Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is a vast royal residence standing right in the heart of the Spanish capital, next to Plaza de Oriente. It's one of the largest palaces in Europe and a must-see stop for anyone visiting Madrid.

What's the history behind the palace?

Construction began in the 18th century on the orders of King Philip V of Bourbon, after the medieval fortress that previously stood on the site burned down. The baroque design was drawn up by Italian architect Filippo Juvarra, though he died before building work actually started — other architects took over and refined the plans. The result is a building with an austere, monumental exterior that contrasts sharply with lavish rococo and neoclassical interiors.

What can you see inside?

The palace has close to 2,800 rooms, though only a portion is open to visitors — the most impressive ones. These include the throne rooms, royal apartments with their original decor, an armory housing weapons and armor once used by Spanish monarchs, and painting galleries hung with works by well-known masters. The interior decoration — stuccowork, frescoes, chandeliers and tapestries — ranks among the richest in Europe, giving a vivid sense of what daily life at the Spanish royal court once looked like.

Does the king actually live there?

The palace remains the official residence of the Spanish royal family and serves a ceremonial role — state events, diplomatic receptions and ceremonies involving foreign heads of state all take place here. In practice, though, the royal family doesn't live in this building day to day; they reside in the much smaller Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid. That's precisely why most of the palace can be opened to visitors outside of state occasions.

How do you get there?

The palace sits right in central Madrid, within walking distance of Plaza Mayor and Almudena Cathedral. The nearest metro stations are Ópera (lines 2 and 5) and Plaza de España (lines 3 and 10), both just a few minutes' walk from the entrance. Numerous bus lines also serve the area. Given its central location, it's easy to pair a palace visit with nearby sights on the same day.

When's the best time to visit?

The palace occasionally closes or limits its visiting route during state ceremonies, so it's worth checking the current schedule before you go. During summer and peak tourist periods, queues at the ticket office and entrance can build up quickly, so arriving in the morning usually means a calmer visit. Spring and autumn strike a good balance between pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth going inside, or is the exterior enough? The facade and the courtyard in front of the palace are impressive, but the real reason to visit is the interior — the throne rooms, royal apartments and armory reveal the scale and splendor of the royal court in a way the outside simply can't.

How long does a visit take? Walking through the rooms open to the public usually takes 1.5–2 hours, but once you factor in queues and the surrounding gardens, it's worth setting aside half a day for the visit.

Is the palace always open to tourists? No — during state ceremonies and diplomatic events, part or all of the palace can be closed to visitors, so it's worth checking ahead before planning your trip.

Does the royal family currently live in the palace? Not on a permanent basis — although it remains the official residence, the Spanish royal family actually lives in the smaller Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid, while the Royal Palace itself serves mainly ceremonial purposes and is largely open to visitors.