
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Entry to the Royal Palace + Gallery of the Royal Collections
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Access to the Royal Palace of Madrid, where you can visit rooms such as the Throne Room, the Royal Chapel, the Gala Dining Room, and the Royal Armoury of Madrid, one of the most important in the world.

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In addition to visiting the rooms of the Royal Palace, this ticket grants you exclusive access to the Gallery, located next to the palace complex. Discover some gems of Spanish heritage that reveal the richness of centuries of royal patronage.

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SPAIN- MADRID

Welcome to the Royal Palace, home of kings and witness to centuries of history

Step into the Royal Palace of Madrid and take a full tour of the legacy of the Spanish monarchy. With the combined ticket, you also gain access to the Gallery of the Royal Collections: an exhibition featuring works by Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio, as well as tapestries, sculptures, carriages, and other treasures.

Power and splendor, the history of the Royal Palace of Madrid


The Royal Palace of Madrid, a symbol of the Spanish monarchy and one of the great landmarks of European historical heritage, stands on the site of the old Alcázar of the Habsburgs, a medieval fortress turned Renaissance palace that was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 1734. Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, then ordered the construction of a new palace more in line with the ideals of Enlightened absolutism.

Construction began in 1738 under the direction of architect Filippo Juvarra, and was continued by Giovanni Battista Sacchetti, who shaped the current building in a classicist style. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Royal Palace of Madrid served as the official residence of the Spanish monarchy and the setting for major decisions in the nation's history. Treaties, diplomatic receptions, and lavish state events were held in its halls.

Although the monarchs no longer reside here, the building retains its symbolic and ceremonial character, still hosting important institutional events. The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most visited monuments in the capital, as visiting it offers deeper insight into the history of Spain.

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The Royal Palace of Madrid's hours vary throughout the year:

  • Winter (October to March): Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00.
  • Summer (April to September): Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00.
  • From 14:00 onwards, access through the group ticket office at the Arco de Santiago is allowed for agencies/official guides who, due to group size, do not need a prior reservation.
  • Ticket offices and entrances close one hour before closing time.

info-icon Closing Days

On January 1, January 6, May 1, and December 25, the Royal Palace of Madrid is closed all day.

On December 24 and December 31, it closes from 15:00 (ticket offices close from 14:00).

In addition to the scheduled closures, there may be additional closures due to official events.

What does your ticket to the Royal Palace of Madrid include?

Whether you choose the basic entry to the Royal Palace or the one that includes access to the Gallery of the Royal Collections, you'll enjoy a unique historical and cultural experience.

  • Access to the Royal Palace rooms: Explore the palace rooms open to the public, including the Throne Room, the Royal Chapel, and the Gasparini Room — gems of royal architecture.
  • Visit to the Royal Armoury of Madrid: Admire one of the most important collections of arms and armor in Europe, and discover the military splendor of the Habsburgs and the Bourbons.
  • Courtyards, staircases, and views of Campo del Moro: Enjoy panoramic views from the Grand Staircase and balconies of the Royal Palace. A privileged location overlooking the historic gardens.
  • Changing of the Guard (on select days): If your visit falls on the right day, you can witness the traditional Changing of the Guard in Madrid — a solemn ceremony connecting past and present.
  • Access to the Gallery of the Royal Collections: If you purchase the ticket for this experience, you can tour centuries of art connected to the history of the Royal Palace of Madrid.
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Tips to make the most of your visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid

  • Book in advance: Tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid are in high demand. Buying your ticket online helps you avoid queues and enjoy your visit more calmly.

  • Choose the ticket that suits you: If you're interested in art and the history of royal collecting, opt for the combined ticket with access to the Gallery of the Royal Collections — a little-known museum gem.

  • Check the seasonal schedule: Opening hours vary depending on the time of year. Before your visit, check the updated hours to plan your tour and not miss anything.

  • Follow a route through the Royal Palace rooms: Start at the Grand Staircase and continue through rooms like the Gala Dining Room, the Chapel, and the Royal Armoury. This way, you won’t miss any key space.

  • Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time: The full tour can take several hours — around 45 minutes for the rooms and 35 minutes for the Royal Armoury. Take your time to admire the architecture of the Royal Palace of Madrid and its details, especially if you also visit the Gallery.

  • Use the audio guide available in several languages: You can rent it on-site or opt for the digital version by downloading the app and entering your ticket codes.

You can reach the Royal Palace of Madrid, located in Plaza de Oriente, by various means of transport.

Visitor access is at the Esplanade of the Almudena entrance, at the corner of Bailén Street. Group access is via the Bailén Street entrance, opposite Requena Street.

  • If you're staying in the city center (Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor), enjoy a direct walk to the Royal Palace of Madrid. It’s a 10–15 minute walk through pedestrian areas and historic sights.

  • Lines 2 and 5, with a stop at Ópera, drop you just steps from the Royal Palace of Madrid. One exit from the station places you in Plaza de Oriente.

  • Lines 3, 25, 39, and 148 stop near Plaza de Oriente, right in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid. From there, it's just a few minutes' walk to the Esplanade of the Almudena.

  • Take the train to Príncipe Pío (lines C‑1, C‑7, C‑10). From there, a pleasant 10–12 minute walk through gardens and historic streets leads you to the Palace entrance.

How much time is needed to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid?

The ideal duration to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid will depend on the type of experience you choose. If you decide to tour only the interior of the palace, allow around 45 minutes to enjoy the official rooms. You’ll be amazed by the ceilings, tapestries, furnishings, and the symbolic weight that still lingers within its walls.

The section of the tour through the Royal Armoury deserves at least another half hour. There you’ll find armours that seem straight out of a movie.

And if you want to take the experience one step further, then include the Gallery of the Royal Collections, whose exhibitions are visually stunning and will transport you into the artistic history of the Spanish monarchy. Dedicate at least an hour to it—more if you're the type to stop at every detail.

All in all, if you're up for the full visit (Palace + Armoury + Gallery), it's ideal to set aside between 2 and 2.5 hours.

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Access and behavior rules at the Royal Palace of Madrid

  • It is forbidden to walk on garden areas, climb structures, or touch decorative elements, both indoors and outdoors.

  • As it is a former official residence of the Spanish monarchy, respectful clothing is recommended, avoiding swimsuits or bare torsos.

  • The use of speakers, music, or behavior that disrupts the peaceful environment is not allowed.

  • You can take personal photos, but without flash, selfie sticks, or professional equipment.

  • Guards and guides are there to help you and ensure your visit is safe and enriching.

  • The Palace has accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms for people with reduced mobility. Check the official brochure to plan your visit comfortably.