When is the next full ceremony?

Wednesday, November 11 at 12:00pm, per esMadrid. It is normally the first Wednesday of the month, except January, August and September, so December's should be December 2; the date is not posted yet.

No. Entry is free through the Puerta de Santiago, from Calle de Bailén, into the Plaza de la Armería.

How often do the sentries change?

Every 30 minutes, with a fife and drum. The mounted sentries ride past the facade every 10 minutes.

Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace

Name: Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace
Start: 2026-10-21
End: 2026-12-30T23:59:59
Location: Palacio Real de Madrid

Featured inRoyal Madrid & Must-See Landmarks Things to Do with Kids in Centro Free Things to Do with Kids in Madrid

Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace photo 1

Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace photo 2

Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace photo 3

PerformanceCentro

Where

Centro, Palacio Real de Madrid

Ages

All ages

Duration

50m

Setting

Outdoors

Plan for

30-60 minutes

Original title

Cambio de guardia y relevo solemne en el Palacio Real de Madrid

What you need to know

Every Wednesday and Saturday, 11:00am to 2:00pm, at the Puerta del Príncipe on Calle Bailén
Monthly full ceremony at 12:00pm, about 50 minutes, with lancers, halberdiers and cannon
Free, but it can be skipped for official events or bad weather

About

Royal Guard sentries in gala uniform, two on foot and two on horseback, swap posts to a fife and drum outside the Royal Palace. Once a month the full ceremony fills the Plaza de la Armería with lancers, halberdiers and cannon. Kids who like horses and marching bands will enjoy it.

Free

Wed, Nov 11

12:00 PM

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Where it is

Palacio Real de Madrid

Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid

Getting there

Metro: Ópera (5 min walk), Príncipe Pío (7 min walk)
Bus: Cuesta de San Vicente (4 min walk), Ópera (4 min walk), Palacio Real (5 min walk)
Notes: The weekly change is at the Puerta del Príncipe on Calle de Bailén. For the monthly ceremony, enter through the Puerta de Santiago.