Madrid is brimming with iconic sites, from popular palaces and museums to architectural landmarks, historic markets and public spaces. The capital has a wide range of truly unique places to visit, so get ready to be amazed!
There's so much to see and do in Madrid! Whether you're interested in history, culture or local cuisine, you'll find plenty to fill your days in the capital. Take a look at the ten most famous places in Madrid and choose the ones you absolutely have to see!
National Prado Museum
See a vast collection of European art
The incredible Museo Nacional del Prado is the country's top art destination, showcasing awe-inspiring collections dating back to the 12th century. Get ready to be blown away by the sheer beauty of Spanish art from the former Royal Collection, along with masterpieces from other countries.
This museum is home to an absolutely magnificent collection of art, featuring works by some of the most renowned names in history, including the incredible Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco and Diego Velázquez. Conveniently located just a short 12-minute drive from the heart of Madrid, the museum is nestled in the Jerónimos district, situated just north of the Royal Botanical Gardens and right next to the stunning Retiro Park.
- Address: C. Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid
- Schedule: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 20:00; Sunday, 10:00 to 19:00.
- Phone: +34 913 30 28 00
Royal Palace
The home of monarchs
The Royal Palace is a grand Baroque and classical building with over 3,400 rooms that offer visitors a detailed look into history. Given the enormous size of the complex, it is only possible to visit a sample of the countless rooms it houses.
And there's more! You'll also find loads of amazing artworks by world-famous artists like Caravaggio, Francisco de Goya and Anton Raphael Mengs. Plus, the palace is home to the incredible Royal Armoury of Madrid. And the best part? It's just a short, easy trip from the city centre – only about a kilometre northwest!
- Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid
- Schedule: Wednesday, 12:00 to 13:30. Closed Thursday to Tuesday.
- Phone: +34 914 54 87 00
Main Square
A famous public space in the heart of Madrid
The Plaza Mayor is an important public esplanade located in the epicentre of the city. It is the heart of the old town of Madrid and is home to a wide range of shops, restaurants and beautiful views. It has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest, so you will find it perfectly preserved.
During your visit, you can rest in numerous corners perfect for relaxing before continuing to explore the wide spaces of this centuries-old place. The Plaza Mayor is located in the Centro district, between the Ópera and Tirso de Molina metro stations.
- Address: Pl. Mayor, 28012 Madrid
Temple of Debod
Visit a little piece of ancient Egypt
The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian structure that was built thousands of years ago and was later dismantled and rebuilt in Spain. The reason? After the construction of a dam in Egypt, the integrity of the temple was threatened, so it was decided to move it to its current location in order to preserve its historical significance.
If you are visiting Madrid, don't miss the opportunity to visit this very special place, as it is the only example of authentic ancient Egyptian architecture that exists on the peninsula. It is located within the Montaña park, a short distance west from the Plaza de España metro station.
- Address: C. de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid
- Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
- Phone: +34 913 66 74 15
Almudena Cathedral
Visit a beautiful 20th century temple
The Almudena Cathedral is a large Catholic church that was built in the neoclassical, neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles that prevailed at the end of the 20th century. The first stone was laid in 1883, but the cathedral was not completed until 1993.
During the tour, you will be able to see large granite and marble structures, with materials that came from Novelda and Colmenar Viejo. The temple is located just six minutes by car from the city centre.
- Address: C. de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid
- Schedule: Every day, from 09:00 to 20:30.
- Phone: +34 915 42 22 00
Alcalá Gate
Contemplate a neoclassical style portico
The Puerta de Alcalá is a former 19.5-metre-high neoclassical gateway to the city built in granite and limestone. It was completed in 1778 and is a place steeped in history. In fact, you can still see the marks left by the impact of shrapnel many years ago.
If you look at the gate, you will notice that each side has a unique design: one side displays war trophies and the other an ornate royal coat of arms. The Puerta de Alcalá is located in the middle of the Plaza de la Independencia, about a ten-minute drive from the city centre.
- Address: Plaza de la Independencia, s/n, 28001 Madrid
- Schedule: Every day without interruption.
Sun Gate
Visit a semicircular public intersection
Puerta del Sol is a popular urban esplanade full of shops and cafes that share the sidewalk with historical monuments. One of its most emblematic elements is, without a doubt, the famous clock that marks the beginning of the new year, and here the celebration of New Year's Eve is, as you already know, quite an event.
However, the square has many attractions to enjoy at any time of the year. This Madrid landmark is home to, for example, the Real Casa de Correos, which now houses the offices of the Presidency of Madrid, but you will also see a beautiful statue of King Charles III on the south side. Puerta del Sol is just over a kilometre north of the city centre.
- Address: Sol Gate, 28013 Madrid
Cybele Palace
Local cultural centre with viewing platform
The Cibeles Palace is a complex of two buildings that houses Madrid City Hall and the CentroCentro cultural centre, and is a very interesting stop on any visit to the capital. Inside this impressively designed building you will find a wide range of activities, including art exhibitions and workshops.
We recommend checking the local calendar before your visit to see what events you can enjoy, as concerts and performances are quite common. The palace is located a ten-minute drive from the heart of Madrid.
- Address: Plaza Cibeles, 1, 28014 Madrid
- Schedule: from 10:00 to 20:00.
Retiro Park
The most important park in Madrid
With 125 hectares and more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green haven in the centre of Madrid. Some of its gardens deserve special attention: the Vivaces garden, the Cecilio Rodríguez gardens (classical gardens with an Andalusian feel), the gardens of the architect Herrero Palacios, the restored Montaña de los Gatos, the Rosaleda (collection of roses) and the French Parterre with the ahuehuete, the oldest tree in Madrid, which is said to be around 400 years old. Since 25 July 2021, it has been recognised, along with the Paseo del Prado, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Address: Retirement, 28009 Madrid
- Schedule: from 06:00 to 22:00.
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Art gallery of old and modern masters
Located on the Paseo del Arte, its permanent collection traces the history of European painting from the Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century. Italian primitives, the German Renaissance, 19th-century American painting, impressionism, German expressionism and Russian constructivism are the schools and movements most widely represented in the museum.
- Address: P.º del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid
- Schedule: December, Monday: 12:00 – 16:00 h. / Tue – Sun: 10:00 – 19:00 h.
Closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25
Schedule for December 24 and 31: 10:00 – 15:00 h
Reina Sofia National Museum
Spanish museum of 20th century and contemporary art
At one of the corners of the Paseo del Arte, you will find this museum, which houses an important collection of modern and contemporary art (mainly Spanish) of international value. It brings together works by Dalí, Miró and Juan Gris, as well as the museum's star painting, El Guernica, Pablo Picasso's masterpiece, which recalls the pain of the victims of the bombing of Guernica on April 27, 1937, during the Spanish Civil War.
- Address: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid
- Schedule: December, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Closed on December 24, 25 and 31.
National Archaeological Museum
From Prehistory to the Modern Age
The MAN, which houses one of the most important collections of antiquities in the world, reopened its doors after a comprehensive renovation that lasted six years and has turned it into one of the most visited museums in the city. Through the material culture of the different civilizations of the Mediterranean, it takes a journey from prehistory to the 19th century.
- Address: C. de Serrano, 13, 28001 Madrid
- Schedule: December, from 09:30 to 20:00 h.
Closed on December 24, 25 and 31.
National Library of Spain
Bibliographic heritage and National Newspaper Library
The National Library was founded by King Philip V at the end of 1711 (then called the Royal Library). Its headquarters on Paseo de Recoletos (opened in 1896) houses a copy of all the books published in Spain, as well as a valuable collection of incunabula, manuscripts, prints, drawings, photographs, maps, sound recordings, sheet music, etc. It has a second headquarters in Alcalá de Henares.
- Address: Recoletos Avenue, 20-22, 28071 Madrid
- Schedule: from 09:00 to 22:00. Closed on December 24, 25 and 31
National Museum of Natural Sciences
The most important scientific research institute
The National Museum of Natural Sciences manages and displays to the public an important collection of specimens, with the aim of promoting a more complete knowledge of the diversity of the natural world. This knowledge is applied to environmental conservation and is transmitted to the community to improve the perception of science and the richness of our natural heritage.
- Address: C. José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid
- Schedule: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 17:00. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 20:00. On the 24th and 31st open from 10:00 to 15:00
Madrid Railway Museum
Railway Historical Archive
Located in the old Delicias station - a magnificent example of 19th century iron architecture - the museum was opened in 1984. The visit allows you to see a complete collection of historical railway material, from vehicles (from locomotives to passenger carriages) to all kinds of pieces, elements, photographs or recreations that illustrate the different professions related to the railway throughout its history.
- Address: Walk of Delights, 61, 28045 Madrid
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturdays and holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed on December 25.
CaixaForum
Cultural center
CaixaForum is a cultural centre managed by the «la Caixa» Foundation and located at Paseo del Prado No. 36 in Madrid. In July 2021 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro heritage, Landscape of Arts and Sciences, abbreviated as Landscape of Light.
- Address: P.º del Prado, 36, Center, 28014 Madrid
- Schedule: Monday to Sunday and holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Closed on December 25th, January 1st and 6th
Royal Botanical Garden
Research, conservation and exhibition
The Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid is a research centre of the Spanish National Research Council. Founded by Royal Order of 17 October 1755 by King Ferdinand VI in Soto de Migas Calientes, near the Manzanares River, Charles III ordered it to be moved to its current location in 1781, to Paseo del Prado, next to the Museum of Natural Sciences that was being built (now the Prado Museum), in Madrid, Spain. This botanical garden houses plants from America and the Pacific, as well as European plants, on three terraced terraces.
- Address: Pl. Murillo, 2, Retiro, 28014 Madrid.
- Schedule: from 10:00 to 18:00h.
Christmas lights Madrid
Spectacular designs and colors,
Christmas lights, street markets, the best acts from Circo Price and, of course, lots of nativity scenes, the lottery draw, San Silvestre, ice rinks, the New Year's Eve chimes in Sol, the Three Kings' Parade... All this together with many more activities (concerts, light shows...) prepared every year by Madrid City Council throughout the city.
There are several tourist buses that allow you to go through all the streets illuminated by the Christmas lights, but we also recommend taking a walk through the illuminated areas at night.
Madrid slaughterhouse
Contemporary cultural center
The former slaughterhouse in Madrid, a set of neo-Mudejar style pavilions built at the beginning of the 20th century on the banks of the Manzanares River, is today a small city dedicated to culture where visitors will find the Centre for Contemporary Creation of the Madrid City Council, a living place for the enjoyment of culture, for artistic experimentation and for the debate of ideas in the fields of visual, performing and performing arts, design, literature, digital culture, architecture and many other creative practices.
https://www.mataderomadrid.org/programacion
IFEMA
It hosts important events, conferences and exhibitions
IFEMA (acronym for Institución Ferial de Madrid), whose official name is IFEMA MADRID, is a consortium that organizes fairs, exhibitions and congresses in its exhibition center and Congress Palace located in the Barajas district, northeast of the city of Madrid.
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