Palacio Real de El Pardo
A historic royal hunting lodge transformed into a grand palace, showcasing Goya tapestries and Bourbon splendor amidst serene gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free guided tours available
Palacio Real de El Pardo
Best Time
Free guided tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic royal hunting lodge transformed into a grand palace, showcasing Goya tapestries and Bourbon splendor amidst serene gardens.
"Lesser known and visited palace in Madrid, it has a fabulous collection of tapestries by Goya."
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Free Sunday tours fill up fast! Get there ahead of time to secure your spot.
📸 Garden Photos Allowed
Capture the beauty of the palace grounds, but no photos are permitted inside.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Goya Tapestries
Marvel at the exquisite collection of tapestries, showcasing the genius of Goya. A true feast for the eyes.
Bourbon Dynasty Decor
Step back in time with opulent rooms reflecting the grandeur of the Bourbon monarchy.
El Pardo Gardens
Wander through serene gardens, a perfect escape offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Casita del Príncipe
Discover this charming 18th-century recreational retreat, a hidden gem within the estate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Sunday Visits & Timing
Guided Tours & Language
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Free Sunday tours fill up fast! Get there ahead of time to secure your spot.
📸 Garden Photos Allowed
Capture the beauty of the palace grounds, but no photos are permitted inside.
🗣️ Language Barrier? No Worries!
Tours are often in Spanish, but the visual splendor is universal.
👟 Explore the Grounds
The surrounding Monte de El Pardo offers scenic walking and running routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Free Sunday tours fill up fast! Get there ahead of time to secure your spot.
📸 Garden Photos Allowed
Capture the beauty of the palace grounds, but no photos are permitted inside.
🗣️ Language Barrier? No Worries!
Tours are often in Spanish, but the visual splendor is universal.
👟 Explore the Grounds
The surrounding Monte de El Pardo offers scenic walking and running routes.
🍽️ Limited Dining Options
Cafes are scarce; plan to eat before or after your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Palacio Real de El Pardo for its stunning Goya tapestries, exquisite decor, and beautiful gardens, offering a less crowded historical experience near Madrid. However, some guests have encountered unwelcoming security staff, and the limited dining options require planning.
"Running from Pitis to El Pardo is a unique experience
The route is scenic, but it can also be rough, exposed, and occasionally risky… very different from typical Madrid running paths.
So, The Royal Palace of El Pardo is the monumental highlight of the area. It began as a royal hunting lodge in the 15th century and was transformed by successive monarchs into a full royal residence.
Originally built (1405) by King Enrique III
El Pardo is a small historic settlement and protected natural area located in the northern part of the city of Madrid, about 15 km from the city center.
So, my run was spectacular!
The stretch between Pitis and El Pardo takes you through the outer edge of Monte de El Pardo, one of Madrid’s most protected natural spaces.
Caution!
Loose dirt tracks with uneven surfaces
Steep small hills and sudden descents
Rocky areas where footing is unstable
Snakes are indeed possible, especially in warm months
Mostly ladder snakes, horseshoe whip snakes and the Montpellier.
A brutal and but exhilarating adventure.
Ideal for the true runner and explorer.
Oh!… almost forgot.
In a forest clearing I came across the ruble of a church.
Turns out… In Monte de El Pardo, there are several abandoned religious structures built between the 16th and 19th centuries to serve hunters, monks, charcoal workers, and royal retainers.
A great find…
CAUTION while walking amongst the ruble.
I heard several gunshots which apparently is the Royal Guard… live fire training.
The sounds carry far through the forest, especially in open clearings.
The palace and the church are stunning.
Places to eat are a little limited however opposite the palace there one or two bars/cafes.
Getting back to the city is easier enough.
There is a bus that leaves near the church.
Takes 10 mins.
A great day out!"
James Brazier
"Located just outside Madrid, Spain, Palacio de El Pardo is a hidden gem steeped in history. With its stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, the palace offers visitors a glimpse into Spain's regal past.
It is visited with a guided tour so I will recommend to check entrance times. We were lucky as good there 5 min before one tour was about to start and there were still places available."
Angela Caycedo
"Very much enjoyed the visit, especially a few of the unique tapestries. There is no English tour but the tickets were not too expensive, so we didn’t mind joining the tour en español. The garden is a work in progress, but quiet and pleasant with a very nice info board about arboriculture."
Matt Borden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palacio Real de El Pardo is conveniently located about 20 minutes by car from central Madrid. +1 You can also take a bus from the city center, which is an easy and affordable option.
Limited parking is usually available near the palace, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Yes, cycling is a popular option, especially for those looking to explore the surrounding Monte de El Pardo. The routes can be scenic but also challenging.
Combining a bus or car for direct access to the palace with walking or cycling in the surrounding natural park offers a great day trip experience.
Yes, buses connect El Pardo to Madrid, making it accessible for visitors without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry to the palace is typically by guided tour only, and tickets are required. Check the official website for current pricing and tour times.
Indeed! You can enjoy a free guided tour every Sunday afternoon starting from 3:00 PM. Arrive early as spots are limited.
Opening hours vary, and entry is usually restricted to guided tour times. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
No, access to the interior of the Palacio Real de El Pardo is exclusively through guided tours.
Ticket prices are generally reasonable, and there are free entry options on Sunday afternoons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Photography is not permitted inside the palace rooms to preserve the historical artifacts and tapestries. However, you can take photos in the gardens.
Inside, you'll find magnificent Goya tapestries, exquisite Bourbon-era decor, and historical rooms that tell the story of Spanish royalty and its more recent history.
Absolutely! The gardens are beautifully landscaped and offer a peaceful retreat with lovely views, perfect for a stroll. +1
While children can appreciate the grandeur, the guided tour format might be less engaging for very young ones. The gardens offer more freedom to explore.
Originally a 15th-century hunting lodge, it was transformed into a royal residence and later served as the home of dictator Franco. It's a witness to centuries of Spanish history. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options directly opposite the palace are limited to a few bars and cafes. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside historical buildings. Check specific palace rules upon arrival.
The small settlement of El Pardo offers traditional Spanish cuisine in its local restaurants and bars.
The extensive grounds of Monte de El Pardo offer opportunities for picnics, especially if you venture a bit away from the immediate palace area.
While options are limited near the palace, exploring the village of El Pardo will reveal local eateries serving Spanish dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
You can freely take photos in the beautiful gardens and the exterior of the palace. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace.
The manicured gardens, the palace facade, and the surrounding natural landscapes of Monte de El Pardo offer excellent photographic opportunities. +1
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and natural parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Landscape photography in the gardens and nature shots in Monte de El Pardo are very popular, along with architectural shots of the palace exterior. +1
Tripod usage might be restricted during peak hours or for professional shoots. It's advisable to check with the site management if you plan to use one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more active family outing, exploring the Monte de El Pardo offers opportunities for gentle walks and enjoying nature.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Be prepared for tours to be primarily in Spanish, but the visual elements are universally understood.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
While the palace is a historical highlight, the real adventure for nature lovers lies in exploring the trails, discovering hidden ruins, and enjoying the abundant flora and fauna.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal Hunting Lodge's Transformation
This evolution reflects the changing needs and tastes of the Spanish monarchy. From a functional hunting base, it became a symbol of royal power and a place for lavish court life. The palace has witnessed significant historical events and served various roles, including being the residence of dictator Francisco Franco in the latter half of the 20th century, adding another layer to its complex past.
Today, visitors can explore the palace's historical rooms, admire the impressive collection of tapestries, and wander through its beautifully maintained gardens, gaining insight into Spain's regal and political history. The Casita del Príncipe and the Quinta del Duque de Arco are notable additions that showcase the estate's development as a place of leisure and recreation.
Exploring the Monte de El Pardo
Runners and hikers often describe the trails as scenic but can be challenging, featuring loose dirt tracks, uneven surfaces, steep hills, and rocky areas.
Beyond the palace itself, the Monte de El Pardo provides an opportunity to connect with nature and experience a wilder side of the region. It’s a perfect complement to a visit to the Palacio Real de El Pardo, offering a blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure.
The Artistry of El Pardo's Tapestries
The tapestries depict a variety of scenes, from pastoral landscapes and genre paintings to mythological subjects, offering a visual narrative of the era. The Goya tapestries, in particular, are a highlight, showcasing his distinctive style and ability to capture everyday life and human emotion. Visitors often express awe at the sheer quality and quantity of these textile masterpieces, with some calling it the best collection they've ever seen in one place.
While photography is not allowed inside, the experience of viewing these historical artworks up close is deeply rewarding. They are a testament to the artistic heritage of Spain and a significant reason to visit the Palacio Real de El Pardo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit