Only used for state ceremonies today, the Palacio Real de Madrid is the legitimate residence of the Spanish Royal Family, and the largest royal palace in Europe. This comes as no surprise, as it has a jaw-dropping number of rooms - 3418 to be precise! The baroque palace interior is adorned lavishly with fine materials and ornate collections like the Royal Armoury of Madrid and the only existing complete Stradivarius string quartet.

Throughout the year, several rooms are open to the public to appreciate the stunning memorabilia on display, and the elaborate interior. A visit to this rich palace is not complete without wandering the exterior grounds - statues adorn the Plaza de Oriente and the Sabatini Gardens. From Campo del Moro Gardens, one can capture the perfect shot of grounds and castle. Moreover, admire the intricate artworks housed within from paintings, ceramics, tapestry to even frescoes created by the likes of Tiépolo, Velázquez, Goya, Giordano and Mengs; thus making it one of the most important museums in Europe, helming tens of thousands of visitors every year. This palace stands in salute to the once-formidable Spanish power, a significant historical site that should not be missed.