Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid, Spain

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of Spain’s royal family, showcasing Baroque architecture, lavish state rooms, an extensive armory, and notable art collections. It ranks as the city’s second‑most visited attraction, offering travelers a glimpse into regal history and grandeur.

Why choose Royal Palace of Madrid

Walking its marble halls lets you feel the weight of centuries of ceremony that few other museums convey. The palace’s scale and decorative detail give you an intimacy with Spain’s heritage that modern galleries can’t match.

Best for: History lovers · Architecture · Photography · Couples · First-timers

Start your Madrid palace morning here

Begin at the Royal Palace, then walk to Plaza Mayor and finish with lunch at Mercado San Miguel.

1. Morning — Royal Palace of Madrid
2. 11:00 — Plaza Mayor
3. Lunch — Mercado San Miguel

Visit tips

• Enter through the Plaza de Oriente gate for the shortest line.
• The Royal Armory holds Spain's most impressive weapons collection.
• Buy tickets online to avoid the main queue at the entrance.
• Allow 2–3 hours to explore the main rooms and the surrounding gardens.

Plan your visit

• Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
• Best time of day: Early morning, before crowds
• Entry: €18 — Entry fee includes the palace tour and gardens
• Booking: not required — Buy tickets online to skip the main queue
• Category: attraction
• Rated 4.5 by 35920 reviewers
• Tags: royal history, baroque architecture, art collections, skip the line

Nearby attractions

• Plaza Mayor — attraction, 8 min walk
• Restaurant La Campana — bar, 9 min walk
• BOTIN — restaurant, 9 min walk
• Mercado San Miguel — market, 7 min walk
• Casa Labra — bar, 10 min walk
• Takos Al Pastor — restaurant, 12 min walk

More things to do in Madrid

• Museo Nacional del Prado
• Parque del Oeste
• Palacio de Cristal
• Las Ventas Bullring
• Círculo de Bellas Artes
• Plaza Mayor

See all things to do in Madrid or plan a full Madrid itinerary with Next Getaway.