The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Spanish Crown, although the monarchs have not lived there since 1931. With more than 3,000 rooms, it is often cited as the largest royal palace in Western Europe—visitors can tour about fifty of them, which is more than enough. Here’s what you should know before you go.
The schedule changes with the season
From April through September, it's open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. From October through March, it's open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It seems like a minor detail until you arrive at 5:30 p.m. in November and find out they're no longer letting people in.
And there's something even more important: The palace closes without prior notice due to official events. It is still used for state receptions. Check the National Heritage website on the same day if you're short on time, especially if you're traveling specifically to see it.
The two free hours
From Monday through Thursday, the last two hours During opening hours, admission is free for citizens of the European Union and Ibero-America upon presentation of an original passport or ID card. In winter, opening hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and in summer, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Two hours sounds good but is misleading: the line during that time slot is long, and the entire tour takes at least an hour and a half. If you go in at 5:00 p.m. in the winter, you’ll be rushing. Our recommendation is simple—if you’re short on time in Madrid, pay to get in during the morning; if you have some leeway, go on a Monday at 3:30 p.m. and take your time in line.
The Changing of the Guard
It is done Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Puerta del Príncipe, and it's free: you can watch it from the street without going inside the palace. The changing of the guard takes place continuously, so you don't have to be there at eleven o'clock sharp.
What does deserve some planning is the Solemn Changing of the Guard, on the first Wednesday of every month at 12:00 p.m.: more than 400 soldiers, about 100 horses, and historical uniforms on the esplanade. Both events are canceled in case of rain, due to official ceremonies, and during the hottest months, so be sure to check before planning your day around them.
What Not to Miss Inside
The Grand Staircase sets the tone from the very first minute. Next come the Throne Room with its frescoes by Tiepolo, the Gasparini Room, and the Banquet Hall. Off the main tour route are two gems that many people skip: the Royal Armory, one of the world's finest collections of armor, and the Royal Pharmacy, with its thousands of ceramic jars.
Allow an hour and a half for the main tour and about three hours if you include the Armory and the gardens. The nearest metro station is Ópera (lines 2 and 5), a five-minute walk away.
If you're planning a visit, here are all of our Experiences in Madrid.