Are you planning to visit Madrid, Spain, for a weekend or a few days? Do you probably wonder what the Top Madrid attractions are? How do you get around Madrid? What are the general prices and daily costs to visit Spain’s capital? Additionally, we recommend reading our Short Madrid travel guide for up-to-date information about the city.
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Our list of the Top Madrid attractions you need to see before you die
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Whether you’re a supporter of the club or not, the truth remains that Real Madrid is Europe’s most successful football team, with a record-breaking 11 European Cups to their name.
So, any football fan should consider a pilgrimage to their vast 85,000-seater stadium, where history has been made many times down the seasons.
A tour will grant you panoramic views of the stadium; you’ll step inside the dressing room, visit the dugouts, and see all sorts of exciting bits, including the trophy collection, press room, and presidential box.
Note: If you want to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
The Prado
The Prado is one of the best and most famous art museums globally. Why? Because there’s an overwhelming collection of masterpieces by Renaissance and Baroque masters. Spain is represented by Velázquez and El Greco, the low countries by Rembrandt, Brueghel, van Dyck, and Rubens, while Titian, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Tintoretto form the Italian contingent.
With most works hanging at the Prado, the Spanish Romantic Goya, whose 14 Black Paintings are a cultural reference point.
Insider’s tip: Entry to permanent collections is free after 6 pm on weekdays and after 5 pm on Sundays and holidays. More importantly, pre-book online to cut down on queuing time.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
El Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)
With over 125 hectares and more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green oasis in the city’s heart. Additionally, you’ll find all kinds of beautiful monuments and gardens, including the Rosaleda rose garden and the Parterre Francés, which holds a Mexican conifer that is nearly 400 years old and is Madrid’s oldest tree.
Furthermore, to its role as one of the city’s green lungs, it is a popular spot among Madrileños who like to go there for a stroll, do some sport, visit an exhibition, or take the kids to a puppet show. Ultimately, the park also houses a large artificial lake perfect for renting a rowing boat.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
Plaza Mayor
In the heart of Madrid, this square is more a must-experience attraction than a must-see one. Surrounded by cafes and bars, Plaza Mayor practically begs passersby to sit, order something to drink/eat, and people-watch. Not only do crowds of tourists pass through, but multiple street entertainers perform here daily. The square starts getting busy around 2 p.m. and will grow increasingly active as night falls. Additionally, locals recommend visiting the holiday markets held in the plaza if you find yourself in Madrid during the holidays.
Ultimately, if you want to learn more about the history behind Plaza Mayor, which dates back to 1617, reviewers suggest you sign up for a walking tour.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
Puerta del Sol
The true center of Madrid Puerta del Sol is filled with erupting fountains, shops, restaurants, and many people. The area is always crowded, especially at night when the city comes alive, with people passing through the square looking to party at some of Madrid’s hottest bars and nightclubs (many of which are in Sol). However, it is the best place to taste Madrid’s life and vibrancy. So, even if you’re going out to dinner, don’t pass up the opportunity to walk through the area. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a place to rest after a long day or a quiet place to stay, Sol is not the place.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
Royal Palace
Home to the Kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII, Madrid’s Royal Palace takes us on a journey through the history of Spain. Though it is no longer the royal family’s home, it remains their official residence.
Long before Madrid became the capital of Spain, Emir Mohamed I chose Magerit (the city’s Arabic name) as the site for a fortress to protect Toledo from the advancing Christians. The Kings of Castille eventually used the building until finally becoming what would be known as the Antiguo Alcázar (Old Fortress) in the 14th century. Charles I and his son Philip II turned the building into a permanent residence for the Spanish royal family. However, in 1734, a fire burned the Palace of Los Austrias to the ground, and Philip V ordered the palace’s construction that stands today.
Impressively enough, it comprises over 3000 rooms, including the Throne Hall featuring a ceiling painted by Tiepolo and the Royal Chapel, home to a collection of string instruments made by the legendary Antonio Stradivari, among others.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
Gran Vía
Madrid’s bustling Gran Vía is at the heart of the city, and it’s a prime spot for enthusiastic shoppers and architecture buffs. Built-in the early 1900s to make traveling to and from the city center easier, Gran Vía spans nearly a mile and is full of shops and restaurants. So, try a traditional bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich), buy a new outfit from the second largest of all Primark chain clothing stores in the world, or catch a show at Teatro Lope de Vega, all while admiring the street’s ornate buildings.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
Flamenco in Madrid
Around the world, Spain is known for its delicious tapas, unique architecture, and, of course, its flamenco. The rhythm of this classical Spanish dance pulses through the streets of Madrid and provides excellent entertainment for tourists and locals alike. Although flamenco originated in southern Spain, dancers from far and wide came to the capital to showcase their talents. You would be remiss when visiting Madrid if you didn’t set aside time for a flamenco show.
The most challenging part is deciding which Madrid tablao – or flamenco venue – to choose for your flamenco experience. The city is home to one of the world’s oldest and most famous flamenco houses, Corral de la Moreria, which has held shows at its city center location since 1956. It’s highly regarded as the best place to watch performances, and it’s not rare to see celebrities, politicians, and even the king of Spain in the audience.
There are two shows every night, and guests can dine while watching the show. Previous visitors raved about the service and said the theater’s cozy atmosphere enhanced the experience. Tickets start at 47.95 euros (around $52); you can buy tickets directly from the website.
The prices are pretty high. Luckily, there are countless tablaos sprinkled all around Madrid. Whether you are staying in Chamberí or Retiro, Salamanca, or Huertas, a great option will surely be nearby.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
El Rastro Market
Exit the La Latina metro station and wander down Calle de las Maldonadas to one of Spain’s most famous flea markets, El Rastro. The market starts at Plaza de Cascorro and primarily concentrates on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, ending at Ronda de Toledo. The streets, including Calle San Cayetano, are lined with hundreds of merchants selling everything from kitschy souvenirs to art, antiques, and even everyday household items.
The market is only open on Sundays and public holidays from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Plan to get there early as crowds can get heavy as early as 11 a.m.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
Plaza de Cibeles
Plaza de Cibeles is considered to be the most famous plaza in Madrid. Located at Calle de Alcalá (which leads into Sol) and adjacent to Paseo del Prado/Paseo de Recoletos, the plaza and its stunning architecture are giant magnets for tourists. The main building in the square, the Cibeles Palace, was formerly a post office but now serves as Madrid’s City Hall. Furthermore, the plaza’s fountain features the Roman goddess Cybele, “the Great Mother,” who represents fertility. Interestingly, the city’s soccer team, Real Madrid, has unofficially adopted the goddess. When Real Madrid, or the Spanish National team, wins a title, the town holds a parade that ends in Cibeles with one of the players fastening the team’s flag to Cybele.
Note: If you would like to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
Top Madrid attractions – final thoughts
Madrid is so full of life and culture that it’s hard to do justice in a few paragraphs. Artistically, it holds its own against any in Europe, with some of the best art museums where Renaissance masterworks and seminal 20th-century pieces await you.
So, now we will let you do all the talking. Firstly, if you have already been to the city, please share what you liked the most about Madrid. And if you haven’t been, share your favorite metropolis or other Spanish cities in the comments below.
Note: If you want to book your room in the city’s center (nearby), click here for the excellent offers.
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