Royal Palace (Palacio Real)★★★
The Palacio Real is with over 3,400 rooms the largest royal palace in Europe — larger than Versailles and Buckingham Palace. Built 1738–1764 on the site of the burned medieval Alcázar, the palace is a manifesto of Bourbon power: Italian Baroque on the outside, Rococo and Neoclassicism on the inside, with a splendor that leaves one speechless.
About 50 of the 3,400 rooms can be visited, including:
- Throne Room (Salón del Trono) — Ceiling fresco by Tiepolo, Venetian mirrors, Rococo perfection.
- Banquet Hall (Comedor de Gala) — 400 guests fit at the table. The Tiepolo ceiling paintings are breathtaking.
- Stradivari Room — Five string instruments by Antonio Stradivari, still playable.
- Royal Pharmacy — Hundreds of ceramic vessels from the 18th century. Curious and fascinating.
- Armory (Real Armería) — One of the most significant in the world: armor of Charles V and Philip II, tournament equipment, and ceremonial weapons.
The palace is used for official state functions, the royal family resides in the much more modest Palacio de la Zarzuela outside the city. During state receptions, the palace is closed — check the website beforehand.
The Jardines de Sabatini (north) and the extensive Campo del Moro gardens (west, entrance via Cuesta de la Vega) are free and offer the best view of the palace facade.
💡 Tipp
Monday to Thursday 4:00–6:00 p.m. (Oct.–March) or 5:00–7:00 p.m. (April–Sept.) admission is free for EU citizens! Bring ID. Otherwise: Book an online ticket to skip the line. The changing of the guard takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. (not in July, Aug., in rain, or during state visits).