- Madrid Prado Museum Tickets
- Royal Palace Of Madrid Tickets
- Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Tours
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Tickets
- Parque Warner Madrid Tickets
- Parque De Atracciones Madrid Tickets
- Wax Museum Madrid Tickets
- Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium Tours
- Reina Sofía Museum Tickets
- Museum of Illusions Madrid Tickets
- El Escorial Madrid Tickets
- Royal Palace Of Aranjuez Tickets
- Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso Tickets
- Puy du Fou España Tickets
- Atlantis Aquarium Madrid Tickets
- Fundación MAPFRE Madrid Tickets
- Royal Collections Museum Madrid Tickets
Select Your Experience
Combo (Save 5%): Wax Museum Madrid + Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Tickets
- Experience the best of Madrid with this budget-friendly combo and visit both the Madrid Wax Museum and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
- Skip the long queues at the wax museum and journey through Spain’s history as you immerse yourself in scenes from the past.
- Interact with lifelike figures of various stars from art and culture like Da Vinci and Queen Elizabeth I and Hollywood icons like George Clooney and many more.
- Revel in the glory of Real Madrid FC at their home stadium, Santiago Bernabeu, and learn all about their journey.
- Head over to the trophy room to admire the many trophies they have earned and watch as the stadium undergoes structural changes, on its way to becoming one of the best stadiums in the world.
Inclusions
Madrid Wax Museum
- Skip-the-line tickets to Wax Museum Madrid
Santiago Bernabeu
- Direct access to the Santiago Bernabéu
- Panoramic view of the stadium
- Entry into the Real Madrid C.F Museum and access to the trophy room
- Access to the official store
Madrid Wax Museum
- Tip: Keep an eye out for hidden details or surprises at the museum as some wax figures might have hidden props or accessories that add an extra element of fun and discovery to your visit.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Guide dogs are allowed.
- Luggage and large bags, pets, and smoking is not allowed.
Santiago Bernabeu
- Tip: If you feel the hunger pangs kick in, the stadium houses Puerta 57, a restaurant that offers you a variety of delicious culinary treats.
- Drones are strictly prohibited and guests who enter with drones will be denied entry at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
- This tour includes climbing staircases and escalators. It is therefore not recommended to bring luggage, pushchairs, strollers, wheelchairs, etc.
- Panoramic view will be unavailable from 5:30pm on 13th Sept.
- On match days, the tour is open until 5 hours before kick-off.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combo (Save 5%): Royal Palace of Madrid + Liria Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Make big savings on both time and money in Madrid with these skip-the-line tickets to 2 regal museums, Liria Palace and the Royal Palace.
- At the Royal Palace, see artwork like The Boar Hunt tapestry by Goya and Giambattista’s ceiling fresco in the Throne Room, Glory of Spain.
- Admire the lavish 16th-century Baroque design in the Grand Staircase made of San Augustin marble and the exquisite Porcelain Cabinet.
- With an audio guide, explore the 14 main rooms at Liria Palace – the former residence of the Dukes of Alba, now a prestigious museum.
- The palace is home to distinguished private historic collections by the likes of Rubens and Velázquez, and a library full of rare books.
Inclusions
Royal Palace of Madrid
- Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid
Liria Palace
- Skip-the-line entry to Liria Palace
- Audio guide in 5 languages
Royal Palace of Madrid
- Tip: Check out the Sabatini Gardens outside the palace to take a relaxing stroll surrounded by fountains, statues, and terraces.
- The voucher is only valid for the day you have chosen for your visit.
- Please keep in mind that your visits to certain sections of the palace may be timed.
- The palace may be closed on special occasions for the celebration of official acts.
- It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- Mobile telephones must remain silent during your visit.
- Taking photographs or videos is prohibited.
Liria Palace
- Tip: If you’re a fan of contrasting experiences, head next door to the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Contemporary Culture Center.
- The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian & Spanish.
- Please note that shorts cannot be worn inside the venue.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combo (Save 5%): Atlético Madrid Stadium Tour + Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tickets
- Get the most out of your money with this special combo ticket that allows you to visit both the Atlético Madrid Stadium and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
- Unveil Atlético Madrid's stadium and museum secrets with flexible tickets, skipping the lines to access key areas on the stadium tour.
- Step into the new Atleti Territory, a 1,400 square-meter interactive museum, and relive unforgettable moments from Atlético's history.
- Gain direct access to the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with this ticket and witness the prestigious home of Real Madrid C.F.
- Witness Santiago Bernabéu's transformation into one of the world's greatest stadiums and explore the legacy of Real Madrid, FIFA Best Club of the 20th Century.
Inclusions
Atlético Madrid Stadium
- Skip-the-line entry to Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium tour
- Skip-the-line entry to Atleti Territory Museum
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Direct access to the Santiago Bernabéu tour
- Panoramic view of the stadium
- Entry into the Real Madrid C.F Museum and access to the trophy room
- Access to the official store
Atlético Madrid Stadium
- Tip: Check out the Wall of Legends, where you can see the plaques of Atlético Madrid's greatest players and relive their remarkable achievements
- On a match day, the tour will be closed 5 hours prior to the match.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Tip: Capture panoramic views of the stadium and the Madrid skyline from the upper levels, providing a stunning backdrop for memorable photos.
- Scheduling and routes are subject to change without notice.
- Due to security reasons, storage facilities for luggage, pushchairs, buggies, etc. will not be provided.
- Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: Large bags, pets, drones.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users.
- Please note that due to ongoing redevelopment at the Santiago Bernabéu, there have been modifications to the classic tour route. The revised itinerary now encompasses a panoramic view of the currently under-construction Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a comprehensive tour of the Real Madrid C.F. Museum, and an opportunity to visit the official store.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Royal Palace of Madrid
- Head right into the Royal Palace of Madrid without spending time in long ticketing queues, with skip-the-line access.
- Make your way past the Grand Staircase, Royal Library, Royal Armory, the Royal Chapel, and the Crown Room.
- Admire the 16th-century Baroque architecture embellished by frescoes, tapestries, and decorative motifs. Learn about the Palace's deep roots in Moorish and Catholic tradition.
- Notice artworks of Old Masters, such as Goya, Velázquez, Caravaggio, and Battista on display here.
- Recently, National Heritage opened the 'Ala de Bailén' in the Royal Palace of Madrid, after a quarter of a century away from tourists' eyes.
- The Ala de Bailén consists of a set of 7 rooms, among which are the Saleta de María Cristina, the Diario Dining Room, the Halls of Mirrors, Tapestries, and Weapons, the Official Tram, and the Official Chamber.
- Your ticket will take you back in time as you marvel at these objects of great historical and artistic value.
- Don't miss out on seeing the unpublished exhibition of instruments from the 17th and 19th centuries, such as the grand piano by Francisco Fernández, or the two harps by Sebastian Erard.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to Royal Palace of Madrid
- Audio guide in 16 languages (optional)
Exclusions
- Access to the Royal Kitchen
- Live guide
- Pro-Tip: The most notable piece is the double bass by Nicolò Amati, one of the best builders of stringed instruments.
- Since the palace covers a fair amount of ground, we recommend you put on some comfortable shoes to walk with ease.
- Taking photographs or videos is prohibited. Mobile telephones shall remain in the silent position during the visit.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combo (Save 5%): Prado Museum + Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Skip all the arduous ticketing lines and head straight into Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid with these discounted combo tickets!
- Flexible and extended validity entry to Prado Museum lets you explore over 20,000 works of art from the Renaissance period all the way to Picasso's era.
- Get up close with iconic artworks, from Las Meninas by Velázquez, to Andromeda & the Dragon by Titian, and more.
- At the Royal Palace of Madrid, wander amidst 16th-century Baroque architecture embellished by frescoes, tapestries, and decorative motifs.
- Take a peek at instruments from the 17th to 19th centuries, like a grand piano by Francisco Fernández, or two harps by Sebastian Erard.
Inclusions
Prado Museum
- Flexible skip-the-line entry to Prado Museum
- Access to the permanent collections
Royal Palace of Madrid
- Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid
Prado Museum
- Tip: Don’t miss out on the ‘Hall of Realms’, originally a part of the former Buen Retiro Palace, which held the biggest paintings in the royal collection.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Cloakroom.
- Note that the following are not allowed inside the venue: Photography, Food & Drinks.
- Some sections of the museum are sometimes subject to last-minute closures at the authorities' discretion.
Royal Palace of Madrid
- Tip: If your visit falls on a Wednesday or Saturday, try to catch the mesmerizing Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place at noon in front of the palace's main entrance.
- The voucher is only valid for the day you have chosen for your visit.
- Please keep in mind that your visits to certain sections of the palace may be timed.
- The palace may be closed on special occasions for the celebration of official acts.
- The following is not allowed inside the venue: Taking photographs or videos.
- Mobile telephones shall remain in the silent position during the visit.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Millions of people visit Madrid each year for its architectural marvels and tourist attractions. There are many sights to see, including attractive gardens, bustling squares, stunning palaces, and countless museums. The city has maintained its historical sites, such as the Plaza Mayor and the Cibeles Palace and Fountain, despite having a contemporary infrastructure. Here are the best places to visit in Madrid:
30 Best Places to Visit in Madrid
1. Santiago Bernabeu
Sports Venue | Must See
Go on a Santiago Bernabeu tour the next time you want to watch plenty of football and experience the energy firsthand. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to Real Madrid FC, one of the best football teams in history, has hosted matches with players like Zidane, Ronaldo, Benzema, Ramos, and many others.
Why Visit: Enjoy a special audio-visual presentation, learn about the stadium's history firsthand, and see what an updated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium would look like in the twenty-first century.
Tip: To feel the electrifying atmosphere, attending a live game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium is by far the best time to visit.
Location: Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €15
2. Royal Palace of Madrid
History | City Landmark
This Madrid Palace, which dates back several centuries, is not only rich in history, but also in elaborate furnishings and artwork. The walls of the Royal Palace tell intriguing tales throughout many years, remaining firm through the rise and fall of dynasties, fires, and reconstruction initiatives.
Why Visit: The majority of the Madrid Palace is now accessible to the public and serves as the official house of the royal family and as a venue for various official events.
Tip: At the Royal Palace of Madrid, photography is permitted but using flash or tripods is not. Don’t bring these items as they may be confiscated.
Location: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €13
3. Liria Palace
Museum | Must See
The impressive Liria Palace, the family's private residence, is crammed with priceless works of art. The Liria Palace opened its doors to the public so that they might explore Spanish history, despite the fact that some families still reside on the second level. The Albas are regarded as de facto royalty in Spain.
Why Visit: It may be compared to the Royal Palace because it is rich in antiques and historical items. Be among the first to see inside the palace because it only just opened its doors to the public in 2019 for this spectacular treasure trove.
Tip: Inside the palace, taking photos is a definite no-no. After your tour, you are welcome to snap photos or record a movie in the garden.
Location: C. de la Princesa, 20, 28008 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €15
4. Wanda Metropolitano
Sports Venue | Must See
Enter the pitch, the Atlético team's home field, and a holy place. Visit the key locations, including the locker rooms, benches, press room, and mixed area where the manager and players are seen after each game. In the brand-new, 1,400-square-meter museum, relive the recollections of the most memorable moments in Atlético de Madrid's history.
Why Visit: Thanks to a virtual reality presentation, see the Vicente Calderón stadium. View a collection of the club's most iconic shirts as well as all of the trophies that the team has earned throughout the years.
Tip: Visit the stadium during the La Liga fixtures between August and May to get the true flavor of this beautiful venue.
Location: Av. de Luis Aragonés, 4, 28022 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €24
5. Atlantis Aquarium
Kid-friendly
The Atlantis Aquarium, one of its most well-known attractions, was built with the intention of increasing public awareness of sustainable development and aquatic life conservation. Visitors may view more than 10,000 aquatic animals from 150 different species spread out across 10 separate aquariums with their Atlantis Aquarium tickets.
Why Visit: The attraction has become more well-known over time, hosting more than 35,000 visitors each day, and it ought to be on your list of things to do in Madrid.
Tip: Throughout your stay, be sure to have your ticket on you at all times. You could be requested to show it at any time, and if you don't, you'll be asked to leave the building.
Location: C. Puerto de Navacerrada, 28939 Arroyomolinos, Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €15.90
6. Faunia Madrid
Zoo | Kid-friendly
This well-liked tourist destination in Madrid mixes a variety of environments, from the scorching heat of the Amazon rainforest to the bitter cold of Antarctica. There is a lot to see and learn here because it is home to over 4,000 animals from 700 different species and 1,000 different plant kinds.
Why Visit: At your leisure, explore 15 distinct ecosystems. Life abounds in the poles, the Amazon Jungle, the African Rainforest, the Mediterranean Woodlands, and the Amazon Jungle.
Tip: A cherry on top of the ideal day out are thrilling 3D movies like Walking with Dinosaurs, live performances with raptors and aquatic life, and these activities.
Location: Av. Comunidades, 28, 28032 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €29.95
7. Zoo Aquarium de Madrid
Family-friendly | Must See
The mammal collection alone is pretty amazing, ranging from cuddly pandas and otters to stunning leopards and lions. At the 3000-meter-square aviary, you can also view unusual birds like the rainbow lorikeet and ostrich. The aquarium exhibits swift sharks, playful dolphins, and other magnificent plants and animals from ocean habitats.
Why Visit: One of the most amazing examples of animal intelligence is the dolphin demonstration. Audiences are captivated by their synchronized swimming pattern in an almost hypnotic way.
Tip: Visitors visiting the Madrid Zoo Aquarium have access to a variety of eating alternatives. Kibanda is a fantastic family restaurant if you want to eat a substantial supper at the park.
Location: Casa de Campo, s/n, 28011 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €25.50
8. Parque de Atracciones de Madrid
Amusement Park
Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, a forerunner in amusement and recreation, is constantly developing to accomplish better and bigger things. This park is open to everyone and was created with the intention of exciting and energizing. The hub of Casa de Campo and a prominent tourist destination in the area is this expanding theme park.
Why Visit: The Parque de Atracciones de Madrid is a cutting-edge urban park that serves a variety of patrons. The park is divided into 4 distinct zones to make it easier to navigate.
Tip: The busiest days at the park are Monday, Saturday, and Sunday; visit in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds.
Location: Casa de Campo, s/n, 28011 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €36.90
9. Parque Warner
Amusement Park | Family-friendly
In the past 20 years, Parque Warner Madrid has unexpectedly become a public favorite. It's the perfect location for a wonderful getaway with your family, your partner, or your friends. Parque Warner Madrid, a place dedicated to the world of Warner Bros. movies, is the ideal setting for a movie shoot.
Why Visit: With its five themed zones, Parque Warner Madrid is fun for both grownups and young adventurers. Parque Warner Madrid contains a lot of the iconic Hollywood themes that Warner Bros. has used.
Tip: To save money at the eateries at Parque Warner Madrid, purchase meal cards when purchasing your tickets.
Location: A-4, salida 22, 28330 San Martín de la Vega, Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €67.90
10. Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Gallery
The Centro de Arte Reina Sofa is Madrid's premier collection of modern art and is home to Picasso's Guernica, possibly Spain's most well-known piece of art. Along with numerous Picasso paintings, Salvador Dali and Joan Miró's creations are other prominent attractions.
Why Visit: The collection primarily includes works from the 20th century to the 1980s. Although there are a few works by other artists, the majority of the collection is exclusively from the peninsula.
Tip: Regarding the artists, keep an eye out for Pablo Gargallo (1881–1934), whose bronze creations include a bust of Pablo Picasso.
Location: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €11.90
11. Prado Museum
Museum
The structure, which was once intended to hold a house of science, was eventually transformed into a gallery housing royal paintings. With time, the Prado Museum's collection grew to include other well-known works of art, including The Holy Trinity.
Why Visit: Fine paintings by renowned artists like Juan de Juanes and Bartolomé Bermejo can be found in this region, which is home to some of the most sought-after Spanish works of art in the entire world.
Tip: A significant number of travelers visit the Prado Museum Madrid every day because it is one of the city's most well-liked tourist attractions. Arrive at the museum as soon as it opens at 10:00 AM to avoid the line.
Location: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €15
12. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Museum
Along with the Museo del Prado and the Reina Sofa, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is one of the three locations that make up Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art along the Paseo del Prado (Art Walk). A wonderful collection of approximately 1,000 paintings by several of the most renowned painters in the world may be found at the Thyssen.
Why Visit: Due to its relatively small size, the Thyssen offers visitors with constrained time the unforgettable opportunity to immerse themselves in a broad and varied spectrum of artistic forms.
Tip: Booking tickets in advance is highly advised, especially on weekends when the museum fills up quickly.
Location: P.º del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €13
13. Wax Museum Madrid
Leisure | Family Friendly
With more than 450 characters, this wax museum is a reasonably typical example of the type. Models include the Beatles, Bart Simpson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cervantes, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso; it is a generally diverse mix of historical luminaries from Spain and beyond the world.
Why Visit: The Inquisition and Freddy Krueger are both available if you're drawn to life's darkest side; nevertheless, the Tren del Terror is not for the faint of heart.
Tip: Use the RV Simulator to experience a virtual space voyage.
Location: Pl. de Colón, 1, 28001 Madrid, Spain Find on map
from €18
14. Basílica de San Francisco El Grande
Religious | City Landmark
The Basilica de San Francisco el Grande, which crowns Madrid's oldest district of La Latina, is a masterpiece of architecture and art that serves as both a Catholic temple and a temple honoring Spanish art. The earliest known form of this priceless piece of Spanish heritage dates back to the 13th century.
Why Visit: An amazing collection of Spanish masterworks can be seen inside its several chapels with marble and gold inlays and sacristy, the most well-known of which is Francisco Goya's picture of St. Bernardino of Siena preaching to Alfonso V of Aragon.
Tip: It is free to enter the main church area during morning Mass, but a ticket is required to see the museum located in the inner sacristy.
Location: C. San Buenaventura, 1, 28005 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
15. Plaza de Toros Las Ventas
Entertainment | Architecture
The Plaza de Toros Las Ventas, one of Spain's most evocative venues, has played host to events ranging from motocross races to Beatles concerts over the course of its eight-decade existence. But the stadium was created and is most known for hosting bullfighting. Supporters of the event refer to it as Spain's "Bullfighting Cathedral."
Why Visit: With a little over 23,000 seats, the coliseum-like stadium is one of the largest bullrings in the world and the largest in Spain. During the season, bullfights frequently take place here.
Tip: The intriguing Bullfighting Museum, which is devoted to the history and culture of bullfighting, is located behind the arena in the "Patio de Caballos."
Location: C. de Alcalá, 237, 28028 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
16. Parque del Buen Retiro
City Landmark | Leisure
The 17th-century villa and garden bear the name of Stefano Bardini (1836–1922), a 19th-century antiquarian art collector who acquired it in 1913 and restored its attractive medieval garden. It has artificial grottoes, an orangery, marble statues, fountains, and other characteristics of a classic Tuscan garden.
Why Visit: Several notable structures can be found on the grounds, including The Fallen Angel, the only publicly commissioned figure of Lucifer in the entire globe, and Monument to Alfonso XII, a massive colonnade facing a central lake.
Tip: True to its name, which translates to "retirement" or "rest," many Madrilenos spend the day here lounging on the grass or enjoying an outdoor café, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
17. Templo de Debod
Historic | Architecture
There aren't many people who would ever think to look in the middle of Madrid for a 2200-year-old Egyptian temple. Although its origins may be traced back to the ancient city of Mero on the east bank of the Nile in the 2nd century BCE, the Templo de Debod is not at all a Vegas-style copy of an Egyptian structure.
Why Visit: There are several rooms in the temple, including the Vestibulo de Augusto (Augustus Vestibule), Capilla de Adijalamani (Adijalamani Chapel), and Vestibulo de Naos (Naos Vestibule).
Tip: Come here from the adjacent Plaza de Espana at dusk for an especially striking view of this structure as the incandescent temple walls are reflected in the adjoining pools.
Location: C. de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
18. Museo Lázaro Galdiano
Museum | Architecture
Don José Lázaro Galdiano, a prosperous businessman and ardent supporter of the arts, owned this imposing early 20th-century Italianate stone palace that was discreetly set back from the street. With hundreds of objects from all over the world on display, the bottom level primarily illustrates the social environment in which Galdiano lived.
Why Visit: A fifth of Galdiano's astounding private collection, which he left to the city as part of his will after his death, consists of 13,000 works of art and decorative objects.
Tip: Excellent English and Spanish labeling can be found throughout the museum, and it is supported by images of each chamber as it existed during Galdiano's peak.
Location: C. de Serrano, 122, 28006 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
19. Plaza Mayor
Architecture | City Landmark
One of the prettiest open spaces in Spain, Madrid's big central square is a rare but enormous opening amid the densely populated streets of downtown Madrid, a winning combination of imposing architecture, picaresque historical tales, glamorous shopping outlets, and active street life.
Why Visit: The 237 wrought-iron balconies, 237 consistently ochre-colored apartments, and the beautiful murals of the Real Casa de la Panadera from the 17th century all contribute to the plaza's majesty.
Tip: Plaza Mayor has the city's major tourist information center, a Christmas market in December, and arches leading to laneways leading into the labyrinth in addition to being aesthetically pleasing in and of itself and serving as a focal point for so many Madrid days.
Location: Pl. Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
20. Gran Via
City Landmark
It's difficult to picture Madrid without the majestic avenue, Gran Via, which rises through the heart of the city from Plaza de Espaa before descending to Calle de Alcalá. However, it was only built in 1910 after being bulldozed through a maze of ancient alleyways.
Why Visit: Gran Via, the lifeblood of Madrid, is home to roughly twice as many companies as residences; over 13,000 people work along the street, and up to 60,000 vehicles pass through each day.
Tip: Make sure to visit this place at least once when in Madrid as it has every urban luxury and necessity available to the tourists as you may want.
Location: C/ Gran Vía, 28014 Madrid, Spain Find on map
21. Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
City Landmark | Museum
Madrid's "other" art gallery, the Real Academia de Bellas Artes, has played a crucial role in the city's cultural community for centuries. It has developed local talent as the royal fine arts academy, matching the royal propensity for luring the greatest contemporary international artists into their domain.
Why Visit: The list of former alumni reads like a who's who of Spanish artists, and the academy's current collection is richly diverse.
Tip: This gallery would be a top destination in any other city, but in Madrid, it frequently gets overlooked in favor of the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, or Reina Sofa. The museum is a must-visit.
Location: C. de Alcalá, 13, 28014 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
22. Plaza de Oriente
City Square
A royal palace that once aspired to be the Spanish Versailles, upscale cafes guarded by flats that cost the equivalent of a royal salary, and the Teatro Real, Madrid's opera theatre and one of Spain's temples to high culture, make up this charming square, one of central Madrid's most attractive.
Why Visit: A statue of Felipe IV riding a horse stands in the middle of the square that the palace overlooks. It was created by Velázquez and is the ideal location to take it all in with breathtaking views everywhere you turn.
Tip: This is one of the best places in Madrid to visit if you want to take in the city’s vibe as it does not get overwhelmingly busy yet it is lively all around the year.
Location: 28013 Madrid, Spain Find on map
23. Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida
Museum
One of Madrid's most startling mysteries is its restored Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida's frescoed ceilings. The miracle of St. Anthony, who is pleading with a young man to ascend from the tomb and exonerate his father, who was wrongfully convicted of killing him, is depicted in the frescoes on the dome. They are surrounded by a typical Madrid mob.
Why Visit: One of the rare locations to view Goya's artwork in its original context is southern of the two little chapels, which the artist painted in 1798 at Carlos IV's request. Simply put, it's breathtaking.
Tip: The guided tour of the museum only takes place if there are enough people for the tour, so try to visit during midday on the weekends.
Location: GTA. San Antonio de la Florida, 5, 28008 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
24. El Rastro de Madrid
Market
A Madrid tradition is spending a Sunday morning at the largest flea market in Europe, El Rastro. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the busy Sunday flea market was predominately a meat market. It's the spot to be on Sunday mornings because all of Madrid is here looking for a deal.
Why Visit: You might easily spend the whole morning making your way through the labyrinth of streets and down the hill. The major items include cheap clothing, luggage, vintage flamenco albums, and vintage photographs of Madrid.
Tip: With a concentration of shops in Nuevas Galeras and Galeras Piquer, antiques are another important lure. The majority of the stores are open from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday.
Location: Pl. de Cascorro, 13, 28005 Madrid, Spain Find on map
25. Palacio de Cristal
Sightseeing
The Palacio de Cristal is tucked away among the woods south of the lake in Parque del Buen Retiro. It is the most exquisite architectural landmark in El Retiro and was constructed in 1887. It is a superb metal and glass building. There have occasionally been art and picture exhibits staged here.
Why Visit: If you want to treat yourself to a visual beauty without having to contend with a lot of crowds, Palacio de Cristal is the place to be.
Tip: Keep your cameras ready when you are visiting this site as the natural light makes the structure appear quite enigmatic.
Location: P.º de Cuba, 4, 28009 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
26. Barrio de las Letras
Neighborhood
Because of the writers who resided here during Spain's golden age of the 16th and 17th centuries, the region that spreads out down the hill east of Plaza de Santa Ana is known as the Barrio de las Letras. The author of Don Quijote, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, spent most of his adult life in Madrid and was born and passed away at Calle de Cervantes 2.
Why Visit: The convent, which still houses nuns who live in seclusion, is closed to the general public; forensic archaeologists finally discovered Cervantes' remains in 2015. On the anniversary of his passing, which falls on April 23, a memorial Mass is celebrated for him here every year.
Tip: This neighborhood is one of the most important places to visit when you are in Madrid, so set a day aside for Barrio de las Letras.
Location: Madrid, Spain Find on map
27. Plaza de la Cibeles
Sightseeing | Leisure
The Plaza de la Cibeles brings to mind the splendor of imperial Madrid the most out of all the large roundabouts that line the Paseo del Prado. One of Madrid's most attractive fountains is the magnificent Cybele fountain in the plaza's middle. The fountain has been a favorite in Madrid since Ventura Rodriguez built it in 1780.
Why Visit: The magnificent Palacio de Comunicaciones is the crowning achievement. The national Banco de Espaa, the Palacio Buenavista, and the Palacio de Linares are a few further iconic structures that surround the plaza.
Tip: From Plaza de la Cibeles, you can see the Puerta de Alcalá to the east and, even better, the Edificio Metrópolis to the west.
Location: Madrid, Spain Find on map
28. Matadero Madrid
Leisure
South of the center, in a magnificent multipurpose building, is this contemporary arts center. The Matadero Madrid, which spans 148,300 square meters and is housed in the renovated structures of the former Arganzuela livestock market and slaughterhouse, presents cutting-edge theater, musical, and dance acts as well as exhibitions on architecture, fashion, literature, and film.
Why Visit: It's a vibrant environment that offers a non-touristy alternative to Madrid sightseeing. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to see the newest avant-garde theater or exhibitions.
Tip: Make inquiries beforehand and head to the venue to watch a show if you can because the real Matadero experience can only be had while watching a show.
Location: Pl. de Legazpi, 8, 28045 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know more
29. Plaza de la Puerta del Sol
City Square
Spain's geographic center is a charming, crowded hemisphere of ornate facades. Above all, it is a crossroads since everyone here is always traveling elsewhere by bus, metro, or foot. Even though it's difficult to imagine now, the Puerta del Sol served as the eastern entrance to Madrid at one point.
Why Visit: This is one of the best places in Madrid to visit especially during celebrations as locals and tourists alike gather here to celebrate almost all occasions.
Tip: It is quite difficult to not visit this square if you are using any kind of public transport as several metro lines and bus lines intersect at this square.
Location: Madrid, Spain Find on map
30. Museo de Historia de Madrid
Architecture | Gallery
Pedro de Ribera constructed the magnificent and renovated baroque entrance to the superb Museo de Historia, previously the Museo Municipal, in 1721. Behind this façade, the collection is dominated by artwork and other artifacts that depict the development of Madrid historically.
Why Visit: Highlights include Goya's Allegory of the City of Madrid, caricatures of Napoleon and the French occupation of Madrid in the early 19th century, and a large-scale model of Madrid in 1830.
Tip: If you are a history aficionado, this is one of the best places to be in Madrid as the crowd is usually low here and the collection is no less iconic.
Location: Calle de Fuencarral, 78, 28004 Madrid, Spain Find on map
Know moreFrequently Asked Questions about The Best Places to Visit in Madrid
The best places to visit in Madrid are the Royal Palace of Madrid, Liria Palace, Wanda Metropolitano, and Prado Museum.
You can purchase tickets to visit the best places in Madrid online. You can also get tickets from the box offices of the attractions, but in that case, you run the risk of missing out on the popular attractions that get booked out in advance.
The best places to visit in Madrid with kids are Zoo Aquarium de Madrid, Parque Warner, and Prado Museum.
The best places to visit in Madrid for architecture are the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and the Royal Palace of Madrid.
The best places to visit in Madrid to unwind and relax are Plaza de la Puerta del Sol, Parque del Buen Retiro, and Plaza Mayor.
The best places in Madrid to eat are Carretera de Canillas, Calle de Colón, and Plaza Mayor.
The best places in Madrid to stay are Centro, La Latina, Lavapiés, Huertas, Malasaña, Chueca, Argüelles, and Moncloa.
Madrid is known for its cultural diversity, heritage architecture, and abundance of tourist attractions.
The top attractions in Madrid are the Royal Palace of Madrid, Liria Palace, Wanda Metropolitano, and Prado Museum.
No, Madrid is not expensive. The average daily cost of visiting Madrid is US$100 for one person. For two people, the weekly cost can be US$1500.
When visiting Madrid, you shouldn’t miss a laidback evening in the Plaza Mayor, getting a view of the city from Plaza de Oriente, and a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid.