With a grand parade ground, fabulous views over the city, imposing staircases and ornate rooms, this is everything that a royal palace should be.

All that is missing is the royal family, who prefer to live in the Zarzuela Palace on the outskirts of Madrid. Today, the grand 250-year-old Palacio Real is used solely for state occasions. To get the most out of your visit, join a 45-minute tour, then wander round at your leisure. As you climb the main staircase, imagine the red carpet treatment and guard of honour that greets new ambassadors and visiting heads of state. Each room seems more magnificent than the last. With its backdrop of 17th-century Flemish tapestries, the Sala de Columnas is often used for ceremonies, such as Spain's entry to the European Community (1986) and the Middle East peace accord (1992). Curiously, no one sits on the two thrones in the Throne Room because King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía prefer to stand during audiences. Continue past great paintings by Goya and admire ornate clocks, then prepare yourself for Gasparini's Robing Room. This jewel box of a room, with a marble floor, decorated walls and encrusted ceiling, is now used for taking coffee after state banquets.