When to Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid and Other Information
Royal Palace of Madrid – Essential Visitor Information
Royal Palace of Madrid Schedule – Hours, Holidays & Free Access
The Royal Palace of Madrid's opening hours are different in the summer and winter seasons.
- Summer months (April to September): 10 AM to 7 PM with entry till 6 PM, from Monday to Saturday.
- Winter months (October to March): 10 AM to 6 PM with last admission at 5 PM, from Monday to Saturday.
- On Sundays, the Royal Palace of Madrid's hours are from 10 AM to 4 PM, with last admission at 3 PM.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is open most of the year, but it will be closed during official events, holidays, or royal ceremonies.
- The palace is completely closed on January 1 (New Year’s Day), January 6, May 1, October 12, and December 25.
- On December 24 and December 31, the palace closes at 3 PM, while the ticket office closes at 2 PM.
Apart from the days mentioned, the palace might also be closed on other days due to the celebration of official e
The Royal Palace of Madrid's free hours permit free entry for certain individuals and on specific days like May 18 (International Museum Day) and October 12 (Spanish National Holiday).
Free Entry Timings: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Monday to Thursday)
Access to the Royal Palace of Madrid during free hours is permitted till 60 minutes before the closing time of the palace. Free entry is allowed only for self-guided tours, and tickets have to be purchased directly from the box office.
Who Can Enter the Royal Palace of Madrid for Free?
- Children below 5 years of age
- International Council of Museums (ICOM) members with their membership cards
- Official tour guides with their identity card
- Citizens of the European Union, residents and holders of work permits in the European Union, and Latin American citizens with proof of nationality or work permit can access free entry Monday through Thursday from 5 PM to 7 PM in summer and 4 PM to 6 PM in winter.
- Individuals who are unemployed can show their Job Seeker Card.
- Disabled individuals with credentials
Best Time to Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is best visited on weekdays when the palace is less crowded. On weekends, the palace bustles with both locals and tourists, thus resulting in long waiting lines. It is recommended to visit during the morning at 10 AM as soon as the palace opens, or by late afternoon after 4 PM. During these hours, you can explore the grand rooms and exhibits of the palace without having to wait in line for a long time. Royal Palace of Madrid free hours are the busiest periods with long queues, so it is better to arrive at least 45 minutes early.
The best time to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid is during the off season in the winter months of November to March.This is when you can witness fewer tourists and shorter waiting lines. Visiting the palace during the summer months of June, July, and August ensures longer opening hours but entails waiting in lengthy queues amidst huge crowds.
The amount of time you wish to spend at the Royal Palace of Madrid depends on your personal preferences, schedule and the pace at which you would like to explore the palace.
- Most people spend about 1.5 to 2 hours strolling through the extravagant chambers, courtyards and gardens of the palace.
- If you are a history buff or an art enthusiast who wishes to learn more about Spanish architecture, you can opt for guided tours. These tours are 3 hours long but will let you appreciate every corner of the palace like the stunning Throne Room, Royal Pharmacy and Hall of Mirrors.