Days in Madrid are filled with some of the best art and architecture in the world. There are endless places to consider when planning your museum time, and now you can add one more to the list — The Gallery of the Royal Collections.
Opened in 2023, this gallery, which sits on the site of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, is impressive even before you enter. This modern, award-winning building houses three immense floors of some of the Crown's most spectacular paintings, sculptures, armors, tapestries, decorative arts, and carriages. Yes, carriages! It is a royal collection after all.
Your visit begins in the 15th Century during the reign of the House of Austria, continuing through to the 18th Century when the Bourbons came to power. There are fantastic audio/visuals everywhere, which provide context to the magnificent items on display. It's a fascinating history lesson! This museum is quite unique in that it leads downwards. Because of this, visitors are treated to a glimpse of Madrid's beginnings upon which the modern city was built. During the excavation of this site, remnants of a 9th Century Arab wall were discovered and are now proudly on display.
A large gallery devoted to temporary exhibitions occupies the bottom floor, along with "El Cubo", a 360-degree immersive video experience of the stunning Patrimonio Nacional sites, to which the Gallery of the Royal Collections also belongs. The gallery exits onto the beautiful El Campo del Moro gardens. Have a seat and admire this gorgeous corner of Madrid.
Find your way with 258 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The museum is big and every inch of the Museo del Traje is enjoyable, but my favourite part is their magnificent display of traditional Spanish costumes.
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For 5 euros, paid at the ground-floor, I received a lift ticket which would carry me up 27 dizzying floors to enjoy some of the best views of the city.
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All of the classic favourites are served up here at Masala Darbar – Butter Chicken, Korma and Tikka Masala – with sides of basmati rice and fluffy naan.
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Escape the crowds of Madrid’s famous art museums and explore Serrería Belga, a repurposed sawmill turned vibrant art space with diverse exhibitions!
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Discover Barceló Market in Madrid for a lunch filled with global flavors! Stop by Latino Arepa for Venezuelan delights — arepas, empanadas, and cachapas!
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"Mercato Italiano" in Madrid is in the city's Little Italy in Rios Rosas. Great bruschetta and salads, and I recommend getting a wine, spritz or Campari...
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"Toma Café 2" in Madrid have not only created art out of coffee (I'm sipping a jasmine/white peach brew right now), I love their sandwiches & peacefulness.
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"Taverna Sacromonte" is an Andaluz tavern in Usera, Madrid. It feels village-y. Their tapas are great here -- I recommend going there and then for Chinese!
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Calle Redondilla (bottom of the square to the left) has maybe the oldest standing building in Madrid at Number 10 - it's from the 15th century,
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"Caramelos Paco" in Madrid sells sweets - its window display leaves no doubt about that. I love old shops like this, the opposites of one-stop shopping!
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"CaixaForum Madrid" is a good alternative to the nearby, more touristy Prado and Reina Sofia. It's beautiful, cool and quite small if you have limited time
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"Casa Gonzalez" is a lovely little delicatessen in Madrid and a great place for some great wine, cheese & tostas! My favorite is the 'azul picón de hojas'.
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258 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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