We will be in Madrid July29-Aug4 and we are planning to visit Royal Palace.

I read about Changing of the Guard (every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 12 noon) and I was thinking that my teenagers 14yo son and 16yo daughter will enjoy it.

What are your tips regarding visiting the Royal Palace, is a guided tour recommended, or audio guide is good enough?

Thank you in advance.

I would just take the audio guide as the English narration will be better than some of the tour guides' English pronunciation and the guided tour groups won't allow you to explore at your own pace. I would also definitely purchase tickets online in advance. Ticket lines can be long there and there's no shade.

From the 1st of July to the end of August the Changing of the Guard is held from 10-12 due to the heat. On Wed/Sat outside of July-August, it's held on Wed/Sat from 11-2.

The Solemn Changing of the Guard, the big vent, is held the first Wednesday of each month, but not in Jan., Aug. or Sept.so it won't be held on Aug. 3 during your stay.
https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on...d-royal-palace.

Thanks, Maribel. Is the Palace entry ticket for indoors only, or do I need to have a ticket in order to see the Change of Guard? I need to figure out what is the best time (10am, 11am or 12noon) to buy Palace admission tickets in order to see the Change of Guards. Thank you in advance.

No ticket required for the changing of the guard. Your palace ticket is for the inside of the Palace. I would see the Changing of the Guard at 10 (from July 1-Aug. 31 it starts at 10 because of the heat), then buy tickets for the palace for afterwards.

The official ticket purchasing page-
https://tickets.patrimonionacional.e...real-de-madrid.

Maribel
My husband and adult children and I will be there in September. Do you know the times for the Changing of the Guard during that time?

Thanks

There is no "Solemn Changing of the Guard" in September--this is the super big production that usually happens the first Wednesday of every month at noon, but not Jan, Aug, Sept.

The regular every Wednesday and Saturday "Changing of the Guard" in September takes place between 11 and 2. But if there is a special event at the Palace or inclement weather it can be cancelled.

Here's the info from the tourist bureau
TimesChanging of the Guard: Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to 2pm (except on days of official events or inclement weather). From 1 July to 31 August, due to the heat, it is held from 10am to 12 noon. Please note: there is no Changing of the Guard on 25 December and 1 January.

Solemn Changing of the Guard: first Wednesday of the month at noon (except in January, August and Septemberand on days of official events or inclement weather). Approximate duration: 50 mins. Next event: 11 May 2022.

Admission is free.

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on...d-royal-palace.