Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets

Step into Spain’s royal legacy with fast-track entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid and its historic Royal Kitchen.

Getting started

Begin your visit at the main entrance, where your skip-the-line ticket grants you swift access through security. After ticket validation, you’re free to explore at your own pace or get an audio guide, or join your expert English guide, depending on your chosen option.

What to expect

Royal Palace of Madrid

As one of Europe’s largest palaces, the Royal Palace of Madrid stands as a symbol of Spanish monarchy and cultural heritage. Built in the 18th century, it remains the official residence of the Spanish royal family, though used today for state ceremonies.

Features

• Private Royal Apartments: Walk through the exclusive living quarters of Spanish monarchs, revealing personal touches and royal traditions.

• Royal Gardens: Stroll the manicured gardens, designed for royal leisure and grand outdoor events.

• Throne Room & Banquet Hall: Step into the heart of royal power, where historic decisions and lavish banquets shaped Spain’s history.

• Royal Kitchen: Access the original palace kitchens, preserved to showcase centuries-old culinary practices.

• Royal Armory: View a collection of royal furniture, suits of armor, and musical instruments, offering insight into daily court life.

• Art Collections: Admire works by artists such as Giordano and Goya, along with intricate tapestries that decorate the palace interiors.

Note: Photography and video recording are not permitted inside the palace to protect its historical integrity. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for select ticket options.

• 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.

• Heads up! The Royal Palace of Madrid often draws long queues, especially during peak hours. To keep things smooth, we recommend downloading your voucher and accessing the audio guide in advance--mobile signal inside the palace can be patchy, and no one wants tech troubles in a royal hallway.

Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets

Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid on this comprehensive skip-the-line tour that includes access to numerous historical sites and landmarks, such as the Throne Room, Banquet Hall, Private Royal Apartments, and the Royal Armory. This tour offers a self-guided experience or an audio-guided option with English language support, along with expert-led tours for a deeper insight into Spanish history. The palace is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM during spring and summer, reducing hours in winter. With over 3,418 rooms spanning 135,000 square meters, the Royal Palace is one of Europe's largest palaces. Built between 1738 and 1755 under King Philip V, it houses masterpieces by artists like Goya and Giordano, as well as ancient tapestries and ornate royal furniture.

Explore the Throne Room

Your tour stops at the magnificent Throne Room where you can admire its grandeur and opulence. Built in 1746, this room is one of the largest ceremonial halls in the palace, measuring over 20 meters wide and 50 meters long. It features intricate frescoes by Giordano and a stunning ceiling painting by Tiepolo. The Throne Room's unique design includes elaborate stucco work and gold leaf decorations that reflect Spanish Baroque architecture at its finest. Guests typically spend around 15 minutes here, marveling at the royal throne and the detailed decor. Unlike other palaces, the Throne Room showcases the continuity of Spain’s monarchy through centuries of historical events.

Marvel at the Banquet Hall

The tour continues to the Banquet Hall where guests can experience its grandeur firsthand. Constructed in 1752 during the reign of King Ferdinand VI, this hall is one of the largest rooms in the palace with a length of over 60 meters and a height of almost 30 meters. The Banquet Hall features stunning frescoes by Giordano and an impressive chandelier weighing more than two tons. Visitors spend approximately 20 minutes here, marveling at the exquisite decorations and imagining royal banquets that took place centuries ago. This hall stands out among similar venues due to its sheer size and architectural splendor.

Discover the Private Royal Apartments

Your tour moves on to the lavish Private Royal Apartments where you can explore the personal quarters of Spanish monarchs. These apartments were designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1795 and cover an area of over 2,000 square meters. They include rooms like the Queen's Dressing Room and the King’s Study, each featuring unique furniture and artwork from different periods. Guests typically spend around 30 minutes here, admiring masterpieces by Goya and other renowned artists. Unlike public areas, these apartments provide a glimpse into the private lives of Spanish royalty.

Admire the Royal Armory

The tour concludes at the Royal Armory where guests can see an extensive collection of royal treasures. Established in 1724, this museum showcases suits of armor dating back to the 15th century and musical instruments used by Spanish monarchs for entertainment. The armory covers over 1,000 square meters and houses more than 5,000 pieces including weapons, jewelry, and ceremonial objects. Visitors typically spend about 25 minutes here, learning about royal traditions and the significance of these artifacts in Spanish history.

Tour Highlights

• Skip-the-lines access to Royal Palace
• Self-guided or audio-guided tours available
• Expert-led English language tours included
• Private Royal Apartments with 2,000 sqm coverage
• Banquet Hall featuring 60-meter length and 2-ton chandelier
• Throne Room built in 1746 with Giordano frescoes
• Royal Armory established in 1724 with over 5,000 artifacts
• Additional access to the Royal Kitchen for a deeper experience

Perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and families, this skip-the-line tour provides unparalleled access to Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. You will explore the Royal Palace's Throne Room, Banquet Hall, Private Royal Apartments, and the Royal Armory, giving you an in-depth look at Spanish royal life while enjoying historical artifacts and architectural wonders.