🇪🇸 Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid)
Palacio Real de Madrid · 마드리드
Location
Overview
The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is Western Europe's largest palace, begun under Philip V on the site of the Alcázar that burned in 1734 and completed between 1738 and 1764; it is said to have more than 3,000 rooms. It is the official residence of the Spanish royal family but is used mainly for state ceremonies rather than as a home, so it can close without notice for official events. The main draw is the sumptuous interior, including the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room and the Royal Armoury.
The Throne Room with Tiepolo's ceiling fresco and the monumental Grand Staircase
The Royal Armoury, holding arms and armour of Spanish kings from the 13th century onward
The Rococo Gasparini Room, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Pharmacy
Royal collections including a set of Stradivarius string instruments
The Changing of the Guard on Wednesdays and Saturdays, plus the Solemn Changing on the first Wednesday of the month at noon (excluding January, August, September and event/bad-weather days)
The Campo del Moro gardens behind the palace and the adjacent Almudena Cathedral
Good to know
CautionAround Plaza de Oriente and the palace forecourt, fake 'charity' petition scams are common: while you read or sign, an accomplice goes for your bag or pockets. Decline and keep moving.
CautionBeware strangers who offer to take your photo and then run off with your camera or phone. Do not hand your device to people you don't know.
SafetyThe palace area is one of Madrid's busiest pickpocket zones. Wear bags in front, keep zippers closed, and never carry a wallet in a back pocket.
RulesIt is extremely popular and on-site queues can be long, so booking ahead via the official Patrimonio Nacional site is advised. Check the site the morning of your visit for unexpected closures.
MannersFlash and tripod photography is restricted in many rooms, and modest dress is expected at religious sites nearby such as Almudena Cathedral.
SeasonIn summer (July–August) the guard-changing ceremony shifts to the morning because of the heat; prepare for high temperatures on afternoon visits. Prices, hours and free-entry windows change, so confirm the latest details before you go.
Practical info
About a 5-minute walk from Ópera metro station. Opening hours vary by season (roughly from 10:00, extended in summer); the ticket office closes about one hour before the palace. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Verify prices and free-entry slots (last two hours Mon–Thu for EU and Latin American nationals) on the official site.
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