Attraction
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain's national art museum, opened in 1819 on the Paseo del Prado, with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch, Titian and Rubens.
Royal Palace of Madrid
The official residence of the Spanish royal family, built from 1738 on the site of the old Alcázar, with 3,418 rooms and a lavish state apartment route.
At a glance
- Type
- Royal palace
- Area
- Palacio (Madrid de los Austrias), Madrid, Spain
- Official site
- patrimonionacional.es
Good to know
- Online tickets
- Guided tours
- Royal Armoury
- Gardens nearby
Why we recommend it
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, although the King lives elsewhere and the palace is used for state ceremonies. Philip V ordered it built on the site of the old Alcázar fortress, which burned down in 1734. Construction ran from 1738 and was completed in the 1750s and 1760s, with Filippo Juvarra, Giovanni Battista Sacchetti and later Francesco Sabatini among the architects involved. With 3,418 rooms, it is one of the largest palaces in Europe.
The visitor route takes in a selection of the state rooms, and the exact rooms open change from time to time. Highlights usually include the grand staircase by Sabatini, the Hall of Halberdiers, the Hall of Columns, the Throne Room, the Gasparini Room with its elaborate decoration, the State Dining Room and the Royal Chapel. Look out for the Stradivarius string instruments, clocks, porcelain and tapestries, and for paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Caravaggio and others. The Royal Armoury and the Royal Pharmacy are part of the visit and are worth the extra time.
The palace is open to the public except during official functions, which can close it at short notice, so check the Patrimonio Nacional website on the day. Tickets are sold online, and booking ahead is sensible at weekends and in high season. Allow around two hours for the palace, armoury and pharmacy. The interiors suit adults and older children best; younger children may enjoy the armoury more than the state rooms.
Outside, the huge Plaza de la Armería separates the palace from the Almudena Cathedral, and the views west from the railings over the Casa de Campo are some of the best in central Madrid at sunset. The Sabatini Gardens lie to the north and the Campo del Moro gardens slope down below the west facade. The Royal Collections Gallery, which displays treasures from the same royal collection, is next door and makes a natural pairing on the same day.
The entrance is on Calle de Bailén, beside the Almudena esplanade. Ópera is the nearest metro station, and the walk from Puerta del Sol along Calle Arenal takes around fifteen minutes. The Plaza de Oriente, with its statues of kings and the Teatro Real on its far side, is directly in front of the east facade and is a good spot for a rest.
Royal Palace of Madrid FAQs
Can you visit the Royal Palace?
Yes, it is open to visitors except when official state events are held.
How many rooms does the palace have?
It has 3,418 rooms, although only a selection is on the visitor route.
What is included in the visit?
A route through the state rooms such as the Throne Room and Royal Chapel, plus the Royal Armoury and Royal Pharmacy.
Do I need to book tickets?
Booking online through Patrimonio Nacional is recommended, especially at weekends and in summer.
How long should I allow?
Around two hours for the palace rooms, armoury and pharmacy.
What is the nearest metro?
Ópera, on lines 2 and 5, is a few minutes' walk away.
What else is nearby?
The Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Collections Gallery, the Plaza de Oriente, the Sabatini Gardens and the Campo del Moro.
When was the palace built?
Construction began in 1738 on the site of the old Alcázar, under Philip V.