An extravagant and suitably opulent replacement for the original palace that burned down in 1734, the Palacio Real was the main royal residence up until the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931.

The Royal Apartments

The royal apartments are sumptuously decorated with the magnificent frescoed Salón del Trono (Throne room), the intricate Sala de Porcelana (Porcelain room) and the elaborate oriental Salón de Gasparini among the highlights.

The Royal Armoury

The Armeriá Real (Royal Armoury) contains a fascinating collection of armour, swords and military material that belonged to the royal family. Look out too for the royal pharmacy with its shelves filled with bottles, jars and all manner of medical concoctions.

The Royal Kitchens

For an extra €4 you can visit the royal kitchens which have recently been opened to the public and contain the original ovens, pots, pans, cooking implements and some of the wine that was used to serve the royals over the last three centuries.

Tours & Events

Guided tours are available for €6 or, if you prefer to wander round at your own pace, the audio guide costs €3.

The changing of the guard takes place on the first Wednesday of the month (Jan-June & Oct-Dec) between noon and 2pm.

C/Bailén, Metro Ópera

Open daily. April–Sept: 10am–8pm; Oct–March: 10am–7pm; closed occasionally for state visits.

Entry: €14; under-16s, over-65s and students with ID: €7; (free entry for EU citizens Oct–March: Mon-Thurs 5–7pm, April–Sept: 6–8pm)

Additional entry fee of €4 to visit the royal kitchens.

Joint ticket with Palacio Real: €24; under-16s, over-65s and students with ID: €12