Madrid is one of the loveliest cities in Europe for me. I spent three months living in Madrid as an Au-pair.
I understand that most people visiting it will not have the three months I had to explore its beauty and places of interest. So, I have compiled a list of places you should not miss while in Madrid.
The Spanish capital is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and artistic scene. The city is home to numerous world-class museums, including the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and Reina Sofia Museum, which collectively showcase an impressive collection of art from various periods. The city is a cultural, artistic, and culinary hub that captivates visitors with its history, energy, and warm Spanish hospitality. Madrid also hosts numerous vibrant music, theater, and dance performances.
Madrid offers a wide range of attractions and highlights. Scroll down to discover the 7 highlights you should absolutely check out on your first visit.
This stunning royal palace is the largest in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. Nowadays, it is used occasionally for royal ceremonies. Palacio Real is a major tourist attraction and my favorite in Madrid. Visitors can explore its opulent rooms, grand halls, and beautiful gardens.
Check the opening times and ticket fees here.
Considered one of the world’s finest art galleries, the Prado Museum houses an extensive collection of European masterpieces, including works by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
You can find all the up-to-date information, opening times, and ticket prices on the official website. https://www.museodelprado.es/en
beenhere Visited by us
Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)
A vast and picturesque park, Retiro Park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Visitors can stroll through its lush gardens, row a boat on the lake, or admire iconic landmarks like the Crystal Palace. Soak in the warm Spanish sun while people-watching in this magnificent park.
beenhere Visited by us
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is a historic and lively gathering place. Surrounded by stunning architecture, it is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, people-watch, or explore the nearby shops and restaurants.
Puerta del Sol
Considered the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is a bustling square that serves as a central point for locals and visitors alike. It is home to the iconic “Kilometer Zero” plaque and the famous clock tower of the Casa de Correos. The bells of this clock mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year. This lively plaza is also home to the most famous symbol of the Spanish capital: El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree), a beautiful 20-ton statue of a bear feasting on fruits from a strawberry tree.
beenhere Visited by us
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
A visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a must for football enthusiasts. Home to the legendary Real Madrid football club, the stadium offers guided tours that help you understand the team’s history and check out the facilities.
Gran Via
This lively street is Madrid’s main thoroughfare and hub of activity. Lined with shops, theaters, and iconic buildings, it is a perfect place for shopping, dining, and experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Conclusion
These highlights provide just a glimpse of what Madrid has to offer. The city also boasts numerous other attractions, museums, art galleries, and neighborhoods worth exploring, ensuring there’s something for every visitor’s interest and preference.
Johanna is a linguist fluent in 5 languages. She has studied and worked in several countries in Asia and Europe. Johanna is passionate about traveling, languages, different cultures, and yoga. She is a digital nomad traveling the world while teaching, creating content, and vigorously sharing her travel experiences.
This stunning royal palace is the largest in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. Nowadays, it is used occasionally for royal ceremonies. Palacio Real is a major tourist attraction and my favorite in Madrid. Visitors can explore its opulent rooms, grand halls, and beautiful gardens.
Considered one of the world’s finest art galleries, the Prado Museum houses an extensive collection of European masterpieces, including works by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
A vast and picturesque park, Retiro Park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Visitors can stroll through its lush gardens, row a boat on the lake, or admire iconic landmarks like the Crystal Palace. Soak in the warm Spanish sun while people-watching in this magnificent park.
Madrid’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is a historic and lively gathering place. Surrounded by stunning architecture, it is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, people-watch, or explore the nearby shops and restaurants.
Considered the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is a bustling square that serves as a central point for locals and visitors alike. It is home to the iconic “Kilometer Zero” plaque and the famous clock tower of the Casa de Correos. The bells of this clock mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year. This lively plaza is also home to the most famous symbol of the Spanish capital: El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree), a beautiful 20-ton statue of a bear feasting on fruits from a strawberry tree.
A visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a must for football enthusiasts. Home to the legendary Real Madrid football club, the stadium offers guided tours that help you understand the team’s history and check out the facilities.
This lively street is Madrid’s main thoroughfare and hub of activity. Lined with shops, theaters, and iconic buildings, it is a perfect place for shopping, dining, and experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
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