Royal Palace of Madrid Tours and Activities

Royal Palace which includes a park, heritage architecture and a city
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid


Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

The Spanish Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is one of the biggest palaces in Western Europe. The palace is known for its extravagant interior and the staggering collection of furniture, artwork, weapons, armor and accessories found throughout its 3,400 rooms. Construction of the building you see today started in 1738 after the previous royal residence burned down on the same site in 1734. Nowadays the Spanish royal family does not live in the palace.

Walk up the 70 steps of the Grand Staircase and through to the intricately decorated banquet halls and residential quarters. They were fitted out under the direction of King Carlos III and are some of the most impressive in Europe. You’ll also have access to his apartments, where you’ll find lavish furniture and masterful works of art.

Move on to the Throne Room to see one of Giambattista Tiépolo’s finest frescoes, the Glory of Spain, as well as ornate chandeliers, mirrors and tapestries. Head to the Hall of Halberdiers for a look at another of Tiepolo’s works or view the Royal Chapel to admire the elegant marble work and gold trimmings. Visit the Royal Library to examine rare old books and papers. You’ll also find maps, drawings and a selection of Stradivarius violins.

Explore the Painting Gallery to gaze at works by Velázquez, Caravaggio, El Greco, Goya and others, or wander through to the magnificent Royal Armories. You’ll see weapons used by the kings of Spain and their family for hundreds of years. Move on to the Royal Pharmacy to see old medicine bottles, storage cabinets and equipment.

The Royal Palace is in central Madrid and the closest metro station is Ópera. Visitors can wander the rooms at will or can join a guided tour for an extra fee. The palace is open every day except national holidays.

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Best Lodging Options Near Royal Palace of Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza

Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza

4 out of 5
Calle Serrano Jover 5, Madrid, Madrid
Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza
Hotel Nido Príncipe Pío

Hotel Nido Príncipe Pío

3 out of 5
Paseo de la Florida nº5, Madrid, Community of Madrid
Hotel Nido Príncipe Pío
Hotel Atlantico Madrid

Hotel Atlantico Madrid

4 out of 5
Gran Via 38, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World

Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World

5 out of 5
Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 5, Madrid, Madrid
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World
The Social Hub Madrid

The Social Hub Madrid

2.5 out of 5
Cta. de San Vicente 28, Madrid, Madrid
The Social Hub Madrid
Hotel Liabeny

Hotel Liabeny

4 out of 5
Calle de la Salud 3, Madrid
Hotel Liabeny
Hotel Emperador

Hotel Emperador

4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Emperador
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid offers a rich blend of activities for visitors, including shopping in nearby boutiques, enjoying captivating theatre performances, and indulging in vibrant entertainment options. Explore the surrounding area to experience the city's lively atmosphere and cultural delights, making your visit to this historic landmark truly memorable.

Shopping

For shopping near the Royal Palace of Madrid, visit San Miguel Market, just 483m away, for a vibrant public market experience. El Jardín de Serrano, only 1.6km away, offers a family-friendly shopping centre. If you're up for a drive, El Corte Inglés is 3.2km away for a larger store selection.

Recreation

Explore the vibrant atmosphere at Bernabéu Stadium, just 4.8km away, for an exhilarating sports experience. Unwind at Madrid Río, located 1.6km away, where you can enjoy serene walks and relaxation. For entertainment, catch a show at Sala La Riviera, only 966m from the palace.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Karting at Carlos Sainz Center, located 1.6km from the Royal Palace of Madrid. For some tennis action, head to Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, also 1.6km away. Enjoy stunning views while adventuring on the Madrid Cable Car, 3.2km from the palace.

Nightlife

In Madrid, the Lope de Vega Theatre and Royal Theatre offer enchanting performances, perfect for a romantic night out. For a more vibrant atmosphere, head to Joy Madrid, a lively nightclub where you can dance the night away amid the city's energetic vibes.

Find the best attractions near Royal Palace of Madrid

When visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, you can explore a variety of attractions including charming piazzas, historic churches, and vibrant streets. This area offers a rich cultural experience ideal for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the stunning Royal Palace, also known as Palacio Real, where you can immerse yourself in Madrid's royal heritage while enjoying the surrounding picturesque sights.

  • Gran Via: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Gran Via, a bustling street known for its stunning architecture, shopping, and lively nightlife. Just 1.1km from the Royal Palace, it’s the perfect place to soak in the city's energetic vibes.
  • Plaza Mayor: Located 644m from the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor is a historic square that embodies Madrid's rich culture. Surrounded by beautiful buildings, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy local cuisine at outdoor cafés and take in the city's heritage.
  • Almudena Cathedral: A mere 322m away from the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral offers a serene experience with its stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance. This cultural landmark is a must-visit for its breathtaking interiors and historical significance.

Best time to go to Royal Palace of Madrid

Visitor numbers around Royal Palace of Madrid is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Royal Palace of Madrid can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Palace of Madrid falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Palace of Madrid falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Palace of Madrid

If you're visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, there are several ways to save money. Enjoy free attractions nearby, such as Gran Via, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. For accommodation, the cheapest months to book are January to February and August, with Mondays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to find great deals and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities. Remember to sort prices from lowest to highest for the best offers on hotels near the Royal Palace.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Palace of Madrid are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Royal Palace of Madrid about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Palace of Madrid is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Palace of Madrid is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Royal Palace of Madrid with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.