https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-madrid
While visiting Madrid, you have to take your family to the massive Royal Palace. The largest palace in all of western Europe is a jaw-dropping place where you can feel like royalty!
History
The land where the Royal Palace sits has been the site of Spanish rulers since the 9th century when a Muslim Emir built a fortress here. When the Moors were driven out of Spain in the 11th century, the subsequent Spanish kings renovated the building, and the palace grew in importance with King Philip II making Madrid the capital. However on Christmas Eve in 1734, a fire completely destroyed the palace and a new palace was constructed and redesigned in the same style as Versailles. The Royal Palace has been extended over the centuries to make it the largest palace in western Europe with 3,418 rooms.
The current King and Queen of Spain do not actually live at the palace (their residence is the Palace of Zarzuela outside of the city center), but it remains their official residence. They host state dinners and foreign dignitaries in the palatial rooms, and it’s also open to the public year round, one of the few official Heads of State residences open to the public.
Visit
When in Madrid, you have to visit the Royal Palace. Buy your tickets in advance on the official palace website here. It is a self-guided tour with a mobile guide through the vast rooms but we also used the tour in the Rick Steves’ guidebook to provide more information.
You’ll queue up to enter through security and will be ushered into an area where you can collect your mobile guides and use the restroom (make sure to do this here before entering the palace!).
The first stop on your tour is the vast open-air courtyard, perfect for family photos. You’ll also end the tour here so you can get them afterwards as well.
Across the square is the back of the beautiful Almudena Cathedral (visit after the palace if you’re interested).
Head inside into an enclosed portico at the base of the grand stairs. Imagine the royals who have pulled up in their limos (or carriages!) here.
Walk up the stairs slowly, taking in the beauty above you! The palace lobby is a sight to behold with its statue of King Charles III and the Royal Crest.
Enter the Hall of Halberdiers (Royal Guard) next where you’ll find a modern portrait of Spain’s royals today. Since this portrait was made, King Juan Carlos stepped down and his son, on the right, Felipe, is now king.
This room with its immense tapestries and gilded ceiling is amazing!
The next room is even grander – the Hall of Columns. The Belgian tapestries in this room are from the 17th century and the ceiling has a fresco of Roman gods.
The room is opulent and grand, serving as a ballroom/dining room in Charles III’s reign and is now where important ceremonies take place such as the abdication of Juan Carlos.
Photos aren’t allowed past this point but there are many more rooms to see, including the king’s living quarters. I was most amazed by the Gasparini room that had flower vines everywhere and the porcelain room that has porcelain figurines and flowers decorating the entire walls and ceiling! Imagine moving all of this delicate porcelain, which they had to do during the Spanish Civil War.
The crown room, chapel, and throne room are also awe-inspiring!
You’ll exit the palace after the throne room but don’t miss walking to the right side of the courtyard to see the sweeping gardens behind the palace!
Don’t miss the Royal Armory in the corner of the courtyard.
Head back to drop off your mobile guide and to visit the gift shop. On the upper floor of the gift shop is a small cafe that is a good place to grab a quick snack.
After leaving, walk across the street to the Plaza de Oriente to get a good view of the palace along with an impressive statue of Philip IV. There are also some really nice restaurants lining the plaza and you can walk behind it to see the Royal Theater.
Just to the southeast of the palace (across from the Almudena Cathedral) is the small but important Assassination Attempt Memorial. Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Victoria Eugenie, married Spain’s King Alfonso XIII in 1906 and during their wedding parade, an anarchist threw a bouquet with a bomb attached at the royal carriage. The king and queen escaped harm but 28 people were killed. They are honored here.
Your kids will be amazed at the grandeur of the largest palace in Europe. It’s a must-see site while in Madrid!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €20/adults; €13/kids; mobile guide is €5
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Gift shop located at entrance/exit
- Transportation: The Royal Palace is a nice walk from Plaza Mayor or Puerta del Sol.
- Dining options: There is a small cafe on the upper floor of the gift shop with kid-friendly snacks. The restaurants around Plaza de Oriente are good options. The Mercado de San Miguel is also a short walk away.
- Nearby hotels: In Madrid, I recommend hotels near El Retiro park (45 minute walk) – see my Spain Travel Guide for more details. One of the nearest hotels to the palace is Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá.
- Nearby attractions include: Almudena Cathedral, Assassinaton Attempt Memorial, and Temple of Debod
Books to Read:
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Guidebooks
Adult/Young Adult
- Spain: The Trials and Triumphs of a Modern European Country
- A Divided Kingdom: The Spanish Monarchy From Isabel to Juan Carlos
- Royal Vendetta: The Crown of Spain 1829-1965
- The Reign in Spain: Fall & Rise of the Spanish Monarchy
- Queen Victoria’s Matchmaking: The Royal Marriages that Shaped Europe
- Ena and Bee: Queen Victoria’s Spanish Granddaughters
Middle Grade
Picture Books
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