1. Puerta del Sol and the heart of the city
We begin at kilometre zero of Spain: the Puerta del Sol. This nerve centre is much more than a square. Here you will find the famous Tío Pepe sign, the clock on the Casa de Correos that rings in the New Year with the traditional twelve grapes, and of course the iconic statue of El Oso y el Madroño (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree), the symbol of the city. From Sol you start to feel the rhythm of Madrid: crowds coming and going, street performers, terraces that never seem to empty. It is the ideal launch point for any route through the city, since many of the main shopping and cultural streets fan out from right here.
- Kilometre zero: the plaque on the ground where all of Spain's radial roads are measured from
- El Oso y el Madroño statue, the perfect first photo of your trip
- A central meeting point with metro and Cercanías train connections to the whole city
2. Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Madrid of the Austrias
Just a few steps from Sol you enter one of the most monumental, history-soaked neighbourhoods in the city: the Madrid of the Austrias. This old medieval core is a genuine journey back in time, with cobbled streets, wrought-iron balconies and squares full of legends. The Plaza Mayor, built in the 17th century, has hosted coronations, executions, markets and celebrations. Today it is a perfect place to sit at a terrace and take in the porticoed architecture that frames it. Nearby stands the imposing Palacio Real, the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Although it is mainly used for state ceremonies, you can tour its lavish halls, the royal armoury and the historic kitchens. Directly opposite, the Almudena Cathedral offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, plus sweeping views from its dome.
- Plaza Mayor and its arcades, ideal for a slow coffee and people-watching
- Palacio Real, with more than 3,000 rooms (only part is open to visitors)
- Almudena Cathedral, right across from the palace
- Tip: join a guided Madrid de los Austrias free tour to relive the Golden Age, court scandals and palace intrigue on the very streets where they happened
Why not experience it with a local guide?
Book a free tour through central Madrid: local guides, small groups and no upfront payment.
See the free tours →3. Barrio de las Letras, the literary soul of Madrid
If you love history, literature or simply enjoy walking through neighbourhoods with real character, the Barrio de las Letras is a must. This is where some of the great geniuses of the Spanish Golden Age lived and wrote, including Lope de Vega, Quevedo and Cervantes. Their words still echo in the verses set into the pavement and on the façades of old convents, mansion-houses and time-worn cafés. This is also the most bohemian, creative side of Madrid. Calle Huertas is famous for its lively atmosphere and for the lines of poetry engraved along its cobbles.
- Casa Museo de Lope de Vega, a beautifully preserved window into 17th-century daily life
- Congreso de los Diputados, the neoclassical parliament flanked by two bronze lions
- Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, just across the Paseo del Prado
- A guided free tour of the Barrio de las Letras brings the anecdotes and legends of the quarter to life
4. Paseo del Arte and El Retiro: culture and green in one
Madrid boasts one of the most impressive art routes in the world: the so-called Paseo del Arte. In barely a kilometre you will find three museums of international standing that make this a paradise for lovers of painting, sculpture and history. The Museo del Prado is the jewel in the crown, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch and Rubens. A few steps away, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza covers everything from Gothic art to Pop, while the Museo Reina Sofía holds the 20th-century avant-garde, including Picasso's Guernica and works by Dalí and Miró. After all that art, there is nothing better than unwinding in the Parque del Retiro, the green lung of the city, where you can row on the lake in front of the monument to Alfonso XII or seek out magical corners like the Palacio de Cristal.
- Museo del Prado: check the free-entry evening hours before you go
- Museo Reina Sofía: home to Picasso's Guernica
- El Retiro: rent a rowing boat on the lake and visit the glass Palacio de Cristal
- Together the three museums plus the park make an easy, rewarding full day
5. Alternative plans and corners that surprise
Beyond the classics, Madrid is full of spots that catch curious travellers off guard. You can lose yourself in the narrow lanes of La Latina and end up sharing tapas in a century-old tavern, explore the murals and street art of Lavapiés, or climb up to the Templo de Debod, an authentic ancient Egyptian temple, for one of the most magical sunsets in the city. If you are drawn to the mysterious and the legendary, Madrid has routes that reveal old passageways, haunted churches and streets whose names hide dark stories. Prefer the view from above? Head to the rooftop terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes or the Faro de Moncloa, where the city spreads out beneath you like a sea of rooftops and domes.
- La Latina, the go-to neighbourhood for tapas, especially on Sunday around El Rastro flea market
- Templo de Debod, a real Egyptian temple and a top sunset spot
- Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop, for one of the best panoramic views in the centre
- Gran Vía, Madrid's grand early-20th-century avenue, perfect for an evening stroll
Discover Madrid with us
Madrid never really ends. It is a city that transforms with every step, every story and every glance. To get under its skin, we invite you to join our free tours, guided experiences packed with history, humour and curiosities that will make your visit unforgettable. You choose where to start. We will make sure you fall in love with Madrid.
