Standing before the imposing facade of the Palacio Real de Madrid, you quickly realize this isn't your average royal residence. With over 3,400 rooms spread across 135,000 square meters, it's actually the largest royal palace in Western Europe. The numbers are staggering – nearly double the size of Buckingham Palace or Versailles.

What strikes me most about this place is the irony. Despite being the official residence of Spain's king, the royal family doesn't actually live here. They prefer the more modest Palace of Zarzuela instead, leaving this baroque masterpiece primarily for state ceremonies and, thankfully, public visits.

The palace sits on Calle Bailén in Madrid's western downtown area, built between 1735 and 1764 in that distinctive baroque classicist style. Walking through its halls, you can sense the weight of Spanish history in every ornate detail. The Salón de Alabarderos makes for an interesting first stop – originally designed as a ballroom by architect Sacchetti, King Carlos III had other ideas and converted it into quarters for the royal guard. The result is a surprisingly austere space, save for the mythological ceiling painting depicting Aeneas and Venus.

The palace houses some remarkable collections that go far beyond typical royal treasures. The Stradivarius Palatinos – a collection of string instruments – represents just one facet of the artistic wealth stored here. There are significant painting, sculpture, and tapestry collections that span centuries of European craftsmanship.

Discover all the secrets of the Royal Palace of Madrid with our comprehensive Madrid audio guide to fully appreciate the stories behind these opulent rooms and their contents.

During Franco's dictatorship, locals began calling it the "Palace of the East," despite it being located in Madrid's westernmost area. The nickname stuck, adding another layer to this palace's complex identity.

The state rooms remain open to visitors whenever official events aren't taking place, which means you can actually walk through spaces where Spanish monarchs once held court. The preservation is remarkable – many areas feel frozen in time, offering genuine insight into royal life across different eras. It's accessible via the Ópera metro station, making it surprisingly easy to reach despite its grandeur.