Royal Palace of Madrid

Visiting the grand Royal Palace of Madrid requires a sprinkle of planning to enhance your experience. Timing is crucial—spring or autumn offers pleasant weather, sparing you from Madrid's scorching summer heat. Tuesdays can be bustling with tourists, so aim for a weekday morning visit to enjoy less crowded viewing. Remember, the Royal Palace still functions for state ceremonies, potentially restricting access, so check the palace's official website before you go.

• Best time to visit: Spring or autumn, weekday mornings
• How to get there: Metro stops Opera or Plaza de España are closest, buses and taxis also frequent the area
• Accessibility: Fully accessible for families, seniors, and disabled visitors
• Average visit duration: 2 to 3 hours

The Palace isn’t just a feast for the eyes on the outside; its interior boasts sumptuous rooms and an impressive art collection that tells a story at every turn. Don't miss the Throne Room with its stunning ceiling fresco, or the Royal Armory, showcasing one of the world’s finest collections of medieval weaponry. The changing of the guard ceremony, held monthly, offers a spectacle of traditional pomp and pageantry that's a delight to witness.

• Key sights: Throne Room, Royal Armory
• Unique experiences: Changing of the guard ceremony
• Photo-worthy locations: Grand staircase, Palace gardens
• Cultural facts: The palace is the largest royal palace in Western Europe by floor area.