Prepare your visit to Madrid's spectacular Royal Palace

History

Built between 1738 and 1764, the Royal Palace was commissioned by King Philip V to serve as the official residence of the Spanish monarchy. However, the current King and Queen of Spain do not reside here but in the Zarzuela Palace. Its imposing baroque and neoclassical architecture seeks to reflect the grandeur of royalty. It is the largest palace in Western Europe, with more than 3,000 rooms, including impressive halls, art galleries and a rich collection of artworks, furniture and historical treasures. In addition, its gardens, such as the Sabatini Gardens and the Campo del Moro, are a lovely place to stroll and enjoy the views. Today, it is one of Madrid's main tourist attractions, where visitors can explore its architecture, marvel at its artistic gems and learn about its long history.

Opening hours and prices

The Royal Palace's opening hours are as follows:

• Winter (October to March): Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Summer (April to September): Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

However, sometimes there may be special opening hours, or it may be closed on public holidays or during official events. 

Tickets cost €12, although this varies depending on the parts of the palace you want to visit, and there are special discounts for seniors over 65, children, students, large families and groups. In addition, access is free from Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in winter). You can find more information about the fares and book your tickets on the official website. 

Getting there

Located in the heart of Madrid, it is easy to reach the Palace from any part of the city. The nearest Metro stop is Ópera Station (lines 2 and 5). This stop is just a few minutes' walk from the building and is the most convenient public transport option. It is also close to Príncipe Pío train station and just a few minutes' walk from our apartments.

Events and exhibitions

If you are an art and culture enthusiast, you will be happy to find that the Royal Palace hosts a wide range of temporary exhibitions, conferences and concerts ranging from art to literature, history, architecture and much more. You can check the updated programme here. 

Finally, there's nothing like relaxing in your luxury accommodation after a day of sightseeing in the city. Enjoy our fully equipped apartments that are just a 10-minute walk from the Royal Palace. Book now!