The capital of Spain, Madrid is located in the heart of the country. Along with Barcelona and Seville, it is a major tourist destination and attracts many tourists every year! Heart of Atletico Madrid and inspiration for Picasso’s painting Guernica, Madrid (or Mad) is a city full of history and really beautiful with lots of small streets. So, you might be wondering what to do and see when you visit Madrid? Don’t panic, in this article, we tell you all the essentials to visit Madrid!
The Royal Palace, the face of Madrid
As one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) of Madrid is not to be missed! Built-in the 17th century, this magnificent palace will amaze young and old alike.
Beautiful, large, and impressive, you can definitely consider visiting the main (and most impressive) rooms of this huge place! Indeed, guided tours are organized and they allow you to discover this palace: the Hall of the Halberdiers, the Hall of Columns, the room of King Charles III, or the Hall of Mirrors. It is definitely the best way to discover the treasures of this exceptional place!
Also, every first Wednesday of the month, come and attend the changing of the guard. You will be immersed in the royal Madrid and you will believe to be in another world. On the program: 400 men, 100 horses, musicians, and drums will be there to offer you the craziest show!
The Plaza Mayor, the must-see in Madrid
Built-in 1690, the Plaza de Mayor is one of the most important places in the city where tourists and locals alike love to come and stroll. In addition to being in the center of Madrid, the square is surrounded by buildings whose architecture is interesting and rather incredible. In the center of the square, you will find the famous statue of Philip III on horseback.
Among the buildings not to be missed are the Bakery House, the old general bread factory of the city; the Butcher’s House, a historical building or the Arch of the Cutters, an impressive arch located in the square. All of them form harmony and make this square so unique!
Finally, in the summer, you can enjoy the many restaurants and cafés that have set up their terraces and where the locals come to have a drink or two. All the life rushes there and it gives an inimitable atmosphere!
As you can see, this is one of the most popular squares in Spain!
The Prado Museum
It is one of the biggest museums in the world, go to the Prado Museum! It is one of the main tourist attractions of the Spanish capital and is really unmissable!
Within the walls of this national museum, discover a huge collection of European paintings that include painters like Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and Hieronymus Bosch. For the amateurs, it is good to know that the museum also exhibits 6400 drawings and 3000 prints, which differentiates it from the classic museums that only offer pictorial works. So, really go and visit the museum, it is 100% worth the detour!
Some practical information: the museum is free for minors. It is also free for everyone from 6pm to 8pm on weekdays and from 5pm to 7pm on weekends.
The Puerta del Sol
Literally, the “Gate of the Sun”, the Puerta del Sol (or Plaza del Sol) is one of Madrid’s most lively squares. To the northeast of this famous square is the Plaza Mayor and to the west is the Royal Palace.
Come here and walk through this pedestrian-only square and see the plaque indicating the country’s kilometer zero! It’s a great place to live and there are many restaurants and bars!
Finally, if you’re passing through, don’t miss the Bear and Tree Statue, created in 1967, and the Clock of the Casa de Correos, known as the clock where the chimes have been ringing at the end of each year since 1962.
Retiro Park
Called Parque del Retiro in Spanish, it is an ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Measuring nearly 125 hectares, Retiro Park is the green lung and therefore a pleasant neighborhood of the Spanish capital. Plus, it’s right in the heart of the city, so it’s impossible to miss.
The park has a large rectangular pool in front of which stands the monument to Alfonso XII of Spain, in the center of which stands a monumental bronze equestrian statue made in 1904 by Mariano Benlliure, a rose garden, 12 statues in the Gallery of the Park and two Palaces, including the Crystal Palace. The latter served as a greenhouse for the Philippine Pavilion before becoming an exhibition space.
In conclusion, this park is truly a remarkable place, where the atmosphere is relaxing. We are sure you will love spending a few hours here!
The Royal Botanical Garden
Located right next to the Prado Museum, the Royal Botanical Garden will delight botany and nature lovers! Opened in 1755, hundreds of trees, shrubs, and flowers are present here and live in harmony. All come from the four corners of the world.
During your visit, you can discover or rediscover little-known or well-known species, scattered on 3 terraces.
One thing is sure, the show is guaranteed and you will feel at ease in this beautiful place. The Royal Botanical Garden is the ideal place in Madrid to recharge your batteries, relax and enjoy the nature that surrounds us.
Good to know: the entrance to the garden costs 6 € and promises a very very pleasant visit!
The Palace of Cibeles
The Palacio de Cibeles, formerly the “Palace of Communications” is one of the most impressive buildings in Madrid and very typical of Spanish architecture. Indeed, its uniqueness and grandeur make this building a real treasure!
Today it is the headquarters of the city council but also houses the “CentroCentro” a cultural center that offers free exhibitions. Our advice is don’t miss the crystal gallery, a room topped by a huge glass vault. Moreover, on the 8th floor, you can, if you wish, go up to the mirador and enjoy a 360° view of the whole Spanish capital! However, you should know that this access is not free.
Our advice: go there at sunset, to have an even more beautiful view.
Las Ventas Bullring
If you still have enough energy and want to continue discovering Madrid, then go to Las Ventas bullring.
The most important bullring in the city and the third largest in the world, the Las Ventas bullring was built in 1930. It is the venue for bullfights, the famous Spanish bullfighting show, and can hold up to 24,000 people. Even though this Spanish tradition is criticized for ethical reasons, the Madrilenians gather there mainly on two occasions: the Feria de la Comunidad in May, and the Feria de San Isidro in June.
If you don’t want to attend bullfights, you can still visit the bullring and combine this visit with the museum. You will learn more about bullfighting. The entrance ticket costs 14,50 € for adults and 5,90 € for children.
How to visit Madrid?
From the United States or the United Kingdom, flying is perhaps the best way to get to Madrid: fast and cheap, it’s a good deal, isn’t it? Moreover, the airport of Madrid is served by a subway line and the historical center is thus easily accessible.
Once there, the metro is the best way to get around. With 296 km of tracks and 13 lines, it is one of the most efficient in the country and in Europe! You can also choose to travel by bus; the city has several lines. Finally, the Madrid “RER” is called Cercanias and serves different points in the city.
Where to sleep?
As a great European capital, the city of Madrid is full of places to sleep and rest. Between traditional hotels, small palaces, luxury hotels, apartments in the city center, Airbnb, or youth hostels, there is really something for every taste and budget in every part of Madrid!
Where to eat?
When you think of Spain, you think of Spanish gastronomy! Yes, you can’t come to this country and especially to the capital without tasting the traditional dishes and culinary specialties. Madrid offers a large choice of tapas bars and traditional Spanish cuisine. If you come to visit Madrid, it will be very easy to find a place to eat, especially in the historic heart of the Spanish capital where there are many good addresses.
Where to go out?
Going out late at night (or early in the morning) is one of Madrid’s favorite activities. As a result, the nightlife is really present and the atmosphere is always great in this lively city. The many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs of the capital are waiting for you, so get ready to swing! Finally, you will have understood, for your night out there is no district of predilection to go out in Madrid; you can go everywhere, and you will inevitably find your happiness!
Also Read : Neom : Saudi Arabia’s 500 B city of the Future
