The Royal Palace of Madrid

Largest Functioning Royal Palace in Europe

Overview

An epitome of Spain’s heritage, the palace’s construction started in 1730s, and with more than 3,400 rooms, Palacio Real is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. The palace hosts state ceremonies, official banquets and other state functions.

Suggested Duration - 2-3 hours

What To Expect?

Book yourself a guided tour to explore the few rooms that are open for visitors. Ascend the grand staircase leading to the Halberdiers' rooms and to the crimson-velvet-walled Throne Room. Witness the collections of shining armour and weapons at Armería Real.

Tips

Don’t forget to visit the English-style garden Campo del Moro with the palace here.
Marvel at the ornate clocks, and five Stradivarius violins that are still used for concerts and balls.
Though tickets are available offline, make your booking online from the official website to escape long queues.
Winter hours (October to March) are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and summer hours (April to September) are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Plaza Mayor and the Mercado de San Miguel are both less than a 10-minute walk away from here.

Royal Palace of Madrid Overview

The Royal Palace of Madrid is located in Madrid, the capital city of Spain. Known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, Madrid is a vibrant city with a lively arts scene, world-class museums, and a diverse culinary landscape.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, also known as Palacio Real, is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. However, it's primarily used for state ceremonies, while the royal family resides in the more modest Zarzuela Palace. The palace was built in the 18th century on the site of a 9th-century fortress and is one of the largest palaces in Western Europe.

Known for	Stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and extensive collection of art and historical artefacts.
Timings	Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM from April to September, and from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from October to March.
Entry Fee	General admission fee is €13 (INR 1,179), while the admission fee with a guided tour is €16 (INR 1,451).
Tips	Buy tickets online to avoid long queues.
Required Time	Approximately 2-3 hours are needed to fully explore the palace.
Restricted Items	Large bags, backpacks, and tripods are not allowed inside the palace.

More About the Royal Palace of Madrid

The palace boasts over 3,000 rooms, including the opulent Throne Room, the Royal Armoury with its collection of weapons and armour, and the Royal Pharmacy with its antique medicine jars. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a must-see.

Best Time to Visit Madrid

The best time to visit Madridis during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.

How to Reach Royal Palace

The palace is located in the city centre and can be easily reached by metro, bus, or taxi. The nearest metro station is Opera.

Tips for Visiting

Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved. Also, note that parts of the palace may be closed during state functions.

Nearby Tourist Spots

Other nearby tourist spots include the Almudena Cathedral, Sabatini Gardens, and the Plaza Mayor.

Known for	The temple is renowned for its spiritual significance, its stunning hilltop location, and the breathtaking views it offers.
Timings	The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Entry Fee	There is no entry fee to visit the temple.
Tips	The temple is reached by a long series of steps, so it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes. Also, carry water as the climb can be tiring.
Required Time	Visitors typically spend around 1-2 hours at the temple.
Restricted Items	Shoes are not allowed inside the temple and can be safely stored near the entrance.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Palace of Madrid

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Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant

Learn The Public Transportation Routes

Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory

Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park

Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour

Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden

Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market

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Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :

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Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy