The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, though it’s used today mainly for state ceremonies rather than as a home. Built in the 18th century on the site of a former Moorish fortress, it is the largest royal palace in Western Europe by floor area, with over 3,400 rooms.
Visitors can tour roughly 50 lavishly decorated rooms, including the Throne Room, the Royal Armoury, and galleries displaying paintings, tapestries, and antique clocks. From October through March the palace is open Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM, with slightly longer hours in warmer months; it’s closed on select holidays.
Standard adult tickets run around €12-13, with reduced rates for seniors, students, and children, and free entry for EU citizens on weekday evenings. Most visitors spend one to two hours touring the state rooms and armoury.
