Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid tickets and tours

Spain

Things to do in Royal Palace of Madrid

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The Royal Palace of Madrid has a long history as the home of the Spanish Royal Family. Carlos III was the first to establish his residence there and even today it is still the official residence of the Spanish Royal family. Although the family reside in the Zarzuela Palace (Palacio de la Zarzuela), the palace is still used for receptions, ceremonies and official events.

Built on the remains of a fortress destroyed in a fire on Christmas Eve 1734, the construction of the Royal Palace began in 1738 and ended in 1764. When Felipe V, first of the Bourbon kings, originally conceived the royal palace he dreamed of a place that would surpass anything of its kind in Europe. While it fell somewhat short of the mark (he died before the plan was fully realised), the resulting palace is still a Baroque beauty of epic proportions. It was Carlos III (known as the Mayor of Madrid) who became the first monarch to occupy the building.

The palace, inspired by sketches made by Bernini for the construction of the Louvre in Paris, is built in the form of a square and looks out over a large courtyard. With more than 3,000 rooms, visiting the largest royal palace in Europe is an experience. The decoration of the palace's rooms and their layout has gradually changed over the years as the building has been adapted to suit the needs of its residents.

Highlights include the velvet-walled Salón del Trono (Throne Room), the Salón de Gasparini (Gasparini Room) with inlaid floors and a 2-ton chandelier, the sumptuous banquet room, royal armoury, and pharmacy filled with medicine jars and curiosities. The building is surrounded by elaborate gardens, including the Capo del Moro gardens and the Sabatini gardens.

The building can be visited nearly all year round, and only closes during official acts and festivities. Don’t miss the changing of the guard of the Royal Palace, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. Times for the changing of the guard vary depending on the time of year so please check ahead of your visit.

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Experiences in Royal Palace of Madrid

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Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided tour
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Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided tour

Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid booking this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.

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Madrid Royal Palace skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Attractions & guided tours

Madrid Royal Palace skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide

Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid, admire the artworks by Goya and Velázquez and visit the gardens booking this 2-hour guided tour.

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Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided visit
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Attractions & guided tours

Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided visit

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line tickets and enjoy a guided visit of one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe booking this 2-hour guided tour.

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Madrid highlights with entrance and guided tour to the Royal Palace
Attractions & guided tours

Madrid highlights with entrance and guided tour to the Royal Palace

Discover Madrid and the Royal Palace booking this 4-hour guided tour with skip-the-line tickets

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Guided visit of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace
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Attractions & guided tours

Guided visit of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace

Book this Guided visit of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace and visit the Royal Palace, the former official residence of Spanish royalty

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Madrid highlights and Retiro Park Segway™ tour
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Madrid highlights and Retiro Park Segway™ tour

Explore Madrid's most famous spots, including some places that only locals know about on this 2.5-hour guided Segway™ tour.

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Madrid highlights with tickets and guided tour of the Prado Museum
Attractions & guided tours

Madrid highlights with tickets and guided tour of the Prado Museum

Buy your Madrid sightseeing tour of the Prado Museum. Get informed, plan and book your amazing activities in Madrid today.

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Madrid Royal Palace and Retiro Park guided tour with fast-track access
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Attractions & guided tours

Madrid Royal Palace and Retiro Park guided tour with fast-track access

Enjoy a complete visit of the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide, and then explore The Retiro Park, the most important park of the city.

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Madrid half-day tour
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Attractions & guided tours

Madrid half-day tour

Get all the best information for this Madrid half-day tour and book your tickets, skipping the line, at official rates. Get informed, plan your trip and book tickets and tours in Madrid.

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Electric tuk-tuk tour of Madrid
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Electric tuk-tuk tour of Madrid

Enjoy a 2-hour tuk-tuk tour of Madrid city center

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Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
Attractions & guided tours

Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour with skip-the-line tickets

Enjoy a walk from Puerta del Sol and enter the Royal Palace of Madrid with an official guide. Book your 2-hour guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.

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Best of Madrid private highlights tour
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Best of Madrid private highlights tour

Book this tour to discover the highlights of Madrid with a private guide. Get oriented with the city as you stroll past the iconic sites of the city including Plaza Mayor the Catedral de la Almudena and El Retiro Park.

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Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid

Spain

Reviews Royal Palace of Madrid

5/5
John, 26 May 2023

“The gentleman who was our guide was very knowledgeable, humorous and engaging. We enjoyed the tour a great deal.”

4/5
Ilaria, 24 May 2023

“El palacio increíble pero para el precio la guía debería esperar que todos lleguen el las salas y luego explicar lo que hay. Un poco de prisa. Además si es un tour bilingüe. Aunque haga una sola persona que habla uno de los dos idiomas, tendría que ser bilingüe! En general bien pero puede mejorar.”

4/5
Roy, 23 May 2023
5/5
Sindy, 29 Mar 2023

“Todo nuy organizado y los guías muy amables. Tal vez ha mejorar el tiempo de espera para entrar a cafa lugar. Tal vez no depende al 100% de ustedes. Pero si tuvimos que esperar un poco para entrar.”

Madrid