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Plan your visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid | Hours, getting there & more

The Royal Palace of Madrid is a magnificent architectural masterpiece and one of the best places to visit in Madrid. The iconic landmark has been the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family for centuries. You can explore the palace’s royal attractions, including the Throne Room and Charles III’s private rooms. The Throne Room is incredible, featuring a gold leaf ceiling and an impressive art collection having works by Goya and Velázquez.

Royal Palace of Madrid | Visitor information at a glance

Royal Palace of Madrid
  • What are the Royal Palace of Madrid's opening hours?
    The Royal Palace of Madrid is open daily. Here are the palace's timings:
    Between April to September: 10am to 7pm (Monday to Saturday), 10am to 4pm (Sundays)
    Between October to March: 10am to 6pm (Monday to Saturday) , 10am to 4pm (Sundays)
  • Where is the Royal Palace of Madrid located?
    The Royal Palace of Madrid is located in western Madrid, in the heart of the Spanish capital. Here is the address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain.
  • How many entrances does the Royal Palace of Madrid have?
    The Royal Palace of Madrid has two entrances.
  • How many visitors does the Royal Palace of Madrid see per year?
    The Royal Palace of Madrid sees nearly two million visitors yearly.
About Royal Palace of Madrid

What are the Royal Palace of Madrid's opening hours?

The Royal Palace of Madrid is open almost daily. It is only closed on 1 and 6 January, 1 May, and 12 and 25 December. Here are the palace's timings:

Between April to September

  • 10am to 7pm (Monday to Saturday)
  • 10am to 4pm (Sundays)

Between October to March

  • 10am to 6pm (Monday to Saturday) 
  • 10am to 4pm (Sundays)

​Royal Palace of Madrid opening hours

What's the best time to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid?

Spring and Fall: It is always an excellent idea to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. It is a popular tourist attraction welcoming visitors throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid is spring and fall, i.e., from April to June and September to November.

The weather during these seasons is mild and pleasant, making it ideal to see the palace's gardens and enjoy the incredible Baroque and neoclassical architecture. Fewer tourists are around these months, allowing you to explore the palace interiors at your own pace.

Summer and Winter: You can still visit during summer and winter but expect testing weather conditions and more tourists. The palace hosts several outdoor events, including concerts and exhibitions, between June and August, so it isn't the worst time to visit either.

Where is the Royal Palace of Madrid located?

The Royal Palace of Madrid is in the heart of Madrid, in the western part of the city.

Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain | Find on maps

Closest Landmark: Plaza de la Ameria (550 meters away)

Royal Palace of Madrid location

Getting to the Royal Palace of Madrid in Madrid

By Metro

Closest Station: Opera

Metro is an excellent way to commute in Madrid. The city has over 300 metro stations and 12 metro lines. You can take the metro from anywhere in Madrid and reach Ópera, the nearest station to the Royal Palace of Madrid.

By Bus

Closest Station: Palacio Real

Buses in Madrid are frequent and affordable. You can catch a bus to Palacio Real from anywhere in the city.

By Train

Closest Station: Príncipe Pío

The train is another option to reach the Royal Palace of Madrid. Trains connect most parts of the city, with Príncipe Pío the closest station to the Royal Palace of Madrid.

How to skip the line at the Royal Palace of Madrid?

Millions visit the Royal Palace of Madrid yearly. It is crowded most times of the year, but you can skip the lines in a few ways.

Book Tickets Online

Online tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid are an excellent choice to get express entry. You can skip the long queues and enter the attraction directly with online tickets. You can also book your tickets months in advance and select the time and date of your visit.

Get a Guided Tour

Guided tours to the Royal Palace of Madrid help you skip the lines and enter the Royal Palace of Madrid quickly. They also help you understand the attraction closely and learn its history, culture, and heritage. Guided tours to the Royal Palace of Madrid are available online.

Visit in the Off-season

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid in Spring or Autumn. Fewer tourists visit during the two seasons, so the queues are short, and you can enter quickly. If you plan on visiting in the summer or winter, arrive early in the morning.

Know before you go to The Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid has two entrances. Visitors with online tickets enter through the left door, while those purchasing their tickets offline must enter through the door on the right. Both gates open at 10 AM and close at 6 PM from Monday to Saturday. They’re open from 10 AM to 4 PM on Sundays and public holidays.

Royal Palace of Madrid entrances
Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid serves as a reminder of Spain’s history and culture. Guided tours are perfect for learning the palace’s history and role in making Spain the country it is today.

If you do not choose a guided tour, you can get an audio guide to explore the palace’s past. Audio guides are available in several languages, and headphones are provided at extra cost.

Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tours
Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid doesn’t have a shop but has several in its vicinity.

Typographia: Open almost daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, Typographia sells printed t-shirts.

Souvenirs Mayor: You can buy paintings and artworks at Souvenirs Mayor located 0.4 miles from the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Bazar Pza: Bazar Pza is 0.4 miles from the Royal Palace of Madrid. You can buy everything from electronics to kitchen materials.

Royal Palace of Madrid
  • Zuccaru: This Italian cafe offers classic vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free breakfast options. It is close to the Plaza de Oriente Madrid and is amazing for a quick bite.
  • Cafe de Oriente: Cafe de Oriente provides amazing Mediterranean, European, and Spanish delights. It is reasonably priced and a short distance from the palace.
  • Heladeria Palazzo: Heladeria Palazzo is the best place to have ice cream near the Royal Palace of Madrid. Enjoy authentic Gelato with classic and modern flavours.
  • Restaurante Algarabia: Grab a delicious dinner at Restaurante Algarabía after visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid. It is a wonderful place to enjoy local, Mediterranean, and Spanish cuisines.
Royal Palace of Madrid restaurants

Accessibility measures at Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is accessible to all individuals. Visitors with a wheelchair or other disabilities can visit the palace for free with the required accreditation.

Visitors can bring their own wheelchairs or hire one at the entrance. A mobility scooter facility is also available at the main entrance to ensure visitors with mobility issues feel safe and comfortable. The entire palace is accessible by a wheelchair, with lifts, ramps, and elevators present to make commuting easy.

Visitors with hearing or visual difficulties can download the Royal Palace of Madrid app. It has 16 language options, audiovisual content, and two virtual tours of the Palace.

​Royal Palace of Madrid interior

Visitor rules & tips

  • Arrive early: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the rush.
  • Book online: Book your tickets online and get skip-the-line tickets to save time.
  • Guided tours: Guided tour tickets are an excellent choice if you want to learn about the palace’s history and get express entry.
  • Dress code: While there isn’t a dress code, wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Avoid shorts and slippers.
  • Photography: Follow the protocol and rules for photography. Avoid using flash as it might disturb other guests.
  • Accessibility: Inform the staff at the entrance if you or your guests require a wheelchair or a mobility scooter to enter the palace.
  • Food: Carry your own water and eat before coming as there is no cafe or restaurant inside the Royal Palace of Madrid.
  • Follow instructions: Avoid touching artefacts and follow staff instructions.

​Royal Palace of Madrid facts

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is open almost daily. Here are the palace's timings: Between April to September: 10am to 7pm (Monday to Saturday). Between October to March: 10am to 6pm (Monday to Saturday)

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About Royal Palace of Madrid

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Inside Royal Palace of Madrid

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