I am planning to visit Madrid the last week of April. I have a free afternoon and a choice of visiting either the Royal Palace or El Escorial. Does anyone have any recommendations which would be more worthwhile for an art, architecture and history buff? Thanks.

Can anyone who has been to both offer an opinion?

A guided tour of the Royal Palace in Madrid -- late Sunday morning, ending at noonish (took @1-1.5 hrs). Had lunch at place I learned about here, returned to hotel & joined bus tour to El Escorial which took the entire afternoon & included visit to the Valley of the Fallen. The scenery on trip out was very interesting - watch for the "wild" pigs that become famous ham. While we enjoyed both, & you will see more gilt, art, etc. at the Royal Palace, my strongest memories are of El Escorial. History-wise it depends on your period of interest - mine for Spanish history is ends with the Amada (sp?)then skips to Civil War (Hemingway)period. Personally, I think El Escorial is more "unique". It was on my "would like to see if possible list", not a "must see" item -- the opportunity for this tour was a delightful surprise we seized.

If it is a Monday, El Escorial is closed so that's an easy choice! . <BR><BR>I've been to both and it is not really an easy call. The Royal Palace contains art treasures and pieces of Spanish history that are a must for any visitor that wants to truly get a good view of Spain's history. BUT, ...so does El Escorial, with the added incentive of getting you out of the city on to an impressive sight on the mountains. I would hate to have to choose, but if I had to I would choose a guided tour of El Escorial. Julia Tours has a guided tour to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen for about $30/pp that departs their office (Gran Via, 68) at about 1:00pm. It includes the transportaion, guide, and entrance fees. I mentioned Julia Tours but just about any day tour company in Madrid offers the same deal. Have a great time!

Thanks, MHS and Maira!

I have only visited El Escorial, not the Royal Palace and found it to be a very interesting place to visit. My trip also included a visit to the Valley of the Fallen (monument to those who died in the Civil War). I found the setting quite breathtaking and very evocative of &quot;For Whom the Bell Tolls&quot; if you have seen the movie.

i would opt for the royal palace since it gives you a chance to also view the military museum which contains the best collection of armor/arms in development up to Philipp II (armada time) neither building is an architectural gem but both are imposing. the porcelain room in the royal palace (walls/ceiling) is astounding. the valley of the fallen is a monument to fascism at its most extravagant.