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  Spain Travel Guide:

Best Places to Visit in Madrid

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Our choices for the  Best places to Visit in Madrid presented below describe the most popular tourist attractions in the Spanish Capital. Outside of the Old Town, Madrid is much like other modern cities, so our coverage focuses on the historic heart of Madrid and its excellent art museums.

Although there are many wonderful things to see in Madrid, the majority of tourists visit the Spanish capital for the outstanding art collections of its world famous museums. During your visit to Madrid, you should incorporate enough time to visit the museums in Madrid's Golden Triangle, described below.

Once you have had your fill of art, you will find that Old Town Madrid is a place for wandering, stopping for refreshments at the many plazas, or some shopping.  When looking for a snack or a meal, try some tapas at a tasca – a small restaurant focused on serving these tasty mini-meals (see our description of "tapas" on the right edge of this page). Madrid  is known for its nightlife, including great restaurant, trendy nightclubs and spirited singing and dancing.  Join in, if you can keep pace with the notorious late night lifestyle of the Madrileños.

Madrid is located in the center of Spain and sits at an elevation 1900’ above sea level. The population of the central city is 2.95 million. When combined with the surrounding suburbs, the population mushrooms to approximately 5.5 million.

Madrid is a booming metropolis in a country that has experienced significant economic growth during the last decade. For the traveler, the country’s economic success brings news both good and bad. On the good side, there are more hotels, better roadways and improved rail service. The bad news is that Spain is no longer the travel value that it was a few years ago. Madrid’s role as the country’s capital and the powerhouse of Spain's economic revolution has resulted in significant growth, along with increasing pollution and crime, but no more than is found in cities of this size around the world.

Madrid has been an active settlement since prehistoric times. The forerunner of the modern city's location was established by the moors, who sited a fort in this area in the ninth century. Madrid gained stature and its hold over Spain in 1561 when Felipe (Philip) II melded Castile (and its capital Toledo) and Aragón (and its capital Barcelona) into the precursor of modern Spain by establishing Madrid as the seat of his government. Although growth occurred in fits and starts, the modern city of Madrid came into its own during the eighteenth century.

If you have a few extra days, consider visiting Toledo or Segovia. In addition, try to take a day trip to one or more of the many wonderful royal castles near Madrid, such as the Palacio Real de Aranjuez in Aranjuez, approximately 30 miles from Madrid.

We have created a new city map for Madrid that uses Google maps for the base display.  We layer our recommendations for the Best Places to Visit in Madrid on the display, which can be viewed on a normal street map, or over a satellite image of Madrid, or on a Hybrid image that combines the street map and the satellite image.  Remember to zoom in using the controls and you will be able to see amazing detail on the Hybrid image.

 

Paella, fideua, tapas -  good food abounds in Madrid

 
Tapas are the Spanish equivalent of a snack plate and eating them is a social event (they are made for sharing). The servings are small and you should order two or more tapas per person.

There seem to be as many types of tapas as there are chefs.  You will find vegetable, meat, poultry and desert tapas.   Some will be fresh, some marinated, others baked and some fried.

Tapas are thought to have originated to tide workers over until the main meal, which, in Spain, is often served late in the evening.  Tapas are not regarded as a substitute for a meal but as a bridge to the next meal.

 
Best Places to visit  in Madrid, Spain Top of Page  


If you are interested in finding out more about Spain, its people, history, economy and geography,  visit our section  Spain Country Facts 

 
If you have decided to travel to Spain, read the information you need to know about public safety, visas, crime, driving, health care, and more in our section Spain Travel Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Golden Triangle

Without a doubt, the leading attractions in Madrid are its superb art museums, located in an area that is known as "The Golden Triangle".  In the past, travelers would converge on Madrid for the sheer pleasure of exploring the dramatic art of the Prado. Now, in addition to the Prado, Madrid provides the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. The presence of these three art museums has catapulted Madrid in to the stratosphere of the art world. Each of these museums is a treasure in its own right and combined they have become a must-see for visitors to Madrid.

It is unlikely that you could plan a tour of these three art museums that allowed you to see all the treasures they provide. Instead, we suggest you do a little homework and focus on the best that each museum has to offer. We would like to do this planning for you, but we do not know the type of art that you find attractive. If you do a little pre-planning (we provide the information you need through the museum links below), you will enjoy your tour and not suffer from “art museum overload” (you know, the feeling that if you see another painting, you hope it will be on black velvet and located in a place that serves cool drinks with lots of ice)

Details about each museum, its collection, website and hours of operation can be found by following the links below to our page describing:

Palacio Real (the Royal Palace of Madrid)

  • Although an official Royal Palace, the Palacio Real de Madrid is used only for ceremonial purposes. The original building on this site (the Alcázar) was destroyed by fire in 1734 and the "new" palace was finished by the middle of the same century. The interior rooms of the  Palacio Real are gorgeous and decorated in style that is striking.
    •  Be sure to see the Throne Room (preserved intact since the reign of Charles III), the Kings Chamber, and the Porcelain Room. 
    •  In addition, visit The Royal Armory, as its collection of medieval armor is world renowned.
    • The gardens surrounding the Palace, known as the Campo del Moro (the Moor's field), are beautiful and worthy of a short stroll.  End your visit at the nearby Plaza de Oriente, so named because it is located to the east of the Palace.


  • For information on visiting the Royal Palace in Madrid, from the Patrimonio Nacional,  follow this link.



  • For details about the Palace, including pictures of the interior rooms, follow this link.



  • From October to March, the Royal Palace is open from Monday through Saturday from 09:30 to 17:00 and from 0:900 to 14:00 on Sundays and Holidays.


  • Summer hours, from April to September find the Royal Palace open from 09:00 to 18:00 and from 09:00 to 15:00 on Sundays and holidays.


  • The Palace gardens (Campo del Moro) are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and from 09:00 to 18:00 on Sundays and holidays during October to March.  They are open April to September from 10:00 to 20:00 on Monday through Saturday and from 09:00 to 20:00 on Sundays and some holidays.

 

   The Plaza Mayor, the place to be in Old Town Madrid

Plaza Mayor 

  • Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of Old Town Madrid, is the grand square of the city.  The buildings around the Plaza have burned several times, the last time in 1790.  Although known for its architecture and vast expanse, the Plaza is best known as one of the city's most popular meeting places.  During summer evenings, it is filled with tourists and Madrileños (Madrid natives), who gather to enjoy the company, dance, eat, sing and watch performers and merchants showing their wares.

Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park)

  • When the art junket starts to get old, head for Retiro Park, just east of the Prado.  The area formerly housed a palace and its royal grounds.  Today, the park is an integral part of the lives of Madrileños.  The grounds are attractive, peppered with many statues and a large lake.  The Cristal Palace, one of the exhibition halls for the Reina Sofia Museum is located here and deserves a quick look.
    • Avoid the park in the later evening hours as it is a haven for pickpockets and others you should choose to avoid.

El Rastro

  • It's said that all of Madrid shops at the El Rastro Flea Market and it has become a Sunday tradition. The market opens at 09:00 and closes in the early afternoon (14:00-14:30). Pickpockets abound, so be careful with your wallet and belongings (be sure to wear a money belt). 
    • El Rastro is located near the Plaza de Cascorro on the east side of La Latina, an area that is at the heart of the "original" Madrid and known for its winding streets and numerous restaurants.
Other Plazas
  • Madrid is a city filled with interesting and scenic plazas.  As you cross the city going from the Prado to the Palacio Real you will have an opportunity to visit several plazas that might be of interest to you.


  • Plaza de la Cibeles
    • Considered by many to be the most pleasing of Madrid's plazas, it features a well known statue of the Goddess Cibeles.  The plaza sits amidst  many of the city's most noteworthy buildings, including the ostentatious Spanish Royal Mail Office.

    • Statue of Ceres in the Plaza De Cibeles with the Spanish Royal Mail  Office in backround.

  • Plaza de España
    • Another of Madrid's popular squares, the Plaza de España is located near the Palacio Real and known for its monument to Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote.


  • Plaza de la Independencia
    • The main entrance to Retiro Park also houses the Puerta de Acalá (the Acalá Gate).  The gate looks dramatic at night and is adorned with several interesting sculptures.

     

  • Plaza de Toros de las Ventas  Las Ventas, one of the world most famous bullfigting rings.

    Although bullfighting is not for everyone, Las Ventas is one of the most famous bullfighting rings in the world.  It you take a city tour you will pass it.  If you are an aficionado, make reservations.

  • The Temple de Debod

    The Egyptian Temple de Debod in Madrid.

    • The Debod Temple is an authentic Egyptian temple that was donated to Spain by Egypt, as it was in an area eventually flooded by the Aswam Dam. The structure is in a striking setting in Madrid's Parque de la Montaña.

  • El Escorial
    • If you have time for just one day trip or need an afternoon outside of the city, consider visiting the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which can be reached by bus, train, or car.  The Escorial is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Madrid.


    • Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Escorial was the center of power of the Spanish empire under King Philip II.  It is famous for its monastery and basilica, which contains the Pantheon of the Kings, where many members of the Spanish royal family are buried.   The architecture, decorations, art and setting are spectacular and beautiful.


    • For a description of the El Escorial from the official site of the Patrimonio Nacional, follow this link.


    • For visitor information, follow this link.

 

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Statue of Goya in front of the Prado Art Museum

 

 

 

 

 

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The Palacio Real in Madrid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The gardens in Retiro park are beautiful in the Spring.

 

You can find junk, jewerly, furniture, art and antiques at El Rastro

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The Acala Gate at night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entrance to El Escorial

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

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