Royal Palace of Madrid Palace

Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain

Website: https://www.patrimonionacional.es

Hours: Typically open to visitors Tuesday-Sunday with reduced hours on Sundays/holidays; closed Mondays (hours vary seasonally; check website)

Admission: General adult admission approx €13 (access to Royal Palace; separate/combined tickets and reduced rates available)

Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence for state ceremonies of the Spanish monarchy, located in central Madrid. Construction of the present palace began in 1738 after a fire destroyed the old Alcázar and was completed in the mid-18th century.

The interior includes around 3,000 rooms of varying function, with major highlights open to visitors such as state apartments, a ceremonial Throne Room and the Royal Armoury. Visitors commonly tour ornate reception rooms, galleries with paintings by Velázquez and other masters, and the palace kitchens.

The current palace was commissioned by King Philip V and designed initially by Filippo Juvarra; construction continued under several architects through the Bourbon period. It has been used for official ceremonies and is still maintained by the Patrimonio Nacional; the Spanish royal family lives outside the palace in private residences.

The palace sits on the western edge of Madrid’s city center, overlooking Plaza de Oriente and adjacent to Almudena Cathedral. It is a short walk from the historic Habsburg quarter and roughly 2.5 km northwest of Madrid Atocha station.

• Admission: Public visits require timed tickets; guided tours include the official rooms and the armoury while other wings are closed for state use.
• Best views: Best photographic views are from the terraces overlooking Plaza de Oriente and from the gardens across the street at dusk.

What to See#

• Royal Armoury: Houses a large ceremonial armory with weapons and armor spanning the 14th to 19th centuries, displayed in a long gallery open to visitors.
• Throne Room: The main ceremonial reception room used for state events, decorated with chandeliers, frescoed ceilings and tapestries from the Bourbon period.
• Royal Chapel: Small royal chapel inside the palace complex containing liturgical furnishings and used for official ceremonies.

The Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is in central Madrid beside Plaza de Oriente. The nearest metro is Ópera (Lines 2 and 5 plus the Ramal), a 2-4 minute walk; Sol (Lines 1, 2, 3) is a 5-10 minute walk away. The palace is within walking distance of most central Madrid landmarks (brief walk from Plaza Mayor/Plaza de la Villa).

• Book a timed ticket and enter through the Puerta de la Armería (Armory Gate) on the Plaza de la Armería side - that approach brings you straight into the principal state rooms and avoids extra walking.
• Go to the Sabatini Gardens or Campo del Moro after your palace visit; both are quieter alternatives to the palace terraces and give good exterior views without the crowds that build at the palace exits.
• Allow time for the palace's specialist rooms (the Royal Armory and pharmacy displays) - these are often less crowded than the main throne rooms but contain notable historical pieces.