El Pilar Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Gran Via
Madrid’s famous shopping strip has boutiques and international brands, an exciting nightlife and an impressive display of early 20th-century architecture.
Bernabéu Stadium
Cheer on the superstar players of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the colossal 81,000-capacity stadium.
Puerta del Sol
The Puerta del Sol is where all of Madrid's roads meet, a central gathering point for madrileños, and home to some of its best-loved symbols.
Plaza Mayor
A square-shaped piece of Madrid's soul – a sheltered 17th century quadrangle that has seen bull-fights and fiestas, fires and protests and kings that come and go.
National Prado Museum
A roll call of brilliant painters – Bosch, Rubens, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Goya and Velázquez – are waiting to be viewed at the Prado Museum.
El Retiro Park
While Casa de Campo is a park walking on the wild side of western Madrid, its eastern counterpart, El Retiro Park, is Madrid's genteel, cultured take on park-life.
Activities
Madrid City Tour – Hop On Hop Off Bus
Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas
Big Bus Madrid Hop-on, Hop-off Open-top Sightseeing Bus Tour
Madrid: Prado Museum with Optonal Tapas or E-bike Tour
Toledo Express Half-Day Tour from Madrid
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace
Our pick of the best El Pilar Hotel Deals
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Breakfast was great. Salad, fruit, eggs, was what i ate but they had meat, cheese, beans. Fresh and delicious. I looked forward to breakfast every morning. Service was efficient
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Novotel Madrid Center
Overall, my stay at the property was great. First the good things, the location is good close to most of the major attractions. The rooms are very nice. The breakfast buffet is amazing and the food in the restaurant is as good as any of the restaurants in the city, there was only two things that ...
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Hotel Regina
Had an incredible view. The breakfast was very good, though the room had too much of a "cafeteria vibe."
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Senator Barajas Hotel
Noisy room
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Hotel Emperador
The hotel is in a central location near shops, restaurants and public transportation including the metro line. The hotel has a beautiful sky lounge.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Live It Gran Via
Its located in the main avenue of madrid thats it
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around El Pilar
Chamartín
Travellers choose Chamartín for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Colombia Station or Concha Espina Station and check out top sights like Bernabéu Stadium.
Chamberí
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Chamberí. If sightseeing is on the list, Calle de la Princesa is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Islas Filipinas Station or Quevedo Station to see more of the area.
Almagro
While you're in Almagro, take in top sights like Sorolla Museum or Paseo de la Castellana, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Ruben Dario Station or Gregorio Maranon Station.
Malasaña
Museums, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Malasaña. Make a stop by Gran Via or Calle de la Princesa while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Noviciado Station or San Bernardo Station to get around town.
Salamanca
Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and La Caixa Foundation. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.
Recoletos
Travellers choose Recoletos for its fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station and check out top sights like National Archaeological Museum.
