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.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Armouries and pharmacies, rooms filled with fine porcelain, amazing collections of watches and silverware, and never-ending corridors graced by masterpieces.
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
Big Bus Madrid Hop-on, Hop-off Open-top Sightseeing Bus Tour
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace
Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour with expert guide
Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas
From Madrid: Avila and Segovia Full-Day Tour
Our pick of the best El Pilar Hotel Deals
Hotel Regina
Spotless room and very nice and helpful staff- location is perfect
Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Buena localizacion y un excelente Roof Top.
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Great rooms and breakfast
Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025
Hostal Madrid Atocha
super nice staff at reception, specially the venezuelan guy. the hotel is remodeling, so that is a little inconvinient, but it was clean, nice and walking distance to good restaurantes and stores.
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
Amazing time
Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025
Latroupe Prado
Right next to Atocha station. Lots of restos around the area. Towels are not provided. Helpful staff. A bit pricey luggage storage.
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025
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 Jorge Juan y Santacilia.
El Pilar Travel Guide
- Gran Via
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Parque Warner Madrid
- El Retiro Park
- Prado Museum
- Movistar Arena
- Riyadh Air Metropolitano
- Madrid Zoo Aquarium
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Paseo de la Castellana
- Plaza de España - Princesa
- Plaza de Cibeles
- Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
- Las Rozas Village Outlet
