The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the largest palaces in the world. The palace is open to the public, even though the King of Spain and his family still maintain their official residence there. With amazing art and centuries of history, the Royal Palace of Madrid is a wonderful place to visit. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
The Royal Palace of Madrid stands on the site of the former Alcazar palace of the Spanish Hapsburgs, which burned down in 1734. The current Palace was built in 1764. It is located on the western side of Madrid, just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor and about a 25 minute walk from Retiro Park.
I highly recommend that you purchase your tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid in advance. They are sold in 15-minute increments. Purchasing in advance, guarantees that you’ll be able to enter on the day of your visit and prevents you from having to wait in line. Tickets will be sent to you and can be shown on your phone. Guided tours are only sold online for tours in Spanish, but you can purchase tickets for a guided tour when you arrive or purchase an audio tour. I highly recommend the audio tour for kids – it gives them a chance to learn more about the details of each room in the Palace.
During your visit you will travel through 23 rooms of the Palace, beginning with the Main Staircase and ending with the Throne Room. In between, you’ll visit the Porcelain Room, covered entirely in porcelain panels; the Silverware Room, showcasing silver from the 19th and early 20th century; the Stradivarius Room, filled with violins, and the Crown Room. You’ll also have the opportunity to view tapestries from the 17th century, rooms covered in silk, the bedchambers of Charles III, ballrooms, and so much more. The art, tapestries and silks in the Palace are absolutely amazing. You aren’t supposed to take any pictures during your visit, which allows you to fully enjoy your time there. And there are postcards available in the shop to remember your favorite rooms when you leave.
Separate from your visit to the inside of the Palace, be sure to spend time in the courtyard just outside of the Palace. There is a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Campo del Moro Gardens. You can also visit the Royal Armory, created by Philip II to show off the arms and armor of himself, his father, Charles V, and other ancestors. The Armory was really cool and the boys especially enjoyed it. The room is filled with swords, shields, armor and tapestries.
I highly recommend a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid on your next trip to Madrid. Have you been? What was your favorite room?
