Palacio Real

Home to an astounding art collection, this palace is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and is today used for state ceremonies.

Royal stories

Madrid's Royal Palace is a site of turbulent history. The Royal Alcázar of Madrid was erected here by Muhammad I, Umayyad Emir of Cordoba, between 860 and 880; after the Moors were driven out in the 11th century, it came into Spanish hands. The Habsburg Emperor Charles V extended and renovated the castle in 1537; Philip II made Madrid his capital in 1561 and continued the renovations, as did Philips III through V until 1700.

A fire on Christmas Eve in 1734 destroyed the Alcázar, as well as many precious works of art held there. Luckily, the King had moved much of his art collection to Buen Retiro Palace beforehand. Several works, including Velazquez's Las Meninas, - which in fact depicts figures from the Spanish court in a large room of the Alcázar - were saved by being thrown out of a window. The new baroque palace was finally completed (slowed by the death of its original architect) in 1764, and there have been numerous additions since.


Art and architecture

After all this, there's plenty to see here. The main façade faces the grand colonnaded Plaza de la Armería; the Plaza de Oriente, which features statues of the Gothic Kings, joins the palace's eastern façade to the Teatro Real. The Campo de Moro gardens, landscaped in Romanticist style, are named so because the Muslim leader Ali ben Yusuf allegedly camped here with his troops in 1109 during an attempted reconquest of Madrid; the 20th century Sabatini Gardens to the north follow a symmetrical French design.

Inside, all is opulence in a royal residence that rivals that of Versailles. The ground floor alone is spectacular, with the Royal Library only a small part of the legacy of kings and queens. The Royal Pharmacy includes fascinating jars and pottery from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the Royal Armoury is matched in grandeur only by the Imperial Armoury of Vienna. It displays arms dating back to as early as the 13th century, and magnificent tournament pieces made for Charles V and Philip II - including the armour that Charles V wore in his 1548 portrait by Titian, which is housed in the Prado.

The first floor comprises the old royal apartments, which are full of important sculptures, tapestries, frescoes and paintings: Charles III's throne, sceptre and crown are also on display, and the Stradivarius Room contains a viola, two cellos and two violins by supreme luthier Antonio Stradivari. Don't miss the Palacio Real for a glimpse at royal glory.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Madrid
Plaza Mayor
This colossal square has hosted a variety of events over its 400 year history, from street markets to public executions.
Plaza de Oriente
A historic square with some fabulous sculptures, located right at the entrance to the Royal Palace.
Teatro Real
'El Real' is one of Europe's great theatres, and the major opera house of Madrid.
Church of Santiago
An austere neoclassical church alongside the Camino de Santiago.
Plaza de Ramales
A square right beside the Royal Palace, this was the centre of 15th century Madrid.
Barrio de La Latina
The oldest area in Madrid, La Latina was the city's ancient Islamic citadel.

Related Tours

Welcome to Madrid: Private Half-Day Introductory Walking Tour
Embark on a 3-hour tour of the most emblematic and beautiful places in Madrid, see the most popular highlights of Spain’s stunning capital city, and discover what makes the city so special.

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Begin your tour at the vast Plaza Oriente at the mighty equestrian statue of King Philip IV in the heart of Madrid;
  • Admire the awe-inspiring Gothic Catedral de la Almudena  surrounding the square;
  • Hear stories of the Royal family as you stand at the doors of the exquisite Royal Palace which served as a Royal Residence until the early 20th century;
  • Stop in front of the magnificent Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), which is considered one of the most important opera houses in the world;
  • Wander down the elegant boulevards, pausing by monuments, markets and other marvels! 
  • Enjoy the vibrant buzz of Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling market to sample some of the best local food and wine;
  • Stroll through the iconic Plaza Mayor in the heart of the city, admiring the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings with its elegant porticos;
  • Head to Puerta del Sol, the geographical centre of Spain and another iconic square;
  • See Puerta de Alcalá, a beautiful neoclassical monument and one of the most popular landmarks of Madrid;
  • End your tour at Parque del Retiro, and discover its amazing lake, statues, thousands of trees and gorgeous palatial-style museums.

Madrid is a city of vast plazas, elegant boulevards, magnificent palaces, awe-inspiring Gothic churches, world-renowned art museums and vibrant, delicious food markets. It is also famous for its many green spaces and manicured parks. 

This half-day welcome tour of Madrid is the perfect way to get familiarised with the city's history, culture, and architecture. It will take you through some of the most iconic places in Madrid, including the Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real, Palacio Real, Catedral de la Almudena, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, El Oso y el Madroño, Puerta de Alcalá, and the Parque del Retiro, one of Madrid's most beautiful parks. 

Along the way, you'll learn about the significance and history of each landmark, and gain insight into what makes Madrid such a special and unique city, and by the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper appreciation for Madrid's rich history and culture and a greater understanding of why the city has become such a popular destination.
The Best of Madrid: Private Half-Day Tour including Prado Museum
Explore the highlights of Madrid, Spain’s historic, vibrant and beautiful capital city on this half-day private walking tour, including entrance to the iconic Prado Museum. 

On your private tour, you will:

  • See the main attractions of Madrid as you learn about the fascinating history of the city;
  • Learn about the history of the Spanish royal family and its links to the Papacy as you stand outside the Palacio Real, the royal palace – considered the most important Baroque palace in Spain;
  • See the astonishing Catedral de la Almudena;
  • Stop by famous monuments and wander down elegant boulevards;
  • Explore Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real and the Market of San Miguel;
  • Experience the grandeur and elegant atmosphere of the iconic Plaza Mayor, the beating heart of Madrid;
  • Admire the myriad of stunning architectural styles in Madrid, from Baroque to Spanish Gothic;
  • Enjoy a guided walk around the beautifully manicured Parque El Retiro;
  • Arrive at the Prado Museum, and enjoy a guided visit to this treasure trove of art;
  • Admire the world-famous Spanish masters such as Bosch, Goya, El Greco, and Diego Velazquez;
  • End your tour inside the museum, to continue at your own leisure.

Madrid, Spain's stunning capital, is a vibrant city famous for its elegant boulevards and vast, dazzling Plazas like the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, in the heart of old Hapsburg Madrid. You’ll see vibrant food markets, awe-inspiring cathedrals, and statues of famous Spaniards. 

The city is also very green with expansive, manicured parks such as the Parque el Retiro, where you will enjoy a stroll along as you bask in the sunny Spanish climate under fabulous blue skies!

Spain has one of the oldest and proudest royal families in Europe, and it remains a working monarchy to this day. Learn all about the history of the Spanish royals, like Ferdinand and Isabella, Philip II and many others, whilst standing in front of the magnificent Royal Palace. 

The city is also famous for being a cultural hub and is home to several museums – the most famous of which is of course the Prado, and your half-day highlights tour includes a fully guided tour of this repository of the best of Spanish art. Admire works by Goya and Velazquez, Bosch and El Greco among others – and let your guide know if you have any favourites or “must-sees”. 

You will end your tour inside the Prado to continue exploring at your leisure, explore the gift shop and enjoy a well-earned coffee break at the café. 
The Royal Palace of Madrid: Private 1.5-hour Guided Tour

Discover the intriguing history of the Spanish royals with this 1.5-hour private walking tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, a true architectural marvel and one of the largest functioning royal palaces in the world.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Admire the majestic baroque façade of the palace from the Plaza de la Armería;
  • Explore the opulent interior of the Royal Palace of Madrid, admiring the luxury and elegance of the intricate frescoes, ornate chandeliers, and exquisite tapestries across its more than 3000 rooms;
  • Wander through the hallowed halls as you hear fascinating stories of Spanish Monarchy and the royal weddings, banquets, and historical events that took place within these very walls;
  • Learn about the palace’s significance in Spanish history, from its construction during the reign of King Felipe V to its role in modern-day Spain as the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family;
  • Visit the Throne Room, where state ceremonies are held amidst a dazzling display of gold and red;
  • Step into the Hall of Mirrors, with its shimmering reflections and intricate decor designed to emulate the Palace of Versailles;
  • Enter the Royal Chapel, home to a collection of priceless religious artifacts;
  • Peruse the Royal Armory with its impressive array of medieval weapons and armor;
  • Contemplate the beautiful Campo del Moro Gardens, offering stunning views of the palace and a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. 

Follow in the footsteps of generations of Spanish royalty with a 1.5-hour private guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe. Your expert guide will lead you through the palace’s grand halls and private chambers, sharing tales of royal intrigue, political power struggles, and wonderful artifacts.  

The palace was commissioned by King Philip V as a symbol of the Spanish Monarchy’s power and was built on the site of the Alcázar, a Moorish fortress dating back to the 9th century which was engulfed in flames in 1734. Construction of the new palacio real began in 1738 and was completed in 1755, although various monarchs have added their touches over the years. The current palace complex spans over 135,000 square meters and contains more than 3,400 rooms. It served as the home of the Spanish royal family for centuries and remains the official residence Nowadays, you are unlikely to see the current King Felipe, Queen Leticia, or princesses Leonor and Sofia wandering the halls as it is used primarily for state ceremonies and official events.  

After meeting your guide, your first stop will be the iconic Plaza de la Armería, where you can get a detailed look at the palace's imposing baroque and neoclassical façade. Once your guide leads you inside, you will begin your journey around the extravagant interior that has witnessed centuries of Spanish history. You will likely pass through the luxurious Throne Room where the walls are adorned with sumptuous silk and the ceiling boasts a fresco by Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, a stunning example of the Rococo style popular in the 18th century.

The Royal Palace is well-known for its collection of artworks, including paintings by Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio. The palace also houses an impressive collection of tapestries, ceramics, and furniture from various historical periods. You may step into the Hall of Mirrors, a stunning gallery reminiscent of its namesake in the Palace of Versailles. This ornate enclave originally served as the dressing room of Queen Maria Luisa and reflects the immense wealth and influence of the Spanish Empire during the late 18th century. As you walk through this dazzling space, your guide will recount stories of the Bourbon dynasty and their efforts to elevate Spain to new heights of cultural and political power. You will also visit the apartments of King Charles III including the Hall of Columns, a grand space used for concerts and banquets. You will no doubt be drawn to the beautiful frescoes by Corrado Giaquinto along with sculptures by some of the finest artists of the time.

Another gem within the palace interior is the capilla real (Royal Chapel) In addition to an array of religious treasures, this place of worship houses the royal collection of exquisite musical instruments, including the famous Stradivarius violins. Depending on the particular interests of your group, your guide may show you the Porcelain Room where the ceramic-covered walls provide a unique and visually striking experience. This room, along with the Royal Pharmacy and the Grand Dining Room, exemplifies the luxurious tastes of the Spanish monarchy. 

If time allows, we can also explore the Royal Armory, one of the finest collections of its kind in the world. Here, you’ll marvel at the intricately crafted armor worn by Spanish kings and knights, alongside ceremonial weapons that played a key role in Spain’s military history. As your tour concludes, your guide will lead you to enjoy the serene beauty of the Campo del Moro Gardens. These sprawling, landscaped grounds provide a tranquil contrast to the palace’s grandeur, offering panoramic views that perfectly frame the palace against the backdrop of the Madrid skyline.

This private tour will feed your curiosity and provide an informative and entertaining experience of one of Madrid’s must-see attractions. The insights of your expert guide will allow you to fully appreciate the splendor and history of one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. 

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