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Things to do in Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, however, it is currently used exclusively for receptions, ceremonies, and official acts. Today the King and Queen of Spain reside in the Zarzuela Palace, located on the outskirts of the Spanish capital.
The Royal Palace is located on the site of the old Alcazar of Madrid, a medieval fortress converted into a luxurious palace by John II, Charles V and Philip II. The Alcazar was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Eve in 1734.
The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1738 and was completed in 1764, the year in which Charles III decide to reside there. Also known as the Palacio de Oriente, it is surrounded by the Campo del Moro Gardens and the Sabatini Gardens. The building is inspired by the sketches made by Bernini for the construction of the Louvre in Paris and is articulated around a square courtyard. It has a gallery and a Plaza de Armas, where the main facade of the palace is located.
Featuring 3,400 lavish rooms, visiting the largest royal palace in Europe is an experience in itself. The Throne Room preserves the original decoration from the reign of Charles III, including the impressive vault fresco by Tiepolo to show the grandeur of the monarchy. The chandelier and the Shepherd's Clock are two of the main attractions of the Gasparini Room (the room where the king dressed), and the Royal Armory is one of the most complete on the continent. Other unmissable rooms are the Hall of Columns, the Royal Kitchen, the Halberdiers' Hall and the Royal Chapel.
Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, from mid-September to mid-July, the changing of the Royal Palace guard takes place. During the summer months, the hours are from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The building can be visited practically all year round, as it is closed only during official ceremonies and festivities.
Our recommendations in Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided tour
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid booking this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
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Madrid Royal Palace skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid, admire the artworks by Goya and Velázquez and visit the gardens booking this 2-hour guided tour.
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Royal Palace of Madrid tour with a guide
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide, explore the largest European Palace and learn all the fascinating historical facts surrounding it.
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Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided visit
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line tickets and enjoy a guided visit of one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe booking this 2-hour guided tour.
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Experiences in Royal Palace of Madrid
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Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided tour
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid booking this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
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Madrid Royal Palace skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid, admire the artworks by Goya and Velázquez and visit the gardens booking this 2-hour guided tour.
en, es
Royal Palace of Madrid tour with a guide
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide, explore the largest European Palace and learn all the fascinating historical facts surrounding it.
en, es
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided visit
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line tickets and enjoy a guided visit of one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe booking this 2-hour guided tour.
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Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour and Tablao Torres Bermejas flamenco show with tapas
Skip the long lines and visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide. Enjoy a live flamenco performance at Tablao Torres Bermejas and taste a menu of Spanish tapas and a drink included.
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Madrid highlights with entrance and guided tour to the Royal Palace
Discover Madrid and the Royal Palace booking this 4-hour guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
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Guided visit of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace
Book this Guided visit of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace and visit the Royal Palace, the former official residence of Spanish royalty
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Madrid highlights and Retiro Park Segway™ tour
Explore Madrid's most famous spots, including some places that only locals know about on this 2.5-hour guided Segway™ tour.
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Madrid highlights with tickets and guided tour of the Prado Museum
Buy your Madrid sightseeing tour of the Prado Museum. Get informed, plan and book your amazing activities in Madrid today.
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Get all the best information for this Madrid half-day tour and book your tickets, skipping the line, at official rates. Get informed, plan your trip and book tickets and tours in Madrid.
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World audio guide with TravelMate app
Make the most of your time in 33 cities around the world with this TravelMate app on your smartphone. Listen to detailed audio commentaries in your language.
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Express Madrid self-balancing scooter tour
Discover Madrid in just 1 hour on a self-balancing scooter. Learn interesting facts and fascinating stories about the monuments from an experienced guide.
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Royal Palace of Madrid
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Reviews Royal Palace of Madrid
“The gentleman who was our guide was very knowledgeable, humorous and engaging. We enjoyed the tour a great deal.”
“El palacio increíble pero para el precio la guía debería esperar que todos lleguen el las salas y luego explicar lo que hay. Un poco de prisa. Además si es un tour bilingüe. Aunque haga una sola persona que habla uno de los dos idiomas, tendría que ser bilingüe! En general bien pero puede mejorar.”
“Todo nuy organizado y los guías muy amables. Tal vez ha mejorar el tiempo de espera para entrar a cafa lugar. Tal vez no depende al 100% de ustedes. Pero si tuvimos que esperar un poco para entrar.”
