10 things you can’t miss in Madrid
Explore Madrid with Us: Discover the Best Corners and Live an Unforgettable Experience. We Show You the 10 Essentials of the City, Don’t Miss Them!
Madrid is a vibrant and lively city, every corner has something special to offer. If you’re looking for a unique adventure and an authentic experience in the Spanish capital, this is the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through the 10 places we consider essentials in Madrid and that you definitely need to include in your itinerary. Come and let yourself be carried away by the Madrid atmosphere with us!
Discover the 10 best experiences that you can’t miss in Madrid. From admiring the beauty of the city to tasting its delicious typical dishes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get to know the Spanish capital to the fullest!
Madrid is a city full of life and fun, and there are many things to do and see. If you’re planning a trip to the Spanish capital, here are 10 things you can’t miss:
1.Museums in Madrid:
If you visit Madrid, you have to go and visit some of our most recognized museums. Madrid houses some of the most important museums in the world and is one of the European cities with the largest cultural offering. There are 3 museums that you cannot miss in Madrid, do you want to know which ones?
The 3 essential museums to visit in Madrid are:
The Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is a place of worship for art lovers and a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Madrid. With over 7,000 works of art, it is one of the world’s most important and prestigious museums, attracting millions of visitors every year.
In its galleries, you will find some of the most emblematic and striking works of art history, including masterpieces by famous artists such as Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. These works will leave you breathless and take you back in time to the era when they were created.
In addition to works of art, the Prado Museum also offers a variety of temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it an ideal place to visit with family or friends. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens, it is a perfect place to relax and admire the beauty of art.
You can enjoy our Free Tour Prado Museum.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
This museum is a picture gallery where you can find ancient and modern works arranged by rooms and authors. It contains the most valuable works from the private collection assembled for decades by the Thyssen-Bornemisza family, which the Spanish government acquired in 1993.
Some of the most important works belong to high-prestige authors such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Munch among others.
Reina Sofía Museum
It is the jewel in the crown of Madrid’s museums, the most visited by far, as in it we can contemplate Picasso’s Guernica, one of the great works of art in painting.
In addition to Picasso’s works, you can also see works by Dalí and Miró among others. It is a spectacular museum that will not leave you indifferent and that also houses a very mysterious legend among its walls.
There are many places to visit in Madrid, there are endless possibilities in a city so large and with so much cultural offering, but if you come as a tourist you cannot miss these 5 essential places to visit in Madrid that we can show you on our free tours!
2. The Retiro Park:
The Retiro Park is one of the most iconic and popular places in Madrid. With its beautiful landscape and spacious green space, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing escape in the heart of the city.
The park has a lot of attractions and activities, including an artificial lake where you can rent a boat or just take a walk along the shore. Additionally, you can admire the impressive glass and iron structure known as the Palacio de Cristal, which houses temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
The Retiro Park is also an ideal place for a picnic or an afternoon walk in good weather. With its large lawns and beautiful gardens, it’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature in the midst of the bustling city.
In addition to its natural attractions, the Retiro Park also has numerous pedestrian paths, fountains, statues, and historical monuments, making it a perfect place to explore and discover something new on each visit.
3. The Puerta del Sol:
The Puerta del Sol is one of the most emblematic landmarks in Madrid and is located in the heart of the city. It is known for being the place where the traditional New Year’s Eve countdown takes place and is one of the most important reference points for tourists.
The Puerta del Sol is the start of the radial roads that lead out of Madrid to the rest of Spain, making it a perfect starting point for a tour of the city.
In addition, around the Puerta del Sol, you’ll find a large number of shops, restaurants, and bars offering a wide variety of options for eating, drinking, and having fun. This area is one of the liveliest and busiest in Madrid, and it’s an ideal place to grab a coffee or take a break while discovering the city.
You could enjoy the Puerta del Sol and its surroundings with our Free Tour Madrid of the Austrias.
4. The Plaza Mayor:
Plaza Mayor of Madrid: The Icon of the City with a Unique Atmosphere
The Plaza Mayor of Madrid is a must-visit for any visitor to the city. With almost 12,200 square meters, it is one of the largest squares in Europe and offers a unique atmosphere in the heart of Madrid.
Surrounded by historical buildings like La Casa de la Panadería and the Arco de Cuchilleros, the Plaza Mayor is a place full of history and tradition. In addition, in the center of the square, you’ll find the statue of Felipe III, a gift from the Duke of Florence to the Spanish crown.
Visit the Plaza Mayor and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere, while exploring the streets that lead away from it. Also, don’t miss the Mercado de San Miguel, just next to the square, an old market that has been renovated and offers a unique culinary experience. Don’t hesitate to add the Plaza Mayor to your list of must-see places in Madrid!
5. The Temple of Debod:
The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was relocated from Egypt to Madrid in the 60s of the 20th century. It is located in the West Park and is one of the city’s main tourist attractions.
With over 2,000 years of history, the Temple of Debod is an impressive example of Egyptian architecture, with columns and reliefs that tell the story and religious beliefs of the ancient civilization.
It is an ideal place for lovers of history and ancient architecture. From its terrace, you can also enjoy stunning views of the city of Madrid and its surroundings.
6. Madrid Royal Palace:
The Madrid Royal Palace is one of the most emblematic and representative buildings of the Spanish capital. It is located on the San Vicente mountain and is one of Madrid’s main tourist attractions. This impressive palace was built in the late 18th century and is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, although it is not their permanent home.
The Madrid Royal Palace is known for its beautiful gardens, interior patios, art galleries, and numerous rooms, some of which can be visited. It stands out for its baroque exterior and rococo interiors, with details in marble and gold.
The palace is also the site of important cultural and political events, such as state receptions and royal weddings. With its rich history and architectural beauty, the Madrid Royal Palace is a must-see for visitors to the city.
7. The Gran Vía of Madrid:
The Gran Vía is one of the most famous and emblematic streets of Madrid, Spain. Known for its lively nightlife, shops, and cinemas, it is one of the busiest commercial thoroughfares in the city.
Starting at Plaza de España, the Gran Vía extends for almost 2 km to Plaza de Callao, and features a wide variety of modernist and neo-Mudéjar style buildings that make it one of the main tourist attractions in Madrid.
Some of the most notable buildings include the Telefónica Building, one of the first skyscrapers in Madrid, and the Grassy Building, with its distinctive Art Deco style. You can also find numerous theaters and cinemas, as well as luxury shops and restaurants.
In conclusion, the Gran Vía is a unique experience for those visiting Madrid, offering a wide variety of entertainment, shopping, and culture on one street.
8. The Rastro Market:
The Rastro Market is one of the most famous markets in Madrid, located in the neighborhood of La Latina. It is known as a shopping and leisure place where you can find everything from antiques, second-hand clothing, jewelry, decorative objects, among others.
The market is held every Sunday and holiday, and is one of the main tourist attractions of the city, with more than 15,000 visitors a day. Additionally, it’s an ideal place to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, live music, and street food.
At the Rastro Market, you’ll find a wide variety of shops and stalls, where you can find true vintage treasures or unique products, with a special charm that makes it an unforgettable experience.
9. Malasaña Neighborhood:
Malasaña neighborhood is one of the most iconic and bohemian neighborhoods in Madrid, known for its vibrant nightlife and alternative style. This area of the city, located in the center of Madrid, attracts tourists and locals alike due to its variety of bars, restaurants, vintage shops, and live music venues. Additionally, it is home to some of the best cocktail bars and tapas bars in the city.
Malasaña is also known for its history, as it was one of the most active neighborhoods during the Madrid Movement, a period of cultural and artistic liberation in Madrid that took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, it has maintained its reputation as one of the coolest and artistic neighborhoods in Madrid, and it is an ideal place for those seeking an authentic city experience.
10. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium:
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is one of the most iconic and recognized soccer stadiums worldwide. It is located in Madrid, Spain and is the home of the Real Madrid soccer club. Inaugurated in 1947, the stadium has been expanded and renovated several times over the years to keep up with modern soccer game demands.
With a capacity of over 80,000 spectators, the Bernabéu is an impressive place to watch a soccer game. Additionally, it is a must-visit for Real Madrid fans as it features a gift shop, museum area, and guided tour to learn more about the stadium and club. The stadium is also an important place in Spanish and European soccer history, having been the venue for many important games and championships.
