Europe's largest royal palace — 3,418 rooms, though you'll see the best dozen
The Palacio Real de Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family — though they actually live at the smaller Zarzuela Palace. This one is for state ceremonies, and most of it is open to the public when the king isn't receiving guests.
Your ticket covers the state apartments: throne room, banquet hall, royal pharmacy, and the Royal Armoury. The Throne Room alone justifies the visit — red velvet walls, gold everywhere, mirrors from floor to ceiling.
Allow two hours. The palace is vast but the visitor route is clearly marked. Timed entry spreads crowds through the state rooms.
What's included
- ✓Timed entry to state apartments
- ✓Royal Armoury access
- ✓Mobile QR ticket by email
- ✓Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
Not included
- —Campo del Moro gardens (separate ticket in some seasons)
- —Guided tour — self-guided entry
- —Photography in some rooms (no flash; restrictions apply in Throne Room)
Gallery
A palace built on a fortress
The Alcázar stood here from the 9th century until it burned in 1734. Felipe V commissioned a new baroque-neoclassical palace on the same site. Construction took decades — the result is the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area.
The building faces Plaza de la Armería with the Almudena Cathedral behind it. Franco restored parts of the interior after the Civil War. Juan Carlos and Felipe VI still use it for state receptions, so rooms can close on short notice for official events.
The Throne Room
Salón del Trono is the highlight. Two thrones under a gold canopy, lions at the steps, bronze statues between the mirrors. The room was designed to impress ambassadors — it still does.
Photography rules vary — follow staff instructions on the day. Even without photos, the scale of the gilding stays with you.
Armoury and state rooms
The Real Armería holds armour belonging to Charles V and Philip II — full suits, shields, ceremonial weapons. It's one of the finest royal armouries in Europe and included in standard entry.
Other rooms on the route include the Gasparini Room (porcelain and stucco), the Royal Chapel, and banquet halls still used for state dinners. Each room has a different style — rococo, empire, neo-classical.
Quick facts
- Rooms
- 3,418 (visitor route covers key state rooms)
- Built
- 1738–1755, extended later
- Still used for
- State ceremonies and receptions
- Typical visit
- 1.5–2 hours
- Location
- Calle de Bailén, Madrid
- Closed
- State events — rare same-day changes
Before you visit
- ·Arrive 15 minutes before your timed entry
- ·Security check on entry — allow extra time on busy days
- ·No large bags — lockers available
- ·Dress respectfully — it's a working royal building
- ·Combine with Plaza Mayor and Opera — both within walking distance
Visitor tips
- →Book ahead for weekend mornings — tour groups fill 10:00–12:00 slots
- →Sabatini Gardens below the palace are free and good for photos after your visit
- →Changing of the guard some Wednesdays and Saturdays — check schedule separately
- →Cathedral next door is worth 30 minutes if you have time
Getting to the Royal Palace
- Metro: Ópera (Lines 2, 5, R) — 5-minute walk
- Bus: lines 3, 25, 39, 148 to Plaza de Oriente
- From Atocha station: 15 minutes by metro
- Walking from Plaza Mayor: 10 minutes
- Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid
Questions about this ticket
- No. The royal family lives at Zarzuela. This palace is used for state occasions and is open to visitors most days.
Recent visitors
“Royal Palace was the highlight of our Madrid weekend. Throne Room is absurdly opulent. Booked two days ahead, walked straight in.”