Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Skip the line and discover the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest palace in Western Europe, on a guided tour.

Getting started

Begin at the Naturanda Madrid tourist office at Plaza de España 9 to collect your entry ticket. After a quick ticket validation, proceed to the palace entrance where your guide will introduce the tour.

What to expect

Royal Palace of Madrid

Step inside Spain’s official royal residence, a monumental palace spanning 199,000 square meters and housing 3,478 rooms. This historic site stands as a symbol of Spanish heritage and royal tradition.

Features

• Stradivarius Collection: View a rare set of Stradivarius instruments, prized for their craftsmanship and musical legacy.

• Art and Tapestries: Explore galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, and intricate tapestries that showcase Spain’s artistic evolution.

• Grand Architecture: Marvel at the palace’s vast halls, ceremonial rooms, and ornate interiors reflecting centuries of royal history.

• Multilingual Audio Guide: Access in-depth commentary in Spanish, Italian, English, French, and German for a richer understanding of each highlight.

• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all guests can enjoy the experience.

• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now, pay later, offer added peace of mind.

Choose your preferred language for a guided tour or explore independently—either way, you’ll uncover the stories and treasures of Madrid’s royal heart.

• Note: Free Royal Palace of Madrid entry Mon–Thu for EU & Ibero-American citizens with valid ID: Oct–Mar: 4pm–6pm | Apr–Sep: 6pm–8pm.

• Free entry is available for children under 5, ICOM/ICOMOS members, official tour guides, teachers, unemployed individuals (with proof), and people with disabilities (33%+), along with one essential companion if stated on their certificate.

Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Discover the grandeur of Western Europe’s largest royal residence, the Royal Palace of Madrid, on this skip-the-line guided tour that includes access to over 3,478 rooms and 199,000 square meters. Your expert guide will lead you through the palace's extensive collection of art and historical artifacts in one of five languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, or a bilingual experience tailored to your preference. Marvel at the Stradivarius instruments and an impressive display of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries throughout the grand halls and galleries. This sightseeing tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and art aficionados who want to explore Madrid's landmarks in depth.

Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid

Your tour stops at the Royal Palace of Madrid where guests can marvel at Western Europe’s largest royal residence built in 1738. Spanning over 199,000 square meters with a total of 3,418 rooms and 52 staircases, this palace is home to an extensive collection of art including paintings by Velázquez, Goya, and Rubens. The Royal Armoury houses weapons from the 16th century onwards, and the Royal Tapestry Factory was established in 1720 to produce tapestries for royal residences. Visitors spend approximately two hours exploring this magnificent palace, unique compared to other European palaces due to its sheer size and historical significance. This tour offers a comprehensive look at Madrid's rich history and cultural heritage.

Marvel at the Royal Armoury

The tour continues to the Royal Armoury where guests can see an impressive collection of weapons dating back to the 16th century, including swords, halberds, and muskets. Established in 1521 as part of King Charles I's military arsenal, this section of the palace houses over 400 suits of armor and numerous ceremonial items used by Spanish monarchs throughout history. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here exploring this unique collection that showcases the power and grandeur of past Spanish rulers.

Admire the Royal Tapestry Factory

Your tour then proceeds to the Royal Tapestry Factory, established in 1720 by King Philip V. This factory produces tapestries for royal residences and has been a significant part of Spain's cultural heritage ever since. The collection includes over 450 tapestries depicting scenes from literature, history, and mythology, with each piece taking up to two years to complete. Visitors spend approximately 20 minutes here admiring the intricate details and craftsmanship that make these tapestries unique.

Tour Highlights

• Skip the line at Royal Palace of Madrid
• Explore 199,000 sq m with expert guide
• Audio tour in English, French, Italian, Spanish
• Marvel at Stradivarius instruments and art collections
• Discover royal armor and tapestries throughout palace
• Access to grand halls and galleries filled with artifacts
• Bilingual experience available for language flexibility

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and art aficionados, this guided tour provides an in-depth look at Madrid's landmarks through skip-the-line access. The two-hour format allows you to explore the Royal Palace of Madrid, marvel at its Stradivarius instruments, and admire the royal armor and tapestries, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Spain’s rich cultural heritage.