Royal Palace of Madrid Tours

Royal Palace which includes a city, a garden and a castle
Royal Palace showing heritage architecture, a sunset and chateau or palace
Royal Palace which includes heritage elements, interior views and chateau or palace
Royal Palace showing heritage architecture, night scenes and a castle
Royal Palace of Madrid showing a castle and a garden


Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

The Spanish Royal Palace(Palacio Real) is one of the biggest palaces in Western Europe. The palace is known for its extravagant interior and the staggering collection of furniture, artwork, weapons, armor and accessories found throughout its 3,400 rooms. Construction of the building you see today started in 1738 after the previous royal residence burned down on the same site in 1734. Nowadays the Spanish royal family does not live in the palace. Walk up the 70 steps of the Grand Staircase and through to the intricately decorated banquet halls and residential quarters. They were fitted out under the direction of King Carlos III and are some of the most impressive in Europe. You’ll also have access to his apartments, where you’ll find lavish furniture and masterful works of art.Move on to the Throne Room to see one of Giambattista Tiépolo’s finest frescoes, the Glory of Spain, as well as ornate chandeliers, mirrors and tapestries. Head to the Hall of Halberdiers for a look at another of Tiepolo’s works or view the Royal Chapel to admire the elegant marble work and gold trimmings. Visit the Royal Library to examine rare old books and papers. You’ll also find maps, drawings and a selection of Stradivarius violins.Explore the Painting Gallery to gaze at works by Velázquez, Caravaggio, El Greco, Goya and others, or wander through to the magnificent Royal Armories. You’ll see weapons used by the kings of Spain and their family for hundreds of years. Move on to the Royal Pharmacy to see old medicine bottles, storage cabinets and equipment. The Royal Palace is in central Madrid and the closest metro station is Ópera.Visitors can wander the rooms at will or can join a guided tour for an extra fee. The palace is open every day except national holidays.

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Reviews of Royal Palace of Madrid

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1385
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
629
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
76
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

A bit boring, a reflection perhaps of the declining importance of the Spanish monarchy

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was a holiday in Spain so we weren't able to tour the inside but the outside is beautiful!

3/5 - Okay

Gayle

No photo taking inside the palace except one room and a staircase.

5/5 - Excellent

James

Arrive before it opens--the line gets long quick. But don't be scared of the lines, they move people in and out quite efficiently. Be sure to get in the right line, there are 2: one for people with tickets pre-bought and one for people who need to buy tickets. There seemed to be no advantage of one line over the other, both moved relatively quickly.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Too long of lines to get in.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go at 12:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month to watch the Change of Guard. Beautiful. Check with them because there are some months they do not have that show.

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Barceló Torre de Madrid

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Hotel Principe Pio

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Hotel Liabeny

Hotel Liabeny

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Hotel Regina

Hotel Regina

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Room Mate Macarena, Madrid Gran Vía

Room Mate Macarena, Madrid Gran Vía

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Room Mate Macarena, Madrid Gran Vía
Hotel Emperador

Hotel Emperador

4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
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Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

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Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World

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5 out of 5
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Palace of Madrid

When visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, don't miss out on nearby activities like shopping, theater, and art. Consider joining a guided tour to explore major attractions and gain insights into the palace's rich history. Various Madrid tours are available, allowing you to fully experience the vibrant culture and stunning architecture surrounding this iconic landmark.

Shopping

The closest shopping spot is San Miguel Market, just 0.3 miles from the Royal Palace, offering vibrant local flavors. El Corte Inglés and Milla de Oro, both 2 miles away, feature a mix of high-end and family-friendly shopping options. If you're up for a drive, explore more diverse boutiques in the city.

Recreation

Palacio Vistalegre, a vibrant sports facility, offers an energetic atmosphere for fitness enthusiasts. Nearby, Madrid Río provides a tranquil park setting perfect for relaxation and leisurely strolls. For entertainment, Nuevo Teatro Alcala hosts captivating concerts, ensuring a well-rounded wellness experience during your visit to Madrid.

Adventure

At the Royal Palace of Madrid, you can enjoy thrilling activities like tennis at the Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, located 1 mile away. Experience the excitement of karting at Karting Carlos Sainz Center, also 1 mile away, or take a scenic ride on the Madrid Cable Car, located 2 miles away.

Nightlife

Near the Royal Palace of Madrid, enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene. The Lope de Vega Theatre offers enchanting performances, while Joy Madrid nightclub pulses with energy and romance. For a cinematic experience, the Palacio de la Prensa Cinema showcases films in a charming atmosphere, perfect for a night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Palace of Madrid

When visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history by exploring nearby attractions like Plaza España and the Royal Theatre. Stroll through picturesque squares and streets, and discover charming churches that enhance your family experience. This vibrant area offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and city life, making it an ideal destination for any traveler.

  • Gran Via: Experience the bustling energy of Gran Via, a vibrant street 0.7 miles from the Royal Palace. Known for its stunning architecture, shopping, and entertainment, this avenue offers a lively urban atmosphere perfect for people-watching and indulging in local cuisine.
  • Plaza Mayor: Located 0.4 miles from the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor is a historic square that embodies Madrid's cultural heritage. Surrounded by impressive buildings and vibrant cafés, it’s an ideal spot to soak in the local culture, enjoy street performances, and savor traditional tapas.
  • Plaza de Callao: This historic building, just 0.4 miles from the Royal Palace, is a cultural landmark featuring impressive architecture. Plaza de Callao is a hub of activity, hosting film premieres and events, making it a great place to experience the city's dynamic spirit.

Best time to go to Royal Palace of Madrid

The best time to visit Royal Palace of Madrid can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Palace of Madrid falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Palace of Madrid falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Palace of Madrid

To save money on your visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid, plan your trip during the cheapest months of January, February, or August. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Monday for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tools to find deals, including eco-certified hotels, and consider package deals to combine flights and accommodations. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Take advantage of free activities around the palace and use public transport for affordable travel within the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Palace of Madrid are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Royal Palace of Madrid about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Palace of Madrid is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Palace of Madrid is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can reduce costs by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Palace of Madrid with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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