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.
Madrid Travel Guide
Where to stay in Madrid
Madrid Centro
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 Gran Via, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.
Salamanca
Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like WiZink Center and El Corte Inglés. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.
Retiro
Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Retiro. You can visit top attractions like El Retiro Park and Prado Museum, and jump on the metro at Sainz de Baranda Station or Conde de Casal Station to see more of the city.
Sol
If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Gran Via and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.
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.
Atocha
If you're spending time in Atocha, you might enjoy attractions like Atocha Station Memorial and Paseo del Arte. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's fascinating museums before hopping on the metro at Mendez alvaro Station to see more of the city.
Reviewed on 10 May 2024
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 2 May 2024
Reviewed on 2 May 2024
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.
Santiago 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.
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
Prado Museum Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket
Reviews of Madrid
4/5 - Good
Even with constant crowds it is fairly easy to move about. Festivals in the major plazas are offered daily. GPS though is sometimes unreliable in narrow streets.
5/5 - Excellent
Enjoyed every single part of Madrid, all the places, Food, culture, streets, shopping and people.
4/5 - Good
We spent 4 nights 3 days in Madrid. We could have easily condensed this into 2 days which would have left us more time to spend in Segovia and Zaragoza which we loved.
5/5 - Excellent
I definetly will recommend to my friends and relatives to visit Madrid, it is a safe place to travell and to visit and the people are very friendly and helpful.
4/5 - Good
Vibrant city with lots to see and do. I loved walking around the city, it felt safe and had a great atmosphere. Retiro Park, the Prada museum, the palace and the hospitality were all very good.
5/5 - Excellent
Amazin :)
Other places like Madrid
- Gran Via
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Parque Warner Madrid
- Prado Museum
- El Retiro Park
- Madrid Zoo Aquarium
- WiZink Center
- Cívitas Metropolitan Stadium
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
- Paseo de la Castellana
- Plaza de España - Princesa
- Plaza de Cibeles
- U.S. Embassy