Explore the largest royal palace in Europe with an expert local guide

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and one of the city’s most important landmarks. During this 2-hour guided visit, you will explore its most significant rooms while discovering what life at the royal court was like and how this extraordinary building became a symbol of royal power and state ceremony.

Accompanied by a professional local guide, you will walk through magnificent ceremonial halls, royal apartments, and unique collections, learning fascinating stories about Spain’s kings and queens and the country’s major historical events. Rather than focusing on dates alone, the tour helps you understand the palace through clear explanations, engaging anecdotes, and surprising details that make the history easy to follow and remember.

You will visit outstanding spaces such as the Throne Room, rich in symbolism and tradition; the elegant Gasparini Room, a true masterpiece of decorative art; the impressive Grand Staircase, designed to make an impact from the very first moment; and other official rooms still used today for state ceremonies. The tour also includes important collections of works by great masters such as Goya and Tiepolo.

The pace of the visit is relaxed and natural, with time to observe, ask questions, and enjoy the experience. It is a perfect introduction to the palace for first-time visitors, while also offering depth and context for culture lovers who want to better understand Madrid’s royal heritage.

The Royal Palace was commissioned by King Philip V after the destruction of the old Alcázar of Madrid in 1734. It was designed by the Italian architect Filippo Juvarra and completed by Giovanni Battista Sacchetti, with construction finished during the reign of Charles III, who made it his official residence.

Although the royal family no longer lives in the palace, it remains the setting for important official State ceremonies and is one of the most visited and impressive monuments in Madrid.