10 Best Places to Visit in Madrid, Spain

Picture strolling through picturesque boulevards lined with European architecture, then relaxing into a cosy tapas where Madrileños share stories over glasses of vino or sangria. Hola! Welcome to Madrid, where every corner pulses with life and history whispers through the air. Call it fashionable, beautiful, exquisite, or historical; Madrid is like all your bucket list destinations rolled into one. Unlike other Spanish beachfront destinations, such as Barcelona or Valencia, the sites to see in Madrid are unlike any other, captivating travellers with its rich cultural tapestry, historic landmarks and vibrant nightlife, all nestled within a cosmopolitan cityscape, away from the coast.

Being one of the popular tourist cities in Spain, Madrid is a heart charmer that is sure to make you spellbound with its beauty. As the capital city of Spain, the tourist places in Madrid, Spain, are plenty, which you could spend weeks discovering.

Places to Visit in Madrid

To make it easy for you, here is a compiled list of the ten best places to go in Madrid that you can cover in a three-day itinerary.

• Puerta de Sol
• Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)
• The Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
• Temple of Debod
• Plaza Mayor
• Gran Via
• Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)
• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
• San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel)
• El Rastro Market

Puerta de Sol

Puerta de Sol, meaning ‘Gate to the Sun’, is an excellent start for exploring the city of Madrid. It is one of the most popular sites to visit in Madrid and is often known as the heart of the town. Some of the highlights of Puerta de Sol include the iconic statue of the bear and the strawberry tree (the emblem of Madrid), Real Casa de Correos (clock tower), and Kilometre Zero (the symbolic centre of Spain’s road network). This tourist attraction in Madrid city is easy to reach via the city’s clean and efficient metro rail system.

Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)

Spread over 125 hectares, Retiro Park is one of the largest parks in Madrid and one of the best places to go to. It is a green oasis within the heart of the city, home to over 15,000 trees. There is even a small lake in Retiro Park where you can rent a rowboat and enjoy the serene environment. When in Retiro Park, take advantage of the iconic Palacio de Cristal or Crystal Palace, a stunning glass pavilion often used for art exhibitions. Some other popular tourist attractions in Retiro Park, Madrid, include the Rose Garden and Statue Walks, which are lined with famous sculptures, including the famous Fallen Angel statue. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the park and enjoy a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

The Royal Palace (Palacio Real)

Constructed in 1735 on orders of King Philip V, the Royal Palace is another must-visit tourist place in Madrid if you wish to learn about Madrid’s royal history. It is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and the largest European palace by floor area. The Royal Palace has over 3,000 rooms and is bursting with art from artists all over the world, including Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio. The palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, which is now used only for state ceremonies.

Some must-visit places inside the palace include the Throne room, Royal Armoury, Royal Pharmacy, and the Sabatini Gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

When planning your visit to the Royal Palace, it's advisable to book your tickets in advance. This popular tourist place in Madrid is always bustling with visitors, and pre-booking will ensure you don't miss out on this royal experience.

Temple of Debod

Other historical sightseeing places in Madrid include the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BCE. The Egyptian government gifted the temple to Madrid, as it is one of the few examples of Egyptian architecture outside the country. Tourists from all over the world come to the temple to witness the unique historical attraction within the vicinity of the city centre. While at the Temple of Debod, do not miss out on experiencing the best sunset views from the temple, stroll in the scenic manicured gardens, and learn about the history and significance of the temple. Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural exchange between Egypt and Spain through this unique attraction.

Plaza Mayor

After Puerta de Sol, Plaza Mayor is the second busiest tourist place to go in Madrid. The square is one of the famous places in Madrid for locals and tourists to gather, eat, and shop. You can enter Plaza Mayor through nine different gates. Once inside the complex, you will find over 200 balconies and the iconic bronze statue of King Philip III. During summer, you will notice concerts and events happening at the Plaza Mayor, making the place even more happening. Other than the King Philip III statue, other highlights of the square include beautiful frescoes on Casa de la Panaderia and outdoor cafes serving delightful Spanish cuisine.

Gran Via

What was once a busy street full of concert halls, broadway, and theatre halls is now a bustling street lined with shopping centres and outdoor cafes. The tourist attraction in Madrid, Spain, is the most famous shopping street, often referred to as the Spanish Broadway. You can take a stroll through the Gran Via and shop from high-end boutiques to popular Spanish brands. In the evening, you can enjoy the nightlife at Gran Via, bustling with bars, restaurants and entertainment avenues.

Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)

Among many things to do, a trip to Spain is incomplete without visiting its beautiful museums. Madrid is a city in love with art, and the Prado Museum is one sheer example of this, as is the National Art Museum of Spain. The museum houses thousands of masterpieces from Spanish art maestros like El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez. Apart from Spanish arts, the Prado Museum holds art pieces from several Dutch and Flemish artists, like Rubens, Brueghel, and van Dyck. For classical art lovers, there is no better place to visit in Madrid, Spain, than the Prado Museum.

Tip: Due to limited capacity, the tickets are likely to get sold out very quickly. Hence, book your tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Named after the former President of Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is home to the world-famous Real Madrid football club. All football fans must visit the stadium to catch a glimpse, as the atmosphere at the stadium is absolutely electric. You can even go behind the scenes and visit the trophy room, dressing room, and the stunning pitch. Additionally, visit the Real Madrid Museum, which showcases the club’s illustrious history.

San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel)

San Miguel Market is a must-visit place in Madrid. It is lined with the city’s most famous and vibrant food markets. Located close to Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market is a food lover's paradise, serving Spanish culinary delights. The market is housed in a picturesque iron structure dating back to the bygone era, making it a place for food and an architectural gem. Some of the tastiest food items at the market include Jamón ibérico, Seafood Tapas, cheese selections and creative tapas. Be sure to visit the market in the evening when the entire street comes to life, serving iconic Spanish cuisines and drinks.

El Rastro Market

While listing tourist attractions in Madrid, Spain, El Rastro Market is an unmissable attraction. If you like open-air markets, El Rastro Market is one of the coolest places to visit. Every Sunday, the streets around El Ratro Market transform into a large market full of shops, selling everything from antiques and collectables to local crafts and unique souvenirs. There is something for everyone in the El Rastro Market. The surrounding neighbourhood also has generation-old restaurants and tapas bars where you can grab a bite of Spanish food after a tiring day exploring and shopping at the El Rastro Market.

So, there you have it, a whirlwind virtual tour of the top ten tourist attractions of Madrid city, from royal palaces to vibrant markets. Whether you are losing yourself in the royal palaces of Madrid, savouring gourmet tapas and sangria at San Miguel Market or cheering on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, this vibrant and vivacious metropolis is an adventure waiting to happen. So, pack your bags, pack your most comfortable clothes and walking shoes, and get ready to fall in love with Madrid. Explore the various Madrid tour packages by Veena World to book one now!