Visiting the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is one of the best getaways from Madrid. That’s why, in this guide, we’ll tell you what to see in El Escorial, how to get there, and some useful tips to make the most of your visit.
Let’s get started!
What to see in the Monastery of El Escorial
1. The Habsburg Palace
El Escorial was commissioned by Philip II, king of the Habsburg dynasty. Although at first glance it looks more like a fortress than a monastery, the truth is that it was conceived as a palace, basilica, convent, college, and royal pantheon. A monumental site designed to showcase the power of the Spanish monarchy.
So, of course, one of the first things to do in El Escorial is to admire the palace itself. From the outside, it impresses with its sober and colossal architecture. Its gray granite facades and tall towers are examples of the Herrerian style, which embodies the ideal of austerity of the Habsburgs.
But the truly fascinating part is inside. Upon entering its doors, you’ll walk through the same spaces once trodden by the kings, entering a labyrinth of hallways, marble corridors, and perfectly geometric courtyards. It is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic works of the Spanish Renaissance.
A tour of the palace also allows you to see one of the most valuable art collections in Spain. In its halls, you’ll find works by masters such as Tiziano, El Greco, Velázquez and El Bosco, as well as Flemish tapestries and frescoes decorating vaults and staircases, capable of transporting you back in time.
Find the best hotel deals for your trip
Is the guided tour of El Escorial worth it? Absolutely, yes! The monastery is filled with art, architecture, symbolism, and fascinating details that easily go unnoticed if you visit on your own. Joining a guided tour not only helps you appreciate its spiritual and political significance, but also allows you to explore the most important areas efficiently and without confusion
During the visit, you’ll hear anecdotes about Philip II, uncover the meaning behind the frescoes in the Library, learn about the symbolism of the Pantheon, and understand why this site was essential to the consolidation of the Spanish monarchy. Plus, the guides are often historians, adding an extra layer of insight.
You can book the guided tour here, — the best part is that it includes entry tickets, skip-the-line access and a flexible cancellation policy. Alternatively, you can join this day tour from Madrid, which combines El Escorial with the Valley of the Fallen, perfect for those wanting to make the most of their day.
Check current prices and availability for the El Escorial tour
2. What to see in El Escorial: The Royal Library
One of the most impressive spaces to see in El Escorial is the Royal Library. A place that impresses not only with its more than 40,000 ancient volumes, but also with its architecture: carved wooden shelves, globes, maps of the ancient world, and a ceiling entirely covered with frescoes.
Walking through this room is like entering a Renaissance temple, where science, art, and philosophy come together under one roof. In fact, it was considered one of the most advanced libraries of its time, and its shelves even house books banned by the Inquisition.
At this point, we recommend taking a guided tour, as it will make a real difference to your tour of El Escorial. Many of the frescoes and symbols painted on the vaults contain allegorical meanings that are easily overlooked, and having a guide will help you better understand the building’s message.
See price and availability of the guided tour
Tips for finding great and affordable accommodation: The best way to secure the lowest prices is to book early. If you wait until the last minute, the cheapest and highest-rated places will likely be sold out, and you’ll have to settle for what’s left.
Our favorite platform for finding hotel deals is Booking.com. By booking through this link, you can save up to 15% on your next stay. The best part is that, in many cases, you can pay directly at the property, and cancel for free if your plans change.
Plus, if you book frequently, you’ll reach Genius Level 3, Booking’s highest loyalty tier, which gives you exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, and room upgrades — helping you save even more.
Book your accommodation here and save up to 15%
3. The Basilica of El Escorial
One of the must-see sights in El Escorial is its Basilica, which stands right in the center of the complex. It was conceived as the axis of the monastery, where the spiritual and political are intertwined in every architectural detail, exalting the role of the Spanish monarchy as defender of the faith.
From the outside, its enormous dome, over 90 meters high, inspired by that of St. Peter’s in the Vatican, stands out. But it’s upon entering that you truly feel the solemnity of the space: a sober, monumental, and symbolic place, where natural light rests on gilded altars.
By the way, if you want to make the most of your trip, consider spending the night in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This will give you more time and flexibility to explore at your leisure, discover nearby viewpoints, panoramic routes through the Sierra de Guadarrama, or even visit the Valley of the Fallen.
Accommodations near the monastery: Hotel Florida, Exe Victoria Palace, Hotel De Martín and Miranda & Suizo.
Book train, bus, flight and ferry tickets
Want to save time and money on your next trip? Planning with the right tools can make all the difference. To find cheap flights, we recommend Skyscanner.com, which operates worldwide and compares hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to help you find the best fares.
For accommodation, our go-to platform is Booking.com, where you can save up to 15% and access exclusive benefits. Complete your trip by organizing your tours and guided visits through Civitatis.com, where you’ll find everything from free walking tours to excursions around the world.
If you’re traveling abroad, stay connected with an eSim from Holafly and enjoy a 5% exclusive discount for being a Travelgrafía reader. And don’t forget your travel insurance from Protegetuviaje.com, it offers excellent coverage, 24/7 assistance, and great value for money.
Support our work! Donate via PayPal — every bit helps
4. What to see in El Escorial: The Pantheon of the Kings
If you’re still wondering what to see in El Escorial, you should know that one of the most impressive places is located just below the basilica: the Royal Pantheon. This marble and gilded bronze crypt jealously guards the tombs of most of Spain’s kings and queens, from Charles I to Alfonso XIII.
To get there, you’ll have to descend a staircase, and although out of respect photography is not allowed in certain places, a visit is a must. You’ll see the perfectly aligned and richly decorated sarcophagi. It is literally the place where the history of the Spanish monarchy rests.
Tip for your next international trip: Stay connected from the moment you land with this eSIM, easy to activate and with unlimited data. Use your favorite apps and share your best moments without relying on WiFi or paying roaming fees.
Get 5% off your unlimited data eSIM
How to find cheap last-minute flights Although it’s always best to book in advance, we know that’s not always possible. In those cases, Skyscanner is a great tool for finding the best fares and deals worldwide.
This platform compares prices from hundreds of airlines and agencies to show you the most affordable options. Simply click here, enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates, and filter by price, time, or stopovers to find the perfect flight.
Is it safe to book flights on Skyscanner? Yes, it is. Just keep in mind that Skyscanner doesn’t sell tickets directly — it redirects you to the airline or travel agency’s official site. For extra peace of mind, we recommend booking through the link that takes you straight to the airline’s website.
5. Valley of the Fallen
Many tours to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial from Madrid also include a stop at the Valley of the Fallen. It is a place that, beyond its imposing architecture, invites reflection and memory, especially in these times marked by historical and social tensions.
In the Valley of the Fallen, recently renamed Valle de Cuelgamuros, stands a colossal monument ordered by Francisco Franco after the Spanish Civil War. It is a basilica carved into the rock, nestled among the mountains of the Sierra de Guadarrama, crowned by a 150-meter-high cross.
Although presented by the regime as a tribute to «all the fallen», it was perceived as a symbol of Franco’s victory, largely because it was built by Republican prisoners and housed Franco’s own tomb until its exhumation in 2019.
Beyond the political context, a visit to the valley is impressive due to the monumental scale of its architecture and its privileged location. From the top, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the mountains, making it a stop that many travelers consider for its historical, scenic, and emotional value.
Book excursion to El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
Tip: An unexpected event abroad can cost you thousands of dollars. Getting sick, having an accident, or losing your luggage can not only ruin your trip but also hit your wallet hard. With international insurance from protegetuviaje.com, you’ll have medical assistance and protection in many situations — from flight delays to cancellations.
Travel insurance isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in peace of mind. In addition to medical coverage, most policies include benefits like repatriation, early return due to family emergencies, and even dental emergency coverage. In fact, in many countries, travel insurance is already an entry requirement.
Don’t let an unexpected setback ruin your trip! Click here to purchase our recommended international insurance — it offers excellent coverage, 24/7 assistance, and fair pricing for travel anywhere in the world. Protect your health, your luggage, and your investment — and focus all your energy on enjoying the adventure.
Buy your travel insurance here and get your eSIM for free
How to get to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial from Madrid
Getting there on your own from Madrid is quite simple. From Chamartín station, you can take the Renfe commuter train, which will take you to El Escorial station in about an hour. From there, it’s a 25-minute walk to the monastery.
Another option is to take a bus from the Moncloa interchange. The journey also takes around an hour and ends at the San Lorenzo de El Escorial bus station, just a 10-minute walk from the monastery.
Now, although getting there by public transport is easy, we recommend taking the guided tour. The monastery has a lot to see, so having an expert explanation makes all the difference. You can book the tour from Madrid at this link.
If you’re traveling in a group and don’t have a car, renting one is a great idea, as it allows you to travel at your own pace without relying on public transportation schedules. Plus, when splitting the cost among everyone, it could be more affordable than other transportation options. It’s also a much more comfortable choice if you’re traveling with children.
Find the Best Car Rental Deals Here
Tips for visiting the Royal Monastery of El Escorial
Now that you know what to see in El Escorial, we recommend planning your visit during the week if you want to avoid crowds. If you can only go on the weekend, Saturday mornings are usually a good option.
Take a leisurely 2 to 3 hours to see the essential sites, and hopefully take a guided tour. This will help you better understand the history and significance of each space. If you prefer to visit on your own, buy your tickets online in advance.
Hours: The monastery is open every day except Mondays. In winter (October to March): 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In summer (April to September): 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Additionally, admission is free on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (last admission at 5:45 PM).
By the way, if you’re spending several days in Madrid, don’t miss these travel guides, perfect for creating a complete itinerary for the capital and its surrounding areas:
- What to see in Salamanca on a day trip from Madrid
- Historic and charming places to visit in Segovia
- The most beautiful corners of Cuenca
- Guide to visiting Toledo
We hope you enjoyed this travel guide! If you found our information helpful, consider supporting our work by booking accommodations, tours, and services we recommend, or directly through the following affiliate links:
Booking.com: Top hotels at great prices
Skyscanner.com: Find flights on sale
Guruwalk.com: Free walking tours around the world
Civitatis.com: Guided tours and excursions
Bookaway.com: Bus, ferry, and train tickets
Holafly.com: International eSIM
All photographic and written content on this website is created by Travelgrafía®. If you’d like to share something, please credit us by including our name and a link. Do not use our photos for commercial purposes without our consent..
See you soon!
