Landmark
Royal Palace of Madrid
Photo via TripAdvisor (Alicebocchi1997)Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is a monumental symbol of Spanish history and culture, located on the site of a former 9th-century Moorish fortress. Although it is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, it is now used primarily for state banquets, official ceremonies, and other formal events. Visitors can explore over 3,000 rooms, including the lavish Throne Room, the Royal Armory, and the Royal Pharmacy, all adorned with exquisite tapestries, paintings, and chandeliers. The palace's architecture blends Baroque and Classical styles, with grand staircases and ornate ceilings. A visit also includes the Sabatini Gardens and the Campo del Moro, offering peaceful green spaces with views of the palace's western façade. Guided tours provide insight into the lives of Spanish monarchs and the palace's role in modern Spain.
Don't miss
- The Throne Room with its stunning ceiling fresco by Tiepolo
- The Royal Armory, one of the world's finest collections of arms and armor
- The Royal Pharmacy, showcasing 19th-century medicine jars and equipment
- The Sabatini Gardens, a neoclassical garden with fountains and statues
- The Changing of the Guard ceremony (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Royal Palace of Madrid
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inMadrid Essential: Historic Center, Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace5★ · 7,234 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →
Most bookedMadrid: Royal Palace Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket4.7★ · 2,597 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$41 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate VIP tour Royal Palace and city tour. All of Madrid in one day4.9★ · 61 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$261 per personSee dates →More attractions in Madrid



