Skip the Line Royal Palace Tour in Madrid
Discover the Throne Room, Banquet Hall, Private Royal Apartments, and more alongside an expert guide
Standing proudly in Madrid lies the Royal Palace—an absolute must-see while in the city. However, did you know you could waste precious time waiting in line without priority access? That's why we've teamed up with official guides, who'll lead the way from the Plaza de Oriente straight into the Palace's finely decorated rooms. Over two hours, delight in an immersive tour that reveals intriguing stories, famous works of art, and glimpses into the daily life of the palace
- Meet your guide at Square Isabel II, next to the statue (Metro Opera exit)
- Plaza Isabel II
- Plaza de Oriente
- Prince's Gate
- Main staircase
- Royal Chapel
- Gasparini Room
- The Throne Room
- Banquet Room
Choose a departure time that fits your schedule and begin your tour at the conveniently located Isabel II Square. Here, you’ll meet your passionate guide and fellow group members, breeze past the queue with your skip-the-line tickets, and head inside the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid.
Over the next 2 hours, delve into the Palace’s rich history, from inception to modern-day relevance. Experience the splendor of the Throne Room, witness the formidable display of the Royal Armory, and bask in the tranquility of the Palace Gardens, all while enjoying captivating insights from your knowledgeable guide.
Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour in Madrid Description
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid
Professional English guide with extensive knowledge of Spanish history
Comprehensive tour of the palace's majestic Private Royal Apartments, Throne Room, Banquet Hall, and more
Admire royal furniture, instruments, and games in the Royal Armory
Self-guided stroll through the Royal Gardens
Meet at Square Isabel II
Your immersive adventure begins at Square Isabel II, where you’ll meet your expert guide and fellow group members at your chosen departure time. After pausing to take in the square’s elegant buildings and lively atmosphere, meander over to Plaza de Orient to take in delightful views of the Royal Palace. By now, you have likely noticed the long lines of people waiting to enter the palace. But worry not, as your fast-track access ensures you can skip the queue and promptly begin your journey through centuries of Spanish history.
History of the Royal Palace
As you step into the palace, your guide will narrate its fascinating history, stretching over seven centuries. You'll learn about its evolution from a Moorish fortress to the opulent residence of kings and queens. Discover architectural advancements, envision the royal ceremonies held in the stately halls, and delve into the pivotal moments in Spanish history that unfolded within these walls. While the palace today is no longer the primary residence of the kings (they reside in the `Palacio de la Zarzuela´), it remains deeply rooted in royal life, serving as a venue for receptions, ceremonies, and official events.
Explore the Royal Palace
The heart of the tour lies in exploring the Royal Palace, where each room reveals a new chapter in the story of Spanish royalty. You’ll be captivated by the opulent Throne Room, featuring towering ceilings and ornate furnishings that set the stage for royal ceremonies. Then, admire the Banquet Hall, adorned with exquisite tapestries and dazzling chandeliers, and step into the Private Royal Apartments that offer a glimpse into the personal lives of former kings and queens.
A favorite room for many is the Royal Armory, which houses one of the world's most significant collections of medieval and Renaissance armor and weaponry. Here, you’ll come face to face with armor worn by Spanish kings, swords used in historic battles, and shields that would certainly have fascinating stories to share.
Roam the Royal Gardens
Next, step outside to the Royal Gardens. These meticulously manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds pair perfectly with the palace’s opulence, and you’ll no doubt feel like royalty as you meander past ornate fountains and elegant statues. Take a moment to enjoy your serene surroundings and don’t forget to capture a memorable photo with the Royal Palace as your backdrop.
Your tour comes to a close at the Royal Gardens but, there’s no need to hurry off as you can explore them at your leisure. Then ask your guide any final questions or recommendations for your time in Madrid. Thanks for joining and hasta luego!
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting and ending point
Meeting point is Square Isabel II, outside Opera metro station. This tour ends after your exploration of the Royal Gardens. Here, you can choose to stay longer and explore on your own, or continue on with the rest of your day. Our guides are also happy to point you in the direction of public transport, call a taxi, or recommend somewhere to grab a refreshing drink and snack
What to bring?
It's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for a good portion of the tour. A good camera and a water bottle are also recommended
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Madrid
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Madrid’s Royal Palace is wheelchair accessible, but if you have any doubts or questions about your mobility, please let us know beforehand so your needs can be better accommodated.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Royal Palace tours rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and we cannot proceed with the tour, we'll let you know as soon as possible
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
This Royal Palace tour is subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to special events at the Palace. On the rare occasions it needs to be rescheduled, we'll inform you as soon as possible
Is there a dress code for this Royal Palace tour?
While there is no specific dress code to enter the Royal Palace of Madrid, you will be expected to be wearing decent clothing as it is a formal setting. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as the tour includes a good amount of walking
Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?
Lunch or dinner are not included in this tour but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to eat after your tour
Are drinks included in the price of the tour?
Drinks are not included in this tour but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to grab a drink after your tour
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
Yes, everyone is welcome on our Royal Palace of Madrid tour and we offer a reduced rate for children under 6 and infants are free. Please choose accordingly when booking
Why do I have to pay for my child who's under 6 years old?
We charge a discounted rate for children because we limit the total number of guests on each departure, which includes children
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is included on this tour. You'll meet your guide at Square Isabel II. The closest metro stop is the Opera metro exit
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