Things to do in Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid has a long history as the home of the Spanish Royal Family. Carlos III was the first to establish his residence there and even today it is still the official residence of the Spanish Royal family. Although the family reside in the Zarzuela Palace (Palacio de la Zarzuela), the palace is still used for receptions, ceremonies and official events.
Built on the remains of a fortress destroyed in a fire on Christmas Eve 1734, the construction of the Royal Palace began in 1738 and ended in 1764. When Felipe V, first of the Bourbon kings, originally conceived the royal palace he dreamed of a place that would surpass anything of its kind in Europe. While it fell somewhat short of the mark (he died before the plan was fully realised), the resulting palace is still a Baroque beauty of epic proportions. It was Carlos III (known as the Mayor of Madrid) who became the first monarch to occupy the building.
The palace, inspired by sketches made by Bernini for the construction of the Louvre in Paris, is built in the form of a square and looks out over a large courtyard. With more than 3,000 rooms, visiting the largest royal palace in Europe is an experience. The decoration of the palace's rooms and their layout has gradually changed over the years as the building has been adapted to suit the needs of its residents.
Highlights include the velvet-walled Salón del Trono (Throne Room), the Salón de Gasparini (Gasparini Room) with inlaid floors and a 2-ton chandelier, the sumptuous banquet room, royal armoury, and pharmacy filled with medicine jars and curiosities. The building is surrounded by elaborate gardens, including the Capo del Moro gardens and the Sabatini gardens.
The building can be visited nearly all year round, and only closes during official acts and festivities. Don’t miss the changing of the guard of the Royal Palace, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. Times for the changing of the guard vary depending on the time of year so please check ahead of your visit.
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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Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour and Tablao Torres Bermejas flamenco show with tapas
Skip the long lines and visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide. Enjoy a live flamenco performance at Tablao Torres Bermejas and taste a menu of Spanish tapas and a drink included.
en, es
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided tour
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid booking this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
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!
en
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
Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour and Tablao Torres Bermejas flamenco show with tapas
Skip the long lines and visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide. Enjoy a live flamenco performance at Tablao Torres Bermejas and taste a menu of Spanish tapas and a drink included.
en, es
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided tour
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid booking this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
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!
en
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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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 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.
en
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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