Royal Palace of Madrid Tickets

Things to know before booking Royal Palace of Madrid tickets

If you want to avoid waiting in line for hours, the basic Skip-the-Line Tickets is the fastest and most efficient way to get inside. You’ll head straight into the palace and explore the grand halls at your own pace, with nothing holding you back. Pro tip: Try to arrive 20–30 minutes early for skip-the-line tickets to ensure you’re ready to enter at your allotted time.

Want the freedom to explore at your pace but still know what you’re looking at? Then go for the Skip-the-Line Tickets + Audio Guide. It’s like having a historian in your pocket, whispering stories in your language while you wander. If you’d rather follow an expert who brings every room alive, pick the Skip-the-Line Guided Tour instead--same skip-the-line perk, but with a real human leading the way.

Some people walk through the palace and leave. Others find the hidden door to the royal kitchens. If you want the full behind-the-scenes experience, with skip-the-line access, this upgraded version, Skip-the-Line Tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Royal Kitchen, is your secret pass. It gives you access to a part of the palace most miss--and trust us, it’s worth it. Note: The kitchen tour is only in Spanish, so if you don’t speak the language, you can pair it with the official app for English audio. Just bring your own headphones and you’re all set.

If you're a fan of art go for the Royal Palace + Royal Collections Gallery Tickets. combo. This is highly recommended as they both are just 4 minutes (350 meters) apart!

If you're a fan of Flamenco shows, go for the Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show + Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets which includes access to a 1- hour long Flamenco show.

If you're a first-time visitor to Madrid we recommend the Madrid Panoramic Bus Tour + Royal Palace of Madrid ticket which allows you to view 30+ landmarks in Madrid.

And for those focused on art and museum visits, the Paseo del Arte 3 Museum Pass gives you entry to three of Madrid’s top museums: Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen. You can use it over multiple days within a year. Just keep in mind, this pass doesn’t include entry to the Royal Palace.

EU citizens and residents can enjoy free entry from Monday to Thursday between 5pm to 7pm in summer (April to September) and 4pm to 6pm in winter (October to March). Bring valid ID or residence proof to avail of this benefit. Note that during these hours, the palace can get crowded, and you might not be able to explore at your own pace.

Royal Palace of Madrid | History snapshot

9th century: The site originally housed a Moorish fortress, built as part of the city’s defense when Madrid was under Muslim rule.

1561: King Philip II chose Madrid as the capital of Spain and transformed the old fortress into the royal residence, known as the Alcázar.

1734: A devastating fire on Christmas Eve destroyed the Alcázar, wiping out centuries of art and architecture.

1738: Construction of the new Royal Palace began under King Philip V. The Italian architect Filippo Juvarra designed the original plans, later adapted by Juan Bautista Sachetti.

1764: The palace was completed, and King Charles III became the first monarch to live here, He filled the rooms with art, fine furniture, and the latest luxuries of the time.

1808–1813: During the Peninsular War, French troops occupied Madrid. Napoleon’s brother, Joseph Bonaparte, briefly used the palace as his residence.

Late 19th century: The palace hosted state functions, royal weddings, and important ceremonies, but the Spanish royal family gradually spent less time living here.

1931: With the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic, the palace ceased being the official royal residence, though it still served for ceremonial events.

Today: The Royal Palace of Madrid remains the largest in Western Europe. It is open to the public and used for state ceremonies, official banquets, and royal receptions. Inside, you’ll find original art, historic armor, and lavish rooms that tell the story of Spain’s monarchy.

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Royal Armoury

One of the largest and most impressive collections of arms and armour in the world is housed within the palace. Visitors can marvel at suits of armour, weaponry, and ceremonial swords dating back several centuries, providing insight into Spain's military history and royal traditions.

Frequently asked questions and answers about Royal Palace of Madrid tickets

How old is the Royal Palace of Madrid?

Construction of the palace began in 1738 and was completed in 1764, making it over 250 years old.

Who built the Royal Palace of Madrid?

The Royal Palace was commissioned by King Philip V of Spain and designed by several architects, including Filippo Juvarra, Juan Bautista Sachetti, and Francesco Sabatini.

What is the cancellation policy of Royal Palace of Madrid tickets?

The cancellation policy varies from ticket to ticket. While some offer a full refund if canceled with the stipulated time period, others may not provide a refund if canceled. Please check refund details before you book your ticket.

Is photography allowed inside the Royal Palace of Madrid?

No, photography and videography are not permitted inside the Royal Palace of Madrid to preserve its historical artifacts and artworks.

How long does it take to tour the Royal Palace of Madrid?

A typical visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid can range from 1.5 to 2 hours, although some visitors may choose to spend more time exploring its vast interiors, gardens, and surrounding attractions.

Is the Royal Palace of Madrid wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Royal Palace of Madrid is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and designated routes available for visitors with mobility challenges. Staff are also trained to assist visitors with disabilities or special needs to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

How many rooms are in the Royal Palace of Madrid?

The Royal Palace of Madrid contains over 3,400 rooms, although only a portion of them are accessible to the public during tours.

Are there any age restrictions for visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid?

There are no specific age restrictions for visiting the palace, and it's suitable for visitors of all ages. However, parents or guardians are responsible for supervising children and ensuring their safety during the visit, especially in crowded or busy areas.

Can visitors attend religious services at the Royal Chapel?

Yes, the Royal Chapel hosts religious services, including Mass, on certain occasions. Visitors interested in attending such services should check the schedule in advance.

Is there any information available for visitors in languages other than Spanish?

Yes, information pamphlets, audio guides, and guided tours are typically available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and more, to accommodate international visitors.

From happy customers

Ihab

Saudi Arabia

Mar, 2026

+ 2 more

Everything really great....amazing experience The royal palace was was very organised really enjoy this ...and wish to repeat the coming visit to MADRID...

Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets

Dave

United Kingdom

+ 4 more

Great place to visit made easier by booking via Headout in advance. Thanks for helping us build the day around the Palace visit.

Magdalena

Macedonia

Jan, 2026

+ 1 more

An excellent Flamenco show featuring two amazing ladies, one powerful male dancer, a soulful singer, and a brilliant guitarist, creating a great atmosphere full of passion and emotion, with powerful performances, incredible energy, and a truly unforgettable experience.

Combo: Flamenco Show + Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets

Joelle

France

Oct, 2025

An unforgettable flamenco experience! I absolutely loved the show — the energy, passion, and emotion of the dancers and musicians were mesmerizing from start to finish. Every performance felt authentic and powerful, and you could really feel the soul of flamenco in every movement and note. The atmosphere was intimate, the artists incredibly talented, and the whole experience truly captivating. A must-see in Madrid — I’d definitely come back again!

Gregory

United States

In the to I'm sure because p I'm sure because he 5 museums in the world. No line in early January. Great placing in lighting.

Combo: Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets + Museo del Prado Entry

Carlos

Brazil

We enjoyed the tour very much. We took line 2 (Modern Madrid) and then line 1 (Classic Madrid). We want to congratulate the manager Salvatore. He guided us wonderfully and had a great last minute idea: he suggested us to get off and take line 2 (the back bus) first; this way we could enjoy both lines in a row. Congratulations!

View original review in Spanish

Combo: Madrid Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets

Fabiola

Very good tour! Juan Antonio was very knowledagble and added great humor to the paintings to keep the tour interesting! Would absolutely recommend and do again. We truly skipped all lines and were able to do both the palace and Museo del Prado in 5 hours exactly.

Museo del Prado & Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Foscaro

Italy

Beautiful tour at the royal palace visit with Mary , our guide . She well explained to us the history and details of the works , furnishings , rooms , furniture and objects of the palace . How enchanting , how much beauty to see . I recommend that you visit it with a guide x you can apreciate and understand so many details more than just a view . Do not miss the visit , it is nothing short of wonderful .

View original review in Italian

Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Guided Tour