The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is the largest royal palace in Western Europe by floor area and the official residence of the Spanish royal family — although the King lives elsewhere and uses it for state ceremonies. Its state rooms, throne room and armoury are among the highlights of any trip to Madrid.
This guide explains Royal Palace tickets and prices in 2026, opening hours, free entry, the changing of the guard, what to see inside and how to plan your visit. Prices and hours come from La Maleta Inquieta (checked against Patrimonio Nacional in September 2026); buy on the official Patrimonio Nacional ticket site for face-value prices.
Royal Palace of Madrid ticket prices 2026
| Ticket | General | Reduced |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Palace (state rooms + Royal Armoury) | €18 | €9 |
| Palace + Royal Kitchen | €24 | €12 |
| Palace + Gallery of the Royal Collections | €24 | €12 |
| Free entry (EU & Ibero-American citizens/residents) | Mon–Thu, last two hours | |
Source: La Maleta Inquieta, updated 16 September 2026. Reduced tickets are for ages 5–16, over-65s and students up to 25. Online sales add a €0.77 booking fee.
Opening hours
| Period | Monday–Saturday | Sundays & holidays |
|---|---|---|
| April–September | 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:00) | 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:00) |
| October–March | 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00) | 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:00) |
- Closed: 1 and 6 January, 1 May and 25 December; closes at 15:00 on 24 and 31 December (source).
- Official events: the palace can close at short notice for state ceremonies — check the official calendar before you go.
Free entry to the Royal Palace
From Monday to Thursday, entry is free in the last two hours — 17:00–19:00 from April to September and 16:00–18:00 from October to March — for citizens and residents of the EU and Ibero-American countries with valid ID (source). Expect long queues; arrive early in the free window. Other visitors pay the standard price.
Is it worth buying tickets in advance?
Yes, especially from Easter to October and at weekends. Timed tickets let you skip the ticket queue (the security queue still applies). If official slots sell out or you’d like a guide, skip-the-line tours are an alternative — compare Royal Palace tickets and tours.
What to see inside the Royal Palace
- The Grand Staircase: a monumental marble staircase under a painted ceiling.
- The Throne Room: crimson velvet, gilded lions and a ceiling fresco by Tiepolo.
- The Gasparini Room: an extraordinary rococo room covered in stucco, silk and porcelain.
- The Royal Armoury: one of the finest collections of armour in the world, included with the palace ticket (source).
- The Royal Kitchen: a remarkably preserved historic kitchen (separate combined ticket; add about 30 minutes).
- Gallery of the Royal Collections: the modern museum next door with tapestries, paintings and carriages from the royal collections.
The changing of the guard
- Regular guard change: Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Puerta del Príncipe, free to watch (source).
- Solemn changing of the guard: usually the first Wednesday of the month at 12:00 in the Plaza de la Armería, with cavalry and a band — not held in January, August or September (source).
- Ceremonies are cancelled during official events or bad weather; times change in summer, so check the Patrimonio Nacional calendar.
How to get there
The palace is on Calle de Bailén, a five-minute walk from Ópera metro station (lines 2, 5 and R) and about 10 minutes from Puerta del Sol. Arriving from the airport? See our Madrid Airport and Metro guide.
Tips for visiting the Royal Palace
- Go at opening time on a weekday for the quietest rooms.
- Bring ID if you’re entitled to a reduced or free ticket.
- Photos: photography isn’t allowed in some state rooms — follow the signs.
- Combine with the Almudena Cathedral next door, the Sabatini Gardens and sunset at the Temple of Debod — see our things to do in Madrid.
- Plan around museums: the Prado is a 25-minute walk away — see Prado, Reina Sofía & Thyssen tickets.
Is the Royal Palace of Madrid worth it?
Yes. Even if you’re not a fan of palaces, the scale and decoration of the state rooms and the armoury are spectacular, and at €18 it’s good value for a European royal palace. If you’re short on time, combine it with the free changing of the guard and the gardens.
More Madrid guides
- Madrid itinerary: 3 days
- Best things to do in Madrid
- Where to stay in Madrid
- Prado, Reina Sofía & Thyssen tickets
- Bernabéu stadium tour
- Toledo & Segovia day trips
- Madrid Airport to the city & Metro guide
- Madrid travel guide
FAQ: Royal Palace of Madrid tickets
How much are Royal Palace of Madrid tickets?
€18 for a general ticket and €9 reduced; combined tickets with the Royal Kitchen or the Gallery of the Royal Collections cost €24.
Is the Royal Palace of Madrid free?
It’s free from Monday to Thursday in the last two hours of the day, but only for EU and Ibero-American citizens and residents.
How long does it take to visit the Royal Palace?
About 1.5–2 hours, plus around 30 minutes for the Royal Kitchen.
What time does the Royal Palace open?
From 10:00, closing at 19:00 (April–September) or 18:00 (October–March) from Monday to Saturday, and at 16:00 on Sundays.
When is the changing of the guard in Madrid?
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the solemn ceremony usually on the first Wednesday of the month at 12:00 (not in January, August or September).
Can you buy Royal Palace tickets at the door?
Yes, but queues can be long in high season; buying online saves time.
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