Being the capital of Spain, there is certainly a lot to see in Madrid. With an incredible urban landscape and splendid natural surroundings, your trip to Madrid will turn into an adventure full of culture and fun.
Bursting with life, this city offers a myriad of attractions and sights that won’t let you get bored for a minute. From the most iconic buildings to the most hidden natural sites. Madrid will become one of your favourite travel destinations – read on to find out more!
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Things to see in Madrid
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is located right in the centre of Madrid and is one of the most visited places in the city. Here you will find Kilometre Zero, as it is considered to be the point from which all the roads in Spain start.
This place has a strong historical and, above all, cultural value. Some of the most important protests and events in the history of Spain have taken place in this square, such as the Esquilache Mutiny in 1808. Here you can see some of Madrid’s most famous buildings, as well as famous sculptures such as the Equestrian Statue of Charles III and the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, not to be missed!
Royal Palace
Considered the largest in Western Europe, the Royal Palace is a real architectural jewel and one of the main monuments to see in Madrid. It was built in the 18th century and in addition to its spectacular façade, inside you can discover its great historical and artistic heritage.
This palace is home to an extensive collection of exhibitions in its numerous interior rooms, which you can visit on Mondays every week at a very affordable price. If you visit the palace on a Wednesday, you will be able to witness the Solemn Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. It is a real spectacle in the Plaza de la Armería, where more than 450 soldiers of the Royal Guard parade around. A truly impressive experience!
Alcalá Gate
Situated in the middle of the large roundabout in the Plaza de la Independencia is the Puerta de Alcalá. It opens onto a large avenue of the same name. Besides being one of the most representative symbols of Madrid, it is a truly visually impressive monument with two completely different facades.
Surrounded by a beautiful garden, it creates an urban-natural ensemble worth taking a photo of. It was created to commemorate the accession of Charles III as King of Spain; its triumphal arch shape differs from the usual structure in that it has five openings instead of the classic three. With a height of almost 20 metres and a width of 43 metres, you can’t help but marvel at it for a long time.
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is one of the busiest spots in the city and certainly one of the most beautiful places to see in Madrid. As it is in the historic centre, you can easily access a lot of tourist spots from here.
In this square you will find an incredible atmosphere, generated in large part by the number of restaurants and bars around it. It usually hosts various celebrations and festivals throughout the year due to the large space it offers. As well as enjoying the beautiful façades of the buildings that make up the square, this square is the ideal place to end your route. Also, you can sit down in one of its bars to enjoy some typical Madrid tapas, one of the favourite activities of travellers!
Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.
La Latina neighbourhood
Located in the heart of Madrid, the Barrio de La Latina is one of the favourite places among locals and tourists alike. With a lively atmosphere and colourful streets, you’ll want to wander around this picturesque area of Madrid for hours. What’s more, this neighbourhood is home to some of the city’s most treasured monuments.
On your walk through La Latina, you will find the impressive Basilica of San Francisco el Grande and the famous Mercado de la Cebada. In addition, this area of Madrid is especially popular for its nightlife and its infinite number of music and party venues. It can be the perfect destination if you are travelling to Madrid with friends and you feel like partying. We 100% recommend visiting.
Prado National Museum
Whether you’re an art lover or not, the Prado Museum is one of the places you can’t miss on your trip to Madrid. You’ve probably heard of it, as this museum houses some of the most famous works of art in the world and brings together the best collection of Spanish paintings.
Built-in 1785, this neoclassical building houses, among many others, the famous Royal Collections of Spanish paintings. Depending on the time you have available, your visit may include more or fewer works. However, the ones you cannot miss are The Three Graces by Rubens, Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch and The Triumph of Death by Brueghel. You won’t regret your visit to the Museum.
Madrid’s Gran Vía
As you can imagine, the Gran Vía is one of the most important avenues in the city and a must-see in Madrid. With its incredible length, its ideal location and the number of services it offers, enjoy a long walk along this huge street.
With a length of 1.3 kilometres, it starts at Calle Alcalá and its takes you all the way to Plaza España. Along the way, you’ll be able to stop off at a myriad of shops and bars. As well as take in some of Madrid’s most beautiful buildings, including the iconic Metrópolis Building and the impressive Telefónica Building. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Almudena Cathedral
Considered the most important Catholic centre in Madrid, the Almudena Cathedral has a huge and spectacular façade that will impress even the least knowledgeable on architecture. Located next to Madrid’s Royal Palace, this temple is well worth a visit.
If you have the time, we recommend going inside the Cathedral. Inside, it has a completely different style to the façade. Enjoy the distinctive and totally impressive stained-glass windows. You can also visit the Almudena Cathedral Museum and see a series of explanatory objects about the history of the Madrid diocese. And if that wasn’t enough, entry to the Cathedral is completely free.
To find out more information about this cathedral, you can read our post: Almudena Cathedral in Madrid.
Cibeles Palace
The Palacio de Cibeles is one of the most impressive monuments to see in Madrid, especially if you visit it at night thanks to the artificial lighting it receives. Unlike most palaces, Cibeles Palace has a modern style as it was built in the 20th century.
Located in front of the spectacular Cibeles Fountain, the combination of these two features will make you want to photograph the whole thing non-stop. Besides being an architectural jewel, this palace is one of the most iconic spots in Madrid. In addition, we recommend going to the Mirador del Palacio de Cibeles. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city for only 2€.
Producers’ Market
Located in the old Matadero in Madrid, the Mercado de Productores takes place one weekend every month. As well as being able to spend a pleasant morning in the sun, in this local market you can find an infinite number of fresh products and even several stalls to try them.
Make the most of a sunny day and enjoy a morning strolling around the different stalls. If you are staying in a flat, you can always buy top quality food here. And if you simply want to enjoy the atmosphere, you can finish the morning by stopping at one of the stalls and ordering something to eat and drink. As a personal recommendation, we suggest you try the vermouth. You’ll love it!
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Madrid?
Tío Pío Hill
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, the first place to go is Cerro del Tío Pío. A completely natural viewpoint, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the whole of Madrid.
Also known as the Park of the Seven Mushrooms, you can stroll around its seven hills or sit on top of one of them for a picnic with unbeatable views. It is located in the Vallecas neighbourhood, so you can get there in just a few minutes by metro. We recommend going there at sunrise or sunset, when you can enjoy the peace and quiet and, above all, the spectacular scenery.
San Lorenzo del Escorial
San Lorenzo del Escorial is a beautiful village located just 42 kilometres from the city. It is one of the most visited places in the Community of Madrid, and it comes as no surprise.
Among all the famous places you can find here, you can’t miss the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you have finished visiting this impressive structure, head to the Jardín de los Frailes (Friars’ Garden). It is located right next to the monastery, and offers a large green space full of peace. What’s more, admission is completely free.
Cuenca
Situated between the rivers Júcar and Huécar, Cuenca is a small city about an hour and a half from Madrid. Particularly famous for its historic centre, it is a World Heritage Site. It is the ideal destination for a relaxing day out of Madrid.
Among its many attractions, you will be amazed by its characteristic Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses), a true symbol of the city. Other places not to be missed are the impressive Cathedral of Santa María and the Plaza Mayor of Cuenca. Before leaving the city, don’t hesitate to go a little further away from the urban area to appreciate the skyscrapers of the San Martín neighbourhood; a truly impressive sight.
What to do in Madrid with children?
Casa de Campo cable car
If you want to enjoy Madrid in a different way, we recommend you to go up the Casa de Campo cable car; an activity that you will definitely love, especially the little ones! In addition to the comfort it offers, you can enjoy unbeatable views of Madrid from the cabin.
You can take the cable car from the station on Calle Pintor Rosales. Along the 2,500-metre route, you’ll be able to see places such as the Casa de Campo. Also, the Almudena Cathedral and the imposing Palacio de Oriente. On the way back, the kids can enjoy the playground next to the station, which could be the ideal place to spend a nice afternoon with the family!
Retiro Park
The Retiro Park is, without a doubt, one of the most famous places to see in Madrid. Considered the green lung of the city, this large natural space will allow you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover its many secrets.
No matter the time of day, any time is a good time to stroll around El Retiro. Covering 118 hectares, it is easy to get lost in its size, and that is exactly what we recommend. You can access it from different key points such as Puerta de Alcalá or Atocha Station. Once inside, we recommend looking for the different iconic spots hidden around the park, such as El Estanque, the Jardines del Parterre and, above all, the impressive Palacio de Cristal. Don’t forget to take your camera!
To know more about this beautiful park you can read our post: El Retiro Park Madrid
Temple of Debod
One of the most beautiful corners of Madrid, the Temple of Debod is an Egyptian funerary monument located in the centre of a beautiful park on a hill. Moreover, as it is not very well known, you can enjoy unbeatable tranquillity.
The park where the temple is located is in one of the highest parts of the city, making it an exceptional vantage point to enjoy breathtaking views of Madrid. The temple itself was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government, and you can visit its different rooms completely free of charge. These small rooms are located around a large and beautiful fountain. Don’t miss this hidden corner of Madrid.
What to do in Madrid at the weekend?
Capricho Park
The Parque del Capricho is a little known place in Madrid as it is not located near the centre, but it is worth a visit. This park stands out for having a very artistic garden, as well as being blessed with an incomparable natural setting.
As well as offering an extensive space to stroll around, this park also hosts different events such as concerts and shows, especially during the summer months. It is located in the Alameda de Osuna, and inside you will find different historical features such as the Civil War Bunker or the English Garden. This park is only open on weekends, so it can be the perfect place to spend a nice Saturday or Sunday morning.
For more information on this park, read our post El Capricho Park Madrid
Warner Park
If you want to spend a different weekend in Madrid, don’t hesitate to visit the Warner Park. This theme park, located in the municipality of San Martín de la Vega, is set in the Warner Bros. films. It can be the perfect day out for both children and adults.
This park is curiously divided into five areas, each one set in a different film world. You can enjoy an infinite number of attractions, from the tamest to the most intense, while enjoying a sunny day in a fun-filled environment. Once you’ve had enough of the rides, you can always stop for lunch in one of the restaurants or enjoy a show with the most classic Warner characters. You’ll have a great time!
Itineraries for your trip to Madrid
What to do in Madrid in 1 day?
- See the Puerta de Alcalá
- Enter the Plaza Mayor
- Walk along the Gran Vía
- Photograph the Cibeles Palace
- Stroll through the Puerta del Sol
What to do in Madrid 3 days?
- See the Royal Palace
- Stroll through La Latina neighbourhood
- Photograph the Almudena Cathedral
- Visit the Prado Museum
- Walk through the Retiro Park
- Go up to the Temple of Debod
- Spend the day at Warner Park
- Escape to Cuenca
Suggested Itinerary
Check out this itinerary created by @liliana_5 for even more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
– The adult rate is 29,90€ online and 44,90€ at the ticket office.
– The reduced rate (which includes children under 1.40m, over 60s and people with disabilities) is €29.90 online and €39.90 at the ticket office.
– Children under 1m tall enter the park free of charge.
– You can get to the Temple by metro, taking lines 10 and 3. The closest metro station to the Temple is Plaza de España.
– You can walk from any part of the city, although you must not forget that Madrid is a large city and it can be a long walk if you are far away.
– You can get there by bus on lines 3, 25, 39 and 46, among others.
– The fastest option is to take a high-speed AVE train from Atocha Station and get off at – – — Fernando Zóbel station in Cuenca. The journey takes less than an hour and costs €25 each way.
– The cheapest option is to take an Avanza bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses Méndez Álvaro and get off at Fermín Caballero station in Cuenca. The journey takes about two and a half hours and costs €13.
How to plan your itinerary of the places you want to see in Madrid?
If you want to discover a quicker and more organised way to prepare your trip to Madrid, don’t hesitate to download the Passporter app.
- Get inspiration from other travellers’ experiences.
- Create your own itinerary from scratch.
- Add the cultural, leisure or food places that interest you the most.
- Organise your route by choosing the best method of transport.
- Share your photos on your traveller profile so that other users of the app can learn about your experience and be inspired.
If you want to know in more detail how to do all this, you can read our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
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