Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid)
Calle de Bailén, Madrid, ESP
Madrid's Royal Palace (also known as the Palacio Real or Palacio de Oriente) is a beautiful baroque structure with some 3,000 rooms, making it one of Europe's largest castles. Although the royal family no longer lives here, the Palacio Real still serves as the king and queen's official residence, a venue for state ceremonies, and a place for tourists to get a peek into the royal history of Spain.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is open daily, and citizens of the EU enjoy free admission, while other visitors pay a small fee to go inside. Travelers can explore independently, hire a tour guide, or rent an audio guide upon arrival; some opt to book a guided tour in advance. For a truly royal experience, you can secure exclusive early access before the palace opens.
Royal history buffs and art fans—you'll get to visit the Throne Room, see a variety of Goya paintings, and more.
Ticket lines can take awhile, so book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid a long wait.
The palace is generally accessible for travelers with disabilities, and wheelchairs are available.
The nearby Royal Pharmacy and Royal Armory are included in your palace entry ticket.
The Royal Palace is conveniently located on Bailén Street (Calle de Bailén) in downtown Madrid near many other must-see attractions. It's an easy walk from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, and there are also a number of metro stations, bus lines, and train stops nearby.
You can visit the palace year-round, but be sure to check the schedule for closures and reduced hours during some public holidays. The Changing of the Guard is held every Wednesday, except in July through September, during official events, and when weather doesn't permit. As at most attractions in Madrid, crowds are bigger and lines are longer in the peak summer months.
There's a lot to see beyond the palace walls, so be sure to carve out a few hours to see the rest of the area. Just across the courtyard from the Royal Armory is the Almudena Cathedral, and beyond the gates are the free Campo del Moro gardens and Sabatini Gardens. In front of the palace lies the Plaza de Oriente, a great place to stop at a café for a coffee or snack with a view of the royal residence.
No, you don't need to buy tickets in advance for the Royal Palace in Madrid. However, purchasing tickets on the spot is subject to availability, so booking ahead of time is a good idea to avoid disappointment. Skip-the-line tickets will save you time at the entrance.
The best time of day to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid is typically early in the morning, soon after opening time. This is when the crowds are usually at their thinnest and the lines shortest. Evenings and around lunchtime are also relatively quieter times of the day.
No, you do not need a passport to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. However, a passport, ID card, or driver's license is required to take advantage of the palace's free admission policy for European Union and Latin American citizens and residents on weekday evenings.
No, you cannot take pictures in the Royal Palace of Madrid, except for a very few designated areas indicated by signage—err on the side of caution by only taking photographs in areas explicitly permitted. Photography of the palace's exterior is allowed.
No, the Royal Palace of Madrid does not have a café on site. If you would like to grab a bite to eat before or after your visit to the palace, try nearby Café de Oriente, located across from the palace, which offers excellent views and a historic ambiance.
No, the Royal Palace of Madrid has no official dress code. However, visitors should remember that it is a formal setting, so wear comfortable but appropriate clothing and footwear—you'll likely spend a lot of time walking. The palace requests visitors to avoid shorts and slippers.
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