Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace showing a city, château or palace and heritage architecture
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid


Be spellbound by the scale and splendour 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, armour 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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Things to do near Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is surrounded by vibrant shopping areas, where visitors can enjoy window shopping and experience the local culture. In addition to this, the nearby theatre and art venues offer a rich cultural experience. Don't miss the opportunity to take a top tour of the palace itself, which showcases its stunning architecture and historical significance, making for an unforgettable visit to this iconic landmark.

Shopping

San Miguel Market, only 186m from the Royal Palace, offers vibrant city vibes with various local delicacies. El Rastro, located 497m away, is a bustling market perfect for unique finds. For a retail experience, head to El Corte Inglés, 1.2km from the palace.

Recreation

Unwind at Madrid Río, a serene recreation park just 621m from the Royal Palace, offering picturesque walking paths and tranquil green spaces. For sports enthusiasts, Madrid Arena, located 621m away, provides an exhilarating atmosphere to enjoy various events and activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Karting at Carlos Sainz Center, located 621m from the Royal Palace of Madrid, where adrenaline-fuelled races await. Enjoy a game of tennis at Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, also 621m away, or take a scenic ride on the Madrid Cable Car, situated 1.2km away, offering stunning views and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Royal Palace of Madrid is vibrant and enticing. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Lope de Vega Theatre, dance the night away at Joy Madrid nightclub, or catch a romantic film at Palacio de la Prensa Cinema, all within a short stroll from the palace.

Find the best attractions near Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is surrounded by a variety of intriguing points of interest, including picturesque squares, historic churches, and charming streets. Visitors seeking a cultural experience, family-friendly activities, or a taste of Madrid's rich history will find plenty to explore. Don't miss iconic attractions like the palace itself and nearby historic sites that embody the essence of this vibrant city.

  • Gran Via: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Gran Via, a bustling street filled with shops, theatres, and cafes. Just 435m from the Royal Palace, it's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a night out, showcasing the city's lively urban culture.
  • Puerta del Sol: Located 373m away, Puerta del Sol is a historic square that serves as a central hub for both locals and tourists. Marvel at the iconic landmarks, enjoy street performances, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural vibe of Madrid.
  • Almudena Cathedral: A mere 124m from the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral stands as a stunning architectural masterpiece. Its impressive interiors and serene atmosphere offer a unique insight into Madrid's religious heritage and cultural significance.

Best time to go to Royal Palace of Madrid

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 (dry). 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 (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

To save money on your visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to February or August, and aim to book your hotel around a month in advance. Monday is typically the least expensive day for accommodation. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly lodging by filtering for eco-certified options and sorting prices from lowest to highest. For additional savings, look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities. Lastly, make the most of public transport, which is a cost-effective way to explore the city.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Royal Palace of Madrid is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, currently available for booking. To discover the most affordable options and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking for the Royal Palace of Madrid with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.