Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, historic monuments, and a dynamic way of life. Located in the center of the nation, Madrid is a wonderful mix of new technology and old districts that make it a fun place to be.
Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)
The Prado Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world and one of the top landmarks to visit in Madrid. It holds one of the best collections of European art from the 12th to early 20th centuries. Founded in 1819, the museum’s original collection was dedicated to Spanish art, but it has since incorporated works from other nations, especially Italy and, to a lesser extent, the Netherlands. The museum has more than 8,000 paintings, 1,000 sculptures and countless prints and drawings.
Of the most famous works in the museum here is the “Las Meninas” by Diego Velázquez providing an interesting insight into the Spanish court. Another famous one is Francisco Goya’s painting “The Third of May 1808” that shows the horrors of war. Visitors can also marvel at masterpieces by Titian, El Greco, Rubens and Hieronymus Bosch. The museum’s most visited work is Bosch’s enigmatic masterpiece “The Garden of Earthly Delights.”
Another great detail is the architecture of the Prado. The main building, by Juan de Villanueva, is a good example of 18th-century Neoclassical architecture. It (museum) has added to itself several different times (including one by Rafael Moneo) that sits quite nicely among the old.
Visitors should budget several hours to fully take in the Prado’s comprehensive collection. The museum features a gift shop and café where visitors can buy souvenirs and refreshments.
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Information:
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays and Holidays: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Admission Fees:
- General Admission: €15
- Free Entrance: Monday to Saturday, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Sundays and holidays, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Address: Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
- Web Address: www.museodelprado.es
Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid)
Royal palace is one of the best palaces in Europe, Although the palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, they no longer live there, and the palace is used for state ceremonies, official receptions, and cultural events.
The palace, built in the 18th century, was constructed on the site of the old Alcázar of Madrid, a medieval fortress that burned to the ground in 1734. The new palace, commissioned by Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, and finished under his successor, Charles III. Far from the shoulders of this huge compound rises a baroque and neoclassical architecture of grand facades, intricate decorations and beautiful gardens.
Visitors can tour the opulent interior, which includes the Throne Room, Banquet Hall, Royal Chapel and Royal Armory. The palace contains an extensive collection of works, including paintings by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, as well as precious tapestries, sculptures and porcelain. The Royal Armory, whose collection of weapons and armor is one of the finest in Europe, is a highlight.
The palace’s Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro Gardens are open to the public, offering a tranquil getaway from the crowded city. Tourists come from all over to see to Changing of the Guard three times a week.
Next to Plaza de Oriente, a lovely square with statues of Spanish kings and great photo ops, is the Royal Palace. Nearby sights include Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Theatre.
The palace has guided tours, audio guides and special exhibitions. It can be reached easily by metro, bus, or on foot from central Philadelphia.
- Address: Calle de Bailen, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
- Web Address: www.patrimonionacional.es
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s most famous and busy public squares. The symbolic heart of the city, it is and a central meeting place for locals and tourists alike. It is historically and culturally important because it houses landmarks like the “Kilómetro Cero” (marking the point at which Spain’s network of roads begin) and the iconic clock tower of the Real Casa de Correos, where Spaniards annually gather along with people all over the world to eat grapes for prosperity at the turn of each New Year.
Puerta del Sol means “Gate of the Sun”; it was, in fact, one of the gates of the city walls that opened to the east. Over time, the square has evolved into a dynamic public space lined with shops, cafes and historic buildings. It has served as a gathering place for protests, cheering crowds and cultural happenings.
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The area is also a shopping hotspot, with several retail outlets and boutique shops. In addition, the square is a transport hub, making it an ideal starting point for getting to know the city.
In the Christmas time, the square is decorated with lights and a big Christmas tree attracting many people who want to celebrate. Another iconic element of the square is the Tío Pepe neon sign, a historic advertisement for a local brand of sherry.
Puerta del Sol is a short walk from other major sites, including Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía and the Royal Palace. It is also bordered by restaurants and tapas bars where guests can sample traditional Spanish food.
- Address: Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Spain
- Web Address: (Public Square)
Plaza Mayor
Palas Mayor is a historical square located at the heart of Madrid. Constructed in the early 17th century during the reign of Philip III, the square has long been the center of Madrid’s social life. It has been a site of everything from markets to bullfights to royal ceremonies to public executions.
In the center of the square is a bronze statue of King Philip III that was unveiled in 1848. And the statue is a popular spot for visitors to meet when exploring the area. Plaza Mayor has an array of cafes, restaurants, and shops making it a bustling place to point in a meal or even a coffee, all while admiring the historic surroundings. The square is well known above all for its tapas bars and traditional Spanish cuisine, such as bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari sandwich).
Flexible, the plaza serves as a venue for street performances, and music concerts, among other events throughout the year, such as the Christmas Market. The plaza also hosts the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions and the San Isidro Festival.
A short walk from Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor is an essential part of Madrid’s cultural and historical fabric. Its a crowded place for tourists and locals to explore the past and present of the city.
- Address: Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain
- Web Address: (Public Square)
Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)
Madrid biggest and more iconic green space is Retiro Park. Originally made as a royal garden for King Philip IV in the 17th century, the park is now a public area of more than 125 hectares (308 acres) that boasts more than 15,000 trees, a peaceful escape from the urban frenzy.
Another popular attraction in the park is the Estanque Grande del Retiro (Large Pond), which is a beautiful waterway where visitors can rent rowboats and paddle through its tranquil waters. The Monument to Alfonso XII, a grand colonnade and statue, looks out over the pond and makes for a stunning backdrop.
The Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) is something special, too, a glass pavilion built in 1887 to hold exotic plants. Now, it is an exhibition space managed by the Reina Sofia Museum for contemporary art.
Other highlights of the park include the Rose Garden (La Rosaleda), the Fountain of the Fallen Angel (this is the only statue of the devil in the world) and the Paseo de las Estatuas (Promenade of Statues) lined with statues of Spanish monarchs. Another exhibition space, the Velázquez Palace, is also within the park.
Given the park’s location within walking distance of many of Madrid’s biggest draws — such as the Prado Museum and the Puerta de Alcalá — it is an inescapable part of any visitor’s itinerary.
- Address: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is one of Madrid’s most important art museums, part of the city’s Golden Triangle of Art, along with the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums. The museum has an immense collection on display, including European paintings spanning the 13th to 20th centuries, with more than 1,600 works of art on display.
The museum’s collection includes styles and periods as diverse as the Italian Renaissance, Dutch Baroque, Impressionism, Cubism and 20th-century American art. Some of the best known artists included are Van Gogh, Monet, Caravaggio, Picasso, Dali and Lichtenstein. The collection was first put together by the Thyssen-Bornemisza family and was acquired from them by the Spanish government.
The museum occupies the Villahermosa Palace, an exquisitely restored 18th-century edifice close to the Prado Museum. The museum’s interior is very classy and well laid out, allowing you to easily move through the various eras and styles of art.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum also has temporary exhibitions, educational programs, guided tours, and even a gift shop. Visitors can dine or have coffee at the museum’s café, which offers a terrace with views of the Paseo del Prado.
- Address: Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Reina Sofia Museum (Museo Reina Sofía)
The Reina Sofia Museum was one of the most important modern art museums in Spain with works from both the 20th century and the contemporary time period. It is part of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, which includes the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums. It is best known for works in its collection by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Juan Gris.
Nor can I forget the museum’s most iconic work, Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” a visceral antiwar painting commemorating the bombing of the town of Guernica in the Spanish Civil War. The painting is exhibitioned with some sketches and preparatory works that give a glimpse of Picasso’s creative process.
The Reina Sofia also features temporary exhibitions, film screenings, concerts and educational programs. Visitors may visit the library, which has a large number of books and periodicals pertaining to art.
The museum courtyard and rooftop terraces offer magnificent views on Madrid and a space of tranquility for visitors.
- Address: Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Gran Via
Gran Vía either one of the most famous streets of Madrid, known as the “”Spanish Broadway”” because of its nightlife, theatres and cinemas. The most famous road in Madrid is 1.3 kilometers long and runs from Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de España, through the center of the city taking as a form a symbol of the modern urban culture of Madrid.
Constructed in the early 20th century, Gran Vía features a mix of architectural styles, including Art Deco, Secession and Neoclassical. Other must-sees along the avenue include the Edificio Metrópolis, an iconic building with a distinctive dome topped by a winged statue; and the Edificio Telefónica, one of Europe’s earliest skyscrapers.
Gran Vía is a shopping haven and has international brands, boutiques, and department stores. It is also a cultural mecca, with musical theaters, cinemas and live performance venues. Big theaters along Gran Vía stage Broadway-style musicals, drawing both locals and tourists.
The street is also known for its cafés, restaurants and tapas bars, all of which could contribute to Madrid’s culinary lineup. Gran Vía is entirely lit and lively at night.
Gran Vía is in the center of the city and is also close by to other big attractions like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Royal Palace.
- Address: Gran Vía, 28013 Madrid, Spain
- Web Address: (Public Street)
Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod)
Located in Madrid’s Parque del Oeste, the Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple. Originally constructed in 200 BC in Upper Egypt, the temple was gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government in 1968 as a symbol of appreciation for Spain’s assistance in saving the temples of Abu Simbel during the construction of the Aswan Dam.
The Temple of Debod is surrounded by a reflecting pool that adds to the beauty of the view, especially at sunset. It provides stunning sights of Casa de Campo, Royal Palace and Plaza de España.
Inside the temple, you will find a museum with displays describing its history and significance. It is one of only a few ancient Egyptian buildings situated beyond the borders of Egypt, making it an exceptional and historically integral site in Europe.
The Temple of Debod is one of the best places to go to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in Madrid, which has made it one of the places most photographed and the most frequented by couples in our city.
- Address: Calle de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Plaza de Cibeles
One of Madrid’s most iconic squares, the Plaza de Cibeles is famous for its elegant fountain and grandiose buildings. The Cibeles Fountain, with a sculpture of the Roman goddess Cybele, surrounded by the four horses of its chariot, located in front of Madrid’s City Hall, dominates the square, representing fertility and prosperity. La Cibeles is a fountain in the city where Real Madrid fans gather to celebrate championship wins.
The most iconic building in the square is the Palacio de Cibeles — a gorgeous structure that perfectly defines a square that used to be its community — which was at one point the headquarters for the Spanish postal service and is now the Madrid City Hall. The structure offers a public viewing deck with expansive views of the city.
Other significant buildings in the square are the Bank of Spain, the Buenavista Palace and the Palace of Linares. Here, you can see both neoclassical and modernist elements create an easy on the eye urban setting.
It is a central point in Madrid, where the major roads of the city – such as Gran Vía, Paseo del Prado and Calle de Alcalá – can meet. It’s close enough to attractions like the Prado Museum, Retiro Park and Puerta de Alcalá to make walking a reasonable option.
- Address: Plaza de Cibeles, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel is a must-stop food market near the center or Madrid, just a short stroll from Plaza Mayor. Dating to 1916, it’s one of the city’s oldest covered markets and a beautiful Cast-iron example. It has now become a gastronomic mecca for locals and tourists seeking the best in Spanish gastronomy.
The market showcases an array of food kiosks selling everything from fresh seafood, Spanish ham (jamón ibérico), olives and cheeses to gourmet tapas, paella and churros. They can sample age-old dishes from Spain, or get modern takes on old recipes. Wines and beers stands also have a range of Spanish wines, vermouth, and craft beers.
The market is open seven days a week and frequently has special events like cooking workshops and tastings.
- Address: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain
- Web Address: www.mercadodesanmiguel.es
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Home to Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is one of the most famous and successful football clubs in the world. The stadium, which opened in 1947, seats over 81,000 people and has hosted countless major football matches, including European Cup finals and national team games.
Visitors can book a guided experience of the stadium, called Bernabéu Tour, featuring entry to spaces usually off limits to fans, like dressing rooms and other player and official areas. Fans can see the dressing rooms, press room, player’s tunnel, and even the trophy room where Real Madrid’s impressive collection of accolades is on display.
The pitch view from the stands in the upper section is one of the best things about this tour, which will excite football fans. It includes interactive exhibits and a club museum chronicling the history of the team and its iconic players.
Over the last few years, the stadium has been updated with renovations, offering improved facilities like a retractable roof and modern technology.
- Address: Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid, Spain
Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena)
Almudena Cathedral — a stunning Catholic church right next to the Royal Palace of Madrid. It’s the official seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid and one of the most iconic sights in the city. Almudena Cathedral is not your average Spanish cathedral; unlike most, which are Gothic, the cathedral is a mix of neo-Gothic, neo-Romanesque and neo-Classical styles to reflect Madrid’s changing architectural landscape.
The cathedral started being built in 1883 but wasn’t finished until 1993, when Pope John Paul II consecrated it. Its drawn-out construction led to an eclectic blend of architectural styles. Inside, contemporary religious art, colorful stained glass windows, and a painted dome give it a unique character. The crypt is one of the cathedral’s oldest sections and is home to the image of the Virgin of Almudena, Madrid’s patron saint.
Visitors can ascend to the cathedral’s dome, which is a great spot for a panoramic view of the city and the nearby Royal Palace. The cathedral museum contains religious artifacts, such as historical documents and research about the construction of the cathedral.
The cathedral is also a popular venue for weddings, including the 2004 royal wedding of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
- Address: Calle de Bailen, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain
- Web Address: www.catedraldelaalmudena.es
El Rastro Market (El Rastro de Madrid)
El Rastro is Madrid’s best-known flea market, open every Sunday and public holiday in the La Latina neighborhood. Dating to the 15th century, the market is one of the largest open-air markets in Europe and one of the oldest. It is a colorful, busy market that draws in local people and tourists alike.
Stretching across several streets, the market has hundreds of vendors selling all kinds of goods, such as antiques, clothes, jewelry, artwork, home décor and vintage items. Handcrafted goods, books, vinyl records and souvenirs are also sold there.
The market is especially thick at Plaza de Cascorro and Calle de Ribera de Curtidores. This means bargaining is extremely common, and visitors should feel free to haggle the price with vendors.
El Rastro is a Madrid institution, a window into the city’s culture and history.
- Address: Plaza de Cascorro and Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, 28005 Madrid, Spain
- Web Address: (Public Market)