The Royal Palace of Madrid is a popular tourist attraction that is worth visiting, despite some drawbacks. It may not be the most impressive palace you'll ever see, and it can get quite crowded, even if you arrive early. The café inside the palace is not recommended, as it falls short compared to other similar properties. However, the highlight of the visit is the entry to the armoury, which is included in the ticket price.
Inside the palace, you will be captivated by the beautiful art and decoration, with some rooms allowing photography and others not. Many visitors consider this palace to be the most beautiful they have seen in Europe. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues or disappointment if they get sold out.
If you don't have the opportunity to go inside, the grounds of the palace are still worth exploring. The view from the outside is amazing, and the palace itself is known for its stunning ornate rooms, each decorated with a unique theme. The chandeliers are particularly impressive.
Taking a guided tour can provide valuable insights into the history and architecture of the palace, but be aware that the audio equipment may not be of the best quality and there will likely be other tours going on at the same time. Alternatively, you can find self-guided tours online and explore at your own pace.
While photography is restricted in some areas, it is clearly marked where cameras must be put away. Don't miss the military armour exhibition in one of the wings, included in your ticket, which showcases some very cool horse armour.
Overall, visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid is an amazing experience that transports you to a different era. The grandeur and beauty of the architecture will leave you in awe. The attention to detail in the decorations and furnishings is impressive, and each room has its own unique charm. The palace grounds offer stunning views and well-maintained gardens, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. The staff are friendly and helpful, adding to the enjoyment of your visit.
If you have the opportunity to visit Madrid, make sure to include a visit to the Palacio de Real Madrid. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply want to appreciate the beauty of this majestic palace, it is a must-see attraction that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Comment
10.08.23
Justa
It's a good Palace to visit. Not the most impressive and a little too busy. Wnet early in the morning to join the queue before it opened, and it was still very busy. The cafe was not worth a visit unfortunately and way below in the offerings of .. Read more »other similar properties. Entry to the armoury is included in the ticket price, which wad the highlight of the visit for me.
29.07.23
Pasan
Absolutely worth it to visit, it's so beautiful side, marvel art and decoration. Most of those parts you aren't allowed taking pics only some rooms.
I found this Palace is the most the beautiful one so far in Europe.
👉Better get ticket in a.. Read more »dvance or have to wait long queue or even sold out!!
12.07.23
Eliza
I'm going to be honest, I didn't go inside but I would if I budgeted better. It's only £12 entry, I'm just here backpacking for a festival. The grounds however were stunning and the view was amazing. The inside is supposed .. Read more »to be stunning and a lot of people's fav palace. My tour guide says he loves documentaries but it took him three trips to get through all the audio guide content. There is tons. Anything and everything you want to know about in there, they have info on it. So good for people who love interior design, architecture, and history. But the outside is stunning.
Buy your tickets in advance to skip a long queue.
04.07.23
Tomas
Stunning palace with the most amazing ornate rooms which seem to have been individually decorated with different themes. The chandeliers are particularly incredible.
I took a guided tour (4€ extra) and while it was interesting to hear about the.. Read more » building it was almost impossible to hear what they were saying most of the time (bad audio equipment and lots of other tours running at the same time). Instead I’d recommend finding an online self guided tour and do it at your own pace.
You can’t take photos in quite a lot of the rooms, but it’s clearly marked where you have to put the camera away. It’s also worth visiting the military armour exhibition in one of the wings that’s included in your ticket. Very cool horse armour.
22.05.23
Monica
I have to say, it was an amazing experience. I am giving it a well-deserved 5-star rating. The palace exudes a captivating atmosphere that transports you to a different era. The grandeur and beauty of the architecture left me in awe.
Exploring the d.. Read more »ifferent rooms and halls was a treat for history and art enthusiasts like myself. The attention to detail in the decorations and furnishings is impressive. Each room has its own unique charm, and I couldn't help but admire the exquisite craftsmanship.
The palace grounds are equally magnificent, offering stunning views and well-maintained gardens. It's a perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the ambiance. The staff were friendly and helpful, providing valuable information about the palace's history and guiding us throughout our visit.
If you have the opportunity to visit Madrid, I highly recommend paying a visit to Palacio de Real Madrid. It's a must-see attraction that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply want to appreciate the beauty of this majestic palace, you won't be disappointed.
20.05.23
Xavier
The exterior of the palace is beautiful, but it has become even better. We were fortunate to be here relatively early because of the short line. After passing the check and cash register, you might feel like before, and walk in the courtyard of the p.. Read more »alace. Inside the palace, you can unfortunately not take pictures in certain rooms, but still fantastically look at the powerful art pieces. Unfortunately, we didn't come to the peacocks which were outside.
30.04.23
Travis
This was a great visit. We really enjoyed the armory and some of the weaponry used in the past. Unfortunately the main Palace was closed due to official events associated with the holiday. We did the kitchen Tour, and that was worth the money, but be.. Read more » aware it's in Spanish only--each room does have signs in English that explain the purpose of the room. We spent about 2.5 hours in total here and had the main palace been open we likely would have spent much longer. I would absolutely recommend a visit simply based on what we saw.
02.09.22
Luis
Well, what should one say? A lot of art and wealth… it’s impressive how things worked long time ago, politics, etc…
Art is amazing, a must see in Madrid…
It would be great to see lot more in the standard visit, I’m pr.. Read more »etty sure that many doors lead to secret places…
16.08.22
Andrea
The visit to the Royal Palace starts from the monumental staircase guarding which two lions are positioned, a symbol of power. Entering the various rooms you can see how they are decorated according to the tastes of the monarchs who lived there. The.. Read more » real “treasure” of the Royal Palace of Madrid is the Stradivari collection, the most important in the world. Visit the halls of one of the largest active royal palaces in Europe
31.07.22
Deepak
Grand palace done better with audio guided tour. You can download the app in your own phone and use your own earphones if you don't want to pay for the tablet they provide. It's same. I personally liked the gems- embedded tables.
The waitin.. Read more »g queue was in scorching heat and it's better to carry umbrella and water. Just outside the palace we also saw an international youth dance group who were performing for the crowd and recording.
02.07.22
Fiodor
Monumental building. From the side of the Plaza de España, there is a pleasant garden with fountains, sculptures and clipped greenery. From the front, as always, queues. Not sure if it's worth going there. If you walk through the square t.. Read more »o the terrace - a beautiful view of the park opens up.
02.07.22
Yana
I believe this one of the most visited places in Madrid. The cool thing that the palace is still used by the royal family. Probably because of that you are not allowed to take photos inside, just a few rooms.
You could buy tickets in advance or wait .. Read more »in the line on the sun to come and get the ticket. Usually the line is big enough
08.05.22
Irwin
As the largest working palace in Europe, this place really is one of the most impressive palaces to visit. Even walking around the outside of the palace gives you a sense of how grand the building is. It gives Buckingham Palace a run for its money, s.. Read more »o much so that Buckingham should be called the Palacio Real of London.
You get a feel of the grandeur of Spanish monarchs when you walk around. The palace deserves so much more recognition than other similar palaces.
30.03.22
Patty
Great Palace to visit! Highly recommended to but advance tickets, kitchen tickets were sold out a couple days in advance so we didn't get to see them. Was able to get same day tickets for Palace but had to wait until mid-afternoon. Good amount o.. Read more »f rooms to visit, several very unique decor, all in beautiful condition. Good flow. Not overly crowded. Recommended!
21.03.22
Trevor
This landmark is a gorgeous place to visit. I would highly recommend purchasing a tour or the audio tour. This is not your typical museum. Each room was more gorgeous than the next but I would have loved to learn a little bit more about what I was lo.. Read more »oking at. There are some placards with minimal information sprinkled throughout the experience. We bought tickets a head of time which allowed us to skip the line. We did have to wander a bit to figure out where to enter the palace, but eventually found it. Another recommendation I have is to place this a little further into your trip, it is killer to do this much walking when trying to shake the jet lag. We can make our way through a museum pretty efficiently, but this kicked our jet lagged butts! There are no pictures allowed inside most of the areas, but it really is quite breath taking to see these rooms decked out in the most spectacular art and treasures. A highlight was the crown and sceptre. Definitely worth a visit.
13.03.22
Patrick
Visiting and touring the Palacio Real is a must during any visit to Madrid. The exterior of the building is great and absolutely stunning, but the inside matches it and exceeds expectations. Entry tickets are very cheap, especially for students, chil.. Read more »dren, and all eligible for typical EU price deductions, but I believe only 12€ for a normal ticket. While you can’t take pictures past about the second room, that only allows you to experience the space more fully. The chapel, dining room, and several of the rooms were among some of the grandest, most ornate spaces I have EVER entered. They were absolutely breathtaking — rich in Spanish history and impressive both for the time they were constructed and for modern day. Enter the room where Spain officially joined what would become the European Union, read the original coronation speech of the king, then turn around and look at his crown! This was such a special visit. I highly recommend it.
17.02.22
Cal
The exterior of the palace looks more beautiful than the interior. The elegant architecture is befitting to be abode for the royalty.
The white palace contrasted by the blue sky creates a stunning atmosphere for photo opportunities. The large open s.. Read more »pace at the palace exterior helped create a feeling of openness.
The visitors are only permitted to visit in a designated route, and photography is not allowed in the majority of the rooms. The information boards are in Spanish and English.
I strongly suggest visiting in the morning because the queue and waiting time can be insane in the evening. You may not be able to enter if it is time to close.
Bring a debit/credit card for payment. They don't accept cash.
Should you visit? Yes, the palace is simply beautiful.
16.02.22
Diego
This was my first time visiting Madrid, the Royal Palace is a MUST SEE attraction if you are in town.
The architecture and scale of building is stunning. Make sure to have a tour of the kitchen (you pay extra) but it’s very informative and it&.. Read more »rsquo;s a piece of history.
To the right as you enter the main patio there is armory that seem to be hidden, inside you will find full armors on display! A nice little surprise.
Strongly recommend!
06.02.22
Jesse
Absolutely beautiful! Stunning and wildly impressive landmark for the religious and non-religious alike. I'm not a part of the faith of this church, but I felt welcomed to explore and marvel. Quiet rooms for prayer. Lots of hidden nooks of histo.. Read more »ric significance. This would have been cooler with a tour guide.
10.01.22
Ch
Royal palace Of Madrid is made on a very beautiful place. It's front structure is very design and very beautiful. There is a lot of interesting things in this place . It's was opened in 1994. There are very beautiful and very famous Art an.. Read more »d painting. It's situated near men road. I like so much to Royal palace.
02.12.21
Ovidiu
I visited this place many times, and I can say that I found it amazing every time I am going there. Madrid is an exceptional city, with all it’s landmarks and Royal Palace of Madrid is not an exception. You can visit the museum there, or enjoy .. Read more »a nice panorama over the Madrid. Be aware at the pickpockets.
27.11.21
Alex
Royal Palace of Madrid is the 9th largest palace in the world, but it seems that only a small portion of it is open to the public. This may actually be good because it's less tiring. I was there at the beginning of December. Maybe because it.. Read more »9;s not a tourist season or because of Corona I did not wait at all to buy a ticket (I bought a regular one, without the Royal Kitchen which requires a guided tour at certain times). The palace is nice - similar to other big palaces. I did not take any audio guide and did not join any group. Just walked by myself reading occasionally the explanations in various rooms (they are in Spanish and English). You have a certain path to follow, restricted by ropes, so you don't have to wonder where to go next. I finished it in about an hour. The ticket includes also an armory, which you enter from the square before the palace. It is really a highlight of the visit. A very nice display of knights on the horses and just standing with all the weapons etc. Great display, especially for kids.
11.11.21
Barbara
Absolutely mind blowing place! So so beautiful. Keep in mind no pictures are allowed for the large majority of the visit. I would highly recommend you get the audio guide as it gives good explanation and facts about the rooms. There is a cafe above t.. Read more »he gift shop that is nice.
Gardens were closed when I went.
03.11.21
Helen
This was our first time to Madrid. The Real Palace is a must see whilst here.
It was busy as it was a Saturday 10:30am. I would recommend booking ahead as the queues to go in we're long. €12 pp, roughly 2 hours walking round. Very interesti.. Read more »ng, amazing beyond belief the sheer opulence and magnificence of people past. Unreal how clever they were.
Masks to be worn whilst in the palace, staff were guiding you to different areas as it was busy.
16.10.21
Gioconda
This palace and the surrounding are so beautiful. Decent size palace not as big a other Royal Palaces but still a Palace. I prefer the night view of the Palace, it picture much impressive than the day view in my opinion. At night time there are a few.. Read more » street artist playing beautiful classic or spanish music which make the scene even prettier. Very nice trees, flowers and landscape in general. This Palace is a must!
10.10.21
Nikos
I took the option to enter free, between 4-6. The queue was a bit long but it progressed fast. There are two places you can visit inside. A big room with the Royal armoury and an inside tour of the Palace. Luxury items are presented. You can visit th.. Read more »em in your own pace. Roughly it would take about an hour to finish both of them. Important notice: no focus are allowed in most of the rooms.
01.10.21
Mrinal
A very beautifully decorated palace with 3500 rooms, so you can imagine the size. It is the largest palace in the West Europe. Would recommend to get in here via a guide as lots of information behind the palace including some gossip. :) We went via g.. Read more »et your guide and it was worth the extra charge.
A side note, even though access is allowed to around 25 rooms, pictures are allowed to be taken only in the first two rooms. This is keep the crowd moving and enjoy the architecture.
22.09.21
Valerie
Really beautiful area to walk through. I really recommend coming here when there isn’t rain or clouds ( if you have the choice). It is really well kept. They say it’s the oldest active palace in the world. It’s disappointing that th.. Read more »ey are doing construction so you do miss some view when you go and visit. But overall it’s stunning.
08.08.21
Jodie
This was great….. €12 euro to enter with no audio guide. However they have free times on certain days from 5-7pm. Beautiful inside and out. I didn’t get the audio guide and regret it as I didn’t really know what I was looking .. Read more »at…. Still beautiful
13.07.21
Aimée
A must visit when in Madrid. The palace is breathtaking, every single room has it's own charm and there's lots of fun history and symbols all around. If visiting its recommended to get the tour guide as they'll let you know all the fun.. Read more » facts from each item. The views from the outside of the palace are amazing and you'll be able to get great photos. Also, to note, you won't be able to take photos inside.
09.07.21
Samuel
Incredible palace housing world class interior decorations. Each room is grander than the last. You really feel the historic power of the Spanish crown. No photos allowed, and the guards are very enthusiastic about reminding you.
11.05.21
Jeremy
I have to say I've been to a lot of countries, a few places including Versailles and dozens of museums. Vatican ceilings were cool. I grew up with Viscaya in Miami.
This blows them all out of the water. I wish i could take pictures. The armory:.. Read more » incredible. Excellent intact collection. The show armor was exquisite.
The king and queen's apartments, the embroidery, the instruments, the woodwork... It's all incredible. Unbelievable. Each king had their own "brand". Check for it on the walls of their personalized rooms.
20.04.21
Padmini
Lots of history, magnificence, splendor and culture to this institution. This palace is spread over acres and acres and land and tourists flock it day in and day out. One has to wait for their tour even if they get the express tickets up to 1 hour s.. Read more »ometimes. But We enjoyed the grandiose and couldn't soak it in all in even after 4 visits! Definitely a must visit for those who travel to Madrid.
26.02.21
Tien
It is very gorgeous and beautiful. Highly recommend buying ticket and visiting inside. The general ticket is €6. There are several rooms with different functions and decorations. A lot of chandeliers that are very luxurious and I can tell the st.. Read more »rength of Spain during old times. Some rooms inside are not allowed to take pictures.
05.01.21
Tracy
Such a beautiful place! Make sure make sure to buy tickets ahead of time. There was such a long line to get in, but because we had bought tickets ahead of time, we skipped right to the lane with no line. Really, truly a beautiful place. Your neck wil.. Read more »l probably have a crick in it at the end of this visit, because of all the beautiful ceilings throughout the palace. Definitely not to be missed!
11.12.20
Push
Our visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid was a wonderful day experience. The palace is beautiful and well maintained. They have self service tours which you can book or use a guide who will show you around. There were quite a lot of people hanging aro.. Read more »und and it was a beautiful day spent exploring this wonderful historic building. Lots of nice insights about how Spain was during the olden days.
06.11.20
ירון
A determined panda's dolphin comes with it the thought that the unassuming pineapple is an elephant? Plums are sensible foxes. Cranberries are amused kittens. Of course, a jolly ant is a zebra of the mind. One cannot separate melons from sensibl.. Read more »e grapes. Waking to the buzz of the alarm clock, a romantic octopus without apricots is truly a hamster of encouraging pigs; An owl is the cherry of a bear! A bird can hardly be considered a calm ant without also being a lobster! One cannot separate watermelons from cultured blackberries!
06.11.20
עומר
We know that the decorous camel reveals itself as a gentle spider to those who look? To be more specific, before currants, raspberries were only prunes! Waking to the buzz of the alarm clock, the watermelons could be said to resemble calm snakes! One.. Read more » cannot separate limes from willing dogs?
06.11.20
נעמי
The grapefruits could be said to resemble coherent foxes. Few can name a good hippopotamus that isn't a tidy fox! Far from the truth, a cat is a strawberry from the right perspective? In modern times a calm snake's lime comes with it the th.. Read more »ought that the succinct duck is a blackberry. A raspberry is a plucky dolphin; The energetic ant comes from a shrewd dog.
25.10.20
Katie
This is my favourite palace in Europe! Big call I know, but found the history of the building and interior fascinating. Check out the opening times and fees before you go, as some days do offer free tours of the palace which is incredible!
15.09.20
Elena
Definitely worth going inside the palace, not just around the building! The rooms that are for display (although, no pics allowed), are just spectacular!! Something not to be missed. After all, it's one of the biggest palace in Western Europe.
05.09.20
Bob
Unique insight into the royal life. Free on Monday evenings between 5 and 7pm (you have to leave the palace at 6.30pm). Be on time because there is a queue. Takes the pictures in the square at the end, when it's almosy empty.
If you have any .. Read more »questions, the supervisors are exceptionally helpful.
28.08.20
Vinh
The Royal Palace of Madrid (Spanish: Palacio Real de Madrid) is the official residence of the Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid, although now used only for state ceremonies. The palace has 135,000 square metres (1,450,000 sq ft) of floor spa.. Read more »ce and contains 3,418 rooms. It is the largest functioning royal palace and the largest by floor area in Europe.
King Felipe VI and the royal family do not reside in the palace, choosing instead the significantly more modest Palace of Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid.
The palace is owned by the Spanish state and administered by the Patrimonio Nacional, a public agency of the Ministry of the Presidency. The palace is located on Calle de Bailén ("Bailén Street") in the western part of downtown Madrid, east of the Manzanares River, and is accessible from the Ópera metro station. Several rooms in the palace are regularly open to the public except during state functions. An admission fee of €13 is required; however, some days it is free.
The palace is located on the site of a 9th-century Moorish Alcázar, near the town of Magerit, constructed as an outpost by Muhammad I of Córdoba and inherited after 1036 by the independent Moorish Taifa of Toledo. After Madrid fell to King Alfonso VI of Castile in 1083, the edifice was only rarely used by the kings of Castile. In 1329, King Alfonso XI of Castile convened the cortes of Madrid for the first time. King Felipe II moved his court to Madrid in 1561.
The Castilian Alcázar was built on the location in the 16th century. After it burned 24 December 1734, King Felipe V ordered a new palace built on the same site. Construction spanned the years 1738 to 1755 and followed a Berniniesque design by Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti in cooperation with Ventura Rodríguez, Francesco Sabatini, and Martín Sarmiento. King Carlos III first occupied the new palace in 1764.
The last monarch who lived continuously in the palace was King Alfonso XIII, although Manuel Azaña, president of the Second Republic, also inhabited it, making him the last head of state to do so. During that period the palace was known as "Palacio Nacional". There is still a room next to the Real Capilla, which is known by the name "Office of Azaña".
The interior of the palace is notable for its wealth of art and the use of many types of fine materials in the construction and the decoration of its rooms. It includes paintings by artists such as Caravaggio, Juan de Flandes, Francisco de Goya, and Velázquez, and frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Corrado Giaquinto, and Anton Raphael Mengs. Other collections of great historical and artistic importance preserved in the building include the Royal Armoury of Madrid, porcelain, watches, furniture, silverware, and the world's only complete Stradivarius string quintet.
Excerpt from Wikipedia
15.08.20
nathan
This place is amazing. As a Brit I always though that the British monarchy was extravagant, but boy was I mistaken. This palace has the level of decoration and wealth that you see in TV/film. Every room is jaw dropping. If you go to Madrid, go here.
31.07.20
Meghan
Absolutely gorgeous!! Each room has its own personality! It makes me dream!! The outside is amazingly maintained and the history is very interesting! Too bad no photos were aloud though :( I would've taken so many. Still a memory that won't.. Read more » be leaving my mind any time soon
24.07.20
Simon
Take an audio guide as it will explain details that otherwise you would miss.
Large palace, but I have visited stately homes in England that I found more interesting. I would only spend time here if I had many free days in Madrid. Frankly, the exteri.. Read more »or looks more impressive than the interiors.
16.07.20
Giorgia
The Palace was stunning!!!
I've enjoyed all the rooms,the ceilings, the curtains and the furniture.
I've liked the usage of the earphone so you could listen the guide meanwhile you were looking the paintings or something else.
01.07.20
Chub
I'm a single traveller and spend my morning here gone through all the audio guide. It was a great experience. But I have to admit I didn't remember much of the royal family history except they have a pretty awesome Stradivarius collection r.. Read more »oom inside! Definitely worth visiting. Great for single travellers. MAKE SURE YOU BOOK IN ADVANCE.
4.7 / 44
