At over 135,000 square meters, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest in Western Europe -- even larger than France’s Versailles! With more than 3,400 rooms, it’s packed with history, splendor, and centuries of royal legacy.
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History lovers head straight to the Royal Armory, located in a wing off the main courtyard. It’s one of the finest collections of royal arms in the world, with displays ranging from medieval armor and jousting lances to ornate parade shields. Some of the suits of armor once belonged to Charles V and Philip II. This is the spot for close-up shots of intricately etched helmets and swords, all carefully preserved in climate-controlled glass cases.
Tucked into the eastern side of the palace, the Royal Chapel is a jewel box of Baroque design. Its altar glows with gilded woodwork, while a dome painted with biblical scenes pulls the eye upward. The chapel houses centuries-old paintings and religious relics collected by Spanish monarchs. When sunlight filters through the stained glass, the space comes alive with color. Photos here capture the detail of gold leaf, marble, and delicate frescoes.
The palace boasts a stunning array of state rooms, each decorated with opulent furnishings and artwork. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors (Salón de los Espejos), and the Gala Dining Room (Comedor de Gala), which showcase the palace's lavish Baroque and Neoclassical interiors.
The Royal Kitchen occupies the first basement of the Palace. The first chamber, the Ramillete Room, was used for creating sweets, chocolates, biscuits, and beverages. Notable features include the 1844 Ramillete oven. The Pastry Workshop, originally the main entrance, remains a chamber dedicated to making Easter eggs and ice cream.
The Throne Room is the palace’s most iconic space, still used for state ceremonies and official audiences. Walls are upholstered in deep red velvet, accented with gold leaf and massive mirrors that amplify the grandeur. Above, a sprawling ceiling fresco by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo tells the story of Spain’s power. Look for the twin velvet thrones set beneath a canopy, framed by two gilded lions. This room sits at the heart of the first floor, and if you visit early, you’ll get photos without the crowds.
Used for royal banquets and official acts, the Hall of Columns is a long, sunlit gallery lined with Corinthian columns and sparkling chandeliers. The hall features enormous tapestries, ornate stucco work, and large windows looking out toward the Plaza de Oriente. Stand at one end for the classic “infinite columns” photo.
Named after the Chamber Painter Mattia Gasparini, this chamber served as the King's dressing room. Interestingly, during Carlos III's reign, the room's walls were adorned with tapestries from the Royal Factory in winter and with masterpieces by Diego Velázquez, including "La Fragua de Vulcano," "Las Hilanderas," and "Los Borrachos," as well as works by Murillo, Ribera, and Titian during summer.
Your visit starts with the Grand Staircase, a dramatic entrance designed by Francesco Sabatini. Seventy sweeping marble steps rise under a vaulted ceiling, flanked by statues of Roman and mythological deities. The staircase isn’t just impressive for its size—it’s a masterclass in symmetry and light. As you walk up, you’ll catch natural light pouring in from above, making every shot feel regal. This space is just inside the palace’s main entrance, setting the tone for everything that follows.
Hidden on the ground floor, the Royal Pharmacy feels like a secret museum within the palace. Shelves are lined with blue and white apothecary jars, filled with herbs and old medicines. Glass-fronted cabinets display 18th-century scales and handwritten recipe books. There’s even an original laboratory with antique glassware. This chamber reveals the science and ritual behind royal healthcare. If you want a unique photo, focus on the vintage labels and the hand-painted jars.
Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning and, you’ll see the ceremonial Changing of the Guard outside the main gates. Royal guards in 19th-century uniforms march in formation, sometimes with cavalry and brass bands. It’s a free spectacle and a favorite for photographers. Stand by the main entrance for the best shots as the soldiers swap places and the music echoes across the courtyard.
Construction of the palace began in 1738 and was completed in 1764, making it over 250 years old.
The Royal Palace was commissioned by King Philip V of Spain and designed by several architects, including Filippo Juvarra, Juan Bautista Sachetti, and Francesco Sabatini.
The cancellation policy varies from ticket to ticket. While some offer a full refund if canceled with the stipulated time period, others may not provide a refund if canceled. Please check refund details before you book your ticket.
No, photography and videography are not permitted inside the Royal Palace of Madrid to preserve its historical artifacts and artworks.
A typical visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid can range from 1.5 to 2 hours, although some visitors may choose to spend more time exploring its vast interiors, gardens, and surrounding attractions.
Yes, the Royal Palace of Madrid is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and designated routes available for visitors with mobility challenges. Staff are also trained to assist visitors with disabilities or special needs to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
The Royal Palace of Madrid contains over 3,400 rooms, although only a portion of them are accessible to the public during tours.
There are no specific age restrictions for visiting the palace, and it's suitable for visitors of all ages. However, parents or guardians are responsible for supervising children and ensuring their safety during the visit, especially in crowded or busy areas.
Yes, the Royal Chapel hosts religious services, including Mass, on certain occasions. Visitors interested in attending such services should check the schedule in advance.
Yes, information pamphlets, audio guides, and guided tours are typically available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and more, to accommodate international visitors.
Breeze past 2-hour lines and explore the Throne Room, Hall of Mirrors, and more
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to Royal Palace of Madrid
English guided tour
Self-guided tour of Royal Palace halls (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line access to Royal Kitchen (as per option selected)
Digital audio guide in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Galician, Mandarin Chinese, Basque, Romanian, Hungarian, & Classic Chines (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Unlock 3,478 rooms of royal secrets with an expert who speaks your language.
Inclusions
Guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line entry
Expert bilingual (English and Spanish), or monolingual English, Spanish, French, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Two royal wonders, one ticket! Save big and turn your Madrid afternoon into royal envy.
Inclusions
Entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid
Entry to the Royal Collections Gallery
Exclusions
Enjoy entry to three of Madrid's iconic museums with a single pass & save up to 30%.
Inclusions
Entry to the Prado Museum
Entry to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Entry to the Reina Sofia Museum
Exclusions
Food & drinks
Guided tour
Audio guide
Fast-track palace entry, comprehensive city exploration & maximum savings, all in 1 combo.
Inclusions Panoramic Bus Tour with Madrid City Tour
24-hour valid ticket
Unlimited 65 to 80-minute non-stop tours (within the validity period)
Access to Historical & Modern routes
2-hour walking tour with English or Spanish-speaking guide
Audio guide in Spanish, Catalan, Gallego, Euskera, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Chinese, Arabic & Japanese (on the bus)
Complimentary drink at La Quimera
Free 30-minute bike or pedal kart ride at Retiro Park with "Retiro Magic"
Free Wi-Fi & headphones
Mobile app with detailed map and live bus tracking
Royal Palace of Madrid
Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid
Monolingual or bilingual guide in English and Spanish (depending on availability)
Radio guide system
Exclusions Panoramic Bus Tour
Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding point.
Historical or Blue Route/Route 1
First bus: 10am from Felipe IV
Last bus: 8:30pm from Felipe IV
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Duration: 80 minutes
Popular stops: Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Vía
Modern or Green Route/Route 2
First bus: 10am from Plaza Neptuno
Last bus: 8:30pm from Plaza Neptuno
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Duration: 65 minutes
Popular stops: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, KIO Towers, Puerta del Sol
Walking Tour
This tour focuses on the historic center of Madrid, delving deeper into areas like Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza de la Villa, and the Royal Palace area, getting a street-level perspective that complements the panoramic views from the bus. You will be accompanied by an English or Spanish-speaking guide.
Duration: 2 hours
Starting point: 10:45am from Plaza Mayor with "Tour and Friends”