Madrid’s Royal Palace glows with history. Its grand facade and 3,000 rooms captivate. Around Palacio Real, free activities thrill. From gardens to statues, discover Madrid’s heart. These spots near Royal Palace delight everyone. They suit families, history buffs, and budget travelers. Each is under 10 minutes’ walk. Distances start from Royal Palace’s gate (Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28013 Madrid). Visit around Palacio Real for sunset magic. Wear comfy shoes for cobblestone paths.
Stroll around Plaza Oriente
1. Stroll Plaza de Oriente Plaza de Oriente sits beside Royal Palace. Lush gardens, fountains, and king statues charm. Why you´d like it: Locals relax at historic cafés. Café de Oriente, opened in 1887, is centennial. Note its commemorative plaque at the entrance. In the square itself musicians play lively tunes, street performers entertain, lottery sellers are also stationed there. All in all, it is a buzzing environment and lives up to the vibrancy of being in the vicinity of a Royal theatre.
Distance from Royal Palace: 50 meters (1 minute).
Address: Plaza de Oriente, 28013 Madrid
Watch Royal Guard Change Ceremony
2. See Guard Change Ceremony Guards march first Wednesday monthly, noon. It’s at Plaza de la Armería. Why it’s worth your time: Soldiers parade with drums. Bands play, flags fly high. It’s royal Spanish flair. Kids love the show. Arrive early for views. Weekly shows occur Wednesdays, Saturdays.
Distance from Royal Palace: On-site (1 minute).
Address: Puerta del Príncipe (patrimonionacional.es)
Picnic at Sabatini Gardens
3. Wander Sabatini Gardens North of Royal Palace, gardens bloom. Fountains, hedges, and pines bring calm. Why it’s special: Stroll shaded paths. Relax on benches, read books. Statues add royal charm. Summer hosts free concerts. Picnics shine around Palacio Real. Check reopening updates.
Distance from Royal Palace: 150 meters (2 minutes).
Address: Cuesta de la Vega, 28013 Madrid
Learn about Spanish´s anarchist history
4. Explore Plaza de la Villa This square lies near Royal Palace. Old palaces, now government offices, impress. Why it’s historical: Admire 16th-century architecture. Casa de la Villa, once City Hall, now houses police offices. A 1910 anarchist attack hit a royal parade here. It’s near Italian Cultural Center. History fans love it around Royal Palace.
Distance from Royal Palace: 400 meters (6 minutes).
Address: Plaza de la Villa, 28005 Madrid
Visit Italian Cultural Home in Madrid
5.Explore Italian Cultural Institute Free art exhibits await near Royal Palace. It’s steps from Plaza de la Villa. Why you can´t miss it: It´s hosted in a historically enchanting building and there are usually free expositions or live events like concerts or film screenings in the evenings in their cozy librar. It´s a bit of Italy near Palacio Real in Madrid.
Distance from Royal Palace: 400 meters (6 minutes).
Address/Website: Calle Mayor, 86, 28013 Madrid (iicmadrid.esteri.it/it/)
View Madrid from a priviledged position
6. Climb Mirador de la Cornisa. This viewpoint south of Royal Palace stuns. See gardens, distant mountains. Why it’ll marvel you: Snap sunset photos. Casa de Campo’s greenery unfolds. It’s romantic, free, relaxing. Benches await around Royal Palace. Open noon to 10 p.m.
Distance from Royal Palace: 100 meters (2 minutes).
Address/Website: Calle de Bailén, s/n
Window shop (and try) Flamenco fashion in Madrid
7. Browse Flamenco dresses. FlamencoExport sells vibrant dresses nearby. Window-shop ruffles, shawls and even try some of them. Why it’s fashionable: Feel flamenco’s fiery vibe. Staff share dance tales. It’s cultural around Palacio Real. Take photos, no buying needed.
Distance from Royal Palace: 250 meters (4 minutes).
Address/Website**: Calle Campomanes, 4, 28013 Madrid (flamencoexport.com).
Picnic like royalty in the Campo del Moro gardens
8. Picnic in Campo del Moro Gardens below Royal Palace bloom. Roses, fountains, peacocks charm visitors. Why it’s majestic: Pack a picnic, unwind. Kids love playground vibes. It’s green around Royal Palace. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Distance from Royal Palace: 300 meters (5 minutes).
Address/Website: Paseo Virgen del Puerto, 28008 Madrid (patrimonionacional.es).
Spot (and interact) with the onlooker statue
9. Spot The Onlooker Statue On Calle Mayor, find The Onlooker. This bronze figure leans, watching streets. Why it’s naugthily fun: It shows Madrid’s curious spirit. Built in 2000, it celebrates street life. Visitors rub its shiny bottom—yes, the bum—for luck, adding laughs. It’s quirky near Royal Palace.
Distance from Royal Palace: 350 meters (5 minutes).
Address/Website: Calle Mayor, near Plaza de la Villa
Admire Royal Theatre´s Grand Entrance
10. Admire Royal Theatre Entrance. Pop into Teatro Real’s public foyer. See its grand staircase, ornate ceilings. Why it’s luxurious: The 1850 opera house stuns. Its free-entry lobby offers elegance. Gilded details and chandeliers dazzle. It’s a quick peek around Royal Palace. Check hours, as access varies.
Distance from Royal Palace:150 meters (2 minutes).
Address/Website: Plaza de Isabel II, s/n, 28013 Madrid (teatroreal.es/en)
These activities make Royal Palace unforgettable. Walk under 5 km total. Grab a €1.50 metro ticket if needed. In need of alternative bespoke plans, check out these 20 exclusive plans for the trendy traveler in Madrid.