Madrid in numbers
865 AD
FOUNDATION
6.7 million
POPULATION
AREA
604 km²
Why visit Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most dynamic cities in Europe. It courts all visitors with its proud culture, rich history and lively nightlife. It is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a city with a high standard of living and a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Both the Prado and Reina Sofia museums are two of the most important museums in the world, with a wide variety of Spanish and international masterpieces. The Gran Vía is another important tourist attraction in Madrid, with a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants.
El Retiro is a majestic park, the perfect place to take a stroll or relax on a sunny day. And as Madrid is Villa & Corte, the Royal Palace is another important tourist landmark, with a wealth of history and art inside.
Culture shows its most entertaining side in Madrid through various experiences designed to showcase Spanish culture in an original way. It could be a dance show, a gastronomic session, a sporting event or any of its countless leisure circuits. All in all, Madrid is an amplifier of Spanish influence in Europe and the world.
We share with you 68 places to visit distributed in the following categories:
La Capi for Spaniards. With its heritage, music and gastronomy, the town of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree is to be enjoyed both day and night.
17 Museums, Galleries and Palaces
Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, Raphael, El Bosco, El Greco. These names alone explain the importance of the Museo Nacional del Prado. If you are more into modern and contemporary art, you can visit the galleries of the Reina Sofía or the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
As for palaces, the Royal Palace is the largest in Europe, known for its baroque architecture and impressive interior decoration. From the impressive armoury room to the impressive porcelain collection, it's a must for tourists who want to see a bit of history and luxury.
18 Monuments and Landmarks
It is almost 500 years since Madrid was established as the capital of Spain. On any tour of the city's districts, you will see monuments and buildings that tell the story of the monarchy, the empire, the civil wars and the modernity of the metropolis.
Most of the sites on our list are in a few neighbourhoods in the central area of Madrid. You can walk the axis between Puerta del Sol and the Retiro or the one that goes from Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace and Bailén street. Several of the monuments are also located within the green areas!
6 Churches and Temples
Madrid is a city with a rich religious history and a wealth of impressive churches and temples worth visiting. From the novel Almudena Cathedral, with its neo-Gothic architecture and imposing façade, to the baroque church of San Francisco el Grande, with its impressive dome and beautiful interior courtyard.
The parish church of San José, with its impressive height and beautiful baroque altar, is a must for lovers of religious architecture. The Renaissance-style church of San Nicolás de los Servitas is another example of the religious wonders you'll find in Madrid.
18 Squares and Parks
Madrid has more than 6,000 hectares of green spaces. The most famous is the Retiro, located right in the city centre, although it is the fourth largest after Casa de Campo, the Felipe VI Forest Park and the Juan Carlos I Park.
On the other hand, Madrid's large squares make up its most recognisable postcards for foreigners. Plaza Mayor, Plaza Colón, Plaza Oriente and Plaza España, among many others, are obligatory stops on the different tourist circuits of the Spanish capital.
9 Experiences and Activities
If you have some extra time left over after your tours, or if you prefer to get to know Madrid in a more "hands-on" way, we recommend several activities. For example, you can enjoy a boat ride in El Retiro, a flamenco show during the day or at night, or visit the El Escorial complex, the choice is yours!
List with 68 places to visit in Madrid
🏛️ Museums, Galleries and Palaces
1. CaixaForum Madrid
2. Cerralbo Museum
3. Cibeles Palace (Madrid City Hall)
4. Costume Museum
5. Crystal Palace
7. Madrid Railway Museum
8. Museum of America
9. Museum of Romanticism
10. National Archaeological Museum
11. National Museum of Natural Sciences
12. Platform 0: Chamberí Museum Station
13. Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Centre
14. Royal Palace of Madrid
15. San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts
16. Sorolla Museum
17. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
🏰 Monuments and Landmarks
18. Cervantes Monument
19. Cibeles Fountain
20. Fountain of Apollo and the Four Seasons
21. Las Ventas Bullring
22. María Guerrero Theatre
23. Metrópolis Building
24. Moncloa Arch
26. Monument to Goya
27. Monument to the People of the Second of May 1808
28. Monument to Velázquez
29. Neptune Fountain
30. Puerta de Alcalá
31. Puerta del Sol
32. Royal Theatre
33. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
34. Spanish Theatre
35. The Bear and the Strawberry Tree
⛪ Churches and Temples
36. Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena
37. Church of San Nicolás de los Servitas
38. Parish Church of San José
39. Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande
40. Royal Congregation of San Isidro of Madrid
41. Temple of Debod
🌳 Squares and Parks
42. Casa de Campo Park
43. El Retiro Park
44. Historic Garden of El Capricho
46. Mirador de la Cornisa del Palacio Real
47. Moncloa Lighthouse
48. Paseo de la Castellana
49. Plaza Colón
50. Plaza de España
51. Plaza de Oriente
52. Plaza Mayor
53. Príncipe Pío Mountain Viewpoint
54. Quinta de los Molinos Park
55. Quinta de Torre Arias Park
56. Rose Garden of Parque del Oeste
57. Royal Botanical Garden
58. Sabatini Gardens
59. Valdebebas - Felipe VI Forest Park
🎡 Experiences and Activities
60. Canalejas Gallery
61. Cuesta de Moyano
62. El Escorial Tour
63. Embarcadero de El Retiro
64. Flamenco Show
65. Gran Vía Shopping Street
66. IKONO
67. San Miguel Market
68. Serrano Shopping Street
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