Madrid is a city that I fell in love with a little over 11 years ago and a city that I since have returned to again and again. Over the last decade, I have spent a lot of time in Madrid, revisiting some of my favorite spots in the city, while also uncovering some pretty incredible hidden gems. A part of Madrid's appeal is the fact that it is a city that blends modernity with its rich history and vibrant culture. It is a big city, with over 3.7 million inhabitants, while simultaneously feeling digestible and easy to navigate as a first-time tourist.
Like any big city, Madrid is filled with so many things to do. From world-class museums and an opulent royal palace (Palacio Real de Madrid), to charming plazas and beautiful parks, discovering the top sites to see in Madrid is essential to truly experiencing the Spanish capital. The top sites to see in Madrid, which I will cover in this blog post, showcase the city's unique energy and explain why I keep returning visit after visit. So, if you are planning a trip to Madrid and wondering what to prioritize, keep reading to uncover the top sites to see in Madrid.
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You could easily spend six weeks in Madrid and still not see it all, so I have narrowed down my list of the top sites to see in Madrid to what you can easily cover in just a few days in the city. This is the exact list I provided my in-laws when they visited Madrid last October, spending only three days in the city. My in-laws had time to see each of these top sites in Madrid over the course of their three days without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, and even had some time to spare to do some shopping and additional sightseeing. So without further ado, here are my top sites to see in Madrid!
The museums in Madrid are among my favorite in the world, truly rivaling that of only Paris in prestige and art. With that being said, there are three main museums in Madrid that I recommend (with the caveat that you do not have to visit all three of these art museums during your time in Madrid—select the art museum that most interests you): the Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado), the Reina Sofía (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum (Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza).
If you are looking for more information about the museums in Madrid check out my blog post: Discovering the Museums in Madrid: A Journey through Art & History.
There are few museums in the world that can truly complete with that of the Louvre in Paris and the Prado Museum is one of them. Officially known as the Museo Nacional del Prado, or simply the Prado for short, the Prado Museum is home to an exceptional collection of works from the Old Masters, with a special emphasis on the works of three Spanish Old Masters: El Greco (Doménikos Theotokópoulos), Diego Velázquez, and Francisco de Goya. The Prado is an incredible art museum and one of the top sites to see in Madrid.
Where the Louvre has the Mona Lisa, the Prado has Velázquez's masterpiece: Las Meninas. Las Meninas is considered one of the most important pieces of Western art ever produced, largely because of its groundbreaking use of perspective when it was painted in 1656. At first glance, it appears to be a pretty standard royal portrait: in the foreground, you see the young Infanta Margaret Theresa, standing just off center, flanked by two of her ladies-in-waiting (called meninas in Spanish), as well as two court dwarfs, who were frequently present in royal households during the 17th century. Just behind them are the princess’s chaperone and a bodyguard.
However, what makes Las Meninas so revolutionary is what is happening beyond this first group. In the background, a man is shown either entering or exiting through a door, and a mirror beside him on the back wall reflects the images of King Felipe IV and Queen Mariana. This small but crucial detail reveals the true subject of the painting: the King and Queen themselves. Standing to the left, in the foreground, is the artist Velázquez, shown in the act of painting.
This innovative composition means we, the viewers, are seeing the scene from the perspective of the King and Queen, as if we are standing where they are, being painted by Velázquez, while their daughter and her royal entourage look on. It is a masterful play on perception and reality that was centuries ahead of its time. Seeing Las Meninas in person, as well as the other masterpieces on display at the Prado Museum, easily makes the museum one of the top sites to see in Madrid.
As you spend time in Madrid, you will notice that the ladies-in-waiting in the Velázquez's painting have become unofficial mascots of the city of Madrid. You can find them on t-shirts, traditional Spanish fans (known as abanico in Spanish), knick-knacks, and other souvenirs throughout the city. If you happen to find yourself in Madrid in November and/or December, you will also be treated to life-size Meninas on many of the streets as part of the Meninas Madrid Gallery. Plus, if you visit Madrid at Christmas, you can expect to see a grand, illuminated menina standing at over 32 feet (10 meters) tall.
There is much more to see at the Prado Museum than just Las Meninas. However, I think it is important to get to know a little bit more about one of the most significant paintings in Western art and the most important piece in the Prado's collection. The Prado's collection spans hundreds of years from the Medieval Period through the 19th century and includes works from artists such as Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Hieronymus Bosch, Albrecht Dürer, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, and, of course the Old Spanish Masters: El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya.
The Prado Museum is located in the heart of Madrid, along the Paseo del Prado, one of the city’s most prestigious and culturally significant boulevards. This elegant tree-lined avenue is part of the "Paseo del Arte" (Art Walk). The Prado Museum sits within close proximity to Retiro Park, Madrid’s iconic green space, offering visitors a perfect combination of art and nature. The museum is also near Plaza de Cibeles, with its famous fountain, and the Puerta de Alcalá, two of Madrid's most recognizable landmarks. The museum's location is easily accessible from various parts of the city via public transportation. It is within walking distance from the Atocha Railway Station, one of Madrid's main transport hubs, and is well-served by public transport, including the Banco de España and Atocha Metro stations.
The Prado Museum is home to an enormous collection of art. To make the most out of your time at the Prado Museum, I highly recommend renting an audio guide. You should plan to spend a minimum of two hours in the Prado Museum to see the collection's highlights, but can easily spend a half-day just seeing the main collection. Plan for an extra hour of time if you are interested in seeing any temporary exhibits that may be on display. Please note that photography is not permitted inside the museum.
If you are interested in exploring beyond just the museum's highlights, our affiliate partner*, GoWithGuide, has knowledgeable tour guides that offer private tours of the Prado Museum, perfect for diving deeper into the museum’s world-class collection of masterpieces. GoWithGuide also offers various tours and experiences across Madrid to deepen your appreciation of this incredible city. To see a full listing of all of the tours offered by GoWithGuide in Madrid, please check out the GoWithGuide website.
*If you book a tour or experience through one of our affiliate partners, including GoWithGuide, we may earn a small commission.
The Prado Museum is open daily. From Monday to Saturday, the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Sundays, the Prado Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The museum is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25, annually. The museum has reduced opening hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on January 6, December 24, and December 31, annually. Tickets can be purchased both online and in-person. The museum is free to visitors during the last two hours before closing. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Prado Museum website.
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía or, more simply, the Reina Sofía is a 20th century modern art museum in Madrid. It is my favorite modern art museum in the world, hands down, thanks to its impressive collection of works by some of the best painters of the 20th century who just so happen to be Spanish. The museum is also home to the most politically-charged, historically significant painting in recent times: Guernica by Pablo Picasso. Guernica alone is one of the top sites to see in Madrid; the painting is that powerful and important.
Guernica was painted by Picasso as an immediate response to the news of the bombing of the Basque town of the same name, Guernica, by Hitler's Luftwaffe and, to a lesser extent, Mussolini's Aviazione Legionaria on April 26, 1937. The bombing came at the orders of General Francisco Franco at the height of the Spanish Civil War. Guernica and the Basque region of Spain was viewed by General Franco as a symbol of resistance that stood in the way of his establishment of a fascist dictatorship in Spain. The bombing raid occurred on a Monday, market day in Guernica, when the town was busier than usual with merchants and people from surrounding areas conducting business. The bombing killed and/or wounded almost a third of Guernica's population, by some estimates up to 5,000 civilians, a significant portion of those women and children. (Unfortunately, the exact number of those who perished is unavailable as no official records were kept of the bodies removed from the extensive rubble.) Picasso, outraged by the event, went on to depict the chaos, cruelty, and agony of war in Guernica. (Artsper Magazine has a great explanation on the symbolism in the painting if you are interested in learning more. I won't bore you with all of the details here!) The painting was then displayed in Paris and the United States. Picasso would not return to Spain in his lifetime and he expressly prohibited the painting from being displayed in Spain until freedom was restored and General Franco was no longer in power. Guernica was eventually installed at the Reina Sofía in 1981, at which point, Spain had transitioned from a dictatorship to a democracy.
I was first introduced to Guernica in a textbook. I do not remember exactly when, but it was during my time at the University of Florida when I was majoring in Spanish and International Studies. In 2014, I spent a semester abroad in Sevilla, but started out first in Madrid for a few days before venturing south. On my very first trip to Madrid, I visited the Reina Sofía and I can honestly say that seeing Guernica was an emotionally moving experience. After studying the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the Franco Regime, you can almost understand the agony in the painting. It may be in black and white, but the suffering is vivid and clear.
If you are interested in learning more about Pablo Picasso's masterpiece, Guernica, and the tragic events that inspired its painting, the Musée Picasso Paris has a great write-up on the period of the Spanish Civil War and the Nazi Occupation of France, where Picasso lived at the time of Guernica's creation.
The Reina Sofía is also home to a larger collection of works by Pablo Picasso and many of his Spanish contemporaries, including: the Surrealist master, Salvador Dalí, and the innovative Cubist painter, Juan Gris.
The Reina Sofía is located in the vibrant Atocha neighborhood of Madrid, at the southern end of the Paseo del Prado, forming part of Madrid’s famed Paseo del Arte or Art Walk. Visitors can easily reach the Reina Sofía by public transportation. The Atocha and Estación del Arte Metro stations are the closest to the museum.
The Reina Sofía is closed on Tuesdays. For the most up-to-date opening hours and to purchase tickets, please visit the Reina Sofía website. To see the museum's highlights, including Guernica, I recommend spending two hours at the Reina Sofía. If you are looking to view the museum's entire collection, you will need to budget about four hours.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum (Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza), or simply the Thyssen as locals call it, is the third museum that I am going to recommend on my list of the top sites to see in Madrid. If I had to pick a favorite out of the museums in Madrid, the Thyssen might be it. The keyword there is might because the Prado's collection is pretty incredible!
The Thyssen was previously a private collection (the second largest private art collection in the world after that of the British Royals) which explains why it is composed of such a breadth of works, spanning centuries of art and a wide array of genres from Pop Art to Impressionism, Western American art, Early Renaissance art, and more. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibits, including some upcoming exhibits showcasing the works of Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Pablo Picasso.
One of the reasons that I love the Thyssen is because of its seemingly random assortment of art and the size of its collection. The Thyssen-Bornemisza family purchased art over the course of three generations and the art that they collected appealed to their varying tastes. While the Prado Museum focuses on the Old Masters, with a special focus on the Old Spanish Masters (El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya), and the Reina Sofía is home to contemporary and modern art from the 20th century, the Thyssen is a great blend of the two. So, if you are short on time in Madrid, the Thyssen is easily one of the top sites to see in Madrid since it is a single museum where you can explore a vast collection that spans centuries of art history.
Among the Thyssen's collection there are a number of highlights and masterpieces, including:
This list is by no means a complete list of the best works to see while visiting the Thyssen, only a sampling to give you an idea of the works on display and the periods, artists, and genres they cover. It is hard for me to pick a favorite piece in the museum's collection, but I adore the Portrait of Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland and Swaying Dancer (Dancer in Green) is one my favorite works of the Impressionist era (both of which are pictured below).
The Thyssen is also located on the Paseo del Prado, forming the third part of Madrid’s Madrid’s "Golden Triangle of Art", alongside the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía. Like the Prado and Reina Sofía, the Thyssen is part of the famed Paseo del Arte or Art Walk. The Thyssen is easily accessible by public transportation and the closest metro stations are Banco de España and Sol.
The Thyssen is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, daily, with the exception of Mondays when the museum has reduced hours from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For additional information about the Thyssen museum and to purchase tickets, please visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum website. To see the museum's permanent collection, you should plan to spend three hours at the museum. However, budget for additional time if you are also interested in viewing any temporary exhibitions that may be on display. The on-site restaurant is also excellent, especially for lunch!
Did you know that Madrid is hope to Western Europe's largest royal palace? The Royal Palace of Madrid, or Palacio Real de Madrid, contains over 3,000 rooms, of which a tiny portion are open to the public. The Royal Palace is technically the official residence of the King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia, but they do not actually live here and only use the palace for official state functions. The palace, which was completed in the early 18th century, is lavish, grand, and certainly one of the top sites to see in Madrid.
The Royal Palace of Madrid stands on the site of the former Real Alcázar, a medieval Moorish fortress-turned-royal residence that was originally constructed in the 9th century. After a devastating fire destroyed the old Alcázar on Christmas Eve in 1734, King Felipe V ordered the construction of a new royal residence that would rival the great palaces of Europe. The result is the Royal Palace of Madrid that you see today; an architectural masterpiece of Baroque and Classical styles, inspired by the Louvre Palace in Paris, France. Inside, visitors can explore highlights such as the grand staircase, the richly adorned Throne Room (more on that in a moment), the Royal Armoury, and my personal favorite—the Porcelain Room, a space completely covered in porcelain tiles in a Neoclassical style. The palace also houses an impressive collection of artwork by masters like Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Goya, and Peter Paul Rubens in the Gallery of Royal Collections (Galería de las Colecciones Reales).
For most visitors to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the highlight is undoubtedly the Throne Room. The room’s deep red velvet walls and gilded décor, create an atmosphere of majesty and power. The two thrones at the center of the room, reserved for the King and Queen of Spain, are framed by enormous mirrors and royal symbols, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Spain’s monarchy. The most obvious of these symbols are the four large gilded lions (which are copies of the Medici Lions which are on display at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Italy), that surround the thrones. Lions, as a symbol, can be interpreted in various ways and have long been associated with royalty in various cultures. In Spain, however, lions specifically symbolize the Kingdom of León. The unification of four kingdoms—León, Castile, Navarre, and Aragón—formed the foundation of modern Spain and the Spanish Empire. These four kingdoms are all symbolized in the Spanish coat of arms and are further referenced in the Throne Room.
The Royal Palace is centrally located, in the historic center of Madrid near the Plaza de Oriente, and directly across from the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena. The Royal Palace of Madrid can be easily accessed by public transportation, with the Ópera, Príncipe Pío, and Santo Domingo Metro stations the closest to the Royal Palace.
You can expect to spend around two and a half hours at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Either before or after your visit, I also recommend walking through the Sabatini Gardens, which are located at the rear of the Royal Palace. The Sabatini Gardens are free to enter and no tickets are required. This public green space was previously part of the Royal Palace of Madrid before they were opened to the public by King Juan Carlos I in 1978. The gardens offer fantastic views of the palace.
The Royal Palace is open daily. Operating hours differ based on the season. The Royal Palace does close to visitors on public holidays and in the instance of official events being held at the Royal Palace. I recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time to avoid waiting in line upon arrival. In order to better appreciate your time at the Royal Palace of Madrid, I also recommend a guided tour or audio guide. Audio guides can be booked online when you make your reservation. For the most up-to-date opening hours and to purchase tickets, please visit the Patrimonio Nacional website.
If you are interested in viewing the Gallery of Royal Collections to see some of the art and artifacts held in the royal family's private collection, separate tickets are required for admission. The Gallery of Royal Collections is open daily, but may close due to official events being held at the Royal Palace. You should plan to spend around two hours in the gallery. For the most up-to-date opening hours and to purchase tickets, please visit the Patrimonio Nacional website.
Retiro Park, or Parque del Buen Retiro as it is known in Spanish, is a beautiful park and green space located in the heart of Madrid, just steps from the Prado Museum and the Puerta de Alcalá. You can think of Retiro Park as the equivalent to New York's Central Park and it is most certainly one of the top sites to see in Madrid. This expansive park covers 350 acres (141.6 hectares) of land in central Madrid and includes a number of attractions, walking and jogging paths, and gardens that are popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
Retiro Park, like many of the top sites to see in Madrid, has a royal history. Retiro Park was initially established in the early 17th century as part of the private grounds for the Spanish Royals and part of the Buen Retiro Palace complex. (The Buen Retiro Palace suffered significant damage during the Peninsular War and was ultimately demolished in the 19th century.) The name Retiro means "retreat" in Spanish, which reflects the park’s original purpose as a secluded escape for the royal family. When Retiro Park was first created, the park was filled with ornate gardens, sculptures, fountains, and man-made lakes. Some of its original features still exist today, such as the Estanque Grande (Great Pond), which was used for mock naval battles and royal entertainment. In 1868, Retiro Park was opened to the public and has remained one of the most popular public parks in the city. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Retiro Park has a handful of iconic features that are top sites to see in Madrid on their own merit and should definitely not be missed while you explore Retiro Park.
I have visited Retiro Park on almost every trip I have taken to Madrid because it is such a peaceful and wonderful park. I personally love taking a post-dinner stroll through the park in the evenings when I am in town or heading there for a casual picnic at lunch. Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s most beloved green spaces, well-used and well-loved year-round. I have visited during one of the city’s all-too-typical summer heatwaves and even on a crisp winter day, and the park is still buzzing with life. Scattered throughout the park are also plenty of elegant fountains and statues, all making Retiro Park one of the top sites to see in Madrid.
As I have already mentioned, Retiro Park is centrally located and just steps from the Prado Museum and Puerta de Alcalá. Retiro Park is easily accessible by public transportation, with the closest Metro station appropriately named Retiro.
Retiro Park is free to enter and open daily. From April to September, the park is open from 6:00 AM to midnight. From October to March, the park is open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The designated dog park areas are accessible from 7:00 AM until the park closes.
Madrid’s picturesque plazas are at the heart of the city’s charm and they are easily among the top sites to see in Madrid. These lively public squares are where history, culture, and daily life come together, offering the perfect backdrop for people-watching, snapping photos, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. From the iconic Puerta del Sol, the center of Spain, to the grand architecture of Plaza Mayor, and the ever-popular Plaza de España, each plaza is worth seeing as you make your way through Madrid.
Puerta del Sol is quite literally the center of Spain. Home to Kilometer Zero, Puerta del Sol marks the starting point for Spanish highways and Madrid's numbered streets. So, the closer you are to Puerta del Sol, the lower the number.
However, there is a lot more to Puerta del Sol than just a plaque marking Kilometer Zero. Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid's busiest plazas and is home to several iconic landmarks in Madrid that are among the top sites to see in Madrid, including:
Puerta del Sol is surrounded by major shopping streets like Calle Preciados and Calle del Carmen, and is just a short walk from Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, and the Royal Palace. Puerta del Sol also serves as a major transportation hub, home to the busy Sol Metro station.
Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most iconic and architecturally striking squares, surrounded by elegant, uniform buildings that reflect the city’s Habsburg heritage (yes, those Habsburgs from Vienna). Originally constructed in the early 17th century under King Felipe III, whose statue stands at the center, the square is framed by grand, red-hued residential buildings with slate spires, wrought-iron Juliet balconies, and beautiful murals—especially those on the Casa de la Panadería, a former bakery, which is now home to the Centro de Turismo de Madrid (a tourist information center). The entire plaza is enclosed by these symmetrical buildings and accessed through nine arched entryways, creating a sense of intimacy and grandeur all at once. With its harmonious design and arcaded walkways, Plaza Mayor is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque architecture and one of the top sites to see in Madrid.
A variety of large events have taken place in Plaza Mayor since its construction, including bullfighting (the last bullfight in Plaza Mayor took place in 1846), Christmas markets (which still take place every December), and religious processions. If you are looking to learn more about Plaza Mayor, Google Arts & Culture has a neat piece on the beautiful plaza.
While Plaza Mayor, today, is filled with cafés and restaurants, I would not actually recommend any of those located within the plaza as they are going be extremely touristy. However, with that being said, there is an iconic spot just outside of Plaza Mayor for bocadillo de calamares, or a fried calamari sandwich which is a staple in Madrid. Bar La Ideal serves, in my opinion, the best bocadillo de calamares in Madrid. After ordering your sandwich, walk into the plaza and find a seat on one of the empty benches to enjoy the atmosphere, architecture, and a delicious bite to eat!
Plaza Mayor is centrally located in the heart of Madrid’s historic district, just a short walk from Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace.
Plaza de España sits at the western end of Madrid’s iconic Gran Vía and serves as a grand gateway between the city center and the Royal Palace. This expansive square has long been a focal point of Madrid’s urban landscape. At its heart is the famous monument to Miguel de Cervantes, featuring a large stone sculpture of the author himself and copper sculptures of his beloved literary characters, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. This tribute makes the plaza one of the top sites to see in Madrid for fans of Spanish literature.
Surrounding the square are some of Madrid’s most recognizable landmarks, including the towering Edificio España and Torre de Madrid, both symbols of post-war modernism. Edificio España is now home to Hotel Riu Plaza España (), while the Torre de Madrid houses private residences and the upscale hotel, Barceló Torre de Madrid (). Although these two buildings are now overshadowed by much taller skyscrapers in the city, during the 1960s, they were among the tallest in Europe, with the Torre de Madrid being the tallest concrete skyscraper in the world at the time of its construction.
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Plaza de España is a popular plaza for families to visit thanks to its large playground and central location. Plaza de España also frequently hosts various festivals and events, including a magnificent Christmas market—complete with an outdoor ice rink—every December. During the months of July through September, Plaza de España hosts La Estival with outdoor movies.
As I already mentioned, Plaza de España is located at the western end of Gran Vía, where Madrid’s shopping and theater district meets the historic Royal Quarter. Just a short walk from the Royal Palace, the Sabatini Gardens, and the Temple of Debod, it is a key crossroads between the city center and some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks.
Mercado de San Miguel is one of Madrid’s most iconic culinary landmarks. Located near Plaza Mayor, this market is one of the top sites to see in Madrid for food lovers.
Mercado de San Miguel first opened its doors in 1916 as a local food market and is known for its elegant iron-and-glass design—one of the last surviving examples of early 20th-century iron architecture in Madrid. After a period of decline in the late 20th century, the market underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2009 as a gourmet food hall. Today, it houses over 30 stalls offering a curated selection of Spanish delicacies—from fresh seafood and Iberian ham to empanadas and regional wines. The market attracts more than 10 million visitors annually, making it one of the top sites to see in Madrid.
I love the assortment of foods at Mercado de San Miguel, especially if you are traveling with a group of people who have different tastes or are looking to sample a variety of Spanish foods. While the market is quite touristy, the quality of the food is good and its central location makes it a great spot for a quick lunch, afternoon snack, or even a casual dinner. I personally love the empanadas at Mercado de San Miguel—especially the rabo de toro (oxtail) empanadas, which are my favorite and a must-have on every visit to Madrid.
Whether you are sampling tapas, sipping tinto de verano, or simply admiring the historic architecture and the vibrancy of the market, Mercado de San Miguel offers a taste of Madrid’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Mercado de San Miguel is open daily. The busiest time to visit Mercado de San Miguel is around lunchtime. With that being said, Mercado de San Miguel can get very crowded midday, so pay close attention to any valuables or bags that you may have with you as pickpockets may be present. I mention this not to alarm you, but to remind you to stay vigilant during your travels. If you are looking for smaller crowds, I highly recommend visiting Mercado de San Miguel in the evenings. Mercado de San Miguel is open until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and extends its hours until 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. For the most-up-to-date hours and additional information, please visit the Mercado de San Miguel website.
Mercado de San Miguel is nestled in the Plaza de San Miguel, just steps away from the iconic Plaza Mayor. This prime location places it within a short walk of other top sites to see in Madrid like Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, and the Almudena Cathedral, making it a convenient and popular stop for visitors exploring the city's historic core.
Madrid is a city full of life, culture, and history. These top sites to see in Madrid capture its essence beautifully and provide a great introduction into the city, especially for first-time visitors who are short on time. From world-renowned museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía to the grandeur of the Royal Palace, you will gain a deep sense of Spain’s rich artistic and royal heritage. The city’s iconic plazas—Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España, and Puerta del Sol—provide an ideal setting for immersing yourself in the local atmosphere, while Retiro Park provides a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city. Of course, no visit to Madrid would be complete without a stop at Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample a large assortment of classic Spanish foods. While Madrid has so much more to offer, if you only have a few days in the capital, these are truly the top sites to see in Madrid.
If you are looking for even more suggestions for your time in Madrid check out our Madrid Travel Guide for hotel recommendations, day trip ideas, and even more things to do in Spain's capital. Happy travels!
We would love to hear from you! Have you been to Madrid? What were your favorite sights, or is there something you are most looking forward to seeing? Let us know your thoughts and travel tips in the comments below!