Aranjuez for free: what to see without paying admission
Walking through the gardens of Aranjuez (Parterre, Island, Prince's) is always free. The palace is free for EU and Latin-American citizens on Wednesdays and Sundays from 15:00 to 19:00 (summer) or 18:00 (winter), and free for everyone on 18 May and 12 October.
The gardens: always free
The best news if you're visiting Aranjuez on a budget: walking through the gardens of the Royal Site is free all year round and they open daily. You don't need to buy any ticket to explore them.
- Parterre Garden: next to the palace facade, with the Fountain of Hercules.
- Island Garden: the oldest and shadiest, between the Tagus and the channel, with mythological fountains.
- Prince's Garden: the largest of all (around 150 hectares), perfect for a long walk or a picnic.
You only pay admission to enter the interior of the palace and specific buildings such as the Labourer's House (which requires a guided tour with booking). The gardens do not.
Free palace entry: afternoon slot
The interior of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez has a free-access slot for citizens of the European Union and Latin America:
| Days | Wednesdays and Sundays |
|---|---|
| Summer (Apr–Sep) | 15:00 – 19:00 |
| Winter (Oct–Mar) | 15:00 – 18:00 |
| Who | EU and Latin-American citizens (with proof of eligibility) |
It's the busiest slot of the week: queues usually form and capacity is limited, so it's worth arriving at the start of the slot. Remember that the palace closes on Mondays.
Days free for everyone
There are two dates when palace admission is free for any visitor, regardless of nationality:
- 18 May — International Museum Day.
- 12 October — Spain's National Day.
Visitor groups with free entry
Outside the free slots, several groups enter the palace free of charge during all opening hours, on presenting proof of eligibility:
- Children under 5.
- Unemployed people.
- People with a disability of 33% or more.
- Large families.
- Teachers and official tourist guides.
Everyone else pays the general admission (~€9) or the reduced rate (~€4 for ages 5–16, over-65s and students up to 25).
Not covered by any free slot?
If you come another day, or want to skip the busy free-afternoon queue and make the most of the palace, the guided tour includes admission, skips the line and explains every room.
See guided tour & price →Visiting Aranjuez for free: our experience
At Ticket Visit we've tried the palace's free slots and checked the conditions against the official sources. Here are our tips to make the most of what costs nothing.
- The gardens are always free. You don't need a ticket for the Prince's Garden or the Island Garden: they open daily and are the best of Aranjuez without spending a euro.
- On the palace's free slot (Wed and Sun, from 15:00), arrive early. It's for EU citizens and a queue forms: join the line before the hour so you don't get turned away.
- Bring ID proving your EU nationality. Free entry in that slot is reserved for EU citizens; your ID card or passport confirms it at the ticket desk.
- 18 May and 12 October are free for everyone, but busier. These are open-door days with no nationality requirement: come first thing if you want to dodge the crowds.
Travellers who book, visit and double-check every detail against official sources. Last reviewed: June 2026. Been to Aranjuez? Tell us about your visit →
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to walk through the gardens?
Yes, the gardens (Parterre, Island and Prince's) are always free and open daily. You only pay for the palace interior and the Labourer's House.
When is entry to the palace free?
For EU and Latin-American citizens, on Wednesdays and Sundays from 15:00 to 19:00 (summer) or to 18:00 (winter). And for everyone, on 18 May and 12 October.
Which groups enter for free?
Children under 5, unemployed people, people with a disability of 33% or more, large families, teachers and official guides, on presenting proof.
Last updated: June 2026. Hours, slots and prices may change; please confirm before your visit.