Inclusions
Madrid Wax Museum
Santiago Bernabeu
Madrid Wax Museum
Santiago Bernabeu
Inclusions
Royal Palace of Madrid
Liria Palace
Royal Palace of Madrid
Liria Palace
Inclusions
Atlético Madrid Stadium
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Atlético Madrid Stadium
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Inclusions
Exclusions
Inclusions
Prado Museum
Royal Palace of Madrid
Prado Museum
Royal Palace of Madrid
One of Spain’s treasure troves is the capital city of Madrid. Be it food, architecture or its rich history, a visit to Madrid is finding an adventure at every corner. Here’s a list of top 21 landmarks in Madrid that you should not miss.
The Spanish Royal Family’s official residence is now a popular tourist destination for anyone visiting Madrid. The Royal Palace of Madrid is a splendour in its own, both interior and exterior that offer a glimpse into the luxurious lives of the Royals. The architecture of the Royal Palace of Madrid is noteworthy as it experienced the blending of different styles, starting from 860 by Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba to Philip V of Bourbon in 1700. From Muslim architecture to French-style design, this building is a witness to all the changes that happened in Spain throughout history.
Tip: Avoid visiting the palace during state functions as it is not open to the public during those days.
Location: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
from €13Home turf of the famous football club of Madrid, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is not just known among football fans but everyone across the globe. It is the second largest sports stadium in Spain that attracts tourists just for its mesmerising architecture. Many football matches are hosted there, including UEFA Champions League and La Liga. The construction started in 1950 and after constant renovations over the years, it is what it is today.
Tip: Go on a match day to fully explore the ambience of this stadium.
Location: Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
from €15The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial was the official residence of the King of Spain that is known for two things: The Royal Monastery and a monastic retreat called La Granville de La Fresneda. The palace was built by Juan de Herrera who made an absolute marvel that would be admired for years to come. Your visit to Madrid would be incomplete without a visit to El Escorial.
Tip: El Escorial is wheelchair accessible. They also accept smartphone tickets.
Location: Av Juan de Borbón y Battemberg, s/n, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain. Find on map
from €12The third museum which forms the Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has art from across Europe, English, Dutch, Germany and Britain. It is the second largest private museum after the British Royal Collection. Many artists’ work is featured, including some of the most famous paintings in the world. Learn more about the different cultures through their art with a visit to this museum.
Tip: Photography is restricted in many areas. Avoid carrying a tripod.
Location: P.º del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
from €13Art is celebrated in every corner of Madrid. Which is why it doesn’t come as a surprise when there are many museums spread across the city that are dedicated to the arts and culture of the country. Museo Nacional del Prado has a collection of works from many well-known Spanish artists who changed the world with their art. It is among the largest museums in Spain that houses more than 25000 pieces of art in different forms.
Tip: Try to visit during free hours as this museum is among the 16th most visited museums in the world.
Location: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
from €15Literally translated to Queen Sofia National Museum Art Centre, this museum has a collection of world’s best artists, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. It is one of the most visited museums in the world, and why wouldn’t it be. If you’re someone who has keen interest in art or likes admiring the work of some of the best artists this world has ever seen, you should definitely include a trip to Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia in your itinerary.
Tip: Do not carry a tripod and avoid taking photos with flashes as many areas of the museum have restricted photography.
Location: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
from €11.90One of the busiest places in Madrid is this public square that originally served as a gate to the city wall. With time, the city expanded in and around Puerta Del Sol, which now lies right in the centre of Madrid. It has many historically significant buildings that are visited by everyone who travels to Madrid. Since the public commute line was introduced in 2009, Puerta Del Sol has become the perfect blend of traditionalism and modernisation. Chances are that you might have to visit this public square to travel around Madrid, so it’s hard to miss.
Tip: The best time to visit Puerta Del Sol is New Years Eve which is brought in with a famous clock, just like Times Square.
Location: Sol, Centro, Madrid, Spain. Find on map
Another landmark of historical and cultural significance in Madrid is the Plaza Mayor. It was a marketplace that was transformed into a public square by Juan de Herrera, one of Spain’s well-known architects. Today, it has many statues and events, especially the annual Christmas market that attracts people every year. The architecture of Plaza Mayor will leave you in awe as it is very well structured and planned. Many events of historic importance have been held here, making it a celebrated landmark in Spanish culture.
Tip: Restaurante Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world, is just next to the Plaza Mayor.
Location: Pl. Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
If you want to take a stroll admiring the revival architecture that was prevalent in Madrid, Gran Via is where you need to be. This commercial street which is now a famous shopping centre of Madrid, while still keeping its rich heritage intact. It has been mentioned or shown many times in the media, which makes it one of the most popular and populous streets in the city. It has many buildings and statues that are a sight for sore eyes.
Interesting fact: If you are a movie buff, you must visit the Capitol, one of the oldest movie theatres in Gran Via.
Location: Gran Via, 28013, Madrid, Spain. Find on map
Madrid has many public squares that were built centuries ago for different purposes, but have now become a popular hub of architectural significance. Plaza de Espana is no different. It was originally built as a centre of Spain’s science and technology by Aníbal González. The whole landmark is in a half-circle which is now a headquarters for many government agencies of Spain and museums that have important artefacts. Visitors also leave behind their favourite books for others to read, which is colloquially called as the Little Free Library.
Interesting fact: Being a popular filming location, Star Wars Episode II and The Dictator were shot at Plaza de Espana.
Location: Av. Isabel la Católica, 41004 Sevilla, Spain. Find on map
Fan of the Neoclassical era of architecture? You should definitely add Puerta de Alcalá to your list of places to visit in Madrid. Walls of Philip IV, built for surveillance and protection of the people of Madrid, had this gate which now hosts events of national and international importance. The walls of this gate are made from white stone and granite brought specially from Colmenar and Segovia respectively. Designed by Francesco Sabatini, Puerta de Alcalá is an example of Spanish brilliance that you definitely cannot afford to miss.
Interesting fact: Many artists such as Katy Perry, Linkin Park and Thirty Seconds To Mars have performed here.
Location: Pl. de la Independencia, s/n, 28001 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
If there’s one thing that is symbolic of the city of Madrid and its people, it is this marble structure that holds historical significance. Plaza de Cibeles is another example of brilliant Neoclassical architecture that is a boundary for four of Madrid’s important buildings. Over the years, the fountains present at Plaza de Cibeles have become important to the people of Madrid. The best way to spend your day in Madrid would be taking a stroll and admiring the beauty of this landmark of Madrid.
Interesting fact: Team Real Madrid often celebrate their important victories in front of the Cibeles fountains.
Location: Plaza de Cibeles, 28014 Madrid, Spain, 28014. Find on map
Take a trip to ancient Egypt with a visit to the Temple of Debod that lies in the heart of Madrid. The temple was donated to Spain as a symbol of gratitude for their contribution towards saving the Abu Simbel temples in 1960. While it was rebuilt, the temple continues to be one of the few examples of Egyptian architecture, outside of Egypt. To preserve its ancient history, the temple allows visits of upto 30 people at one time, only for 30 minutes. You can also understand the meaning of each symbol and motifs through audiovisual guides that are projected on the screen.
Tip: Avoid going in groups as the temple has a maximum capacity of only 30 people.
Location: C. de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
This “Glass Palace” is a conservatory that is the property of Reina Sofia Museum, located in El Retiro Park of Madrid. Built with an iron framework pieced together with glasses, Palacio de Cristal feels like a palace made out of dreams even when you glance at its picture. It is now used for art exhibits with a scenic setting, as it is located right outside a lake. Celebrate the Victorian era of architecture and see the beauty of Palacio de Cristal on your next visit to Madrid.
Tip: Palacio de Cristal is not open on rainy days so plan your visit accordingly.
Location: P.º de Cuba, 4, 28009 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
Fan of ancient marketplaces and shopping hubs? Mercado de San Miguel is where you need to be on your next visit to Madrid. Built in 1916, this historical building has seen more than a hundred years and counting. It is now a wholesale food market that has the freshness of everything that Madrid’s farmlands and food have to offer. Take a walk and see Madrid on a platter at Mercado de San Miguel.
Tip: There are many activities and events planned every week. Keep an eye out on their official website.
Location: Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is a Neoclassical Roman Catholic Church that lies in the heart of the city. It is the most famous church in the city that was declared as a national historic-artistic monument by the Ministry of Culture, Spain. The architecture of this beautiful building has domes and structures with wall paintings that will keep you awestruck throughout.
Tip: The church is closed sometimes for various reasons. Please call before you plan to visit.
Location: C. San Buenaventura, 1, 28005 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
What essentially is a bullfighting ring, Las Ventas or the plaza de toros de Las Ventas offers a glimpse into the culture of Spain. Las Ventas was built in 1931 and ever since, people don’t just come here to see bullfights but also admire its architecture. It is also used for concerts, cultural visits, theatre and tennis arena. Las Ventas also has a bullfighting museum where you can see its history and learn more about the same.
Tip: There are many events planned in Las Ventas. Visit their website when you plan to go here.
Location: C. de Alcalá, 237, 28028 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
An important Catholic Church of Madrid is the Almudena Cathedral that was built in 1879. Only in 1993, this cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II, making it the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid. It is the resting place for many of Spain’s eminent personalities. The architecture of this church is Neo-gothic, with certain hints of Moorish style in the walls. For any architecture lover, this is heaven.
Tip: The church may be closed at times, for days of religious importance. Keep this in mind before visiting.
Location: C. de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
History is preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid with artefacts and antiques from Greece, Egypt, Andulus, Rome, Christian Kingdoms and more. For anyone who wants to learn more about the culture of our ancestors or just how humanity evolved to what it is from what it used to be, visiting the National Archaeological Museum is a must.
Tip: Ensure you know all the photography rules of the museum before carrying any equipment.
Location: PCalle de Serrano, 13, 28001 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
The very first major train station that started operations in Madrid was the Atocha Station, which has now transformed into the largest train station connecting different parts of the city. Started in 1851, it now has a nightclub, shops, cafes, a museum and a huge tropical garden. If you choose to travel through public transport in Madrid, you will get to see Atocha Station.
Interesting Fact: It is one of the busiest lines in Madrid. If you just want to see it, avoid going in rush hours.
Location: Pl. del Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
Madrid is not just architectural monuments and museums, it is also the Buen Retiro Park (also known as El Retiro) that is one of the largest parks in Madrid. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna, museums, palaces and other structures that you can explore throughout the day. El Retiro initially belonged to the royals, after which it became a public park.
Tip: You need a whole day to visit El Retiro as it is huge in size and has many places to visit.
Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain. Find on map
The most famous landmark in Madrid is the Puerta Del Sol which is a public square.
Plaza Mayor is the best known landmark in Madrid that has many important places of interest in and around.
Puerta de Alcalá is the oldest landmark in Madrid.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is the most visited landmark in Madrid.
El Retiro is a special landmark in Madrid as it is a huge park that has many structures inside it.
Gran Via street is one landmark in Madrid that you should not miss.
The Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor and Puerta Del Sol are the top three landmarks of Madrid.
The Temple of Debod, Puerta Del Sol and Royal Palace of Madrid are the most historical landmarks in Madrid.
The Gran Via, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and Puerta de Alcalá are the most famous cultural landmarks of Madrid.
Temple of Debod, Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great and Catedral de la Almudena are famous religious landmarks in Madrid.