Dress Code for the Royal Palace of Madrid
Recommended Clothing for Visitors
- Dress Modestly: While there's no official dress code, it's expected that visitors dress modestly and respectfully, nothing too casual or flashy for a place like this.
- Avoid Revealing Outfits: Shorts, crop tops, strappy tanks, and very short skirts might raise a few eyebrows inside the palace halls. It’s not a beach day, go for something that feels a bit more put together.
- Dress for Comfort: You’ll be on your feet quite a bit, moving through large halls and grand rooms. Loose, breathable clothes and walking-friendly shoes will make the experience far more enjoyable.
- Watch the Footwear: Shoes that squeak, leave marks, or bring in dirt are the best idea. You can go for something clean, quiet, and cushioned, your feet (and the floors) will thank you.
- Formal Wear for Events: If you're heading to a special ceremony or formal tour, it’s a good idea to smarten up, semi-formal or formal wear fits the bill.
- Appropriate Dress for Children: Keep it simple and neat. Themed costumes or anything too casual (like sleepwear or sports gear) might not be the best fit for a royal visit.
Season-wise Clothing Tips
- Choose light, breathable fabrics (linen/cotton) and modest short sleeves.
- Bring a light layer for air‑conditioned areas.
- A hat and sunglasses are useful outdoors; remove hats indoors in formal rooms and the chapel.
- Wear warm layers: knitwear, a medium–heavy coat, and a scarf.
- Opt for full-length trousers or a modest dress with tights.
- Carry a compact umbrella or raincoat for wet days; store umbrellas in the cloakroom if requested.
Tips for Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid
- Revealing attire: Avoid clothing such as crop tops, very short skirts or shorts, low-cut tops, and sleeveless vests, especially when entering the Royal Chapel or attending formal ceremonies. Modest and respectful dress is expected in these settings, out of respect for tradition and religious protocol.
- Beachwear or sportswear: Swimwear, athletic shorts, gym vests, and similar casual gear are considered too informal for palace grounds. These can interfere with security protocols and may disrupt the decorum expected inside heritage buildings
- Clothing with offensive text or imagery: Avoid wearing items with political slogans, provocative symbols, or graphics that could be considered disrespectful or offensive. Such clothing may result in denied entry or a request to cover up.
- Overly bulky items: Large coats, oversized backpacks, or wide-brimmed hats can obstruct movement in narrow corridors or crowd-heavy areas. Visitors may be asked to check these into a cloakroom to ensure safety and comfort for all.
Footwear Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code for the Royal Palace of Madrid?
No, there is no specific dress code for the Royal Palace of Madrid that needs to be followed. However, visitors are expected to dress respectfully and avoid overly casual or revealing clothing like tank tops, shorts, and flip‑flops. You can dress smartly or go for casual attire like long pants or skirts and closed‑toe shoes, which are considered appropriate.
Can you wear shorts to the Royal palace?
Wearing shorts, especially very short ones, is strongly discouraged at the Royal Palace of Madrid. There is no such dress code listed anywhere online, but the entry can be denied at the discretion of security staff, particularly in formal sections like the Royal Chapel or during official ceremonies.
Are bags allowed in Royal Palace Madrid?
Yes, smaller bags and personal backpacks are allowed inside, but all items are subject to a security check. Larger bags, suitcases, and bulky items (like camera tripods or large umbrellas) must be left at the cloakroom or are simply not permitted inside. For your convenience, it’s best to carry essentials like wallet, phone, and ID and you may leave the rest at the hotel you’re staying in or in lockers nearby.
Are photos allowed in the Royal Palace of Madrid?
Photography inside the Royal Palace is allowed. You can click pictures of most public areas of the Royal Palace, such as the grand staircase, galleries, and courtyards. However, photos are strictly prohibited in certain sections like the Throne Room, Royal Armoury, and Royal Chapel to preserve art and décor.
Can we go inside the Royal Palace?
Yes, visitors enter the Royal Palace and explore the interiors of the Royal Palace of Madrid with a ticket. You can choose between a self-guided or guided tour to explore highlights like the Throne Room, Banquet Hall, and Royal Armoury. Some areas may be temporarily closed during state functions, but general public access is available throughout the year. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.