16 Best Places To Visit In Madrid: The Ultimate Guide to Spain’s Capital City
Madrid is a vibrant, charming, and gorgeous city often in the shadow of its lively neighbor Barcelona. Being one of the largest cities in Europe by population, Madrid has no shortage of things to do and sights to see. This is why I’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best places to visit in Madrid.
Madrid has become an increasingly popular city destination for those looking to visit Spain and get a dose of Spanish culture. Madrid has a mix of great culture, architecture, beautiful parks, and food all bundled into one. It’s lively and modern and filled with plenty of things to do. Spain’s capital has it all and deserves its own spotlight!
Whether you are planning a quick weekend break to Spain’s vibrant capital or you are planning to stay longer, this Madrid tourist guide has something to offer everyone. From historical sights and world-class art to an incredible food scene, you’ll find some of the top attractions in Madrid in this guide. It’s the hub of social life.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Spain’s capital, you’re in for a real treat. Follow this guide to the top places to visit in Madrid, you’re guaranteed to have a good time, full of unforgettable sights to see and things to do. From must-see landmarks, cultural attractions, and the best places to eat, here’s a Madrid itinerary that will make you fall in love with the city. Whether you are traveling to Madrid for your honeymoon, a family holiday, or a weekend away with friends, here are the top _ places to visit in Madrid.
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Best time to visit Madrid
The climate in Madrid can be hot and dry in the summer months and quite cold in the winter months (coldest from Dec to Feb). The best time to visit Madrid is May and June when the weather is perfect. However, there are lots of events that take place during this time, making the city quite popular and crowded.
Alternatively, you can also visit the city in September and October, after the heat and crowds have died down and the temperatures are a bit cooler.
Things to know before you go
- Locals in Madrid are referred to as Madrileños
- Currency used in Euro
- Try to refrain from driving within the city
- Meals are late: Most restaurants are only open between 1:00 pm and 1.30 pm which means they’ll only start serving lunch much after that. It’s typical to have lunch between 2:00 pm and 3.30 pm in Spain. Restaurants tend to close around 3.30/4.00 pm and reopen around 7.30/8.00 pm. Dinner is usually any time after 8.30 pm. You’ll find a few cafes and pastelarias providing a mid-afternoon / early evening snack.
- Learn a few Spanish words
- Hola: Hello
- ¿Hablas inglés?: Do you speak English?
- No hablo español: I don’t speak Spanish
- Por favor: Please
- Gracias: Thank you
- Hasta luego: See you later
- Vale: OK
Getting around Madrid
Madrid is a very large city and if you are planning to drive within the city, you may want to reconsider. If you are arriving in Madrid via car, I’d say try and find accommodation that includes parking (as it can be a real mission trying to find street parking) and leave your car parked while touring the city.
Public transport in Madrid is fantastic and it’s easy to get around using the buses or metros. So leave that car parked unless you have day trips planned from Madrid.
Madrid offers an excellent public transport system. The central areas are very walkable and I always recommend walking whenever it’s possible, as it’s the best way to get a feel for the city. However, it’s also nice to have some alternatives if you plan to go further away or don’t quite feel like walking.
Walk: Madrid is incredibly walkable and walking is one of the best ways to get around the city. Most of the major tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you plan your days well enough, you’ll easily be able to get from one attraction to another.
Metro: If you want to give your feet a break or for attractions a bit further away, you can use Madrid’s easy-to-use Metro system.
Taxis and Uber: Taxis are easily available through Madrid’s city center. If you are looking for a quick way to get around and are not near a metro station, then taxis are a good option. Of course, they do come at a premium price.
Electric Scooters/ Bicycle: If you are feeling adventurous enough, you can always rent a bicycle or scooter as there are many cycle paths throughout the city.
Uber does operate in the city as well.
How to get to and from the airport in Madrid
Madrid’s Barajas International Airport is situated 12 km outside the city center. The airport is the biggest in Spain and has 4 terminals all connected to each other by a 24-hour free bus service. Here is how you can get from Madrid airport to the city center.
Bus: The airport express bus runs 24 hours a day. You can take the bus from terminals T1, T2 and T4 and the ticket costs 5 euros one way. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and the bus makes only 3 stops along the way, the corner of O’Donnell and Doctor Esquerdo, Plaza de Cibeles, and Atocha train station (from 6:00 am until 11:30 pm).
Metro: You can take metro line 8 from all the terminals of the airport and head to Nuevos Ministerios station at the center of Madrid. From there you can hop to another metro line until your final destination. The journey to the Nuevos Ministerios station is 15 minutes and the metro operates daily from 6:00 am to 2:00 am. Tickets can cost up to 5 euros depending on your end destination.
Private Transfer: The easiest and most comfortable way to get to the city center is by a reliable transfer service. You can book your transfer online before your departure and a driver will be waiting for you upon arrival. The trip duration is approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic. Private transfers tend to be the more expensive option, but can also be convenient if you are traveling to Madrid with kids and have a lot of luggage.
Taxi: You will find taxi stands outside all the airport terminals. Use the official taxi services and do not take offers from drivers inside the terminal.
16 Best Places to Visit in Madrid: The Ultimate Guide to Spain’s Capital City
Madrid boasts an impressive collection of historical monuments and art museums, as well as beautiful gardens and public plazas. There’s so much to see and do in Madrid. Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Madrid.
1. Puerta del Sol
The large open plaza is the heart of Madrid, with Calle Mayor running alongside it on one side and the Gran Via in short walking distance on the other side. There’s a metro station conveniently located in the plaza making this the perfect starting point to explore some of Madrid’s top attractions.
Towards the east of the plaza, you’ll find Retiro Park and the Paseo del Prado, home to Madrid’s 3 most famous museums. To the west, you’ll make your way to Mercado de San Miguel and the Palacio Real de Madrid, the city’s Royal Palace.
Get a glimpse of Madrid’s architecture in this plaza, or simply pop into one of the many cafes or restaurants that surround the plaza and grab a cup of coffee before you begin your Madrid sightseeing.
2. Wander through Plaza Mayor
This is Madrid’s main square was commissioned by King Felipe II. It holds centuries of history and once served as a significant place for executions, royal coronations, and bullfights. Today the square is still a crucial site for public celebrations and ceremonies and continues to be an important gathering place in Madrid. The plaza is a pedestrian area, surrounded by outdoor cafés and restaurants shaded by its arcades. In the evenings, the square is a lively hangout spot for both tourists and locals.
3. Visit Mercado San Miguel
Food is a huge part of Spanish culture. So, there’s no better place to meet and eat at local establishments than the markets. The Mercado San Miguel food market is a great place to sample some gourmet tapas and get a taste of some Spanish food. Walk through the many aisles and sample some food and drinks along the way. The market is open from 10 a.m.-12 a.m. (1 a.m. on weekends). If you are a foodie you cannot miss this gastronomical experience.
It gets quite busy in here so keep an eye out for a table and some stools that are usually placed in the center of the market. Some delicious things to try here are the empanadas, croquettes, and burrata toasts.
4. Eat churros at Chocolatería San Ginés
Chocolatería San Ginés is located a short walk from Plaza Mayor. It’s famous for its chocolate con churros (thick hot chocolate with deep-fried pastries), which has been a specialty since 1894. I highly recommend a visit as you’ll definitely see what the fuss is all about. Luckily the café is open every day until late in the evenings.
Tip for book lovers: At the corner of the alley, you’ll find the San Ginés Book Shop, one of the cutest spots in Madrid.
5. Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal family and is a palace designed to impress. It is the largest palace in Western Europe and is one of the top things to do in Madrid.
Inside the palace grounds, there are over 3,000 rooms, 50 of which are open to the public. The star of the show is the grand staircase that leads upstairs to the rooms that are adorned with silk embroidered walls, crystal chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, and a grand banquet hall still used by the current King and Queen for State dinners. The palace is filled with artwork by famous artists such as Caravaggio, Goya, and Velázquez.
You can also visit the Royal Armory (La Real Armería), which contains 3,000 exhibits dating back to the Middle Ages. You’ll see armor and weapons that were used by Spain’s Kings over the centuries.
Finally, if time permits, explore the Jardines del Campo del Moro. The 20-hectare green space provides a haven of tranquillity with beautifully manicured gardens and fountains. It’s lovely to take a stroll through these gardens. The palace and its gardens are undoubtedly one of the prettiest places to visit in Madrid.
Pro Tip: Make sure you book your tickets online in advance to avoid standing in large lines. You’ll have a timed entry which makes it easier to plan your visit to the palace.
Also, if you are in Madrid on a Wednesday make sure to check out the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Puerta del Príncipe gate. It is worth a watch.
6. Almudena Cathedral
Right beside the Royal Palace is Almudena Cathedral. The original cathedral was destroyed by a fire and this one was rebuilt in the early 1900s. So, unlike most other cathedrals and churches, this one has more of a modern feel to it. The King and Queen of Spain tied the knot at this Cathedral. It’s free to enter (donations are accepted).
7. Museo del Prado
If you are an art lover, then Madrid is your paradise. The best part about Madrid’s museums and galleries is that many of them are free. Some are free all of the time and others are free on certain days or times, so make sure you check in advance.
Museo Nacional Del Prado is one of the largest museums and most renowned places to visit in Madrid. It has a collection of more than 2,000 beautiful masterpieces created between the 12th – 19th centuries. Make sure to book your ticket in advance online so you can skip the long lines once there.
8. Retiro park (El Parque del Buen Retiro)
El Retiro Park is probably my favorite place in Madrid. It’s like what Central Park is to New York. I visited Madrid in the fall and the colors in the park were just spectacular. With gold and amber tones, this park was so inviting. It’s almost like a beautiful oasis in the middle of a large city.
And I haven’t even gotten to what makes this one of the top things to do in Madrid, it’s the park itself! There are many fountains, monuments, a lake, and a crystal palace (don’t miss this) in the park. It’s one of the liveliest places to visit in Madrid. Best of all, it’s free to visit the park.
Madrileños come to enjoy the park after work in the evenings and on the weekends. It’s a great place for gathering, exercising, or even taking a stroll. If you are traveling to Madrid with kids, make sure you hire a row boat and paddle across the lake. It’s the perfect activity to do with kids.
Simply wander through the park admiring the statues, the rose gardens, and the beautiful trees. If you are looking for a break from all the fast-paced sightseeing, this is the perfect place to set up camp and picnic for the day. It’s the perfect place to relax under the shade of trees.
9. Palacio de Cristal
Crystal Palace or Palacio Cristal is located in the heart of El Retiro Park and it’s not a sight to be missed. It’s one of the most wonderful places to visit in Madrid. The splendid structure is made of iron and glass and reflects magnificently on the waters of the surrounding lake.
The Palace used to be a greenhouse for beautiful flora and fauna. However, the Reina Sofia Museum now uses it to hold art exhibitions and events during the year. Best of all it’s free to enter!
10. Swing by Puerta de Alcalá
Puerta de Alcala is one of Madrid’s most famous landmarks located on a large roundabout in Plaza de la Independencia (close to one of El Retiro’s entrances). This grand triumphal arch was built between 1769 and 1778 and was commissioned by King Charles III to celebrate the arrival of the monarchs to Madrid. It was one of the five ancient entrances to the city. It’s one of the prettiest places to visit in Madrid.
11. Eat some delicious tapas along Calle Cava Baja
Calle Cava Baja is one of the liveliest streets in Madrid and is located in the La Latina neighborhood. The narrow street is lined with tapas bars and restaurants and is just a few minutes’ walk from Plaza Mayor in the center of Madrid. It’s where you need to go for a variety of tapas in the city. It is tapas heaven.
You’ll find a lot of locals hanging around this part of town making it one of the most authentic parts of the city.
12. Plaza España
This central Madrid square is one of the more popular tourist attractions in Madrid. It is located at the end of the Gran Vía and has pedestrian and cyclist areas on the surface with traffic being rerouted underground through a tunnel.
Plaza de España is 36,900 square meters, thus one of the largest squares in the country. The square has several restaurants, cinemas, and stores nearby.
Since this is one of Madrid’s most central points and is also very close to many of the major sights and attractions, this area of Madrid makes an excellent base for your stay.
13. Visit Templo de Debod
We happen to by chance walk past Templo de Debod. It is one of Madrid’s most beautiful hidden treasures and one of the ancient places to visit in the city. Home to an ancient Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BCE, Templo de Debod was gifted by the Egyptian government as a token of gratitude to Spain for helping restore the temples of Abu Simbel in Egypt. It was transported to Spain and rebuilt stone by stone in Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montaña Park. A fountain and gardens surround giving it a beautiful effect. The thing that makes this temple unique is the incredible views that you get from here. It is a must-see attraction in Madrid.
The shrine’s interior is free to visit and is well worth exploring. The walls are covered by hieroglyphics and sculptures and it also includes information about Egypt’s mythology.
Tip: The best time to visit Templo de Debod is just before the sun sets for breathtaking views of the Temple being reflected in the surrounding pools. The monument also lights up at night.
14. Gran Vía
This is Madrid’s entertainment, shopping, and cultural center. It’s one of the most iconic streets in Madrid and is full of life whether your visit day or night. It is a short walk from El Retiro Park and is home to some of the most beautiful architectural gems in Madrid.
Starting from Puerta de Acalá, you can walk along Gran Via and end up in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood.
15. Wander through the Malasaña neighborhood
Malasaña is one of the coolest neighborhoods to visit in Madrid. It has a lively atmosphere and is the perfect place to head to for a night out. You’ll find plenty of locals hanging out in the bars and restaurants in this area.
16. El Rastro
If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday, be sure to check out the flea market that takes place on a Sunday morning. It’s the largest and most popular open-air flea market in Madrid. The market is held in La Latina neighborhood. You can find everything from clothes, antiques, paella pans, vintage furniture, toys, souvenirs and so much more. It’s a social gathering place for madrileños who come here to shop, take a stroll or grab a bite.
This place is one of the more authentic places to visit in Madrid. Being the largest flea market in Madrid, the place gets quite busy. So if you can make your way to the market first thing in the morning.
Note: Like every big city, Madrid has its share of pickpockets, and El Rastro is one of their main target areas. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment exploring, but be alert and avoid carrying valuables.
Final Thoughts
Madrid is one of those cities with lots of things to do. From must-see attractions, and world-class museums, to amazing places to eat, the Spanish capital should be on everyone’s Spain itinerary. You’ll want to soak in the lively atmosphere and culture in Madrid. From the plazas and galleries to the historic palaces and delicious food scenes, Madrid has so much to offer all visitors.
Be sure to experience Madrid in the evening, when the city comes to life. Madrileños love going out in the evenings for a drink and to snack on some tapas.
And while this list tells you the highlights and main attractions you must visit when in Madrid, feel free to walk around the city and find some more hidden treasures. You can most likely get through most of the major attractions in 3 days. Of course, if you had longer there’s a lot more you can do, or even just have nice lazy days in some of the city’s beautiful parks. Enjoy all the best places to visit in Madrid with this complete Madrid guide.
This private tour with a local covers some of the city’s top attractions.
Happy Travels!
How long do you need in Madrid?
Madrid is a massive city and you could easily spend weeks exploring and still feel as if you have barely scratched the surface. However, most people traveling don’t typically have weeks on end to explore a city. How long you need to explore in the city is very subjective and unique to you. If you like to take things slow, you would need at least a week in Madrid. Three days is the ideal time for all the top things to do in Madrid. However, if you have a few more days, stay a little longer and enjoy some fantastic day trips from Madrid to cities like Segovia or Toledo. With 3 days in Madrid, you’ll be able to experience the most important tourist attractions and even get to go on a tapas crawl or watch a flamenco show.
Ultimately make a decision based on your needs and what you’d like to cover during your time in the city.
Madrid is also located close to several cities such as Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila. So if you are looking to take a day trip to any of these cities, allow 1 additional full day for each city you plan to visit. If you do go all the way to Madrid, it’s a great opportunity to visit at least one of these wonderful cities.
Below is a breakdown of things to do in Madrid, depending on the number of days you have in the city.
1 day in Madrid
- Puerta del sol
- Plaza mayor
- Visit Mercado San Miguel
- Eat churros at chocolatería san ginés
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Almudena Cathedral
- Watch a flamenco show
2 days in Madrid – Add the below to day 1 things to do in Madrid
- Museo del Prado
- Retiro park
- Palacio de Cristal
- Swing by Puerta de Alcalá
- Shop in the Salamanca barrio
- Eat some delicious tapas along Calle Cava Baja
3 days in Madrid – Add the below to day 1 and 2 things to do in Madrid
- Plaza España
- Gran Via
- Wander through Malasaña barrio
- Visit Templo de Debod
- El Rastro/ La Latina
Where to Stay in Madrid for Sightseeing
There are plenty of great neighborhoods in Madrid. Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own personality filled with culture and diversity. There’s the quirky La Latina, hipster Malasana, the lively Literary Quarter, and the lavish boulevard of the Gran Via.
Where you choose to stay is very much dependent on your budget. However, because of the easy access to the metro, you could really stay anywhere in Madrid!
If you are looking to be central and close to some of the top attractions in Madrid, consider staying between the Royal Palace and El Retiro Park. Major tourist attractions lie in these neighborhoods, with the greatest concentration of art museums along Paseo del Prado. Be prepared that this area is a little more expensive though.
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is in the heart of Madrid and is a great spot for first-time visitors. It has the highest concretion of hotels however you may pay a bit more to be situated so centrally.
This area has easy access to transport, nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also where you’ll find plenty of Madrid’s top attractions.
La Latina
La Latina is a lively and diverse neighborhood located in the Centro district. This neighborhood is filled with cute churches, large squares and narrow streets, plenty of shops, galleries, and other hidden gems. You’ll also find the El Rastro flea market here.
Chueca
Chueca is the LBGTQ neighborhood of Madrid that has a great night scene. It is one of the best and liveliest places to go out, with loads of fun bars and squares where people enjoy tapas and drinks.
Malasana
Malasana has plenty of places to eat and drink and is very central and walkable to a lot of the attractions in Madrid. It’s vibrant, filled with stores and beautiful houses, and has great nightlife.
Given the number of bars and restaurants, the area can get quite loud at all hours. So if you are an early bird or looking for an undisturbed night’s sleep, you may want to consider another neighborhood or find one of the quieter corners in Malasana.
Note: Malasaña and Chueca are both within easy walking distance from Centro’s attractions, with boutique and budget hotels making up the majority of the accommodation within the two neighborhoods.
Gran Via
Gran Via is bustling with life day or night. It’s busy, filled with people exploring the plethora of shops on the street. So, if you don’t like crowds or noise late at night, stay away from this area.
Lavapies
Lavapies is a melting pot of culture where people gather from all walks of life. As a result, you’ll find plenty of restaurants featuring cuisines from all around the world. Wander its narrow streets and discover the everyday life of the locals.
Retiro
Retiro is a working-day neighborhood; bustling in the daytime and quieter by night. The gardens, lakes, and walking trails of Madrid’s grandest park are incredibly popular with locals and tourists. It’s a great neighborhood in Madrid for families.
Salamanca
This is Madrid’s most exclusive residential neighborhood filled with upscale restaurants and bars. Definitely popular with the shoppers too. You’ll find many of the 4 and 5-star hotels in this neighborhood. It’s a bit further away from the central area of Madrid.
Day Trips from Madrid
There are so many things to do in Madrid from historic monuments, grand palaces, and gastronomy like no other. But if you have a day or two to spare after covering what the city has to offer, you can take the opportunity to make some amazing day trips. You can explore several places using the AVE high-speed train, or hire a car for the day to explore nearby cities and towns.
Here are some of the easy day trips from Madrid:
A day trip to Salamanca
Famous for its university and beautiful architecture, Salamanca attracts tourists and students from all over the world. The Old Town has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Visit the House of Shells which has over three hundred shells that cover its outer walls. The new Cathedral of Salamanca is also well worth a visit.
A day trip to Segovia
Segovia is about 1 hr 30 mins away from Madrid and is famous for its Roman aqueduct, its castle, and its cathedral. The castle serves as inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
Boasting medieval walls, beautiful churches, and a castle, you definitely won’t be disappointed with a day trip to Segovia as there is so much to see and do in this beautiful place.
A day trip to Toledo
The city of Toledo is approximately 59 km from Madrid. It is situated atop a gorge that offers incredible views over the Río Tajo. Stroll through its beautiful historic streets or marvel at its Gothic cathedral. Either way, you’ll be wowed by the historical city.
Things to do in Madrid with Kids
If you are traveling with kids, then it’s always going to mix up sightseeing with a bit of activity that’s kid-friendly. After all, kids tend to get bored easily and the last thing you want is to have to deal with cranky kids.
Luckily Madrid is a city that offers a lot to do with kids. If you’re planning a family trip to the Spanish capital and need some ideas to keep kids entertained, we’ve got you covered!
- Try tapas at Mercado de San Miguel
- Watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the Royal Palace
- Wander through Plaza Mayor
- Puerta del Sol
- Indulge in churros at Chocolatería San Ginés
- Have a picnic at Retiro Park
- Spend a day at Casa de Campo
- Visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or even better, catch a game there
- National Museum of Natural Sciences
- Watch the sunset at the Temple of Debod
- Enjoy some rides at Park Warner
- Find treasures at El Rastro flea market
- Catch a flamenco show
- Robot Museum
More time in Madrid
- Watch a football match
- Visit some more museums
- Enjoy views from a rooftop bar
- Take a day trip to Segovia, Toledo, or Salamanca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madrid best known for?
Madrid is best known for its lively atmosphere and incredible culture. Add the famous calamari sandwiches, Prado Museum, and Puerta del Sol and you’ve got a great trip on your hands.
What are the top sights in Madrid?
If you are short on time and have only one day in Madrid, these are the top sights to visit:
- Puerta del sol
- Plaza mayor
- Visit Mercado San Miguel
- The Royal Palace of Madrid
- Almudena Cathedral
- Museo del Prado
- Retiro park
- Palacio de Cristal
- Visit Templo de Debod
- El Rastro/ La Latina
Is Madrid worth visiting?
100%!! Madrid is a city that is definitely worth visiting because it provides a little of everything. From its beautiful gardens, and chic shopping spots, to grand palaces and museums and delicious tapas, Madrid has something for everyone.
The impressive landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, and Almudena Cathedral amongst many others make Madrid a desirable place to visit.
16 Best Places to Visit in Madrid
- Puerta del Sol
- Wander through Plaza Mayor
- Visit Mercado San Miguel
- Eat churros at Chocolatería San Ginés
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Almudena Cathedral
- Museo del Prado
- Retiro park (El Parque del Buen Retiro)
- Palacio de Cristal
- Swing by Puerta de Alcalá
- Eat some delicious tapas along Calle Cava Baja
- Plaza España
- Visit Templo de Debod
- Gran Vía
- Wander through Malasaña neighborhood
- El Rastro
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