Royal Palace

The palace was built in the 18th century on the site of the old Alcázar, which burned down in 1734. The king no longer lives here, and the building is used for state ceremonies. The self-guided route climbs the grand staircase and passes through the Throne Room and a long series of decorated state rooms, then the Royal Armoury.

What to look for

• The grand staircase
• The Throne Room
• The Gasparini Room
• The Royal Armoury

Opening hours

Winter hours run from October to March: Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday 10:00 to 16:00. In summer, Monday to Saturday runs to 19:00. Closed on 1 January, 6 January, 1 May and 25 December, and from 15:00 on 24 and 31 December. It can close at short notice for official events. In winter, Monday to Thursday 16:00 to 18:00, EU citizens and residents get free entry with ID, at the ticket office only.

Source: Patrimonio Nacional, checked October 4, 2026

Tickets and booking

Adult ticket €18. EU citizens and residents enter free on Monday to Thursday in the last two hours of the day, from 16:00 to 18:00 in winter and 17:00 to 19:00 in summer, with ID at the ticket office. Entry is also free on 18 May.

Choose a date and time slot on the official site or buy a ticket through Civitatis. You can also queue at the ticket office, which closes one hour before the palace.

Getting there

Ópera (Metro lines 2 and 5) is about a 5 minute walk, and the visitor entrance faces Plaza de la Armería.

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Tip

Take one of the first slots. Large bags are discouraged, so leave them at the hotel.