Royal Palace of Madrid Tours | Learn About This Iconic Landmark From an Expert Guide

4.7(96.3K ratings)
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Tours in multiple languages
Tours in multiple languages
Top experiences in Madrid
Top experiences in Madrid



Throne room with ornate chandeliers and red velvet walls inside Royal Palace of Madrid.
Tourists with guide outside Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain.
Royal Palace of Madrid interior with ornate ceiling and chandeliers.
Dining room inside Royal Palace of Madrid with ornate chandeliers and elegant table settings.
paintings along with detailed and decorated interiors of royal palace of madrid
Tourists exploring the Royal Palace of Madrid courtyard, Spain.
Tour Guide with tourists inside Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid's Hall of Columns with ornate chandeliers and marble columns.
Tourists on guided tour inside Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain, viewing ornate architecture.
Guards at the gate of Royal Palace of Madrid
Throne room with ornate chandeliers and red velvet walls inside Royal Palace of Madrid.
Tourists with guide outside Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain.
Royal Palace of Madrid interior with ornate ceiling and chandeliers.
Dining room inside Royal Palace of Madrid with ornate chandeliers and elegant table settings.
paintings along with detailed and decorated interiors of royal palace of madrid
Tourists exploring the Royal Palace of Madrid courtyard, Spain.
Tour Guide with tourists inside Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid's Hall of Columns with ornate chandeliers and marble columns.
Tourists on guided tour inside Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain, viewing ornate architecture.
Guards at the gate of Royal Palace of Madrid
Throne room with ornate chandeliers and red velvet walls inside Royal Palace of Madrid.
Tourists with guide outside Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain.
Royal Palace of Madrid interior with ornate ceiling and chandeliers.
Dining room inside Royal Palace of Madrid with ornate chandeliers and elegant table settings.
paintings along with detailed and decorated interiors of royal palace of madrid
Tourists exploring the Royal Palace of Madrid courtyard, Spain.
Tour Guide with tourists inside Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid's Hall of Columns with ornate chandeliers and marble columns.
Tourists on guided tour inside Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain, viewing ornate architecture.
Guards at the gate of Royal Palace of Madrid
4.4(3.7K)

Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

from
€23.40
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min. - 5 hr.

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 English and Spanish bilingual guide (as per option selected)
  • Expert 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!
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Tour guide showing a group of tourists famous artworks during a Skip the Line Guided Tour of Prado Museum & Royal Palace in Madrid
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Prado Museum exterior with visitors, part of Madrid Day Tour including Royal Palace tickets.
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Crown of Charles III displayed inside the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Inside The Royal Palace of Madrid
Inside the Royal Palace of Madrid
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Tour guide showing a group of tourists famous artworks during a Skip the Line Guided Tour of Prado Museum & Royal Palace in Madrid
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Prado Museum exterior with visitors, part of Madrid Day Tour including Royal Palace tickets.
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Crown of Charles III displayed inside the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Inside The Royal Palace of Madrid
Inside the Royal Palace of Madrid
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Tour guide showing a group of tourists famous artworks during a Skip the Line Guided Tour of Prado Museum & Royal Palace in Madrid
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Prado Museum exterior with visitors, part of Madrid Day Tour including Royal Palace tickets.
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside Prado Museum, Madrid, during a guided tour.
Crown of Charles III displayed inside the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Inside The Royal Palace of Madrid
Inside the Royal Palace of Madrid
4.3(1.4K)

Prado Museum & Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour

from
€68
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
5 hr.

Cover two iconic Madrid attractions with one ticket!

  • Experience a full cultural immersion with a guided tour of the Royal Palace and Prado Museum.
  • Tour the massive Royal Palace for 1.5 hours with an expert, delving into the history and artistic choices of Spain’s royal family.
  • Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the Prado Museum, uncovering artistic techniques and symbolism in masterpieces by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Velázquez.
  • Select English or Spanish for your tour and join passionate conversations on art in a language you’re most comfortable with.
  • Don't waste your time standing in queues. Instead, spend your time marveling at furniture and musical treasures from centuries ago.

Cover two iconic Madrid attractions with one ticket!

  • Experience a full cultural immersion with a guided tour of the Royal Palace and Prado Museum.
  • Tour the massive Royal Palace for 1.5 hours with an expert, delving into the history and artistic choices of Spain’s royal family.
  • Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the Prado Museum, uncovering artistic techniques and symbolism in masterpieces by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Velázquez.
  • Select English or Spanish for your tour and join passionate conversations on art in a language you’re most comfortable with.
  • Don't waste your time standing in queues. Instead, spend your time marveling at furniture and musical treasures from centuries ago.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of Prado Museum & the Royal Palace with skip-the-line entries
  • Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Access to Royal Kitchen
  • Access to Royal Collections
  • Tip: Ask your guide about the famous Grand Staircase in the Royal Palace of Madrid, made from a single piece of San Agustin marble.
  • Keep your camera tucked away – photography and videography is strictly not allowed at both venues.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Keep in mind food & beverages are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
  • Mobile phones must remain in silent mode during the visit to the Royal Palace.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Participants on a Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Madrid with Priority Access
Facade of Royal Palace of Madrid
Participants on a Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Madrid with Priority Access
Paintings and art collection in Royal Collections Gallery, Madrid
Visitors waiting outside Royal Collection Gallery, Madrid
Participants on a Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Madrid with Priority Access
Facade of Royal Palace of Madrid
Participants on a Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Madrid with Priority Access
Paintings and art collection in Royal Collections Gallery, Madrid
Visitors waiting outside Royal Collection Gallery, Madrid
Participants on a Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Madrid with Priority Access
Facade of Royal Palace of Madrid
Participants on a Guided Tour of Royal Palace of Madrid with Priority Access
Paintings and art collection in Royal Collections Gallery, Madrid
Visitors waiting outside Royal Collection Gallery, Madrid
NEW

Guided Tour of Royal Collections Gallery and Royal Palace with Skip-the-Line Tickets

from
€68
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
5 hr.
  • 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.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, boasts 3,418 rooms, housing notable features such as the Royal Library, Royal Chapel, Grand Staircase, Royal Armory, Stradivarius Hall, and the Hall of Mirrors. Larger than the Palace of Versailles, its walls hold captivating stories. Explore this architectural marvel on a guided tour to delve into its rich history and artistic treasures.

Which Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour is best for you?

Priority Access Tours

Priority Access Tours

Duration: 1.5 hours
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 Priority Access

Combo Tours

Combo Tours

Duration: Upto 5 hours
Suited for: Budget travelers

Why go for it?

  • Explore Madrid's top attractions—the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum. Explore the cultural and historical richness of these iconic sites, all within the convenience of a carefully curated combo tour.
  • Enjoy direct access to both the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace, bypassing long ticketing queues with our combo tickets.
  • This cost-effective and time-efficient option is ideal for maximizing your visit to Madrid, especially if your time in the city is limited.

Recommended Tours:
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Prado Museum & Royal Palace

Why book a guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid?

The Royal Palace of Madrid boasts a rich history and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain. Here are a few reasons why you should take a Royal Palace of Madrid tour.

Royal Palace of Madrid tours

Highlights of your Royal Palace of Madrid tour

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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 palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

royal palace of madrid tours

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.

Guided tours vs non-guided tours

royal palace of madrid tours
royal palace of madrid tours

Visitor Tips

  • Book your tickets early. Tickets get sold out quite fast since it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain.
  • Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll have to do a lot of walking to do at the palace.
  • Read up about the palace and its history if you’re not opting for a guided tour.
  • The palace is wheelchair friendly and accessible to people with motor disabilities.
  • The palace is closed for state ceremonies on certain days. It is best to find out these dates and times before booking tickets.
  • In case you’re carrying large bags, you can store them at the luggage facility located at the entrance to the palace. 
  • Photography is not allowed in some areas of the palace. Additionally, the use of handheld cameras and flash photography is not permitted.

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.