Things to do in Madrid

Top 4 Madrid Royal Palace tours not to miss

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Step into the magnificent halls of the Royal Palace of Madrid, filled with rich cultural and historical significance. Make your way through the many areas inside the palace including the Royal Library, Royal Armory, the Royal Chapel, the Crown Room, the Grand Staircase, and much more. Get a taste of the glamour of Spanish Royalty as you marvel at the many historical and artistic pieces that adorn the many rooms inside the palace.

On your Madrid Royal Palace guided tour, you have an expert historian telling you about the history of the palace, the significance of each room, famous artworks and the artists behind them, and other interesting facts. The best part is that you don’t even have to wait in line to get in! Enjoy priority access and skip-the-line features as part of your guided tour.

We’ve put together everything you need to know about choosing the right guided tour on your visit to Madrid Royal Palace.

Advantages of Madrid Royal Palace Guided Tours


No need to wait in line to get in

Madrid Royal Palace is crowded throughout the year. This means that you’ll end up waiting in long lines before you can enter the palace. With your guided tour ticket, you can skip waiting in line and head right in along with your travel guide.

Get expert guidance while exploring the palace

A historical marvel such as the Royal Palace of Madrid comes with generations worth of stories. It’s good to have some company while you explore the palace along with someone who knows its history. Have an expert historian tell you all about the history of the palace, its inhabitants, and other interesting information.

Madrid Royal Palace Advantages

Enjoy a hassle-free experience

When you book a guided tour, all you have to do is show up. The entire planning process as well as figuring out what to do inside the palace is taken care of by someone else. Relax and enjoy a hassle-free experience as your travel guide takes care of everything else.

Easy navigation through the palace

Madrid Royal Palace is a massive structure spread across 1,40,000 sq. ft. Making your way through the palace can be quite confusing and tiresome. On a guided tour, you will be taken from one area of the palace to the next in an organized manner, making sure you don’t miss out on anything. Moreover, the tour is planned in such a way that you get enough time to marvel at each area and the historical and artistic pieces inside them.

Flexible timings for your guided tour

With your Madrid Royal Palace guided tour tickets, you don’t have a fixed time where you have to begin your visit. The timings are quite flexible allowing you to enjoy your visit at your convenience. Choose timings that fit into your travel schedule instead of the other way around.

Small tour groups

Guided tours ensure that you have a meaningful experience where each tour group allows for a small number of individuals. This is especially beneficial since the world is only just recovering from the tragic effects of the pandemic.

Madrid Royal palace Advantages

The Best Madrid Royal Palace Guided Tours


Guided Tours

Combo Guided Tours

Madrid Royal palace covid reopen
Royal Palace Of Madrid

The Complete Guide To Royal Palace Madrid: The Home Of Spanish Royals

Read on to know more about what lies inside the palace and why it should top your Madrid bucket list.

Choosing the Best Madrid Royal Palace Guided Tour


Before choosing your tour, take a look at the main features of each type of tour and then make an informed decision. Here’s a list of all your Madrid Royal Palace tour options and their highlights.

1Guided Tour with Priority Access

Enjoy priority access to the Royal Palace of Madrid without the hassle of waiting in long lines. Your guided tour comes with a skip the line feature and gives you access to all major areas of the palace. Check out the iconic rooms inside the palace including the Royal Library, the Royal Chapel, the Crown Room, and more.

Choosing The Right Madrid Royal Palace Tour

2Free Cancellation

Fancy yourself a guided tour of the Madrid Royal Palace but not sure your plan is set in stone? Fret not! Book now and cancel later (at least 24 hours prior to the tour) so you have a reserved slot in case you can make it. This ensures you won’t have to waste time at the attraction buying tickets if your day opens up.

Choosing The Right Madrid Royal Palace Tour

3Prado Museum Tour Included

On this one day tour, visit the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid - two of Spain's most popular tourist attractions. With tickets in hand, you'll be able to skip any lines at these venues and go straight into exploring all that they have to offer. From incredible histories to priceless treasures, there's something for everyone at these amazing places.

Choosing The Right Madrid Royal palace Tour

4El Retiro Park Tour Included

Get premium access to Madrid's exquisite Royal Palace and Gardens, including the throne room on this exclusive guided tour. Also explore the brilliant artwork by Goya and Velázquez and take a leisurely stroll of the lovely El Retiro Park.

Choosing The Right Madrid Royal palace Tour

Madrid Royal Palace Tours Deconstructed - A Typical Guided Tour Experience


Madrid Royal Palace tours

If this is your first visit to Spain, don’t miss out on the iconic historical structure that is the Royal Palace of Madrid. The palace encapsulates the beautiful rich history of Spain and its royalty. Enjoy an elaborate tour of the home of Spanish Royals from the past and present.

Skip the line and head right in

You don’t have to wait in line to enter the palace. Once you reach, your guide will escort you past the long lines and into the palace. Transport yourself back in time into one of the most spectacular and largest palaces in all of Europe.

Marvel at the distinct Royal Rooms

Take your time exploring the many rooms inside the palace along with your travel guide. Learn about the significance of each room as you admire the historical tapestries, artworks, and design. You will be taken to the Royal Library, the Grand Staircase, the Crown Room, Private Apartments, and more.

Madrid Royal Palace tours

Learn interesting facts and anecdotes

Your expert guide will tell you all about the fascinating history of the Royal Palace of Madrid, stories of the many royal families that lived in it, and the significance of the numerous artifacts it holds.

Indulge in unique works of art

Madrid Royal Palace is home to an exclusive collection of artworks by many renowned artists including Velázquez, Goya, Caravaggio, and many others. Take a close look at their works as well as other ancient artifacts such as armors, swords, and intricate tapestries.



Take a stroll through the Royal Gardens

Finish off your tour by taking a walk through the spectacular Royal Gardens. Filled with colorful frescoes and greenery, the serene space is quite a treat for the senses. After your tour, you can take your time walking around the garden or visit the Royal Armory and Pharmacy.

Are the Madrid Royal Palace Tours Worth It?


Yes. Guided tours are the best way to make the most of your visit to any attraction. A magnificent structure such as the Royal Palace of Madrid has generations of stories within its walls, which you can find out on a guided tour. Learn everything there is to know about this iconic Spanish landmark and what makes it so special, from an expert guide. Guided tours are a sure-shot way to make sure you have a wholesome experience on your visit, especially when you’re exploring a historical landmark like the Madrid Royal Palace.


Madrid Royal Palace Practical Information


Opening Hours

The Madrid Royal Palace is open every day throughout the week, however, timings differ according to seasons.

In summers (April to September), the palace is open from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Sunday between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

During winter (October to March), the palace is open from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Sunday between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Getting to Royal Palace Madrid

  • By Bus: Bus routes 3, 25, 39, and 148 will get you to the Royal Palace of Madrid.
  • By Car: There is no onsite parking at the Royal Palace of Madrid. The closest car parks are Aparcamiento Plaza de Oriente and Parking Palacio de los Duques.
  • By Metro: If you’re traveling by metro, take lines 5 or 2 and get off at the Opera Station.
  • By RER: If you’re taking the train to Madrid Royal Palace, get off at the Principe Pio Station.
  • By Taxi: You can catch a local taxi which will take you straight to the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Insider Tips


  • Madrid Royal Palace is completely accessible to people with reduced mobilities.
  • There is a storage facility for large bags and luggage at the entrance of the Madrid Royal Palace.
  • Handheld cameras and cellphones are permitted for the purpose of photography. However, flash photography and the use of tripods is not allowed.
  • You will have to cover a large area by foot at the palace so we recommend wearing comfortable footwear.
  • Infants between the ages of 0 - 5 years can enter for free while children between 6 - 15 years are eligible for guided tour tickets at a discounted rate.
Royal Palace Madrid Guided Tours

FAQs


What is the best guided tour while traveling with children at Madrid Royal Palace?

If you’re traveling with children, opt for the Fast Track Access Guided Tour or the Priority Access Guided Tour. This way you can save time and head right in without having to wait in line. 

What time do Madrid Royal Palace guided tours start?

Timings for Madrid Palace guided tours are flexible. You can choose the timing that suits you best during check out. 

Keep in mind that opening hours are different for summer and winter. During summers (April to September), the palace is open from Monday to Saturday between10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Sunday between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During winter (October to March), the palace is open between Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Can I book a private tour just for myself at Royal Palace Madrid? 

Yes. You can book a private tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid just for yourself or your party. Private tours are a very personalized and hassle-free experience. Don’t worry about waiting in line at the palace, with a ticket to a private tour, you can jump right in along with your expert guide.

Which is the best Madrid Royal Palace tour for budget travellers? 

If you’re on a budget, you can get the Royal Palace of Madrid Skip the Line Ticket which is priced at just €12.

Will the prices change for a larger/smaller private group for Madrid Royal Palace?

You can avail of a private tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid for a fixed rate that accommodates up to 8 people per tour.  

Ready to head to Madrid Royal Palace?


Purchase discounted Royal Palace Madrid tickets via Headout today! Explore Royal Palace Madrid in a hassle-free fashion with all the need-to-know information in hand.

Fancy heading out to some other stunning Madrid attractions? Take inspiration from our list of the best things to do in Madrid here.

In Madrid for a few days?

In the city for a few days and want some help charting out an itinerary? Check out our 1 day in Madrid and our 3 days in Madrid itineraries for inspiration.