Europe's largest functioning royal palace — 3,418 rooms, though only the royal family uses it for state ceremonies now. The Throne Room, Royal Armory, and Sabatini Gardens. Baroque excess executed at the scale of an empire.
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The guided tour covers the state rooms — Throne Room, Gasparini Room, Royal Chapel. The Royal Armory downstairs (separate building) holds Charles V's armor and medieval weaponry. The Sabatini Gardens behind the palace offer the best exterior views. Skip the Royal Pharmacy unless you find historical medicine compelling.
First thing in the morning (10am opening) to avoid tour groups. Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are quieter. Closed for state ceremonies occasionally — check the calendar. Free entry Monday–Thursday 4-6pm (October–March) and 6-8pm (April–September) for EU citizens.
Built on the site of the medieval Alcázar which burned in 1734. Construction took 26 years (1738-1764). Philip V commissioned it but never lived in it. The current royal family lives in the smaller Zarzuela Palace outside Madrid — this is ceremonial only. The scale is overwhelming and the decoration is relentless. Tiepolo frescoes on the ceilings. Stradivarius instruments in the music room. Photography prohibited in most rooms. Allow 2-3 hours.