Hi. Quick question. We are travelling to Andalusia in April and are the type of travellers that get tired of seeing too many churches, cathedrals, monasteries, museums, temples; you get the picture. We love travel for the adventure, culture, food, biking, hiking etc. and of course want to see the highlights of each city or region. We will be visiting the Alhambra in Granada so I'm wondering if it's necessary to see the Royal Palace in Madrid? We don't have that much time in Madrid so was thinking maybe this is a bit redundant if we are seeing Alhambra.

Any insight is appreciated.

The Royal Palace in Madrid is very different from the Alhambra as it is a lived-in working palace. We enjoyed both but know what you mean about getting burnout. We have been to so many palaces and churches they do begin to blur. We did enjoy learning more about Spain's royal family and governance while we visited the Palace. I guess I would rate it as not a must but a "worthwhile if you have time."

I see the Palace's website states: Free entrance to the Palace: Monday to Thursday from 4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m (Access up to 60 minutes before closing) which I think means you could enter for free between 4 and 5 pm. You could always pop in, if you have time and are in the area.

We went on this food tour which we really enjoyed: https://www.walksofspain.com. I think you would also enjoy visiting this market: https://mercadodesanmiguel.es/en.

Have a great trip!

Just to add that the Royal Palace free entrance period is for EU citizens only.

If you're there the day of solemn guard change that's worth it. IMHO the palace itself less so. IIRC First Wednesday of the month. Unless it's changed.

The Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Palace in Madrid are very, very different from each other, both architecturally and historically. The Royal Palace is the official residence of Spain's royal family. The Alhambra is a fortress and palace for the Moorish monarchs and was built in the mid-13th century. The grounds also consist of the beautiful Generalife gardens. We enjoyed touring the Royal Palace, but I agree with KTtravel that it is not a must, especially if you don't have the time, but is definitely worth seeing. I personally consider the Alhambra a must; it is outstanding. But not everyone might agree with me. Some people believe, and they are right, that there aren't any "musts". For me there are, and the Alhambra is one of them.

Are you also visiting Cordoba and Seville? If so, I highly recommend visiting the Mezquita in Cordoba and the Real Alcazar in Seville. They are highlights for us, and I would call them "musts".

I understand what you mean about getting burned out. When we were in Seville, I visited the Cathedral with friends we were travelling with. My husband did not because he said he was burned out by cathedrals at that point. I think we had visited 3 cathedrals by the time we reached Seville. He went shopping instead, and he is not a big shopper!

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Great info. Haha, I was just about to ask about Alcazar in Seville so that answers that question.

Here's the info about the Changing of the Guard---there are two, the big affair, the Solemn Changing of the Guard, first Wednesday of the month (except Jan. Aug. Sept.) and the bi-weekly 11-2 Wednesday/Saturday Changing of the Guard.

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

Get there early for the former.

Just to note: the Royal Family doesn't live in the Royal Palace. They reside slightly outside of the city in the much smaller, far more modest private residence, Palacio de la Zarzuela.

Oh, my mistake about the Royal family living in the Royal Palace. Are royal official ceremonies held there, Maribel? Maybe that is what I remember.

Yes, you're correct that many official ceremonies ARE held there, such as the recent Pascua Militar.

When I told one of my guests that I did not plan to show her the cathedral of Bilbao, she said that it was fine, that she had already seen the cathedral in Bermeo and in Getaria. Then I showed some surprise, and I had to explain her that a "cathedral" is not the same thing as a "church", a "hermitage" or a "basilica"...she was not Catholic and thought that all churches were cathedrals!!

I like the area near the Palace…
Plaza de Oriente is one of my “ must stops” in Madrid .

The Egyptian temple isn't that far.