What to see in Madrid

1. What to see in Madrid in one day

Madrid is a city that deserves several days of sightseeing, but if you only have 24 hours, here’s an optimized route to make the most of your time in the Spanish capital. This route is designed to be done on foot, taking advantage of the fact that the main attractions are relatively close to each other.

Morning: Habsburg Madrid

Start your day at Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid. Here, you can see the famous clock that rings in the New Year and the statue of El Oso y el Madroño (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree). Take the opportunity to have a traditional breakfast of chocolate and churros at the nearby Chocolatería San Ginés.

Just a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll find Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s most iconic spots. Take your time to admire the architecture and the equestrian statue of Philip III. From here, you can stroll over to Mercado de San Miguel, perfect for a gourmet mid-morning snack.

Midday: Royalty and Culture

Head toward the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. If time allows, you can take a quick tour inside. Next to the Palace, you’ll find Almudena Cathedral, a spectacular example of Neo-Gothic architecture.

For lunch, we recommend exploring the Calle Cava Baja area, famous for its tapas bars and traditional restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to try authentic Madrilenian cuisine.

Afternoon: Art and Strolls

Devote the afternoon to visiting the Prado Museum, one of the most important art galleries in the world. If you prefer contemporary art, you can opt for the Reina Sofía Museum, where you can see Picasso’s Guernica.

After that, take a break at El Retiro Park, Madrid’s green lung. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace, one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

Sunset and Evening: Modern Madrid

End your day by strolling along Gran Vía, Madrid’s main thoroughfare, where you can do some shopping and admire early 20th-century architecture. For a panoramic view of the city at sunset, head to the rooftop of Círculo de Bellas Artes.

For dinner, you have two excellent options: explore the tapas bars of Malasaña, the most hipster neighborhood in Madrid, or enjoy traditional cuisine in the historic La Latina district.

2. Puerta del Sol: The vibrant heart of Madrid and historic city center

Puerta del Sol is undoubtedly the epicenter of Madrilenian life and one of the must-see places in Madrid. This historic square not only marks kilometer zero of Spain’s radial roads but is also the setting for numerous celebrations and events throughout the year. Its name comes from the old gate of the medieval city wall that stood here, adorned with a sun, which separated the city from the road to Alcalá de Henares. To discover all its secrets, we recommend taking a Free tour of essential Madrid.

The statue of El Oso y el Madroño, the city’s symbol, stands here, as well as the famous clock at the Casa de Correos, the undisputed protagonist of the New Year’s Eve chimes. Did you know that millions of Spaniards follow the tradition of eating twelve grapes in tune with these chimes to welcome the New Year? This tradition started in 1890 when grape farmers had a surplus harvest and decided to promote grape consumption during the year-end celebrations.

The square also houses other emblematic monuments such as the equestrian statue of Charles III, known as “the best mayor of Madrid,” and the Kilómetro Cero plaque, from which all radial distances in Spain are measured. The buildings around the square are testimonies of different architectural periods, especially the Real Casa de Correos, now the seat of the Presidency of the Community of Madrid, built in the 18th century with its characteristic clock tower added in the 19th century.

Around Puerta del Sol you’ll find some of Madrid’s most iconic stores, from century-old establishments to modern boutiques. The streets radiating from the square, such as Preciados, Mayor, and Arenal, form one of the city’s major shopping areas. It’s also a cultural gathering spot, regularly featuring street performers, musicians, and different artistic displays, giving life and color to this historic space.

Julieta Betancor

Expert guide tip

“For the best experience in Puerta del Sol, visit early in the morning. Take the chance to enjoy chocolate and churros at the historic Chocolatería San Ginés, just a few steps away. It’s a Madrilenian tradition you shouldn’t miss! And if you want to avoid crowds, I recommend visiting on weekdays, preferably Tuesday to Thursday. Also, don’t forget to explore the charming nearby narrow streets, where you’ll find hidden gems like small traditional shops and historic taverns that keep the essence of old Madrid alive.”

Julieta Betancor

3. Plaza Mayor: A journey into Habsburg Madrid

A few steps from Puerta del Sol, the majestic Plaza Mayor will transport you to 17th-century Madrid. This impressive rectangular space, surrounded by three-story buildings with 237 balconies, is one of the most iconic places to see in Madrid.

Plaza Mayor’s history is as rich as it is fascinating. From medieval markets to Inquisition autos-da-fé, bullfights, and public executions, these cobblestones have witnessed some of the most significant moments in Spain’s history.

4. Royal Palace: The largest official residence in Western Europe

The Royal Palace of Madrid is undoubtedly one of the places to visit in Madrid that will leave you in awe. Covering 135,000 square meters with 3,418 rooms, it is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and an architectural gem you simply can’t miss. Built in the 18th century on the ruins of the old Habsburg Alcázar, which burned down on Christmas Eve in 1734, the current palace was designed by architects Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti.

The palace’s interior is a true museum housing masterpieces by artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and Caravaggio, along with unique collections of tapestries, porcelain, armor, and historical clocks. Among its most notable rooms are the Throne Room, decorated with frescoes by Tiepolo, the Gasparini Room with its elaborate rococo ornamentation, and the impressive Gala Dining Room, which can accommodate up to 140 guests.

The gardens around the palace are equally impressive. The Sabatini Gardens, designed in neoclassical style during the Second Republic, and the Campo del Moro, a large landscaped park that stretches down to the Manzanares River, offer a green respite in the center of Madrid. From the gardens, you can enjoy some of the best views of the palace’s western façade and Almudena Cathedral.

Julieta Betancor

Expert guide tip

“Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or the Solemn Changing of the Guard on the first Wednesday of every month. These free events will transport you back to the heyday of the Spanish monarchy. Also, I recommend visiting the Royal Armory, one of the world’s most important collections of armor, and the Royal Pharmacy, which still preserves its 18th-century containers and formulas. If you have time, take a sunset walk through the Sabatini Gardens, when the sun bathes the palace façade in golden light, creating a unique spectacle.”

Julieta Betancor

5. El Retiro Park: Madrid’s green lung and historical gem

If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid to escape the urban hustle, El Retiro Park is your answer. This 125-hectare green space, formerly the royal hunting grounds, is now the city’s most iconic park and an oasis of calm in the heart of Madrid. In 2021, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Paseo del Prado, representing a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture.

El Retiro is more than a park; it’s an open-air museum. Here, you’ll find monuments such as the Crystal Palace, an iron and glass structure that looks like it came out of a fairy tale, or the statue of the Fallen Angel, one of the few representations of Lucifer in the world. Built in 1887 to showcase exotic flora, the Crystal Palace is now part of the Reina Sofía Museum and hosts temporary contemporary art exhibitions.

Among its historic gardens is the French Parterre, designed in the 18th century, and the Jardín de los Planteles, which preserves centuries-old specimens. The Great Pond, presided over by the monument to Alfonso XII, is one of the park’s most popular spots, where locals and visitors enjoy boat rides. The Rose Garden, with more than 4,000 roses of different varieties, offers a unique spectacle in spring.

The park is also a hub for cultural and sports activities. Its walkways host outdoor art exhibitions, concerts, puppet theater at the Puppet Theater, and sports activities like yoga and tai-chi. The Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library, located in the old zoo house, is a haven of peace for book lovers.

6. Gran Vía: Madrid’s Broadway and main commercial artery

Gran Vía is much more than just a street; it’s Madrid’s beating heart and one of the quintessential places to visit in Madrid. Known as “Madrid’s Broadway,” this avenue is famous for its theaters, cinemas, shops, and a vibrant nightlife that never sleeps. Officially inaugurated in 1910, this urban artery was designed to connect the city’s eastern and western neighborhoods, becoming a symbol of Madrid’s modernization in the early 20th century.

Its eclectic architecture reflects the architectural trends of the early 20th century, from Modernism to Art Deco. Each building tells a unique story, from the department stores that revolutionized Madrid’s retail scene to the first skyscrapers that forever changed the city’s skyline. The nighttime lighting of its facades and the neon lights of its theaters create a visual spectacle that competes with the great avenues of the world.

Today, Gran Vía remains the nerve center of leisure and shopping in Madrid. Its sidewalks host some of the major international fashion chains, while its historic theaters continue to offer the best musicals and plays. The recent partial pedestrianization of the avenue has placed even greater emphasis on pedestrians, creating friendlier spaces for strolling and enjoying urban life.

7. Temple of Debod: A piece of ancient Egypt in Madrid

If you’re looking for something truly unique to see in Madrid, you can’t miss the Temple of Debod. This authentic Egyptian temple, over 2,200 years old, was a gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968 as a token of gratitude for the help provided in saving the temples of Nubia. Originally built in the 2nd century BC, the temple was dedicated to the gods Amun and Isis and was expanded later by the Ptolemaic kings and the Roman emperor Augustus.

The story of its relocation to Madrid is fascinating. Stone by stone, the temple was dismantled, numbered, and transported from its original location in southern Egypt. Its reconstruction in Madrid was completed in 1972, respecting its original east-west orientation to maintain the temple’s astronomical and religious significance. Today it stands in a privileged setting, surrounded by the Parque del Oeste gardens, from which you can watch some of the best sunsets in Madrid.

The temple’s interior preserves original reliefs depicting religious scenes and offerings to the gods. The main hall, known as the chapel of Osiris, displays scenes of the god’s resurrection. Visitors can walk through the various rooms and appreciate the architecture and decoration of Ancient Egypt, making it one of the few examples of Egyptian architecture you can visit outside of Egypt.

8. Plaza de Cibeles: The monumental symbol of Imperial Madrid

Plaza de Cibeles is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic places to see in Madrid. Presided over by the famous fountain of the goddess Cybele, this square is the meeting point of four of the city’s most impressive buildings: the Cibeles Palace (formerly the Palace of Communications), the Bank of Spain, the Linares Palace, and the Buenavista Palace. Each of these buildings represents a golden era of Madrid’s architecture, and together they form one of the most spectacular monumental complexes in Europe.

The iconic Cibeles Fountain, created in 1782 by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel, portrays the Phrygian goddess Cybele on a chariot drawn by lions. This monument is not only a masterpiece of Spanish neoclassicism but has also become the go-to celebration spot for Real Madrid’s victories and an indisputable symbol of the city. The fountain has witnessed countless historical events and popular celebrations over its more than two centuries of history.

Cibeles Palace, currently housing Madrid City Hall, deserves special mention. Built between 1907 and 1919 as the Palace of Communications, this impressive modernist building now hosts the CentroCentro cultural center, which offers temporary exhibitions, a rooftop observation deck with panoramic views of Madrid, and various cultural spaces. The Mirador Madrid, located on the 8th floor, is one of the best places to enjoy the Madrid skyline.

9. San Miguel Market: Madrid’s gastronomic temple

If you’re looking for what to do in Madrid to enjoy the local cuisine, San Miguel Market is your answer. Located a few steps from Plaza Mayor, this gourmet market is a true food temple and one of the most visited places in the capital. Built in 1916, this iron-and-glass building is one of the best-preserved examples of market architecture in Madrid and was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2000.

The market underwent a complete renovation in 2009, transforming from a traditional food market into a gourmet space with more than 30 different stalls. Each corner of the market offers a unique culinary experience, from traditional Spanish tapas to international dishes, as well as select wines and top-quality delicatessen products.

The original iron and glass structure, typical of 19th-century architecture, creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to stroll among the stalls and taste the different specialties. The large windows and natural light filtering through them create a unique ambiance that enhances the gastronomic experience.

Julieta Betancor

Local expert guide tip

“If you want the best gastronomic experience, head to La Casa del Bacalao and order their cod croquettes, followed by some pinchos at Lhardy’s stall. For a complete experience, I recommend visiting the market between noon and 2:00 pm, when the stalls are in full swing. Don’t miss the chance to taste oysters with a glass of champagne at Daniel Sorlut—truly an experience!”

Julieta Betancor

10. Literary Quarter: The literary and bohemian heart of Madrid

The Literary Quarter is one of those places you must visit in Madrid if you want to delve into the city’s literary history. This charming neighborhood, situated between Atocha, Carretas, and Paseo del Prado streets, was home to some of the most celebrated writers of the Spanish Golden Age. Great figures like Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Luis de Góngora, and Francisco de Quevedo lived and created their masterpieces here.

The quarter’s cobblestone streets are decorated with famous quotes by these authors engraved into the pavement, creating an open-air museum that pays homage to Spanish literature. The Casa Museo Lope de Vega, perfectly preserved, lets visitors step into daily life in the Golden Age, while the Teatro Español—the oldest theater in Madrid—continues the neighborhood’s theatrical tradition.

Nowadays, the Literary Quarter combines its rich cultural heritage with a vibrant scene of art galleries, old bookstores, historic cafés, and trendy restaurants. Huertas Street, its main thoroughfare, turns into one of the liveliest nighttime spots in Madrid as dusk falls.

11. Atocha Station: A tropical garden in the heart of Madrid’s railway

Atocha Station is more than just a departure or arrival point; it’s a destination in itself and one of the most surprising places to see in Madrid. Opened in 1851, Atocha is the city’s oldest and largest railway station. Its iron-and-glass structure, designed by Alberto de Palacio Elissagne and Gustave Eiffel, is a magnificent example of 19th-century iron architecture.

Atocha’s most astonishing feature is its interior tropical garden, created in 1992 as part of the station’s renovation. With over 7,000 plants from 400 different species, this 4,000-square-meter greenhouse has become an urban oasis where travelers can relax among palm trees, ferns, and ponds filled with turtles.

The station also houses a moving monument in memory of the victims of the March 11, 2004 attacks. The “11-M Memorial” is a glass tower featuring messages of condolence from citizens, illuminated from within to create a poignant effect, especially at dusk.

12. Puerta de Alcalá

The Puerta de Alcalá is one of the most emblematic monuments in Madrid and an indisputable symbol of the city. Located in Plaza de la Independencia, this majestic monumental gate was built in 1778 by order of Charles III, replacing an earlier 16th-century gate. The design was carried out by the Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, who created a neoclassical granite structure from the Guadarrama region, which would become a European architectural reference.

Standing 19.5 meters high with five arched openings, Puerta de Alcalá was the first triumphal gate built in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. Its design combines baroque decorative elements with neoclassical sobriety, highlighting its magnificent reliefs, sculptures, and the royal coat of arms. The impact marks still visible on its façade, a result of the Spanish Civil War, silently attest to Madrid’s history.

13. Círculo de Bellas Artes

The Círculo de Bellas Artes is a must-stop for those looking for what to see in Madrid while enjoying the best panoramic views of the city. This landmark building, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1981, is one of Europe’s most important cultural centers. Designed by architect Antonio Palacios and inaugurated in 1926, the building is a masterpiece of Madrid’s modernism that combines classical and Art Deco elements.

The building houses multiple spaces dedicated to art and culture: exhibition halls featuring national and international artists, a historic cinema screening independent films, classrooms for creative workshops, a library, and the famous Café Bellas Artes, a historic meeting spot for Madrid’s intelligentsia. But undoubtedly, its crown jewel is its rooftop, capped by a statue of Minerva, offering a 360-degree view of Madrid.

14. El Capricho Park

If you’re looking for what to do in Madrid away from the usual tourist circuits, El Capricho Park is a must. Situated in the Barajas district, this historic park is one of the city’s best-kept secrets and a genuine oasis of peace and beauty. Built in the 18th century at the behest of the Dukes of Osuna, it’s considered one of the most important historic gardens in Europe and the only Romantic-style garden remaining in Madrid.

Spanning 14 hectares, the park combines three landscaping styles: French parterre, English garden, and Italian garden. Its most notable features include the Palace of the Dukes of Osuna, the Plaza de los Emperadores, the Casino de Baile, the Temple of Bacchus, the Exedra, and the Casa de la Vieja, as well as numerous fountains, ponds, and sculptures creating a dreamy setting.

15. Basilica of San Francisco el Grande

The Basilica of San Francisco el Grande is one of those places to visit in Madrid that will leave you breathless. Located in the historic La Latina neighborhood, this imposing 18th-century church is one of the most spectacular architectural gems in the capital. Built between 1761 and 1784 to the design of Francisco Cabezas and later modified by Francesco Sabatini, it represents one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in Madrid.

Its most remarkable feature is its impressive central dome, measuring 33 meters in diameter, making it one of the largest in Europe—surpassing even St. Paul’s in London. The interior of the dome is decorated with magnificent frescoes by Carlos Luis de Ribera, depicting the glorification of the Catholic religion, a masterpiece of 19th-century Spanish art.

16. Mercado de Motores

If you’re looking for something truly unique to do in Madrid, you can’t miss Mercado de Motores. This fascinating vintage market, held on the second weekend of every month, transforms the majestic Delicias train station—now home to the Railway Museum—into a vibrant bazaar blending history, culture, and commerce. With more than 200 exhibitors, the market has become one of the most popular events on Madrid’s alternative scene.

The special charm of Mercado de Motores lies in its singular setting: a 19th-century train station maintaining its original iron-and-glass architecture. Amid historic locomotives and restored carriages, visitors can browse a curated selection of stalls offering everything from antiques and vintage items to the latest creations by independent designers.

17. Matadero Madrid

Matadero Madrid is one of the most innovative and dynamic cultural spaces in the capital, and undoubtedly one of the must-see places in Madrid if you’re into contemporary art. This former slaughterhouse and livestock market, built between 1908 and 1928 by architect Luis Bellido, represents one of the most distinctive examples of Madrid’s industrial architecture. Its transformation into a cultural center began in 2007, turning it into an international benchmark for contemporary creation and alternative culture.

The complex occupies more than 165,000 square meters and consists of various renovated industrial buildings that maintain their original essence while hosting a range of cultural projects. The architectural intervention has respected the original industrial elements, creating a unique dialogue between past and present.

18. Royal Botanical Garden

Located next to the Prado Museum in the heart of the Art Walk, the Royal Botanical Garden is a green oasis of nature and science. Founded by order of Ferdinand VI in 1755 and moved to its current location by Charles III in 1781, this historic garden boasts an astounding collection of over 5,000 plant species from all over the world. The garden’s design was by architects Francesco Sabatini and Juan de Villanueva, creating a space that perfectly fuses botany with art and neoclassical architecture.

Spanning 8 hectares, the garden is organized into three main terraces representing different vegetation levels and cultivation types. The Terrace of the Plots (Terraza de los Cuadros) houses ornamental and medicinal plants; the Terrace of the School of Botanics (Terraza de las Escuelas Botánicas) shows the evolution and classification of plants; and the Flower Plan Terrace (Terraza del Plano de la Flor) displays trees and shrubs from different continents.

19. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is much more than a football field: it’s a true temple of sport and one of the most iconic stadiums worldwide. Home to Real Madrid since 1947, this colossus, with a capacity for more than 80,000 spectators, has witnessed some of the most glorious pages in world football history. After its recent refurbishment, the stadium has become one of the most modern and technologically advanced in the world.

The stadium has undergone a spectacular transformation, including a retractable roof, a steel wrap-around facade that can project images in 360 degrees, and an innovative turf-preservation system that allows the playing surface to be removed in sections for maintenance and for hosting other events.

20. Reina Sofía Museum

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is the third vertex of Madrid’s prestigious “Art Triangle,” together with the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums. Inaugurated in 1992, this contemporary art museum is located in the former General Hospital of Madrid, an 18th-century building beautifully restored and enlarged by architect Jean Nouvel. It boasts one of the world’s most important modern and contemporary art collections, with its most emblematic piece being Pablo Picasso’s Guernica.

The museum’s permanent collection focuses on Spanish 20th-century art, with special emphasis on three great masters: Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró. Besides Guernica, visitors can enjoy masterpieces such as Dalí’s El Gran Masturbador and many works by international artists like Marcel Duchamp, Francis Bacon, and Mark Rothko.

21. Malasaña Neighborhood

If you want something that immerses you in the city’s most vibrant urban culture, Malasaña is your go-to destination. This neighborhood, epicenter of the legendary “Movida Madrileña” in the 1980s, remains one of the most dynamic and alternative areas in the capital. Its name honors Manuela Malasaña, a heroine of the Madrid resistance during the May 2, 1808 uprising against Napoleonic troops.

The district blends history and modernity around every corner. Its cobblestone streets are home to vintage stores and independent designer boutiques, specialty bookstores, third-wave coffee shops, and some of the best bars and restaurants in town. The Plaza del Dos de Mayo, the neighborhood’s main hub, is a popular hangout bustling with social life day and night.

22. Crystal Palace at El Retiro

The Crystal Palace, located in the heart of El Retiro Park, is one of the most stunning examples of 19th-century iron architecture in Spain. Built in 1887 by architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco to house an exhibition of exotic plants from the Philippines, this iron-and-glass pavilion is inspired by London’s Crystal Palace and represents one of the finest works of Romantic architecture in Madrid.

Currently part of the Reina Sofía Museum, the palace serves as a venue for temporary contemporary art exhibitions. Its glass-and-wrought-iron structure, along with its location by an artificial lake, creates unique light and reflection effects that make it one of the most photogenic sites in Madrid.

23. La Cebada Market

La Cebada Market, situated in the heart of the historic La Latina neighborhood, is one of those must-visit places in Madrid to immerse yourself in genuine local life. This market, with over 140 years of history, has managed to reinvent itself while preserving its traditional essence, embracing new culinary and cultural trends. The current building, opened in 1962, replaced the 19th-century original and has become a symbol of Madrid’s urban transformation.

Covering over 2,000 square meters on two floors, the market has around 110 stalls combining traditional commerce with modern gourmet spaces. Long-time shopkeepers coexist with new entrepreneurs, creating a unique mix of classic and contemporary that reflects the evolution of the most authentic side of Madrid.

24. Madrid Cable Car

For a unique experience and spectacular views of Madrid, the Cable Car is a must. Inaugurated in 1969, this aerial transport system connects the Parque del Oeste with Casa de Campo, offering a 2.5-kilometer journey and a completely different perspective of the city. The cabins, suspended up to 40 meters high, allow you to glimpse some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks from above.

The ride lasts about 11 minutes each way, crossing the Manzanares River and flying over Casa de Campo, the largest public park in Madrid. During the trip, an audio system provides information about the points of interest you can spot.

25. Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida

The Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida is a hidden gem of Madrid’s heritage, housing an incomparable artistic treasure. This small neoclassical church, built in 1792 by Felipe Fontana, showcases the most impressive frescoes by Francisco de Goya, painted in 1798. Not only is the chapel a museum preserving these masterpieces, but it’s also where Goya’s remains have rested since 1919.

Goya’s frescoes cover the dome and walls of the chapel, depicting the miracle of St. Anthony of Padua and various scenes of 18th-century Madrid life. The work stands out for its innovative technique, use of light, and the realism of the figures, portraying the Madrilenian people of the time.

26. Chamberí

To wrap up our list of what to see in Madrid, we suggest a journey back to the 19th-century city in the Chamberí district. This elegant and traditional neighborhood remains the charm and atmosphere of old Madrid. Developed during the city’s 19th-century expansion, Chamberí preserves the refined air of stately Madrid, with modernist buildings, century-old shops, and tree-lined squares.

The district gets its name from the French soldiers of the Peninsular War who camped in this area and came from the Chambéry region. Today, Chamberí blends its historic character with a vibrant cultural and gastronomic life, being one of Madrid’s most authentic and less touristy districts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Madrid