Royal Palace of Madrid
Europe's largest functioning royal palace by floor area, lavishly furnished and still used for state events.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Royal Palace of Madrid worth it?
Royal Palace of Madrid deserves a place on most first itineraries. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
The gilded staterooms, throne room and Tiepolo ceilings are genuinely opulent, and the exterior plaza is one of Madrid's grand sights.
- 02
The catch: the timed-ticket lines get long, photography is restricted indoors, and on state-event days rooms close without much warning.
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Madrid
A must for the palatial spectacle, but check it isn't closed for a ceremony that day.
You're watching the budget
Royal Palace of Madrid earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Royal Palace of Madrid.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Royal Palace of Madrid is an easy yes.
Plan it well
- Cost
- €14 (free last 2 hours for EU citizens, Mon–Thu)
- Timing
- First slot of the morning to avoid the longest lines.
- Booking
- Buy online; EU citizens get the free last-two-hours window Mon–Thu.
- Allow
- 1.5–2.5 hours
- Accessibility
- Mostly accessible with lifts; some historic areas have steps.
Consider instead
Sources and method (2)
- With over 135,000 m² of floor space and 3,418 rooms it is the largest royal palace in Western Europe — roughly twice the size of Buckingham Palace or Versailles. en.wikipedia.org ↗
- General admission €14 (reduced €7); still used for official state ceremonies that can close rooms to visitors. tickets.patrimonionacional.es ↗