Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, beckons travelers with its rich history, artistic treasures, culinary delights, and lively atmosphere. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, Madrid offers an array of experiences that cater to every interest. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here's a detailed guide to help you make the most of your visit to this captivating city.
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Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
Photo Credit: Royal Palace Website
History and Architecture: The Palacio Real stands as a testament to Spain's royal heritage and architectural prowess. Built in the 18th century on the site of an old Alcázar (fortress), the palace boasts a magnificent façade adorned with neoclassical elements, elaborate balconies, and statues depicting Spanish monarchs and historical figures. Designed by several renowned architects, including Francesco Sabatini, the palace's interior reflects opulent Baroque and Rococo styles, with intricately decorated rooms and lavish furnishings.
Highlights of the Palace: Upon entering the Palacio Real, visitors are greeted with a series of ornate chambers and halls that showcase the monarchy's influence and cultural significance:
The Grand Staircase: Marvel at the sweeping marble staircase adorned with intricate banisters and statues, leading visitors to the upper floors of the palace.
State Rooms: Explore the opulent State Rooms, including the Throne Room (Salón del Trono), where official ceremonies and royal receptions were held. Admire the lavish décor, gilded ceilings, and historical tapestries that adorn these ceremonial spaces.
Royal Chapel: Visit the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) to view its impressive collection of religious art and architecture. The chapel's Baroque altar and ornate frescoes are highlights, showcasing the palace's role as a center of royal religious devotion.
Royal Pharmacy: Step into the Royal Pharmacy (Botica Real), a unique and well-preserved 18th-century pharmacy that once served the royal household. Explore its collection of antique jars, vials, and medicinal equipment, offering insight into historical medical practices.
Royal Armory: Don't miss the Royal Armory (Armería Real), which houses an extensive collection of armor, weaponry, and ceremonial artifacts dating back centuries. Discover suits of armor worn by Spanish monarchs, as well as gifts presented to the royal family from around the world.
Gardens and Views: After exploring the palace's interior, take a stroll through the beautiful Sabatini Gardens (Jardines de Sabatini) located adjacent to the palace. Designed in the neoclassical style, these formal gardens offer manicured lawns, statues, and fountains with views of the palace façade. It's an ideal spot to relax and admire the architecture from a different perspective.
Highlights of the Palace: Upon entering the Palacio Real, visitors are greeted with a series of ornate chambers and halls that showcase the monarchy's influence and cultural significance:
The Grand Staircase: Marvel at the sweeping marble staircase adorned with intricate banisters and statues, leading visitors to the upper floors of the palace.
State Rooms: Explore the opulent State Rooms, including the Throne Room (Salón del Trono), where official ceremonies and royal receptions were held. Admire the lavish décor, gilded ceilings, and historical tapestries that adorn these ceremonial spaces.
Royal Chapel: Visit the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) to view its impressive collection of religious art and architecture. The chapel's Baroque altar and ornate frescoes are highlights, showcasing the palace's role as a center of royal religious devotion.
Royal Pharmacy: Step into the Royal Pharmacy (Botica Real), a unique and well-preserved 18th-century pharmacy that once served the royal household. Explore its collection of antique jars, vials, and medicinal equipment, offering insight into historical medical practices.
Royal Armory: Don't miss the Royal Armory (Armería Real), which houses an extensive collection of armor, weaponry, and ceremonial artifacts dating back centuries. Discover suits of armor worn by Spanish monarchs, as well as gifts presented to the royal family from around the world.
Gardens and Views: After exploring the palace's interior, take a stroll through the beautiful Sabatini Gardens (Jardines de Sabatini) located adjacent to the palace. Designed in the neoclassical style, these formal gardens offer manicured lawns, statues, and fountains with views of the palace façade. It's an ideal spot to relax and admire the architecture from a different perspective.
Practical Tips for Visiting:
Location: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain.
Opening Hours and Tickets: Check the Palacio Real's official website for current opening hours and ticket prices. Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long lines.
Location: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain.
Opening Hours and Tickets: Check the Palacio Real's official website for current opening hours and ticket prices. Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long lines.
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Guided Tours: Enhance your visit with a guided tour of the Palacio Real, available in multiple languages. Guided tours provide insightful commentary on the palace's history, architecture, and royal significance.
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Photography: Photography is permitted in most areas of the palace, excluding certain sensitive rooms and exhibitions. Capture memorable photos of the palace's grandeur and intricate details, but be mindful of any photography restrictions.
Accessibility: The Palacio Real is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, offering ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities throughout the palace and gardens.
Accessibility: The Palacio Real is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, offering ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities throughout the palace and gardens.
Almundena Cathedral and Crypt
Adjacent to the palace, the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena) is a relatively modern structure, with construction beginning in the late 19th century and continuing into the 20th century. The cathedral combines various architectural styles, including neoclassical, neo-Gothic, and neo-Romanesque, reflecting its extended construction period and the influence of different eras.
Explore its beautiful interior, including chapels adorned with intricate mosaics and religious art.
Explore its beautiful interior, including chapels adorned with intricate mosaics and religious art.
The crypt (Parroquia Santa la Real de la Almudena), completed in 1911, has the same dimensions as the cathedral, supported by 500 columns decorated with arches and elaborate reliefs and serves at the burial place for numerology Spanish bishops and archbishops. It’s slightly hidden from the main cathedral and often overlooked so you might find there are few people there.
Upon entering the Almudena Cathedral Crypt, visitors are greeted with a serene atmosphere and a series of chapels and burial chambers:
Chapels and Altars: The crypt houses several chapels adorned with religious art, statues, and ornate altars dedicated to different saints and religious figures. Each chapel offers a glimpse into Spanish religious devotion and craftsmanship, with intricate details and historical significance.
Tomb of Saint Isidore of Madrid: One of the most notable features of the crypt is the tomb of Saint Isidore of Madrid (San Isidro Labrador), the patron saint of Madrid. Saint Isidore, known for his piety and miracles, holds a revered place in the hearts of Madrileños, and his tomb is a place of pilgrimage for many visitors seeking spiritual solace and blessings.
Archbishop Burial Chambers: Explore the burial chambers of past archbishops of Madrid, where their tombs are marked with inscriptions and symbols reflecting their contributions to the church and the city's religious life. The crypt offers a poignant reminder of Madrid's ecclesiastical history and the leadership of its clergy over the centuries.
Upon entering the Almudena Cathedral Crypt, visitors are greeted with a serene atmosphere and a series of chapels and burial chambers:
Chapels and Altars: The crypt houses several chapels adorned with religious art, statues, and ornate altars dedicated to different saints and religious figures. Each chapel offers a glimpse into Spanish religious devotion and craftsmanship, with intricate details and historical significance.
Tomb of Saint Isidore of Madrid: One of the most notable features of the crypt is the tomb of Saint Isidore of Madrid (San Isidro Labrador), the patron saint of Madrid. Saint Isidore, known for his piety and miracles, holds a revered place in the hearts of Madrileños, and his tomb is a place of pilgrimage for many visitors seeking spiritual solace and blessings.
Archbishop Burial Chambers: Explore the burial chambers of past archbishops of Madrid, where their tombs are marked with inscriptions and symbols reflecting their contributions to the church and the city's religious life. The crypt offers a poignant reminder of Madrid's ecclesiastical history and the leadership of its clergy over the centuries.
Practical Tips for Visiting
The entrance to the crypt is located on the south side of the cathedral on Calle Mayor.
Opening Hours and Accessibility: Check the Almudena Cathedral's official website or inquire locally for current opening hours of the crypt. The cathedral and crypt are generally accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps and elevators available for ease of navigation.
Tickets: The crypt is free to enter, but it’s worth getting the audio guide €1.50). Check opening times on the official website.
Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour of the Almudena Cathedral and its crypt to gain deeper insights into its history, architecture, and religious significance. Guided tours often include detailed commentary on the crypt's artwork, saints' lives, and the cathedral's role in Madrid's spiritual life.
Photography and Etiquette: Photography is typically permitted in the crypt, but it's important to respect any signs or guidelines regarding photography restrictions in certain areas. Maintain a respectful demeanor while visiting, as the crypt is a place of religious reverence and remembrance.
The entrance to the crypt is located on the south side of the cathedral on Calle Mayor.
Opening Hours and Accessibility: Check the Almudena Cathedral's official website or inquire locally for current opening hours of the crypt. The cathedral and crypt are generally accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps and elevators available for ease of navigation.
Tickets: The crypt is free to enter, but it’s worth getting the audio guide €1.50). Check opening times on the official website.
Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour of the Almudena Cathedral and its crypt to gain deeper insights into its history, architecture, and religious significance. Guided tours often include detailed commentary on the crypt's artwork, saints' lives, and the cathedral's role in Madrid's spiritual life.
Photography and Etiquette: Photography is typically permitted in the crypt, but it's important to respect any signs or guidelines regarding photography restrictions in certain areas. Maintain a respectful demeanor while visiting, as the crypt is a place of religious reverence and remembrance.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand central square and is the oldest part of the city, is a must-visit destination in Madrid, renowned for its grand architecture and vibrant hub of activity, bustling with street performers, artists, and vendors selling souvenirs and traditional Spanish delicacies like bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwiches).
This iconic square dates back to the early 17th century and has been a central gathering place for centuries. The square was destroyed by fire in 1790. The current design utilizes architectural uniformity to create grand space. The Plaza Mayor boasts a striking rectangular shape, measuring 423 feet long and 308 feet wide, surrounded by three-story buildings with a uniform baroque style. These buildings feature a total of 237 balconies, making them some of the most exclusive and expensive residential properties in Madrid.
The highlights are the Arco de Cuchilleros – the most monumental of the 9 arches leading to the square. Also, at the center of the plaza stands an impressive bronze equestrian statue of King Philip III, by Flemish sculptor Giambolognaerected in 1616 and later moved to its current location in 1848.
A visit to Plaza Mayor offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Madrid, making it an essential stop on any itinerary exploring the city's iconic landmarks.
This iconic square dates back to the early 17th century and has been a central gathering place for centuries. The square was destroyed by fire in 1790. The current design utilizes architectural uniformity to create grand space. The Plaza Mayor boasts a striking rectangular shape, measuring 423 feet long and 308 feet wide, surrounded by three-story buildings with a uniform baroque style. These buildings feature a total of 237 balconies, making them some of the most exclusive and expensive residential properties in Madrid.
The highlights are the Arco de Cuchilleros – the most monumental of the 9 arches leading to the square. Also, at the center of the plaza stands an impressive bronze equestrian statue of King Philip III, by Flemish sculptor Giambolognaerected in 1616 and later moved to its current location in 1848.
A visit to Plaza Mayor offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Madrid, making it an essential stop on any itinerary exploring the city's iconic landmarks.
Wander through Retiro Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in the tranquility of Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro) in this recently named UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over 125 hectares, this expansive green oasis, once a royal retreat, features manicured gardens, peaceful lakes, and iconic landmarks.
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Here are some of the attractions:
Estranque – The large artificial lake is the central focus of the park.
Monument to King Alfonso XII – The massive monument beside the lake is dedicated to Spain’s favourite monarch. On the weekends, you’ll find musicians gathered on the steps.
Palacio de Cristal – The famous glass palace was constructed in 1887 to house exotic plants for an exhibition from the Philippines.
Palacio de Velázquez – Located beside the Crystal Palace, The Velázquez Palace is an exhibition space featuring displays from Reina Sofia.
El Angel Caído – The Fallen Angel statue is a sinister work featuring the moment Lucifer is cast out of heaven.
Estranque – The large artificial lake is the central focus of the park.
Monument to King Alfonso XII – The massive monument beside the lake is dedicated to Spain’s favourite monarch. On the weekends, you’ll find musicians gathered on the steps.
Palacio de Cristal – The famous glass palace was constructed in 1887 to house exotic plants for an exhibition from the Philippines.
Palacio de Velázquez – Located beside the Crystal Palace, The Velázquez Palace is an exhibition space featuring displays from Reina Sofia.
El Angel Caído – The Fallen Angel statue is a sinister work featuring the moment Lucifer is cast out of heaven.
Shop Along Gran Via and Salamanca District
Madrid is a shopper's paradise, offering everything from high-end boutiques to quirky vintage stores and bustling markets. Stroll down Gran Vía, Madrid's main thoroughfare lined with shops, theaters, and iconic architecture. For luxury shopping, head to the upscale Salamanca district (Barrio de Salamanca), known for its designer boutiques and exclusive brands.
Tip: Visit El Rastro, Madrid's famous open-air flea market held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to hunt for unique souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts.
Tip: Visit El Rastro, Madrid's famous open-air flea market held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to hunt for unique souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts.
Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
The Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is a visual masterpiece and a homage to Spanish art.
It doesn’t give too much away from the exterior, but inside, a round floor plan is crowned with a huge 33-metre dome. The marble and gold inlaid chapels contain an incredible collection of art from Spanish masters.
It’s one of the most beautiful churches in the world.
There are 3 chapels featuring paintings by Zurbarán. But, the most famous work is the magnificent painting by Francisco Goya, St Bernardino of Siena preaching to Alfonso V of Aragon.
Tickets – €5 (€3 for seniors, children, disabled person), however, it’s free all day Thursday. Guided tours are available.
It doesn’t give too much away from the exterior, but inside, a round floor plan is crowned with a huge 33-metre dome. The marble and gold inlaid chapels contain an incredible collection of art from Spanish masters.
It’s one of the most beautiful churches in the world.
There are 3 chapels featuring paintings by Zurbarán. But, the most famous work is the magnificent painting by Francisco Goya, St Bernardino of Siena preaching to Alfonso V of Aragon.
Tickets – €5 (€3 for seniors, children, disabled person), however, it’s free all day Thursday. Guided tours are available.
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum has a vast collection of works from the Middle Ages through to the late 20th century. Of all the galleries in Madrid, this has the broadest range.
Inside you’ll find the major art movements including Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque, and Rococo. Some of our favourite sections included the Expressionism and 20th-century Pop Art.
There is also a large collection of 19th-century American art which is not typically found in European galleries.
Some of the more recognisable pieces are from Caravaggio, Rubens, Dalí, Monet, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Lichtenstein.
But, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum includes plenty of less-known masterpieces. It’s well worth a few hours strolling around this wonderful collection.
Tickets – You can just wander around on your own, but if you’d like a more in-depth understanding, this skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour is very good.
Inside you’ll find the major art movements including Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque, and Rococo. Some of our favourite sections included the Expressionism and 20th-century Pop Art.
There is also a large collection of 19th-century American art which is not typically found in European galleries.
Some of the more recognisable pieces are from Caravaggio, Rubens, Dalí, Monet, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Lichtenstein.
But, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum includes plenty of less-known masterpieces. It’s well worth a few hours strolling around this wonderful collection.
Tickets – You can just wander around on your own, but if you’d like a more in-depth understanding, this skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour is very good.
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Prado Museum
The Prado Museum, considered a peer to the Louvre, is the main national art museum in Spain.
It contains the world’s most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings. There are around 20,000 works from the 12th to the 13th century and the Prado is widely considered to be the finest collection of European art in the world.
It includes the most complete works of El Greco, Velázquez, and Francisco de Goya. You’ll also find important masters including Zurbarán, Raphael, Tintoretto, and Peter Paul Rubens to name just a few.
Tickets – Museum Entry is currently €18/person.
It contains the world’s most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings. There are around 20,000 works from the 12th to the 13th century and the Prado is widely considered to be the finest collection of European art in the world.
It includes the most complete works of El Greco, Velázquez, and Francisco de Goya. You’ll also find important masters including Zurbarán, Raphael, Tintoretto, and Peter Paul Rubens to name just a few.
Tickets – Museum Entry is currently €18/person.
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To avoid the queue, we recommend getting your skip-the-line ticket in advance.
Reina Sofia Museum
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is the national Spanish museum for 20th-century art. It features contemporary works from some of the country’s leading artists. Opening in 1990, the museum was considered an important step in Spain’s transition to democracy.
The most famous work is Guernica. This oil painting, painted by Pablo Picasso in 1937 is one of his best-known works and regarded by many art critics as the most moving and powerful anti-war painting in history.
The most famous work is Guernica. This oil painting, painted by Pablo Picasso in 1937 is one of his best-known works and regarded by many art critics as the most moving and powerful anti-war painting in history.
Their other prized possession is The Great Masturbator, the psychic snapshot of life as seen by a 25-year-old Salvador Dalí.
It’s a massive collection and one of our favorites in Madrid. They have interesting temporary exhibitions and installations so there’s always a reason to go even if it’s not your first trip to Madrid.
Tickets— Reina Sofia is free from 7 pm to 9 pm weekdays and Saturdays, and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm Sundays. At all other times, book skip-the-line tickets.
It’s a massive collection and one of our favorites in Madrid. They have interesting temporary exhibitions and installations so there’s always a reason to go even if it’s not your first trip to Madrid.
Tickets— Reina Sofia is free from 7 pm to 9 pm weekdays and Saturdays, and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm Sundays. At all other times, book skip-the-line tickets.
Palacio de Liria
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Palacio de Liria is a neoclassical palace often considered the little brother of the Real Palace. It’s the official residence of the Alba family who have an ancient lineage, closely linked to Spanish history.
The building is protected under Spanish Heritage law. The library contains the first edition of Don Quixote.
Located at Calle de la Princesa 20, Madrid, Spain, 28008
The building is protected under Spanish Heritage law. The library contains the first edition of Don Quixote.
Located at Calle de la Princesa 20, Madrid, Spain, 28008
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Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol marks kilometre zero for the Spanish road system. It’s the symbolic center of the city and one of the busiest places in Madrid.
The large public square has witnessed historical events, the most notable was the proclamation of the 2nd republic. Today, it’s a very popular tourist destination and one of the great free things to do in Madrid.
The large public square has witnessed historical events, the most notable was the proclamation of the 2nd republic. Today, it’s a very popular tourist destination and one of the great free things to do in Madrid.
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