I’ve been living in Madrid for a while recently and discovered a particularly pleasant morning routine: having breakfast in the old town and then walking directly to the Royal Palace. Today I’d like to share some practical information about this route with you.
Where to Start Your Breakfast
I usually choose a café near Puerta del Sol for breakfast. I recommend trying the traditional churros con chocolate or a simple tostada with olive oil. Most cafés open at 7 AM, and a breakfast set typically costs between 4 and 6 euros. Finishing breakfast around 8:30 AM is perfect timing to head to the Royal Palace—you’ll avoid the crowds and won’t arrive too early before it opens.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from Puerta del Sol to the Royal Palace along Calle Mayor. The route itself is worth seeing, with traditional buildings on both sides, and you’ll pass through Plaza Mayor. I recommend going in the morning because the area around the Royal Palace gets very sunny in the afternoon, and there are also several local breakfast spots in Madrid where tourists increase later in the day.
Practical Information for Royal Palace Visits
Regarding the Royal Palace’s opening hours and ticket prices, I’ve compiled a simple table:
| Period | Opening Hours | Price |
|---|
| October to March | 10:00-18:00 | 13 euros |
| April to September | 10:00-20:00 | 13 euros |
| Monday to Thursday after 18:00 | Limited slots | Free |
Important note: weekends are not free—free admission is only available on weekdays. If you’re not in a hurry, you can queue up after 6 PM and save 13 euros. However, expect large crowds during free hours, with potential wait times exceeding 30 minutes.
Suggested Visit Route
Once inside the Royal Palace, I recommend starting with the Royal Armory, as it’s usually less crowded. Then proceed to the main halls, including the Throne Room and Banquet Hall. The entire visit takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Remember to bring your student ID or EU residence card for discounts.
Next to the Royal Palace are the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro Park, perfect for relaxing after your visit. The park has plenty of benches with excellent views of the palace’s side facade. If you’re hungry around noon, there are several good tapas restaurants on nearby Calle de Bailén, with prices lower than in the city center—check out this complete guide to breakfast in Madrid’s warehouse district for more options.
Overall, with proper planning, this breakfast-plus-Royal-Palace itinerary can be completed before noon, leaving your afternoon free for other activities. Do you have any other route recommendations or money-saving tips? Feel free to share.
