Madrid Attractions - What to See First, Photos
With our guide to the "top attractions in Madrid", you can create an exciting itinerary for your excursion. We will provide you with recommendations and tips from seasoned travelers and guides, so you know exactly what is worth visiting in the capital of Spain.
What to see in Madrid first
The variety of excursion offers in Madrid is great, and it can be difficult to understand them. To make your trip not only exciting but also educational, be sure to include a visit to the following attractions in the itinerary:
Royal Palace
One of the architectural masterpieces that is definitely worth including in the list of "top attractions in Spain" is this impressive palace. This magnificent royal complex continues to serve as a venue for ceremonial events and official receptions. The palace, often compared to Versailles in Paris, is located on the banks of the Manzanares River. Its façade is decorated with marble and stone, and the interior halls are decorated with exquisite sculptures, gilded furniture, Flemish tapestries, crystal chandeliers and ancient frescoes. Visitors can see a collection of Stradivarius violins, Spanish royal jewels, weapons and ancient clocks.
Cibeles Palace and Fountain
In the city center, in Plaza de Cibeles, are both of these significant sites - the palace was built in the early 20th century, and the monumental fountain - in the 18th century. These architectural gems will especially appeal to lovers of history and architectural wonders.
Las Ventas Arena
More than 90 years ago, the largest bullfighting arena in Spain was built on Alcalá Avenue. This monumental complex amazes with its scale and luxury: the arena can accommodate more than 23,000 spectators and its diameter exceeds 60 meters. The facility is decorated with vaulted arches and ceramic decoration. If you are planning to visit Madrid from March to October and are interested in bullfighting, be sure to buy a ticket for this exciting event. In addition, the arena often hosts concerts, sports events and festivals, and you can also visit the local museum.
Alcalá Gate
The city gate has several small and three large side spans, its neoclassical façade is replete with sculptures and a plaque with the name of Charles III. This monumental structure is located in the very center of the city, in Independence Square.
Gran Via Street
Looking for where to go in Madrid without spending money? Take a stroll along Gran Vía, the capital's main boulevard that never stops. Completed in 1910, it runs through the entire city center and offers a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and boutiques. One of Gran Vía's most famous landmarks is the Telefónica building, previously considered the tallest in Europe.
Plaza Mayor
Another iconic square in the city is Plaza Mayor, a rectangular structure with about 135 unique buildings decorated with mythical creatures, arches, and balconies. A bronze sculpture of Philip III stands in the center of the square. In the past, public executions and bullfights took place here, and today Plaza Mayor hosts performances, city festivals, fairs, and carnivals. These attractions will interest both lovers of modernity and connoisseurs of history.
Puerta del Sol Square
Puerta del Sol Square, one of the busiest in Madrid, is shaped like a crescent. Here, standing at kilometer zero, tourists can make a wish. The surrounding restaurants and cafes serve Spanish cuisine. In the evening, the square is illuminated by three hundred lanterns, giving the fountains and monuments a fairytale look.
«Gates of Europe»
The modern symbol of the city is two glass skyscrapers, 115 meters high, which lean towards each other, forming a unique gate. On their roofs there are helicopter pads. Architects from the USA used innovative materials and technologies in the construction. In the run-up to Christmas, the main Christmas tree of Spain is installed between the skyscrapers, and stunning light shows are also arranged.
Royal Theater
This building, built in the mid-19th century, has long served as the main opera stage of Spain. The theater has repeatedly suffered from revolutions and wars, turning into a warehouse, a place for important meetings and even a military camp. Since 1997, only opera and musical productions have been held on its stage.
Almudena Cathedral
The church, built in honor of St. Maria of Almudena, the patron saint of Madrid, is decorated with stained glass windows, a majestic 75-meter dome and a façade of gray-blue stone. It is located opposite the Royal Palace and has a large viewing platform with panoramic views of the city. Inside the temple is an impressive emerald marble altar.
Descalzas Reales Monastery
If you only have one day in Madrid and are looking for religious attractions, visit the magnificent Descalzas Reales Monastery. This site is interesting both for its architecture and its rich history, as it was once one of the four most important monasteries in Spain.
El Escorial Monastery
The temple is located near the Sierra Nevada and was once a royal residence. The construction of this fortress lasted more than 21 years. The magnificent interior design contrasts with the simple facade. The temple houses the remains of all Spanish monarchs, starting with Charles V.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Football fans, especially Real Madrid fans, should definitely visit this famous stadium, which also serves as a training base for the national team. The stadium can accommodate over 80,000 spectators.
Warner Brothers Theme Park
The 50-hectare park is home to a unique theme park with zones including a film studio, the Wild West, the world of superheroes, and a cartoon town. Each area has its own shows and performances, as well as attractions for all ages.
Madrid Attractions: What Else to Visit in Madrid?
We have briefly covered the main attractions of Madrid. If you have time after visiting them, we recommend that you check out other important historical and architectural sites, such as:
Buen Retiro Park
For those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, there is a wonderful park with a branch of the Prado Museum, a pavilion made of crystal and metal for exhibitions and a sculpture group called "Fall of the Angel". There is also an artificial lake with boat rentals. The park is located in the center of the capital and is easily accessible.
Park Casa de Campo
Another large green area, this time located away from the city center. Here, vacationers can enjoy strolls along Paseo de Gastronomia, where there are cafes and restaurants, as well as visit attractions, a dolphinarium, an aquarium and a zoo.
Museum of America
The exhibits of this museum tell about the discovery of America, as well as the life and culture of its indigenous peoples before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors. You will be able to see works of art from the colonial era, weapons of the conquistadors and personal belongings of representatives of Indian tribes.
Prado Museum
The national symbol of Spain, its walls contain more than 500 sculptures and about 8,000 works of art, including paintings by Rubens and Bosch. Many of these masterpieces come from the personal collections of Spanish monarchs.
Reina Sofia Arts Center
The first thing that catches your eye is the original glass elevator attached to the facade of the center and leading out onto the street. The second is the red canopy made of zinc and aluminum. The collection features works by Spanish avant-garde artists of the 20th century, as well as temporary installations. The museum's main exhibit is "Guernica", one of Picasso's most famous works, especially revered by the Spanish. Visitors can also admire works by Salvador Dali, sculptures and paintings by Joan Miró.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The exhibition halls display a magnificent collection of paintings created by masters over eight centuries. All masterpieces are the property of the Spanish state.
National Library of Spain
Over three centuries of its existence, the building has amassed an impressive collection of more than 26 million works created using writing and printing presses. Here you will find not only old books, but also rare posters, original scores, magazines, engravings and maps.
Temple of Debod
Next to the Royal Palace, in the central part of the Oeste Park, is one of the most unique attractions in Madrid. The temple, dedicated to Isis, an Egyptian goddess, was previously located on the banks of the Nile. When a dam was being built in Egypt, it was decided to move several historical monuments to save them from flooding. Spain helped with this project, for which it received this temple as a token of gratitude.
Atocha Train Station
The largest train station in the country, Atocha was named after the nearby Church of Our Lady of Atocha. The original station building, built in 1851, has not survived. Now on this site there is a shopping center with an exotic garden, restaurants, boutiques and a nightclub. High-speed trains are received in the modern terminal of the station. Unfortunately, the station was also the site of a tragedy associated with terrorist attacks that took the lives of many people, and in memory of this, a memorial was erected here.
El Rastro Flea Market
El Rastro Market is the largest, most visited and famous market in the capital, where more than 35,000 retail outlets operate. The range of goods here is so diverse that you can find absolutely anything your heart desires. Particular attention should be paid to the antique shops, where you can find rare and valuable items. This bazaar can be compared to a huge flea market, where among the many things you can stumble upon real treasures, such as vintage clothes and accessories. Do not forget that it is customary to bargain at this market. Even if you do not plan to buy anything, visit El Rastro for the unique atmosphere.
San Miguel Market
An equally impressive gastronomic market, where you can try and buy all sorts of delicacies and products. Here you will find spices, herbs, jamon and fresh oysters, which will be served with a glass of sparkling wine. At each stall you will be invited to taste, but do not abuse this, show respect to the local merchants.
We are sure that all these attractions of Madrid, the photos and descriptions of which you saw, have aroused your interest. Come to the hospitable Spanish capital and use the services of experienced guides to make your excursions even more exciting. Read also about the sights of Malaga and get inspired for further travels around Spain.
