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Palacio Real, Madrid

Updated on 9 October 2026

The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) stands on Calle de Bailén, on the western edge of Madrid’s historic centre. It is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, although they no longer live there, and it is run by Patrimonio Nacional as a visitor site. This post covers the palace’s history, what the visit includes, and the opening hours and prices published for 2026.

History of the palace

The site was first a fortress. According to Madrid’s tourist board, Emir Mohamed I chose it for a stronghold to protect Toledo, and the building later became the Antiguo Alcázar used by the kings of Castile. Charles I and Philip II turned it into a permanent royal residence. In 1734 a fire destroyed it, and Philip V ordered the palace that stands today.

Filippo Juvara was first commissioned to design it. After his death his pupil Juan Bautista Sachetti drew up the final plans. Spain’s official tourism site states that Sachetti began the works in 1738 and that the building was completed in 1764; Francesco Sabatini designed the southeast wing and the main staircase. Charles III was the first monarch to live in the new palace, and it was home to the kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII. Today it is used for state ceremonies, which is why it sometimes closes at short notice.

What the visit includes

Patrimonio Nacional describes the palace as a baroque building with more than 3,000 rooms. Only part of it is on the visitor route. Rooms named by the tourist board include:

  • the Main Staircase by Sabatini, with over 70 steps
  • the Throne Hall, with a ceiling painted by Tiepolo
  • the Hall of Halberdiers, which Charles III turned into the Guards Room
  • the Gasparini Room, with 18th-century decoration on a floral theme
  • the Royal Chapel, which holds string instruments made by Antonio Stradivari
  • the Royal Armoury, with weapons and armour of the kings of Spain since the 13th century

The route has grown recently: the Sacristy has been included since the end of March 2025, and the Reliquary and Ante-Reliquary of the Royal Chapel opened to visitors on 17 March 2026. The Royal Kitchen, in the first basement, is not part of the standard route and needs a separate ticket.

Patrimonio Nacional estimates about 45 minutes for the halls without a guide and 30 minutes for the Royal Armoury.

Opening hours and tickets in 2026

The Patrimonio Nacional ticket page gives these hours:

  • Winter (October to March): Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00, Sundays 10:00 to 16:00
  • Summer (April to September): Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 19:00, Sundays 10:00 to 16:00

The ticket office and last admission close one hour earlier. In 2026 the palace is closed all day on 1 January, 6 January, 1 May and 25 December, and from 15:00 on 24 and 31 December. Official events can cause extra closures, so check the ticket page before going.

Prices in 2026, according to the same page:

  • Self-guided visit: €18 standard, €9 reduced
  • Guided visit with Patrimonio Nacional staff: €26 standard, €17 reduced
  • Combined ticket with the Gallery of the Royal Collections: €24 standard, €12 reduced
  • Royal Kitchen only: €8

Online purchases showed a booking fee of €0.77 per ticket in October 2026. Children under 5 enter free.

For students

The reduced price applies to accredited students up to 25 years of age with a current national or international student card, to visitors aged 5 to 16 and to people over 65. Bring the card: it is checked at the entrance.

Entry is free from Monday to Thursday from 17:00 to 19:00 (16:00 to 18:00 in winter) for citizens of the European Union, residents and holders of work permits in the EU, and Latin American citizens. Proof of nationality or residence is required, the free ticket covers the self-guided route only, and it is issued only at the ticket office. Students who plan a longer stay in the city can find schools and courses on the Madrid city page.

Getting there and what is nearby

Access for individual visitors and groups is currently through the esplanade between the palace and the Almudena Cathedral (Plaza de la Armería). The nearest metro station is Ópera (lines 2 and 5); Plaza de España (lines 2, 3 and 10) is also close. Bus lines 3, 25, 39 and 148 stop nearby, and the nearest Cercanías station is Príncipe Pío.

Several sights are within a few minutes’ walk:

  • Plaza de Oriente and the Teatro Real, about 200 metres away
  • The Sabatini Gardens and the Campo del Moro gardens, between the palace and the river Manzanares
  • The Gallery of the Royal Collections, next to the palace
  • The Mirador de la Cornisa, an observation deck between the palace and the cathedral, open daily from 12 noon to 10pm with free admission

The Changing of the Guard takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, weather permitting. The larger Solemn Changing of the Guard is held on the first Wednesday of each month, except January, August and September. More places to see in the capital are listed in Monuments in Madrid.

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