Royal Palace of Madrid

Palacio Real de Madrid

A palace of 3,000-plus rooms still used for state ceremonies

⚠ Can close for state events

Hours

Oct–Mar Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 10:00–16:00 / Apr–Sep Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–16:00; box office closes an hour earlier. Closed 1 & 6 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec; closes 15:00 on 24 & 31 Dec

Tickets

General €18, reduced €9 (ages 5–16, over-65s, students up to 25), with Royal Kitchen €24, guided €26, with the Royal Collections Gallery €24; book on the official site

Address

Calle de Bailén; the entrance faces the cathedral across Plaza de la Armería

Walk into Plaza de la Armería and the white granite palace closes off three sides of the square. Up the grand staircase guarded by stone lions, it's red velvet, gilt and chandeliers room after room, peaking in the Throne Room under Tiepolo's ceiling. The route also takes in a room of Stradivarius instruments and the Royal Armoury, lined with suits of armour. The King still uses the palace for state functions, so it shuts at short notice now and then. When you come out, head to the railing on the west side of the square for a view down over the Campo del Moro gardens to the Casa de Campo woods.