Royal Palace Madrid
 

Has anyone visited the Palacio Real in Madrid? Would you recommend it? Best to buy tickets online or can we buy on-site without a problem? Thanks?

If you've never seen a royal palace, perhaps. Just know that it's a self guided tour and there isn't much information about the rooms. They are ornate-with lots gold cherubs. I went because my walking tour ended at the palace.

Honestly, it wouldn't rank high in my top 5 list of Madrid but I'd go only if you had seen all of your wish list.

As for tickets, you can buy them when you arrive at the palace. I've never seen lines.

sure, I've been there a couple times. I found it interesting. I've never bought online myself and I've been there times when there were enough tourists in town, so don't think it necessary.

I think it's unique myself, very historic and with some wonderful frescoes and furnishings. It also has one of the best armories in Europe. It is still the official royal residence, also.

Another vote for - it's interesting and you can buy tickets when you get there.

Don't miss the Armory
....outstanding

I find it dreary,no-one actually lives there.It's only used for official occasions

Honestly, the walk to/fro the Royal Palace was as interesting as we four found the Royal Palace to be -- no advance tix necessary. Yes, the armory area was probably the most interesting room. Guess we've travelled a bit and have seen several royal palaces. How much time will you have in Madrid? Think Retiro Park is lovely for an afternoon stroll, the Sunday flea market was typical and not memorable, the Prado a must, and the Reina Sofia worth at least a short visit to see Guernica; we missed the other art museum near the Prado. Enjoyed very good flamenco dinner at Corral de la Moreria, performance and food exceeded our expectations; it is near the Royal Palace. We spent a day in Segovia which we liked very much, easy train ride away; we did not get to Toledo unfortunately.

I enjoyed the palace. It was an easy tour, which did not take a long time. And I am a sucker for being in a place that royalty still uses. Any way, there are three Stradivarius on display which are played when the king and queen have concerts. That was a joy for me.

Hmmm...I'm not getting a good feel for it. If armor is the highlight, I can pass! I'll be in Madrid for five days including a daytrip to Toledo. I've been to Madrid briefly and loved the Museo Thyssen-B and the Jardin Real. I have a couple of mansion museums on my list for this time, el Parque Retiro, certainly the gardens of the Palacio Real. Probably the Prado. I prefer 19th century art, but I suppose it's a must! Any other suggestions are welcome.

At least you'll want to be there for the changing of the Guard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F05RnIUpKyE

Do not miss the palace. It is absolutely beautiful and makes Buckingham Palace look like a hovel.

My sister and I took an English speaking tour - it was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the palace and would recommend it.

I also liked the palace - and not only the armory.
And there also had not been any long lines or any waiting time worth mentioning.

Hola

The Palace is well worth visiting. A couple of tips. Avoid Wednesdays, it may be closed for visiting dignataries. We went at opening time and didn't have to queue.

I am not " big" on palaces, but enjoyed PR.

If the palace is closed on Wed then get to the Plaza Mayor and you will see the fabulous procession across the Plaza and down the calle Mayor to the palace-beautiful horses!
I still think the palace itself is dull, the throne room is shabby!

I thought that El Retiro was kinda over-rated but if you're into park benches, etc., why not?

The Retiro is great for some down time and people watching on a weekend but other than that it is over-rated. I prefer to wander and relax in the botanical garden next to the Prado-amazing peacefulplace after a visit to the museum-often overlooked.

Retiro is " over rated " ..
compared to what ?

Compared to other parks such as Central Park, NYC for example.El retiro has gone through some rough times-not so long ago it was quite dangerous to jog/stroll through alone.........
I really dislike all the manteros-with their awful stuff for sale spread out all around the lake