Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid: Hours and Tickets
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family (although today the kings do not live there, using it only for state ceremonies). It is one of the largest palaces in Europe, with over 3,000 rooms, and one of the most visited monuments in the capital. Its majesty, the richness of its furnishings, and the art collection make it an absolute must-see. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to organize your visit: hours, prices, types of tickets, free entries, must-see rooms, and practical tips. Holidays in Madrid.
Why Visit the Royal Palace
One of the largest palaces in Europe:135,000 square meters in area (larger than Buckingham Palace and Versailles? No, Versailles is larger, but the Royal Palace of Madrid is among the top).
Spectacular architecture:In Baroque and Neoclassical style, designed by Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti.
Unique art collections:Paintings by Goya, Velázquez, Caravaggio, Rubens, and one of the best collections of Stradivari violins in the world.
The Throne Room and the Royal Pharmacy:Richly decorated environments that take your breath away.
The Royal Armories:One of the most important collections of armor and historical weapons in Europe.
History in Brief
The original Alcázar (Moorish fortress) stood on the same site but was destroyed by a fire in 1734. King Philip V ordered the construction of a new, larger, and more luxurious palace. Work began in 1738 and was completed in 1764, during the reign of Charles III. Since then, it has been the residence of the kings of Spain until 1931 (proclamation of the Second Republic). Today, King Philip VI and Letizia reside in the Palace of Zarzuela, but the Royal Palace is used for state ceremonies, official receptions, and visits from heads of state.
Opening Hours of the Royal Palace
General hours (year-round):
October – March:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
April – September:10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry 7:00 PM)
Closing days:
January 1 (New Year's Day)
January 6 (Epiphany)
May 1 (Labor Day)
December 25 (Christmas)
Reduced opening days (early closing at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM):January 5, December 24 and 31 (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve). Check the official website.
Important:The palace may close for official ceremonies (visits from heads of state, receptions). Always check the updated hours on the official website (Patrimonio Nacional) before going.
Tickets and Prices
General Ticket (Royal Palace + Visit to the Rooms)
Price:13 euros (adults)
Reduced:7 euros (students under 25, over 65, large families, disabled with companion)
Children under 5:Free
What it includes:Access to the main floor (Throne Room, Column Room, Hall of Mirrors, etc.), the Royal Pharmacy, the Royal Armories, and the Royal Kitchen (royal kitchens, when open).
Reduced Ticket for Students and Young People
Price:7 euros
Requirements:Students with ID (identity card or student booklet) under 25. Over 65 with ID.
Ticket for the Gallery of Royal Collections
Price:12 euros (adults)
What it includes:Museum that houses carriages, tapestries, paintings, sculptures, and objects from the royal collections. It is located next to the palace (separate entrance).
Combined Ticket Royal Palace + Gallery of Royal Collections
Price:20 euros (adults)
Validity:Single entry for both museums (to be used on separate days if you wish, but usually visited together).
Ticket with Audioguide
Price:20 euros (general ticket + audioguide)
Languages:Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Russian.
Duration:About 1.5 hours for the recommended route.
Free Entry
Who can enter for free:
Children under 5
Disabled persons with an accompanying person (if assistance is needed)
ICOM members (International Council of Museums)
Accredited journalists
Teachers on educational visits (with reservation)
All visitors Monday – Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (October-March) or 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (April-September)?NO! This information is incorrect. Universal free entry does not exist at the Royal Palace. There are only free time slots for EU citizens (see below).
Free Time Slots (only for EU citizens)
From Monday to Thursday, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (October-March) or 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (April-September), citizens of the European Union (with ID) can enter for free. But:
Attention:Free tickets are limited and run out quickly. You must pick up the free ticket at the ticket office on the same day (it cannot be reserved online).
Queue:The line can be very long (even 1-2 hours). Arrive at least 1 hour early.
Advice:If you can, pay for the ticket (€13) and skip the line. The time and stress saved are worth the cost.
Where to Buy Tickets
Online (Recommended)
Official website:Patrimonio Nacional (www.patrimonionacional.es)
Benefits:Skip the line at the ticket office, choose your entry time (within 30 minutes).
Cost:Identical to the price at the ticket office.
Digital ticket:Receive a PDF with a QR code. Show it from your phone or printed.
At the Ticket Office (Palace Ticket Counters)
Where:At the main entrance (Plaza de la Armería, in front of the Almudena Cathedral).
Queues:Possible long lines (30-90 minutes during peak hours).
Payment:Cash and cards.
Do not buy from external vendors.
Avoid scalpers and third-party sites that sell "skip-the-line" tickets at inflated prices. The official site is the only reliable one.
The Rooms and Collections Not to Miss
The Royal Palace has over 3,000 rooms, but the tourist visit covers about 50 rooms (the tour lasts 1-2 hours). Here are the must-sees.
1. Throne Room (Salón del Trono)
The most spectacular room. With its red velvet tapestries, crystal chandeliers from La Granja, and the throne of the kings (under a gold-embroidered canopy). The walls are decorated with mirrors and gilded stucco. It is used for official ceremonies (swearing in of ministers, receiving ambassadors).
2. Column Room (Salón de Columnas)
A huge room with 16 pink marble columns. Concerts, receptions, and in the past, court balls are held here. Today it is used for state events.
3. Hall of Mirrors (Salón de los Espejos)
Inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, but smaller. Mirrors, chandeliers, and frescoes on the ceiling (depicting Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas).
4. The Royal Pharmacy (Real Farmacia)
One of the best-preserved royal pharmacies in Europe. Alembics, ceramic jars (from Talavera and Alcora), bronze mortars, and medical recipes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
5. The Royal Armories (Reales Armerías)
One of the most important collections of armor and weapons in the world. Armor of the kings of Spain (Charles V, Philip II), tournament armor, swords, and armor for horses.
6. The Royal Kitchen (Cocinas Reales)
Reopened to the public after restoration, the palace kitchens (with huge fireplaces, copper pots, and work tables) give an idea of life in service at the palace.
7. The Main Staircase (Escalera Principal)
Designed by Francesco Sabatini, it is a monumental marble staircase, with lions and allegorical statues. It is the ceremonial entrance to the noble floor.
8. The Tapestry Gallery (Galería de Tapices)
Flemish tapestries (from the 16th century) and Spanish tapestries (from the Royal Tapestry Factory in Madrid). Some are enormous (3-4 meters high).
9. The Stradivari Collection
The palace has a collection of 5 Stradivari violins (considered the best in the world), as well as cellos and violas. They are displayed in the Stradivari Room.
How Much Time is Needed to Visit the Royal Palace
Quick visit (1 hour):Only the main rooms (Throne Room, Armories, Pharmacy).
Medium visit (1.5 – 2 hours):The entire exhibition route (50 rooms) at a leisurely pace.
In-depth visit (3 hours):Palace + Gallery of the Royal Collections.
Tips for the Visit
The Best Time to Avoid Lines
Early morning (10:00 – 10:30):Right after opening, there is a line but it moves.
Afternoon (15:00 – 16:00):After lunch break, less crowd.
Times to avoid:11:30 – 13:30 (peak hours) and the free slots (16:00-18:00) for EU citizens.
How to Get There
Metro:Line 2, 5, R (Ópera station) – 5 minutes on foot. Line 3, 4 (Sol) – 10 minutes on foot.
Bus:Lines 3, 25, 39, 46, 75, 138, 148 (stop Plaza de la Armería or Cuesta de San Vicente).
On foot:From Puerta del Sol (10 minutes), from Plaza Mayor (5 minutes).
What to Bring and What Not to Bring
Bring:Water bottle (empty to fill? There are no fountains inside, better to bring it full), light jacket (the rooms are air-conditioned), ticket (printed or on your phone).
Do not bring:Large backpacks (must be left in the free storage at the entrance). Small bags (max 40x40 cm) are allowed. Umbrellas (storage). Food and drinks (not allowed). Tripods and flash (photos without flash are allowed).
Luggage Storage
Free at the entrance. Mandatory for large backpacks and bags.
Photography
Allowed without flash. Tripods, selfie sticks, or professional video recording are not allowed.
Accessibility
The palace is accessible for wheelchair users (elevators, ramps). Dedicated entrance. Free entry for the disabled and one companion (if assistance is needed).
What to See Near the Royal Palace
Almudena Cathedral:In front of the palace (cross Plaza de la Armería). Free entry (museum is paid). Beautiful neo-Romanesque crypt.
Campo del Moro:Gardens behind the palace (free entry). Open only a few hours a day. Spectacular view of the west facade of the palace.
Plaza Mayor:5 minutes on foot.
Mercado de San Miguel:5 minutes.
Temple of Debod:15 minutes on foot (uphill).
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not buy tickets from scalpers:There are unauthorized sellers outside the palace offering "skip-the-line" tickets at inflated prices. They are scams.
Do not go without checking the hours:The palace closes for official ceremonies. Check the website first.
Do not bring a huge backpack:You will have to leave it in storage, wasting time.
Do not miss the Throne Room and the Armories:They are the most spectacular.
Do not eat at the restaurants right in front of the palace:They are expensive and touristy. Walk 5 minutes towards La Latina or Ópera.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Royal Palace
Is the Royal Palace open every day?
Yes, every day except January 1, January 6, May 1, December 25. It may close for official ceremonies.
How much does a ticket to the Royal Palace cost?
13 euros (adults), 7 euros (reduced), free for under 5.
Can you enter the Royal Palace for free?
Yes, for EU citizens (with ID) from Monday to Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (October-March) or 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (April-September). But free tickets are limited and have very long lines.
How long does the visit last?
1-2 hours (standard route). Add 1 hour for the Royal Collections Gallery.
Can you take photos inside?
Yes, without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Is the palace accessible to disabled people?
Yes, fully accessible. Dedicated entrance.
Do you need to book tickets online?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended to avoid queues.
Where can you buy tickets online?
On the official Patrimonio Nacional website.
What is there to see nearby?
Almudena Cathedral, Campo del Moro, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel.
Does the king still live in the Royal Palace?
No. The official residence is the Palace of Zarzuela. The Royal Palace is only used for state ceremonies and official visits.
An experience that will take your breath away
Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid is an experience that will take your breath away. During yourholiday in Madrid, dedicating at least half a day to this architectural and historical gem is an absolute must. From the Throne Room to the Royal Pharmacy, from the Armories to the kitchens, each room tells centuries of Spanish history. Buy your tickets online, arrive early, and prepare to be enchanted by the majesty and richness of one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe.
Revision date:April 15, 2026