The Royal Palace of Madrid, or Palacio Real de Madrid, is one of the largest palaces in Europe, covering over 135,000 square meters with 3,418 rooms. It serves as the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, although it is now primarily used for state ceremonies.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Tour the Royal Palace
Explore the interior of the Royal Palace, which offers a grand tour through opulent rooms such as the Throne Room, Banqueting Hall, and the Royal Chapel. The palace is filled with luxurious tapestries, frescoes, and priceless artworks by artists like Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio. Don’t miss the Gasparini Room, one of the most ornate rooms in the palace.
Tip: Get an audio guide or join a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of each room.
2. Visit the Royal Armoury (Real Armería)
Adjacent to the palace is the Royal Armoury, one of the most important collections of weapons and armor in the world, dating back to the 13th century. The collection includes armor used by Emperor Charles V and King Philip II, as well as weapons and ceremonial swords.
3. Stroll Through Plaza de la Armería
The Plaza de la Armería is the grand square in front of the Royal Palace, where you can admire the palace's majestic façade and the Almudena Cathedral across the square. This is also where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering visitors a glimpse of royal tradition.
4. Explore the Royal Gardens (Campo del Moro and Sabatini Gardens)
Take a relaxing walk in the Campo del Moro and Sabatini Gardens, located behind the palace. These beautifully landscaped gardens are perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. The Sabatini Gardens are known for their symmetrical design and offer stunning views of the palace from below.
5. Admire the View from Plaza de Oriente
Plaza de Oriente is a beautiful square located to the east of the palace, filled with statues of Spanish monarchs and well-manicured gardens. This is a great spot to sit and enjoy views of the palace and the surrounding architecture. The Teatro Real (Royal Theatre) is also located here, adding to the cultural significance of the area.
6. Visit Almudena Cathedral
Directly across from the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral is a striking neo-Gothic structure. The cathedral is relatively modern, having been completed in 1993, and features impressive stained glass windows and a beautiful dome offering panoramic views of the city and the palace.
7. Check Out the Royal Pharmacy (Real Farmacia)
Inside the Royal Palace, you’ll find the Royal Pharmacy, which offers a fascinating look into the history of medicine. The pharmacy contains original jars, cabinets, and medicinal preparations used by the Spanish royal family for centuries.
8. Watch the Solemn Changing of the Guard
On the first Wednesday of each month (except in summer), you can witness the Solemn Changing of the Guard at the Plaza de la Armería, a grander version of the regular Changing of the Guard. Soldiers dressed in traditional uniforms from the time of King Alfonso XII perform a ceremonial parade with horses and cannons, accompanied by military music.
9. Explore the Nearby Royal Sites
Monastery of Las Descalzas Reales: A short walk from the palace, this former royal convent houses an impressive collection of religious art and relics.
Royal Palace of El Pardo: A short drive from Madrid, this smaller royal palace is used as a residence for visiting heads of state and offers a more intimate look at royal life.
10. Visit the Sabatini Theatre (Teatro de la Zarzuela)
For a traditional cultural experience, consider attending a performance at the Teatro de la Zarzuela, located nearby. The theatre specializes in zarzuela, a unique Spanish genre of musical drama that blends opera, operetta, and popular Spanish music.
Official Website: Palacio Real de Madrid | Patrimonio Nacional
Main Positive Reviews:
Many visitors rave about the stunning architecture and the grandeur of the palace.
The palace is rich in history, which is a big draw for history buffs.
The palace grounds are expansive and well-kept, providing a pleasant experience.
The interior decor and artwork are often highlighted as impressive.
The location offers beautiful views of Madrid.
Ideal for learning about Spanish history.
Spectacular architecture with interesting stories. Best to visit at any time.
A must-visit for every tourist. Recommended to go with a guide.
This is a must-see attraction that will leave an indelible mark on your memory.
Romantic view and atmosphere at evening.
Found out that after 5 PM the visit is free. We queued for a bit before they opened for free entry, but once opened, it was quick.
Main Negative Reviews:
Some visitors have complained about long wait times to enter.
The palace can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A few reviews mention that the entry fee is on the higher side.
Certain parts of the palace are off-limits, which can be disappointing.
Some visitors reported that the lack of English explanations was a downside.
Very unfriendly staff at the ticketing counter, shouted at one visitor for no rhyme and reason. So rude and racist.
2 hour wait time in the blazing 35 degree sun with no shade, line never moves, can't book a day in advance you need to book 2 days in advance and even when you do it's another 1 hour wait in the sun.
One visitor had reduced fee admission (student >25yo) but nobody speaks English and he had to pay 14 dollars to enter. Unacceptable for a national monument. The woman working at the desk was outrageously incompetent.
Even with pre-purchased tickets for a specific entry time, some visitors still had to queue for more than 45 minutes at the entrance (there are two lines at the entrance, one for those with tickets and one without, but both move at the same speed). Despite nobody being at the security checkpoint, they wouldn't let them in.
The queue system which doesn't work.
Overall Analysis
Cost: The average cost for entry is approximately €15. Guided tours may cost more, ranging from €25 to €30.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid is generally considered worth it due to its architectural beauty, historical significance, and well-maintained interiors. However, the experience can be marred by long lines, crowding, and the relatively high entry fee.
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