Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Royal Palace of Madrid. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Madrid Essential: Historic Center, Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace

• Madrid Welcome Tour with Local Guide in Eco Tuk-Tuk Private

• Madrid Highlights Bike Tour

• Madrid: Royal Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket

• Madrid Historical Tour with Local Guide in Eco Tuk-Tuk Private

Adult tickets start at €18 and include self-guided access to the Royal Palace. Upgrade to a combo ticket for €24 per person, with access to the Royal Palace and the Gallery of the Royal Collections. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and people with disabilities. Children ages 5 and under enter for free.

Yes, the Royal Palace is worth visiting, as it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the city. At the very least, stop by to see the ornate exterior and gardens, which are free and open to the public. For the full experience, book a ticket to see the artwork and lavish interior, including the velvet-covered Throne Room. A guided tour can help you hit the palace's highlights and take you to see more Madrid attractions.

Per one customer who booked the Royal Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket, "Very convenient to skip the line as it was very busy! Our guide Rocio was knowledgeable, insightful, and had a delightful sense of humor which made an otherwise regular palace tour very memorable."

No, you don't need to buy tickets in advance for the Royal Palace in Madrid. However, purchasing tickets on the spot is subject to availability, so booking ahead of time is a good idea to avoid disappointment. Skip-the-line tickets will save you time at the entrance.

The best time of day to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid is typically early in the morning, soon after opening time. This is when the crowds are usually at their thinnest and the lines shortest. Evenings and around lunchtime are also relatively quieter times of the day.

No, you do not need a passport to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. However, a passport, ID card, or driver's license is required to take advantage of the palace’s free admission policy for European Union and Latin American citizens and residents on weekday evenings.

No, you cannot take pictures in the Royal Palace of Madrid, except for a very few designated areas indicated by signage—err on the side of caution by only taking photographs in areas explicitly permitted. Photography of the palace’s exterior is allowed.

No, the Royal Palace of Madrid does not have a café on site. If you would like to grab a bite to eat before or after your visit to the palace, try nearby Café de Oriente, located across from the palace, which offers excellent views and a historic ambiance.

No, the Royal Palace of Madrid has no official dress code. However, visitors should remember that it is a formal setting, so wear comfortable but appropriate clothing and footwear—you’ll likely spend a lot of time walking. The palace requests visitors to avoid shorts and slippers.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Royal Palace. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Madrid:

• Prado Museum

• Alcalá Gate

• Plaza Mayor

• Basílica de San Francisco El Grande

• San Miguel Market

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Madrid.