Best places to visit in Madrid: top attractions you don't want to miss

With its sleepy, sun-soaked parks and treasure-packed museums, Madrid is a vibrant city that attracts travelers of every stripe. You can spend your time seeking history at architectural gems like the city’s royal palace or dig even deeper through antiquity at the Temple of Debod.

From family-friendly sites to cultural hotspots and amazing places to eat in Madrid, you’ll find that there are plenty of fun things to do in Madrid. You can even forget the bustle for a minute and bask in the serene splendor of the magnificent Retiro Park. Take your pick and plan the perfect trip with this round up of the best places to visit in Madrid.

Best places to visit in Madrid for history

1. Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace is the official residence of King Felipe VI and his family. Part of it is open to the public, and you can bask in the regal splendor of the throne room, banquet hall, and more.

Highlights:

A Royal Palace guided tour will help you see the best of the palace. Your professional guide will point out the top sights, making sure you don't miss the artwork by masters like Goya.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Bailén, 28071 Madrid. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

2. Plaza Mayor

A photoshoot in Plaza Mayor will give you beautiful memories to take home. With some façades dating back to the 16th century, this hub has been the heart of the city for hundreds of years.

Highlights:

Enjoy high-resolution photos downloaded to your device within 48 hours. For the best lighting, try booking a shoot before dusk.

Address:

Meet outside the Centro de Turismo of Plaza Mayor, Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid.

3. Almudena Cathedral

The Almudena Cathedral is one of Madrid's grandest buildings. With a mixture of neo-Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, this 20th-century church is sure to impress.

Highlights:

Climb to the top of the dome for views that sweep across the city. From the top of the building, you can see the Royal Palace, the viaduct, and more.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Bailén 10, 28013 Madrid. Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-8:30 PM.

4. Puerta de Alcalá

The Alcalá Gate is one of the oldest and most impressive monuments in Madrid. Once the main entrance to the city, this triumphal arch is the perfect backdrop for a photo.

Highlights:

Get up close to the gate to see the sculptures and engravings on each side, including the royal coat of arms, war trophies, and a lion's head.

Address:

Plaza de la Independencia, 28001 Madrid.

5. Temple of Debod

An ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid? Yes. The Temple of Debod dates back to the 2nd century BC. Today this gift from Egypt stands in a small park in the city center.

Highlights:

If you're a keen photographer, check out the reflecting pool that surrounds the temple. It's ideal for an impromptu photoshoot.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Ferraz 1, 28008 Madrid. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

Best places to visit in Madrid for art

6. Prado Museum

The Prado is Madrid's most famous art museum. You'll be blown away as you inspect the stunning works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and other Spanish masters.

Highlights:

If you're a serious art lover, try a private tour of the Prado Museum. You can customize your tour and the guide can take you to special, little-known galleries and give you a detailed run through the history of Spanish art.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón 23, 28014 Madrid. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

7. Reina Sofia

The Reina Sofia is Prado's sister museum, with an emphasis on 20th-century and modern art. Without a doubt, its most famous work is Pablo Picasso's legendary anti-war painting, the enormous and moving Guernica.

Highlights:

A Reina Sofia Museum private tour lets you see more of the museum. Your personal guide will explain the meaning behind the works, many of which were inspired by the horrors of the Spanish Civil War.

Address and opening hours:

Carretera de Santa Isabel 52, 28012 Madrid. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM-2:30 PM.

8. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

In the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection, you can see works by Van Gogh, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Renoir, and more. These fabulous paintings will dazzle you as you go on an artistic journey from the 13th century to the 20th.

Highlights:

Art lovers will enjoy the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum guided tour. With an expert guide to show you the highlights and answer your questions, you won't miss any of the spectacular works on display.

Address and opening hours:

Plaza del Prado 8, 28014 Madrid. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Monday, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM.

9. Lázaro Galdiano Museum

The Lázaro Galdiano Museum is set in a stately home, and the building itself is almost as impressive as the collections. Here you can see works by El Greco, Goya, and Hieronymus Bosch.

Highlights:

With a Lázaro Galdiano Museum entry ticket, you can explore the museum at your own pace with the included audio guide. Download it onto your smartphone and be led around the eclectic collections as if an expert was by your side.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Serrano 122, 28006 Madrid. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-3:00 PM, and Thursday evening, 4:30 PM-7:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

10. Museum of the Americas

See treasures from the Aztecs, Incas, and other indigenous groups at the Museum of the Americas. The collections of jewelry, statues, and other artwork give you an intriguing glimpse into the history of Latin America.

Highlights:

From gold statues to traditional costumes, the collections here are truly fascinating. Check to see what temporary exhibits are on display while you're in town.

Address and opening hours:

Avenida de los Reyes Católicos 6, 28040 Madrid. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

Best places to visit in Madrid for families

11. Retiro Park

Madrid's Retiro Park is the city's green lung. Once a private retreat for the royal family, today it's one of the best places for families looking to relax.

Highlights:

Take a rowboat around the ornamental lake to get close to the statues. If you'd rather not risk capsizing, stay on dry land and feed the ducks.

Address and opening hours:

Jardines del Retiro, 28009 Madrid. Open Monday-Sunday, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM.

12. Cooking Point Kitchen

Spain has one of the world's best cuisines. Celebrate that with a hands-on, family-friendly cooking class at Cooking Point, where you'll learn to make authentic paella or delicious tapas.

Highlights:

At a Spanish cooking class, you'll get to eat your own dishes. You'll also get a recipe booklet to take home and practice.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Moratín 11, 28014 Madrid. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-9:30 PM.

13. Warner Park Madrid

One of Europe's greatest theme parks is just outside the city. With five separate thematic zones, Warner Park is where your favorite superheroes and cartoon characters come to life.

Highlights:

People of all ages can have fun with a Warner Park entry ticket. With wild rollercoasters, lively shows, and gentle rides for the little ones, this is an unforgettable day out.

Address and opening hours:

A-4, Exit 22, 28330 Madrid. Opening hours vary according to the season.

14. Madrid Zoo Aquarium

Got an animal lover in the family? Then, it's hard to beat a day at the zoo. There are animals and sea creatures from around the world, including adorable pandas, playful dolphins, and mighty elephants.

Highlights:

Book a Zoo Aquarium Madrid ticket and you’ll soon be fawning over diverse wildlife from from Europa, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.

Address and opening hours:

Casa de Campo, 28011 Madrid. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

15. San Miguel Market

San Miguel Market is Madrid's biggest and most famous food market. There's something for everyone here, but kids will particularly love the chance to stop for some hot, tasty churros.

Highlights:

Eat like a local and dip your churros in Spanish hot chocolate. It's too thick for you to sip, but it's ideal for adding flavor to your breakfast.

Address and opening hours:

Plaza de San Miguel, 28005 Madrid. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-12:00 AM midnight.

Best places to visit in Madrid for culture

16. Tablao Torres Bermejas

Flamenco music originated in the south of Spain, but it's now become famous worldwide. Nothing beats the chance to see a passionate performance live, complete with singers, dancers, and guitarists at its historic heart, the Tablao Torres Bermejas.

Highlights:

A flamenco show with dinner and drinks lets you sample some of the best flavors in town — in both food and dance form.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Mesonero Romanos 11, 28013 Madrid. Open Monday-Sunday, 16:30-22:00.

17. Las Ventas Bullring

Bullfighting is one of Spain's most famous and controversial activities. Discover the history of this unusual sport at Las Ventas bullring, which has hosted spectators like Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Sophia Loren.

Highlights:

Take a Las Ventas Bullring and Museum tour to learn more about the history and traditions behind bullfighting. You'll even be able to take part in a virtual reality bullfight.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de Alcalá 237, 28028 Madrid. Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

18. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

You'll see a record-breaking 14 Champions League trophies on display in Real Madrid's famous Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, along with memorabilia celebrating legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.

Highlights:

It's worth climbing one of the stadium's four towers for a panoramic view. This is an enormous stadium, and you'll be stunned by its sheer size.

Address and opening hours:

Avenida de Concha Espina 1, 28036 Madrid. Opening times vary depending on the club's schedule

19. La Puerta del Sol

The statue of a mischievous bear eating strawberries is an icon of the city. See this famous symbol of Madrid at Puerta del Sol, one of the most important squares in the capital.

Highlights:

Puerta del Sol is right in the heart of the city. When you've taken your photos with the statue, why not head to neighboring Gran Vía for a spot of shopping?

Address:

Puerta del Sol 1, 28013 Madrid.

20. Lavapiés

Get out of the historical center and see another side of Madrid. The neighborhood of Lavapiés is one of the hippest in town, with incredible graffiti and the hottest bars.

Highlights:

A lot of the murals here are politically charged. Take a street art tour with a local graffiti hunter to learn the fascinating stories behind them.

Address:

Lavapiés, 28012 Madrid.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Madrid?

The center of Madrid is compact, making two or three days ideal — great for a weekend getaway. If you can spare a few more days, you'll also be able to enjoy day trips to historic cities like Segovia, Toledo, or Ávila.

What is the best time of year to visit Madrid?

Spring and fall are best for a trip to Madrid, March–June and September–November, when the city’s climate is at its most pleasant. The summer can be unbearably hot, and the winter can be very cold, with ice and snow.

How do I get around Madrid?

Madrid has an excellent public transport system. Pick up a transport card when you arrive, and you'll be able to get around easily by metro or bus.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Madrid?

The historic center of Madrid is ideal for sightseeing and attractions. For a trendier vibe, try Lavapiés or La Latina. These are particularly good if you'd like to go out for an evening of tapas and bar-hopping. Chueca, the gay neighborhood, is famous for its excellent nightlife and legendary Pride festival.

What are the best places to go shopping in Madrid?

Gran Vía is Madrid's most famous shopping street, with some of the most famous and iconic stores around. Big malls like Príncipe Pío and La Vaguada are also popular destinations. You can also get out of the city and visit nearby towns like San Sebastián de los Reyes or Las Rozas, where you'll find outlet malls.