There’s no shortage of things to see in Madrid. In the 1,200 years since its founding, the capital city of Spain has accumulated a wealth of notable sights and important cultural institutions – from the city’s gorgeous 18th century parks, born out of the wealth of empire, to the vast, acclaimed collections housed in its many art museums, to the dozens of buildings and areas with historic or cultural significance. Adding to that is the fact that Madrid is a bustling, lively modern city, which adds plenty of interesting and worthwhile things to do in Madrid.
View of central Madrid from above. Source: Unsplash
We here at Window Seat are positively in love with Madrid: from its diverse, exciting neighborhoods to the absolute mountains of art and history packed into its museums to the expansive, contemplative parks – and so much more.
How to get to Madrid from Madrid Airport
Getting to Madrid from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is convenient and fast. Madrid Barajas has an airport bus, transfers and a connection to the Madrid metro, so it’s quite simple to get to Madrid city center from Madrid Barajas airport. The metro is certainly the most convenient and least complicated: just take metro line 8 into the city, where you can change trains at Nuevos Ministerios. It takes about 30 minutes. However, in some cases, an airport bus might be a better choice, as they run 24/7, unlike the Madrid metro. Of course, you can always take a taxi, which is by far the fastest option – some trips are as short as ten minutes!
1. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Prado Museum of Madrid
Madrid’s most popular sightseeing attraction might just be the venerable Prado Museum. One of the world’s most prestigious art museums, it’s home to an extensive collection of art from around Europe, including works from such artistic sensations as Francisco de Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco, to name a few. In total, it houses over 35,000 works of art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
The Prado Museum began its life in 1819 as the Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture, intended to showcase the Spanish royal family’s vast art collection. In the years since, acquisitions and donations have further expanded this collection, making the Prado a vital cultural institution within Spain and Europe at large. It attracts millions of visitors every year.
Aa primary draw of Madrid’s tourism industry, the museum is consistently one of the Spanish capital’s most popular sites. Along with the Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Prado makes up Madrid’s so-called Golden Triangle of Art, Madrid the perfect city for art lovers.
Among the Prado’s notable works and exhibitions are a collection of paintings by Francisco de Goya. Some of the more well-known works include The Third of May 1808 and La maja desnuda. Another huge attraction at the museum is the masterpiece by Diego Velázquez, Las Meninas. Other notable works in the Prado’s collection include several highly-regarded pieces by El Greco, a Greek immigrant to Spain who played a major role in Spain’s Renaissance art world.
The Prado Museum is easily accessible by the metro. Visitors should exit line 1 at the Atocha station, or Banco de España if they are traveling with line 2. Buses and taxis are also available.
2. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Royal Palace of Madrid
Also known as Palacio Real, the Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the Spanish capital’s most iconic landmarks. A huge, imposing structure, this immense edifice remains the official residence of Spain’s royal family. In contrast, the luxurious palace has lost none of its luster over the years, and is regularly utilized for state ceremonies and official events. The site’s history dates back to the 9th century, where a fortress stood on the site, though the current building dates back to the 18th century.
The Palacio Real is considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Baroque architecture. One of the largest palaces in Europe, it boasts more than 3,000 rooms spread out over 135,000 square kilometers. Within its venerable walls, visitors can admire vast collections of art and historic furniture, including works by such notable names as Goya, Caravaggio and Velásquez. A tour of Madrid’s Palacio Real will take visitors through some of the palace’s many rooms, including the Throne Room, the Royal Chapel, and the Hall of Alabarderos.
Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most popular tourist activities in the Spanish capital and attracts millions of visitors each year. Its rarified air offers a glimpse of the opulence and excess made possible by centuries of empire. The perspective afforded by a visit to the Royal Palace makes it a must-see destination for any visitor to the Spanish capital: the private royal residence turned public tourist attraction offers a lesson of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.
It probably goes without saying that Madrid’s Palacio Royal has been the site of many important events in Spanish history. In 1526, it was the site of the signing of the Treaty of Madrid, which formed an alliance between the Catholic powers of France and Spain. It was also the site of the 2014 coronation of Spain’s current king, Felipe VI..
Getting to the Palacio Real by metro is easy: the closest station is Ópera, served by lines 2 and 5.
3. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Plaza Mayor of Madrid
The Plaza Mayor is perhaps the most important of Madrid’s many public squares. For the last 400 years, it’s played a vitally important role in Madrid’s public life and has witnessed many important historic events, including public executions, bullfights and royal coronations. Today, it’s a hub of activity in the heart of the Spanish capital, attracting tourists from all over the world who come to admire the architecture and use it as a jumping-off point for travelling to different parts of the city.
The history of Plaza Mayor starts in the 16th century, when it was built as a location for public markets. Over time, it has functioned as a venue for public festivals, celebrations and other events. It’s had a number of renovations over the years, the most recent major renovation having been completed in the 18th century. This is when it got its characteristic symmetrical design.
The Plaza Mayor is the hub of Madrid tourism and attracts millions of visitors a year. It’s home to a diverse selection of cafes and restaurants that line the square. It’s also the site of shops, souvenir stalls and galleries, making it a great spot to pick up a memento of your time in the Spanish capital.
Some notable events that have taken place in the Plaza Mayor include the execution of the cruel inquisitor (of the Spanish inquisition), Tomás de Torquemada. The coronation of King Phillip III and the proclamation of King Juan Carlos I also took place here. It also hosts annual festivals like a Christmas market.
It’s easy to get to the Plaza Mayor via Madrid’s metro system. The closest metro station is Sol, served by lines 1, 2, and 3.
4. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Parque de el Retiro
View of Central Madrid. Source: Unsplash
One of Madrid’s most beautiful parks is el Parque de el Retiro, a glorious 125-hectare slice of paradise right in the Spanish capital’s city center. It’s a favorite destination for locals to relax, exercise, play sports and simply enjoy the beautiful Spanish weather. Owing to its proximity to other popular tourist destinations like the Prado Museum, it’s also quite popular with tourists.
El Parque del Buen Retiro, as it’s also sometimes known, dates back to the 17th century when it, like many of Madrid’s parks, was created as a private garden for the Spanish monarchy. It continued this exclusive existence for the next two hundred odd years until the 19th century, when it was opened to the public and became an instant success. The park has been renovated several times over the years, and its current design dates back to a renovation carried out around the same time that it was opened to the public.
Retiro Park has a significant role in Madrid’s tourism. It’s a great place to relax, take a walk, or enjoy a picnic – for tourists looking to save money by not eating every meal at a restaurant, the park makes a great place for an improvised lunch assembled at a nearby grocery store. The park also has a lot of activities for tourists to enjoy, like a lake with rowboats for rent, a rose garden and several statues and fountains. There are also cafes and restaurants interspersed throughout the grounds.
One of the most important and significant attractions in the park is a breathtaking 19th-century glass palace. The impressive structure, made of iron and glass, was originally built in 1887 as a greenhouse intended to showcase exotic plants and animals from the tropical Philippines, at the time a Spanish colony. The UNESCO-recognized building, which now functions as an art gallery instead of a greenhouse, is truly an architectural achievement that continues to impress visitors more than 150 years after its original construction.
Retiro park is in the center of Madrid and very easy to reach by metro. It has its own station, Retiro station, which is served by line 2; however, the park’s size means visitors can also take line 1 to Atocha station or line 9 to Ibiza station.
5. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Mercado San Miguel
A visit to Madrid, and indeed to Spain in general, would not be complete without popping into one of the famous mercados. These palaces of food and drink are monuments to Spain’s love of food, a love perhaps only matched in Europe by their Mediterranean neighbors, the Italians. Mercado San Miguel has been popular with visitors and tourists alike since its construction in 1916.
The local community continues to use the mercado as a place to buy fresh meat, seafood and produce, though the rise of Spanish tourism has somewhat de-emphasized this aspect. Today, visitors can sample all kinds of famous Spanish products, such as cured meats like the famous jamón iberico or chorizo, delicious local cheeses, churros and hot chocolate, wines and craft beers. Restaurants line the outside walls, where locals and tourists alike enjoy traditional tapas like tortilla de patata and pimientos de padrón alongside a caña (small glass of beer) or three. If you’re feeling really fancy, you can even enjoy fresh oysters here.
The Mercado San Miguel is a great place for tourists to get a literal taste of Spanish culture while enjoying its lively atmosphere and historic architecture. It’s a great way to combine your day of city exploration with a meal without wasting any time – you’re eating inside a historic building, after all!
Mercado San Miguel is easily accessible by Madrid’s metro lines and has several stations nearby. Opera station is the closest, served by lines 2 and 5.
6. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Reina Sofia Museum
Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum is one of the most respected and renowned museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. A relative newcomer to the list of Madrid’s top tourist attractions, it’s known for its extensive collection of Spanish art and hosts many famous works from such artists as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali.
The Reina Sofia looms large in Madrid’s tourism scene and is one of the city’s most popular attractions, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Its most famous exhibition is perhaps Picasso’s iconic Guernica, an anti-war masterpiece that is absolutely stunning in person. Guernica was inspired by the 1937 bombing of the eponymous city by fascist Germany and Italy during the Spanish Civil War.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs and workshops alongside its permanent collection. Occasionally, it plays host to cultural events such as concerts, performances and film screenings.
The Reina Sofia Museum is easily reached on the Madrid metro. Take line 1 to Atocha station, line 2 to Retiro station, or line 3 to Lavapies station. The museum is a short walk away.
7. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Malasaña Neighborhood
Malasaña is one of Madrid’s most vibrant and thriving neighborhoods. Conveniently located in the heart of Madrid, it’s known for its alternative and bohemian atmosphere. It’s named after Manuela Malasaña, a young woman killed by French soldiers in 1808 during the Spanish War of Independence.
Couple looking over Central Madrid. Source: Unsplash
Today, the Malasaña neighborhood is enjoyed by its residents and tourists alike and known for trendy bars and cafes, vintage shops and plentiful street art. Numerous cultural events take place here, such as Malasaña market, an annual celebration showcasing the work of local artisans, designers and artists.
To get to Malasaña on Madrid’s metro, take line 1 to Tribunal station or line 10 to Noviciado station.
8. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Temple of Debod
One thing you probably weren’t expecting to see on your visit to Madrid is an ancient Egyptian temple – but it’s true. Located in the heart of the city, in a tranquil park surrounded by a reflecting pool, a 2nd-century BCE Egyptian temple dedicated to the goddess Isis slumbers. How did it get here?
Unlike some other ancient Near Eastern buildings relocated to Europe, it was actually donated to Spain: the country received the temple as a gift from Egypt after helping move other temples out of the way of a reservoir that was being constructed.
The canted sandstone walls, reliefs and pillars may look out of place in Madrid, but are stunning examples of ancient Egyptian architecture thousands of miles away from its place of origin, and are popular with locals and tourists alike.
The Temple of Debod is easily accessible by metro via line 3 to Plaza de España or line 10 to Ventura Rodriguez station.
9. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Chamberí Ghost Station
For number nine, we’re going off the beaten path in Madrid. The Chamberí Ghost Station is a former subway system that closed almost 60 years ago. After languishing in abandoned obscurity for the better part of half a century, it was reopened as a museum in 2008. Originally a station on line 1, trains still rumble through this station-turned-museum.
The station originally opened in 1919 and still preserves its original architecture. It was used as a bomb shelter during the Spanish Civil War, but when trains were lengthened in the 1960s, the diminutive platforms became obsolete. Today, the museum, called Andén 0 (Platform 0), catalogs the history of the Madrid metro and features a fully restored station complete with turnstiles, maps and ticket offices.
Obviously, it used to be easier to reach Chamberí station by metro, but it’s still just a short walk from the nearby Iglesia station (line 1).
10. TOP SIGHTSEEING: Crypt of La Almudena
For the last item on this list, we’re getting a little spooky. Let’s descend into the Crypt of La Almudena beneath the cathedral that shares its name. Located right in the city center near the Royal Palace, the crypt today is a museum of religious art containing a collection of artifacts that include chalices, relics, liturgical vestments, sculptures and paintings. It houses one of the most spectacular examples of Spanish renaissance art: a 16th-century altarpiece dedicated to the Virgin of La Almudena.
The Crypt of La Almudena is reachable via metro by the Ópera station, (lines 2 and 5).