Madrid Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Madrid
Madrid
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Madrid
A city of cool shaded alleys, and wide sunny parks, grand palaces and even grander plazas, this is a place that lives up to its motto of 'Madrid never sleeps'.

In the 18th century, a new dynasty – the Bourbons – were on the Spanish throne, and they didn't like the shabby look of their capital and decided to make a few changes. You can see their efforts in the splendour of Madrid's parks, monuments and palaces – and in the curious contrast between old Madrid's tight-packed streets, and its many beautiful open parks. You can thank the royal connection for those – the Casa de Campo, a huge tract of parkland in the west, was once a royal hunting ground. Now it has an amusement park, boating lake and zoo.To the east is the more formal park of El Retiro, actually the gardens of the old Habsburg palace. Its 121 hectares of tree-lined avenues, waterways, Romanesque gardens are the perfect 'back lawn' for Madrid's best-known museum – the Prado Museum, which houses a world-class collection of European Renaissance and Classical paintings. Close by are two other art galleries – the Reina Sofia Museum, with its famed Dali's and Picasso's and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum. Taken together, they form Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art.Starting at the old town's gateway of Puerta De Alcala, follow a string of beautiful plaza's, from the famous fountains of the Plaza De Cibeles, to the vibrant Puerta Del Sol and finally the Plaza Mayor – Madrid's jaw-dropping square. A perfect contrast to that plaza's wide open skies is nearby El Rastro, Madrid's infamous and ancient flea-market of a thousand stalls.But if you keep going along the Calle Mayor, and you'll find yourself at the Royal Palace, where Spain's kings moved to in the 19th century, and which still hosts royal events. Next-door is the grandeur of the Almudena Cathedral, the elegance of the Royal Theatre, and the beauty of the Sabatini Gardens. To the north, the gardens lead you onto one last 'must-see' plaza – the Plaza De Espana. This is where you'll find a fabulous monument to Spain's greatest author – Cervantes, the 16th century creator of Don Quixote. This monument to past glories sits beneath two enormous, yet stylish, post-war tower blocks. Incongruous, quirky but done with style – you could say that's Madrid all over.

Where to stay in Madrid

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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
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Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
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Salamanca

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

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.

Salamanca
Chueca featuring café lifestyle and a city as well as a large group of people

Chueca

5/5(8 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chueca, you might enjoy attractions like Gran Via and Plaza de Chueca. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.

Chueca
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Ibiza

During your stop in Ibiza, check out the parks, and jump on the metro at Ibiza Station to see more of the surrounding area.

Ibiza
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Malasaña

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Museums, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Malasaña. Make a stop by Gran Via or Liria Palace while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Noviciado Station or San Bernardo Station to get around town.

Malasaña
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$340 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$340
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,247 reviews)
"Excellent hotel! My favorite in Madrid. Second time staying here and the room was even better than the first time. Recommend!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Barceló Torre de Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
The price is NZ$312 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$312
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,954 reviews)
"Amazing location, great breakfast buffet and worth every dollar!! Can access all main attractions with easily walking, metro or bike. Driving is bit more challenging as its a very congested area so only drive if have to. BEATRICE at the bar downstairs made best cocktail of the day I had in YEARS! ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid

Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid

4 out of 5
Calle Serrano Jover 3, Madrid, Madrid
The price is NZ$290 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$290
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,375 reviews)
"Great breakfast"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,203 reviews)
"They only need to add TV on the room ."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Gran View Apartments
Compostela Suites Apartments

Compostela Suites Apartments

3 out of 5
C/ Zambrana, 4, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (629 reviews)
Staying in Madrid
"Accommodation was good for a family but kitchen was very poorly equipped. Great to have separate bedrooms, a living room kitchen and two bathrooms"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Compostela Suites Apartments
Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47

Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47

3.5 out of 5
Calle Gran Vía 47, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (381 reviews)
"It is a little bit pricey for what you receive but it is a comfortable place with everything you may need for a good stay."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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