Morning
Palacio Real & the Armoury. Europe's largest functioning royal palace — go at opening or book the last slot; free entry final two hours Mon–Thu for EU/LatAm citizens.
Changing of the guard. Wednesdays & Saturdays at the Puerta del Príncipe; the full solemn relief with cavalry happens the first Wednesday of the month.
Afternoon
Royal escarpment sunset walk — 2.5 km · 1 h. Plaza de Oriente → Sabatini gardens → down around the Campo del Moro railings → Cuesta de la Vega → Almudena viewpoint → Las Vistillas for sunset over the Casa de Campo. The city's western cliff edge, golden hour.
Campo del Moro & Sabatini gardens. The palace's two gardens — Sabatini for the symmetrical photo, Campo del Moro for the long lawn view up the facade.
Evening
An opera night at the Teatro Real. One of Europe's great houses — same-day standing and restricted-view tickets go for the price of two drinks.
Sleeping here? Around the Plaza de Oriente and Calle de Vergara for the full royal-quarter effect; Calle del Arenal for the direct line to Sol; toward Plaza de España for newer stock and the gardens. Evenings are quiet everywhere here — this is the centre's best barrio for actual sleep.
Questions, answered
Where to sleep: Palacio
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