How to Buy Tickets for the Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is one of the largest and most lavish palaces in Europe. Built between the 18th and 19th centuries, the palace covers an area of 13 hectares, featuring 44 staircases, 240 balconies, and 870 rooms. Today, parts of this magnificent royal residence are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Spanish royal families.

Short on time? How to buy tickets for the Royal Palace of Madrid: Unless you enjoy spending your holidays queuing, we strongly recommend you book your Royal Palace of Madrid tickets in advance here.

How to buy tickets for the Royal Palace of Madrid

There are several options for purchasing tickets for the Royal Palace of Madrid. Here are the main ones:

Buying tickets on site (queuing at the ticket office)

The most straightforward way to get your tickets is to buy them in person upon arrival. However, this comes with drawbacks, such as having to stand in line at the ticket office and the risk that tickets for your preferred time may be sold out.

Online booking (recommended)

Booking your Royal Palace tickets online in advance is by far the best option. This guarantees your entry and lets you plan the rest of your sightseeing around your visit to the palace.

Tickets can be reserved via the official website of the Royal Palace of Madrid. However, the official site is not particularly user-friendly, not fully available in English, and all tickets are non-refundable—which can be inconvenient if your plans change suddenly.

For a smoother and more flexible booking experience, we recommend booking tickets here. These tickets may cost slightly more, but you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking a guided tour

A great way to make the most of your visit and discover details you might otherwise overlook is by joining a guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid. While guided tours can be booked on the official site, they’re only available in Spanish and last just one hour. For a two-hour English-language guided tour with skip-the-line entry, we suggest this guided tour.

Useful Information for Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid

When is the best time to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid?

If you plan to visit a popular landmark like the Royal Palace of Madrid, timing is important. Lucky for you, visiting early in the morning means fewer crowds, allowing you to appreciate its glamorous halls in peace.

Crowds pick up from late morning into the early afternoon, so mornings are ideal. Try to avoid late afternoons, especially when some nationalities get free admission, as the palace gets particularly crowded then.

Royal Palace of Madrid opening hours

The Royal Palace and Royal Kitchen are open daily. Both close on certain days of the year: in 2022, closures include January 1 and 6, May 1, December 25 and 26; the kitchens are also closed on October 12.

Schedules follow summer/winter hours. From April to September: the palace is open 10:00-19:00 Monday to Saturday, and 10:00-16:00 on Sundays. From October to March: 10:00-18:00 Monday to Saturday, 10:00-16:00 on Sundays. Final admission is always one hour before closing.

The Royal Kitchen has separate opening times: 10:15-19:00 in summer and 10:15-17:00 in winter. The palace gardens open 10:00-18:00.

How to get to the Royal Palace of Madrid

Thanks to its central location, the Royal Palace is often within walking distance for many visitors. If not, public transport is convenient. The best way depends on your starting point, but the main options are below.

To reach the palace by metro, take Line 2 or Line 5 to Opera station. From there, it’s just a short walk. If traveling from further out, suburban trains C1 or C10 stop at Príncipe Pío nearby. Numerous buses also stop close to the palace, including routes 3, 25, 39, and 148.

How do Royal Palace of Madrid tickets work?

Royal Palace tickets are straightforward, but it helps to know how they work to avoid any trouble on the day of your visit.

The main choice is whether you want to visit inside the palace, the kitchens, or both. Tickets for each experience are separate, so decide what you want before booking.

Visits start every 15 minutes, so you’ll need to select a date and time slot. You’ll often see two options for the same time, one being a guided tour.

Once booked, you can print your tickets at home or pick them up at the ticket office. It’s best to arrive about 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

How much do Royal Palace of Madrid tickets cost?

Ticket prices are a major concern for most travelers—here’s how costs break down. We’ll also cover who’s eligible for free entry.

General admission costs €12 for adults and €6 for reduced tickets. Combined admission to palace and kitchens is €16 for adults, €10 reduced, and €4 for visitors eligible for free palace access. Separate tickets for the Royal Kitchen are €6.

Reduced tickets are for children aged 5–16, students up to 25, and seniors 65 or older. Free admission is available for visitors with disabilities (plus one companion) and all children under five.

Guided tours and audioguides involve additional costs: mobile app guides cost €4 extra, while the official palace audioguide costs €5.

Free entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid

You can visit the palace museum free of charge in specific cases; the Royal Kitchen is closed during these hours. Last admission for free entry is always one hour before closing. Free admission is available annually on International Museum Day (May 18) and Spanish National Day (October 12). It’s also available at certain evening hours for EU or Latin American citizens and residents: Monday–Thursday from 16:00–18:00 (October–March) and 17:00–19:00 (April–September).

Best hotels near the Royal Palace of Madrid

Thanks to its central location, staying near the Royal Palace is a great choice for easy access to the city’s attractions, restaurants, and bars. There’s a broad selection of accommodation—here are some recommended options.

For a luxurious stay, check out the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá. This five-star hotel, a former 19th-century palace just five minutes’ walk from the Royal Palace, boasts three restaurants, a Thai Room spa, and a 24-hour gym.

If you want style and comfort without a hefty price tag, consider the Oriente Palace Apartments, a boutique aparthotel with rooms and apartments right by the palace.

Traveling on a budget? The Hat Madrid is a stylish hostel in a converted villa just 10 minutes away, offering dorms and private rooms with all the essentials. For more choices, take a look at our hotel listings for Madrid.

Safety at the Royal Palace of Madrid

To ensure an enjoyable and problem-free visit, keep in mind key visitor rules: Backpacks and large bags aren’t allowed inside the palace and must be left in the cloakroom. Photography and filming inside are forbidden, and phones must be kept on silent.

Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid with a disability

There’s little official information in English on accessibility, except that the palace is accessible via ramps around the building. For visitors with visual or hearing impairments, check ahead for updated resources before booking.

Royal Palace of Madrid Facts

What is the Royal Palace of Madrid?

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence for the Spanish royal family, mainly used today for state ceremonies.

When was the Royal Palace of Madrid built?

Construction began in 1738 and continued until 1755.

How old is the Royal Palace of Madrid?

As of 2022, the palace is 267 years old.

Who built the Royal Palace of Madrid?

King Philip V of Spain commissioned its construction, and architect Filippo Juvarra oversaw the project.

Why was the Royal Palace of Madrid built?

It was built to replace the Royal Alcázar of Madrid, which burned down in 1734.

Where is the Royal Palace of Madrid located?

The palace lies on the western edge of Madrid’s Centro district.

Now that you have all this information, planning your tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid should be straightforward. We hope we’ve answered your questions and encouraged you to secure your tickets ahead of your visit.