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Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tours
History lovers, unlock royal secrets with expert insights in the language you choose.
- Spend less time in lines and more time learning about the Spanish Monarchy on this expert-guided Royal Palace tour.
- Explore the rare Stradivarius instruments tucked away in the palace, open only to those on a guided tour!
- Find out about the secret passages and hidden compartments with a guide who speaks your preferred language — English, Spanish, French, or Italian.
- Gasp at the throne lounge, the royal chapel, and the awe-inspiring Gasparini Room, intricately handcrafted over 55 years in Rococo style.
- Wander through the Hall of Mirrors, where opulent chandeliers and gilded mirrors reflect centuries of historic ceremonies and rituals.
History lovers, unlock royal secrets with expert insights in the language you choose.
- Spend less time in lines and more time learning about the Spanish Monarchy on this expert-guided Royal Palace tour.
- Explore the rare Stradivarius instruments tucked away in the palace, open only to those on a guided tour!
- Find out about the secret passages and hidden compartments with a guide who speaks your preferred language — English, Spanish, French, or Italian.
- Gasp at the throne lounge, the royal chapel, and the awe-inspiring Gasparini Room, intricately handcrafted over 55 years in Rococo style.
- Wander through the Hall of Mirrors, where opulent chandeliers and gilded mirrors reflect centuries of historic ceremonies and rituals.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line entry
- Expert bilingual, English, Spanish, French, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Access to the Royal Kitchen
- Access to the Royal Collection Gallery
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the double bass by Nicolò Amati, one of the best builders of stringed instruments.
- Keep your camera tucked away – photography and videography is strictly not allowed. Mobile phones must remain on silent mode.
- Keep in mind food & beverages are not allowed in the venue. Pack wisely!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Australia and over 71 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Juana
May 2025Verified booking
Good afternoon, well we loved the experience and the guide for us 5 stars, we understood everything so well her way of explaining everything. You can see that she is an expert on the subject, congratulations to her for explaining so well☺️
View original review in Spanish
Christina
Apr 2025Verified booking
The tour with Lydia was informative and entertaining at the same time and she was always open to questions. For me, the palace was a great experience - the Stradivaris were the icing on the cake.
View original review in German
Rosenberg-Lavicka,
Apr 2025Verified booking
Great experience! Chapel leaves you speechless. The other rooms and halls are magnificent. Good insight into royal life. Top guide Rafael!
View original review in German
Emma
Mar 2025Verified booking
Alexandra was a great guide. She was knowledgeable, organised, had lots of fun facts to share. We enjoyed the tour very much.
Lisa
Jun 2025Verified booking
Loved what we were able to see, the tour guide, the listening system, the pace, the length, EVERYTHING! Thank you
Florie
Apr 2025Verified booking
Espectacular y muy ameno el recorrido! 100% recomendados!
michele
Mar 2025Verified booking
Wonderful Place. Well organizer and the guide was top
Darlene
Jun 2025Verified booking
Jesus was excellent! He had great English and very knowledgeable about the history of the palace! He kept a good pace and was very thorough! I loved it!
Mrs
Jun 2025Verified booking
Really pleased we took the time to book this english speaking tour. Our guide Beatrice was both friendly & knowledgeable. The brief city tour en-route to the Royal Palace was very interesting for us as our Spanish history is not great. The Palace tour itself was much better by having Beatrice talk about all the important aspects of each room we visited and lots of extra bits of history that we would have missed had we tried to do it by ourselves. We would throughly recommend! Great tour!
Sabrina
Jun 2025Verified booking
Luis made good use of the short walk to the hotel to add a little more history. All in all, an interesting, well-filled tour. Luis didn't make it boring either. There is a point deduction because the quality of the headphones was not good. Sometimes the connection was lost or there was a rustling in the line. One of my headphones failed completely
View original review in German
Sally
May 2025Verified booking
The palace was very crowded so we waited 30 minutes in line even though we had skip the line tickets. This was not the tour company's fault and they did warn us about the delay and offered refunds for those who didn't want to wait. Our tour guide was very informative and provided a lot of history and co text to what we were seeing on the tour
Juan
May 2025Verified booking
The friendliness of the guide who was with us and her amusing way of making the visit more entertaining. Lots of information told in a didactic and entertaining way.
View original review in Spanish
Maria
May 2025Verified booking
It was a really good idea to rely on you for the tour of the Royal Palace in Madrid. Cristiana, our Italian-speaking guide, was knowledgeable, very polite and entertaining with her many anecdotes about history and palace life.
View original review in Italian
Octavian
May 2025Verified booking
On time evey minute of it. These guys know their trade!Gude Cristiana very knowlegeable and fun.Very impressed in a good vay. Recommended.
Deborah
May 2025Verified booking
The palace was beautiful. The tour seemed superficial. We expected more in depth information about the art in the rooms. The space was very crowded and often difficult to find the guide. We liked the guide and felt she was rushed. She had great info about the different kings.
Vivian
May 2025Verified booking
We visited the Royal Palace of Madrid on 9 May using Skip-the-Line Tickets, and it was one of the most enriching and well-organised experiences of our entire trip to Spain. Skip-the-Line Experience: The skip-the-line tickets were absolutely worth it. Even mid-morning, the general queue was long and slow-moving. With our fast-track passes, we bypassed the line entirely and were inside in under 5 minutes. The process was simple — a staff member scanned our mobile voucher, and we were directed straight to security. If you're travelling during high season or with family, this is a great way to save time and conserve energy for the palace itself. Inside the Palace: The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is not only the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area but also among the most opulent. Although the Spanish royal family doesn’t reside here anymore, the palace is still used for official ceremonies — and it shows in every corner. Each room is more breathtaking than the last. Highlights include: The Grand Staircase: Designed by Sabatini, it's an architectural marvel with detailed frescoes and statues. The Throne Room: Absolutely majestic with its red velvet walls, golden lions, chandeliers, and Tiepolo’s ceiling frescoes. The Royal Armoury: A hidden gem, with a stunning collection of ceremonial armour and weaponry — great for history buffs. The Royal Chapel: Beautiful and serene, showcasing religious art and architectural harmony. Banquet Halls and Audience Chambers: Rich in historical detail and royal symbolism, with intricate tapestries and porcelain rooms. The use of audio guides or booking a guided tour is highly recommended — they offer deeper context into each room, the palace’s role in Spanish history, and the artistic significance of what you're seeing. Gardens & Views: Don't miss the Campo del Moro Gardens behind the palace, or the view over Plaza de la Armería. The palace is perched on a hill, so you get stunning panoramic views of Madrid and the surrounding landscape. Practical Tips for Future Visitors: Arrive 10–15 minutes early to allow time for finding the entrance and going through security. Download or bring headphones if you're using an app-based audio guide. Wear comfortable shoes — the palace is large and includes a lot of walking on stone or marble floors. No photos are allowed in many rooms — respect signage. Try visiting early in the morning or midweek for fewer crowds inside, even with skip-the-line access. Restrooms and gift shops are available near the exit — worth a visit for books and royal-themed gifts. Overall Experience: The Royal Palace of Madrid is a must-see. The skip-the-line access made our visit smooth and stress-free, allowing us to focus entirely on soaking in the history, grandeur, and artistry of this incredible place. Whether you’re a fan of architecture, history, or simply curious about European royalty, this experience delivers immense cultural value. A truly memorable part of our visit to Madrid.
Susan
May 2025Verified booking
Marisol took us on a walking tour to the palace and with amusing anecdotes she was able to tell us the history of that part of the city and of the palace with fascination.
View original review in Dutch
C.W.M.
May 2025Verified booking
Heard so many new things And a very good guide One small minus was that there wasn't much room to sit down.
View original review in Dutch
Roberto
May 2025Verified booking
David was a perfect guide. Very knowledgeable. He was able to season historical and artistic tidbits with amusing anecdotes. He was also very careful not to lose anyone in the group. Bravo !!!!
View original review in Italian
Hana
May 2025Verified booking
The highlight of my visit was the guide who was excellent. The palace was very impressive and I look forward to returning to see new rooms that are due to open in the future.
Oriana
May 2025Verified booking
David was an informative, engaging tour guide and made the palace tour highly enjoyable - in total there are hundreds of rooms in the Palacio Real but with the rooms selected for us to visit, I didn't feel like anything was skipped over or that we missed out. A lot of interesting history condensed into a worthwhile, fun tour!
Rebecca
May 2025Verified booking
We liked that we were able to skip the line. We would have preferred a tour that had left on time (10am) and had gone directly to The Royal Palace, Although Laura was very sweet and patient, we found her English difficult to understand to the point that my husband just turned off the audio. Still, we made the best of it and were glad we went.
Jonathan
Apr 2025Verified booking
We loved the Madrid Royal Palace tour with Headout. The tour started with a short walk from the Headout ticketing office to the palace and David the tour guide was very nice and very informative.
Tanja
Apr 2025Verified booking
The guide had a very good and clear story with lots of extras about the history. She did it in a very engaging way.
View original review in Dutch
Timothy
Apr 2025Verified booking
I wasn't expecting a long uncertain wait outside the office or the pre-tour before the venue. The actual tour of the Royal Palace was what I was expecting.
- Enjoy a full-day tour at Madrid's Royal Palace and Royal Collections Gallery, offering exclusive skip-the-line access and a professional guide.
- At the Royal Collections Gallery, enjoy paintings and tapestries of very important painters such as El Bosco, and Titian, pieces of royal furniture, and musical instruments.
- Be captivated by Europe's significant Royal Armory, showcasing an array of royal weaponry and armor, plus intricately detailed royal furniture and historical tapestries.
- With your skip-the-line ticket, bypass queues to explore the Royal Palace, housing Spain's regal history.
- Marvel at the Throne Room, Hall of Mirrors, and Banqueting Hall, each offering a glimpse into Spain's royal grandeur at the Royal Palace on a guided tour in English or Spanish.
- Enjoy a full-day tour at Madrid's Royal Palace and Royal Collections Gallery, offering exclusive skip-the-line access and a professional guide.
- At the Royal Collections Gallery, enjoy paintings and tapestries of very important painters such as El Bosco, and Titian, pieces of royal furniture, and musical instruments.
- Be captivated by Europe's significant Royal Armory, showcasing an array of royal weaponry and armor, plus intricately detailed royal furniture and historical tapestries.
- With your skip-the-line ticket, bypass queues to explore the Royal Palace, housing Spain's regal history.
- Marvel at the Throne Room, Hall of Mirrors, and Banqueting Hall, each offering a glimpse into Spain's royal grandeur at the Royal Palace on a guided tour in English or Spanish.
Inclusions
- Day tour of the Royal Collections Gallery and Royal Palace
- Expert guides (English or Spanish)
- Entry to the Royal Collections Gallery
- Skip-the-line entry tickets to the Royal Palace
- Tip: Use your lunch break wisely. Try some local Spanish cuisine nearby; the area is known for its tapas bars.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Royal Palace Of Madrid TicketsGuided Tours
Make the most of Madrid
Which Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour is best for you?
Skip-the-line Tours
Suited for: History enthusiasts
Why go for it?
- Consider enhancing your Royal Palace experience by opting for a guided tour, where seasoned experts will serve as your knowledgeable companions. These expert guides will unravel intricate details and reveal hidden gems.
- Language preferences are accommodated, allowing you to choose between English, Spanish, or both during the guided tour. This personalized approach ensures that you can fully engage with the history and heritage of the Royal Palace in a language that resonates with you.
Recommended Tours:
Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line access
Combo Tours
Suited for: Budget travelers
Why go for it?
- Skip-the-lines and enjoy flexible entry to the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum. Or choose to combine your Royal Palace experience with a Flamenco show and drink!
- Visit both the Royal Palace and the Royal Collections Gallery and discover masterpieces by renowned artists like Goya and El Greco.
- Take an open-top panoramic bus tour covering 30+ sights with an audio guide in 14 languages
Recommended Tours:
Highlights of your Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour
The Royal Library
The Royal Library at the palace houses a vast collection of books, articles, maps, and medals from various royal eras, including those of Charles III, Isabel II, and Alfonso XII. The bookshelves showcase binding styles ranging from Neoclassical books in polychrome to Romantics featuring Renaissance and Gothic motifs.
The Archives of the Royal Palace hold over 20,000 articles, including scores from musicians of the Royal Chapel, Philip II's testament and correspondence from several House of Bourbon kings. Additionally, the Royal Library features maps providing insights into the territories of the former Spanish Empire.
Crown Room
Formerly Queen Maria Christina of Austria's apartment, the Crown Room now houses significant royal artifacts, including the crown, Charles III’s throne, jewels from the Hispanic monarchy, and the silver-gilded scepter with filigree, rock crystal, and enamels. The room's walls showcase tapestries by Jacopo Amigoni depicting the Four Seasons, along with the proclamation and abdication speeches of Felipe VI and Juan Carlos I. Explore this chamber to witness a rich display of historical regalia and symbolic elements associated with Spanish monarchy.
The Royal Armory
Ranked among the world's finest, the Royal Armory at the Royal Palace of Madrid stands alongside Vienna's Imperial Armoury. Dating back to the 13th century, this extraordinary collection showcases weapons, armory, and artifacts. Notable highlights encompass the riding gear of Carlos V and Felipe II, the full armor and weapons used by Charles V in the Battle of Muhlberg, and the signed armor crafted by renowned armorer Filippo Negroli. The armory also houses a shield and burgonet crafted by Francesco. Each piece within this collection belongs to the king of Spain and other members of the royal family.
Hall of Mirrors
It’s not just the Palace of Versailles in France that has a Hall of Mirrors. The Royal Palace of Madrid has it too and a remarkable one indeed! This Hall of Mirrors was initially used as a dressing table by Queen Maria Luisa de Parma and later as Alfonso XIII’s music room. The room consists of pink marble walls along with white and blue embellishments. The chandelier boasts intricate and elaborate stucco work while the surrounding ceiling depicts scenes from Pompeian life. Decorated by Charles IV, the Hall of Mirrors is one of the most beautiful and stunning rooms in the palace making it worth a visit.
The Grand Staircase
Designed by Francesco Sabatini, the Grand Staircase was built in 1789 on the orders of Charles IV. The staircase is made using a single piece of San Augustin marble and adds to the magnificence and grace of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Two striking lions by Felipe de Castro and Robert Michel grace the landing while the ceiling is adorned with spectacular frescoes by Corrado Giaquinto. There are several sculptures and paintings describing Spanish royalty in the 18th century. There are a couple of statues of Charles III and Charles IV while the four carvings on the corners represent water, earth, fire, and air.
The Royal Chapel
One of the most stunning rooms inside the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Chapel is intricately and luxuriously designed by Sacchetti and Ventura Rodriguez in 1748. The magnificent dome of the chapel is a standout. Also, observe the frescoes on the ceiling by Giaquinto. A few noteworthy ones include Allegory of Religion, The Trinity, and Glory and the Holy Trinity Crowning the Virgin, among others. St. Michael by Ramon Bayeu adorns the area above the High Altar while the reliquary altar exhibits Pope Leo I Stopping Attila at the Gates of Rome by Ercole Ferrata.
Artworks
The Royal Palace of Madrid houses one of the most spectacular and exclusive collections of artworks in the world. The palace has on display works of renowned artists like Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Goya, Caravaggio, Sorolla, Federico Madrazo, Juan de Flandes, Luis Morales, and many others. Marvel at the paintings, sculptures, frescoes, tapestries, armors, swords, and several other artistic treasures as you walk along each room. Learn about the meaning and significance of the artworks and the artist from your tour guide.
The Royal Kitchen
The Royal Kitchen, possibly one of the oldest and best-preserved royal kitchens, stands as a massive and elaborate culinary space within the palace. Renovated on the orders of Queen Isabella II and Alfonso XII between 1861 and 1880, it encompasses several rooms and accessories. Within its walls, you'll find a bakehouse, wine cellars, fruitery, confectionery, saucer, pastry and various exquisite kitchenware. The Royal Kitchen also houses a woodyard, Ramilette, and chandlery, providing a fascinating glimpse into the historical preparation of meals for the royal family.
Royal Pharmacy
Established during the reign of Felipe II, the Royal Pharmacy is an indispensable part of the royal household. The pharmacy is home to several prescriptions handed out to the members of the royal family. The beautiful collection includes cabinets that store medicinal herbs, containers, vials, stills, and jars and bottles from La Granja Palace’s ceramics factory. The supply of medicines continues even today.
The Room of King Charles III and the Queen
Designed in Rococo style, the room of King Charles III and the Queen is one of the most impressive and beautiful ones inside the royal palace. The walls are adorned with the Shepherd’s Clock, one of the most important clocks of the palace, and four portraits of the royal family painted by renowned artist Francisco de Goya. The room is a celebration of nature with marble marquetry on the floor depicting plant motifs. There are several frescoes on the ceiling including Apotheosis of Trajan and The Apotheosis of Hercules by A.R. Mengs among others.
The Throne Room
Completed in 1772, the Throne Room is decorated in fiery red with red velvet walls and decoration that symbolizes and represents the rich history of the Spanish monarchy. Large mirrors with metal work in gold adorn the walls of the Throne Room. The beautiful chandeliers and mirrors reflect the rays that radiate from the crystals. A couple of lions guard the throne while a red carpet with a tinge of gold, white, and blue also occupies a place of pride in the Throne Room.
The Stradivarius Hall
Previously the chamber of Infante Luis, Count of Chinchon, the Stradivarius Hall now boasts four instruments – a viola, a cello, and two violins. Acquired by the court in 1775, the musical instruments were regularly used for events and concerts that were held at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Music lovers from across the world throng this room for the instruments and decoration. There are several frescoes on the ceiling of the Stradivarius Hall by celebrated artists like Velazquez, Francisco Bayeu, and others.
Royal Palace of Madrid guided tours vs non-guided tours
Guided Tours
- An expert guide will accompany you on your Royal Palace of Madrid tour and provide you with all you need to know about the attraction.
- The skip the line feature on your Royal Palace of Madrid tour ticket will allow you to skim past long queues and access the palace on priority.
- Explore the massive attraction more efficiently on a Royal Palace of Madrid tour.
- All tours will be conducted in small groups for a more immersive experience.
Non-Guided Tours
- Your general admission ticket allows you to explore the attraction at your own pace.
- You can get yourself an audio guide to know more about the history of the Royal Palace of Madrid and the different points of interest inside it.
- You will not be able to skip the line or walk past the crowds to enter the palace on a non-guided tour. This would mean that you might have to wait in long lines that could take anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours.
Frequently asked questions about Royal Palace of Madrid guided tours
Can I book a Royal Palace of Madrid tour?
Yes. You can book a Royal Palace of Madrid tour here.
How do I book a Royal Palace of Madrid tour?
You can book a Royal Palace of Madrid tour online.
What are the different types of Royal Palace of Madrid tours?
There are two types of Royal Palace of Madrid tours available for booking – Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour with Priority Access and Combo Ticket: Royal Palace of Madrid with Prado Museum.
What is included in Royal Palace of Madrid tours?
The Royal Palace of Madrid tours include access to all sections that are open to the public like the Royal Library, Throne Room, Ala de Bailen, King Charles III’s Apartment, Royal Armory, Royal Kitchen, and more.
In what languages are the Royal Palace of Madrid guided tours avaialble?
The Royal Palace of Madrid guided tours are available in two languages – English and Spanish.
What does the Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour cover?
The Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour covers all the major areas inside including the Hall of Mirrors, Stradivarius Hall, Grand Staircase, Crown Room, Throne Room, and more. You also get a chance to marvel at the Baroque architecture and the almost 20,000 artworks on display.
How many people can go on a Royal Palace of Madrid tour?
It depends on the type of Royal Palace of Madrid tour you book. The small group guided tour will have no more than 10 people while the other guided tours have a maximum capacity of 25 guests.
Is a Royal Palace of Madrid tour worth it?
Yes. The Royal Palace of Madrid tour is worth it because it’s the best way to explore this iconic and massive palace and learn all about its history and artworks.
Do the Royal Palace of Madrid tours include skip the line access?
Yes. The Royal Palace of Madrid guided tours include skip the line access.
Can I cancel a booked Royal Palace of Madrid tour?
Yes. You can cancel a booked Royal Palace of Madrid tour ticket between 24 to 72 hours before the scheduled date.
How long is the Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour?
The Royal Palace of Madrid guided tours can be anywhere between 1 hour 30 minutes to 5 hours long, depending on the tour you choose.
From happy customers
Juana
SpainMay, 2025
Good afternoon, well we loved the experience and the guide for us 5 stars, we understood everything so well her way of explaining everything. You can see that she is an expert on the subject, congratulations to her for explaining so well☺️
View original review in Spanish
Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Christina
Apr, 2025
The tour with Lydia was informative and entertaining at the same time and she was always open to questions. For me, the palace was a great experience - the Stradivaris were the icing on the cake.
View original review in German
Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Alotta
May, 2025
+ 1 more
I liked the fact that I didn't have to go through the whole queue, which was very long, but get in immediately.
I liked the possibility of having an audio guide that I could manage with my phone.
View original review in Italian
Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets
Tanja
AustraliaMay, 2025
+ 2 more
Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Spain. This was a great experience and the tickets really did help in skipping the long lines to purchase tickets on side. There was still a bit of waiting involved ahead of security screening but it wasn't very long at all. It's Europe’s largest functioning royal palace, with over 3,400 rooms! While the Spanish royal family no longer lives there, it’s still used for official ceremonies. The royal banquet hall was especially impressive.
We were surrounded by lavish gold detailing, frescoed ceilings, velvet walls, portraits, musical instruments and so much more. The Throne and Porcelain Rooms were my favourites. It truly felt like stepping into a different world, one of unimaginable wealth and grandeur. I was positively surprised that they now allow visitors to take photos! Highly recommended
Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets
Elizabeth
United StatesMay, 2025
Everything was wonderful. We were even treated to a military parade while waiting in line. Thank you for assisting us with rescheduling our ticket dare after a death in the family causing a change in our family plans. We are very grateful to the staff!
Paseo del Arte 3 Museum Pass: Museo del Prado + Thyssen Bornemisza + Reina Sofia Entry Tickets
Roberto
May, 2025
David was a perfect guide. Very knowledgeable. He was able to season historical and artistic tidbits with amusing anecdotes.
He was also very careful not to lose anyone in the group. Bravo !!!!
View original review in Italian
Museo del Prado & Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour
Tracy
United StatesNov, 2024
I've done a lot of similar guided tours. This was easily the best. Patricia was fantastic. Amazingly knowledgeable and articulate.
Museo del Prado & Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour
Aschwin
Sep, 2024
The palace ia a "must see".
The guided kitchen-tour was great, but unbelievable that you can get only Spanish guided tours.
Skip-the-Line Tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Royal Kitchen