Madrid is the kind of city that reveals itself gradually. You might arrive with a loose plan like a list of the top attractions in Madrid, have a few museums bookmarked, or maybe even a handful of hidden gems in Madrid saved for later.
As you explore Madrid, certain buildings begin to anchor your experience. They are the places you naturally pause at between visits to Madrid’s world-class museums, the landmarks that help you orient yourself as you move between neighborhoods, and the structures that quietly shape how the city feels. Whether you are visiting during the summer, wandering through Madrid in autumn (my favorite time of year to visit), or experiencing Christmas in Madrid for the first time, you are bound to pass by many of these important buildings in Madrid.
This guide focuses on a handful of important buildings in Madrid that first-time visitors should actually stop for. Consider this a component of our broader Madrid Travel Guide, one that highlights the architectural landmarks that quietly define your first impressions of one of my favorite cities in the world.
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Even if you do not arrive in Madrid thinking about royalty, the Royal Palace of Madrid quickly makes its presence known. The open space surrounding it, the symmetry of its façade, and the way it anchors this part of the city naturally slow you down and invites a closer look.
Architecturally, the palace is a striking blend of Baroque and Classical design, defined by clean lines, grand proportions, and a sense of balance that feels extremely elegant. Its design was influenced by Italian Baroque ideals, including concepts developed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose earlier, unrealized drawings for the Louvre in Paris served as a guide for the layout and monumental scale of the Royal Palace of Madrid. The palace's vision was brought to life by several architects, including Francisco Sabatini, whose influence extends beyond the palace itself and can be seen in several other important buildings in Madrid.
Just to the north of the palace, the Sabatini Gardens, named in honor of the architect, are free and open to the public. The Sabatini Gardens offer a quieter way to experience the palace's scale and symmetry, and they are one of my favorites places to pause to view the palace if I am not planning to go inside.
Built in the 18th century on the site of a former Moorish Alcázar, the Royal Palace of Madrid is technically the official residence of King Felipe VI, although he and the royal family live at the Zarzuela Palace on the outskirts of the city. It is also the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area, a detail that becomes more apparent the longer you stand in front of it, taking in just how much ground it commands.
Inside, the palace’s grand interiors match the scale and formality of the exterior. Ornate rooms, sweeping staircases, and elaborate details reinforce just how opulent the building was designed to be. While only a small portion of the palace is open to the public, what you are able to see is undeniably extravagant and enough to give a clear sense of the wealth, power, and ceremony that once defined life here.
Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: If your time is limited in Madrid, it is perfectly fine to appreciate the palace from the surrounding viewpoints rather than rushing through its interior. The experience of seeing it in-person, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, is often just as memorable.
The Royal Palace in Madrid is also one of the most beautiful spots in the city to catch sunset. As the light softens, the pale stone of the palace takes on a warm glow, and the surrounding viewpoints offer sweeping views that make Madrid feel especially cinematic.
I personally like to catch the sunset in Madrid just across the street from the Royal Palace on Calle de Bailén. From here, you have a perfect vantage point for watching the sky shift into soft pastels while taking in both Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
Located directly across from the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena) feels both connected to and distinct from its royal neighbor. It is often one of the first religious buildings first-time visitors in Madrid encounter, and its location alone makes it hard to ignore.
Construction began on the cathedral in 1883, but it was not completed until 1993. For much of the city's history, Madrid did not have a cathedral at all. Instead, the city was a part of the Diocese of Toledo, the former capital of Spain and long considered the religious center of the country. It was not until the late 19th century, when Madrid was formally established as its own diocese, that construction on Almudena Cathedral began.
The cathedral's extended timeline reflects Spain's own turbulent history. Work was interrupted multiple times, most notably during the Spanish Civil War, and the building that stands across from the Royal Palace today is the result of changing plans, priorities, and architectural styles.
Architecturally, the cathedral is unique. Its exterior was designed to harmonize with the Royal Palace, drawing on Neoclassical elements so the two buildings feel visually balanced when viewed together. Step inside, however, and the mood changes. The interior leans modern and colorful, with contemporary artwork, clean lines, and an atmosphere that feels lighter and more approachable than many of Europe’s older cathedrals.
One of the most interesting spaces in the cathedral is the crypt, which was actually completed long before the cathedral itself. Romanesque in style, it offers a quiet contrast to the brighter interior above and provides a glimpse into the site's history.
If you have time to go inside, it is well worth it, especially for the views. The cathedral's dome offers incredible views of the Royal Palace and across the city.
Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: You do not need to spend a long time inside Almudena Cathedral to appreciate it. Even a brief visit, or a stop to see the crypt or viewing platform in the dome, adds valuable context to the Royal Palace and deepens your understanding of Madrid's history.
Just downhill from the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, the Basilica of San Francisco El Grande, also known as the Royal Basilica of St. Francis The Great, is one of the best hidden gems in Madrid.
From the outside, the basilica is does not look like much. The building's Neoclassical design is elegant but understated. Its pale façade and symmetrical form blend quietly into the surrounding streets, and only part of its most defining feature, a massive dome, is visible from street level. That partial view offers just enough of a hint to suggest there is something more waiting inside.
The basilica was constructed in the 18th century on the site of a Franciscan convent said to have been founded by St. Francis of Assisi himself.
Step inside, and the space opens dramatically. The basilica is best known for its enormous circular interior, dominated by one of the largest domes in Europe. Rising high above the nave, the dome immediately draws your eye upward and defines the experience of the entire building.
The interior of the dome is richly painted, and its scale gives the artwork a sense of movement and depth that is difficult to appreciate from photographs alone. Standing beneath it, the architecture feels both monumental and surprisingly intimate, a balance that makes a visit to San Francisco El Grande especially memorable.
Beyond the dome, the basilica houses an impressive collection of religious art, including works by Francisco de Goya and Francisco de Zurbarán. Art also fills the chapels surrounding the nave, adding richness to the space.
Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: Even a short visit inside is enough to appreciate the basilica's dome and artwork. If you are exploring this part of Madrid on foot, it is an easy addition to any itinerary that adds depth to your day.
For many first-time visitors, seeing the Palacio de Cibeles is the moment that Madrid begins to feel unmistakably grand. Most visitors notice the Cibeles Fountain first, the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by lions, and only then look up to realize there is an equally imposing building rising just behind it. That shift in perspective, from fountain to façade, is often when the scale of the city really starts to sink in.
Originally constructed as the headquarters of Spain’s national postal service, the palace was designed to project progress, connectivity, and civic pride. In addition to postal operations, the building also housed telecommunications infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a symbol of modernization at a time when Madrid was redefining itself as a modern European capital.
Architecturally, the Palacio de Cibeles, or Cibeles Palace, stands apart from many of the older landmarks you encounter elsewhere in the city. Designed in an eclectic style that blends Beaux-Arts foundations with Neo-Plateresque and Neoclassical influences, the building feels intentionally ornate.
Plateresque design originated during Spain’s Renaissance and is known for richly ornamented façades and intricate stonework inspired by silversmithing (platero means silversmith in Spanish). In its Neo-Plateresque form, those decorative details were reimagined for modern civic buildings, allowing Madrid to celebrate its artistic heritage while signaling progress.
With Palacio de Cibeles, this influence is apparent in the sculptural detailing and expressive façade, which give the building a dramatic, almost theatrical presence. From different angles around Plaza de Cibeles, it can feel formal and symmetrical one moment, then bold and expressive the next.
Today, Palacio de Cibeles serves as Madrid's City Hall. The building is still very much a part of the city's daily life, not just a monument to admire from afar. Portions of the interior are open to the public, and stepping inside reveals bright, airy spaces that contrast beautifully with the intricate exterior.
One of the most rewarding ways to experience Palacio de Cibeles is from above. Its rooftop terrace, offers sweeping views across Madrid, including a clear perspective down Gran Vía and into the surrounding neighborhoods.
Just steps from Palacio de Cibeles sits the Banco de España, one of the most imposing civic buildings in Madrid. Architecturally, it leans heavily on Neoclassical and Renaissance Revival influences, with a solid stone façade, columns, and a sense of permanence that feels deliberately reassuring. Built to project stability and authority, the building’s restrained ornamentation contrasts nicely with the more expressive design of Palacio de Cibeles, reinforcing the plaza’s role as a center of power - political, civic, and financial - within the city.
Located along the tree-lined Paseo del Prado, the Prado Museum feels deliberately placed rather than stumbled upon. Unlike many of the other important buildings in Madrid, which announce themselves through scale or ornamentation, the Prado sits quietly within the city's cultural corridor.
Architecturally, the Prado is a refined example of Neoclassical design. Designed in the late 18th century, the building emphasizes symmetry and proportion. Its clean façade and orderly layout feel intentional.
That sense of intentional design becomes clearer when you understand why the building exists. The Prado opened in 1819 with the aim of displaying art that belonged to the Spanish royal family, including works that had long been held privately within royal palaces. In that sense, the museum represents a shift: art once reserved for the monarchy was made accessible to the public, housed in a building designed specifically to elevate and protect it.
The Prado’s location reinforces its importance. Positioned between Retiro Park and Madrid’s historic center, it anchors the city’s cultural heart in the same way the Royal Palace anchors its political and historic core. Its setting along the Paseo del Prado, itself one of Madrid’s most significant avenues, makes it feel integrated into daily life rather than set apart from it.
Inside, the scale of the galleries reflects the weight of what they were built to contain. High ceilings, long corridors, and light create an atmosphere that encourages slow exploration. Even if you do not spend hours inside, the building itself communicates its original purpose clearly: this was meant to be a permanent, dignified home for Spain’s artistic legacy.
To learn more about the Prado Museum and its impressive collection, be sure to check out our blog on Discovering the Museums in Madrid.
At first glance, the Reina Sofía feels very different from Madrid’s other major cultural buildings, and that is because it was not originally designed as a museum at all. Long before it became home to Spain’s national collection of modern art, the building served a far more practical purpose.
A quick note: I actually do not have many photos of the Reina Sofía's exterior, so you will just have to trust me on this one. The contrast between the historic structure and the modern additions is even more striking in person.
The core of the Reina Sofía complex is the former General Hospital of Madrid, constructed in the late 18th century as part of a broader effort to modernize public health in the city. The building was designed by Francisco Sabatini, the same architect whose influence you have already encountered at the Royal Palace nearby.
Built with function in mind, the hospital’s design emphasized symmetry, order, and efficiency, hallmarks of Enlightenment-era thinking. Although Sabatini envisioned the hospital as a far more expansive complex, only about a third of his original plan was ever completed. Financial constraints and shifting priorities meant the full vision was never realized, leaving behind a structure that feels intentionally ordered, yet restrained in its ambition.
The hospital served the city in this role for nearly two centuries, remaining in use until 1960. Only after changing medical needs rendered the space obsolete did the building begin its gradual transition into a world-class cultural institution.
When the building was later adapted to house the Reina Sofía Museum, much of Sabatini’s original structure was preserved. Rather than masking its past, the museum embraces it. Solid stone walls, long corridors, and a restrained façade still hint at the building’s former life as a hospital.
What clearly signals the shift to modernity are the glass elevator towers added to the exterior. Their transparency and contemporary design intentionally contrast with the original structure, a visual cue that what is inside belongs to a different era. Much like the modern art housed within, the elevators do not try to blend in. Instead, they announce change, experimentation, and a willingness to challenge expectations, making the architecture itself feel like an extension of the collection.
Walking through the Reina Sofía feels markedly different from the Prado. Where the Prado is ceremonial and composed, the Reina Sofía feels open, experimental, and industrial. That atmosphere is not accidental. It mirrors the evolution of the building itself and sets the tone for the modern art it contains.
Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: Even if modern art is not usually your focus, the Reina Sofía is worth prioritizing during your time in Madrid. Pablo Picasso's masterpiece, Guernica, is housed here. This powerful, profoundly moving work adds an important layer of context in understanding Spain's more recent history and the brutality of the Spanish Civil War.
For many visitors, this is a building they recognize before they know its name. Most people notice the glowing Schweppes sign first, hovering above Gran Vía, and only then realize there’s a striking Art Deco building beneath it.
The Capitol Building is not an important building in Madrid in the traditional sense of function or authority. Instead, its significance comes from its architecture and design. Over time, the Capitol Building has become a visual landmark in the city and is one of my favorites.
Completed in the 1930s, the Capitol Building marks a very different moment in Madrid’s architectural story. Designed as a mixed-use building with a movie theater, hotel, and commercial spaces, it reflects the city’s growing confidence as a modern, cosmopolitan capital in the early 20th century.
Architecturally, the Capitol Building stands out for its clean lines, curved form, and vertical emphasis, all hallmarks of Art Deco design. Its rounded corner and stepped silhouette were intentionally designed to be seen from multiple angles, making it feel dynamic as you walk along Gran Vía.
Unlike many of Madrid’s grand civic or cultural buildings, this one feels embedded in everyday life. Traffic flows around it, theaters light up nearby, and the street in front buzzes well into the night. That constant movement is part of what makes the building so memorable.
What gives the Capitol Building its lasting cultural relevance is how seamlessly it blends architecture, advertising, and urban identity. The Schweppes sign has become one of Madrid’s most recognizable visual landmarks, transforming the building into a reference point for the city itself, much like Piccadilly Circus in London or Times Square in New York City.
As you continue along Gran Vía, you will start to notice other early 20th-century buildings that define the street’s character, including the elegant corner buildings and commercial façades that have become just as recognizable as the shops they house today. Buildings like the Grassy Building, long associated with its Rolex storefront, are part of what gives Gran Vía its distinctive architectural identity.
Alternatively, the Telefónica Building stands out in a very different way on Gran Vía. Its design was heavily influenced by early American skyscrapers, and if you are visiting Madrid from the United States, the vertical lines and stepped form may feel unexpectedly familiar, more New York than old Europe. I mention the Telefónica Building for a reason here, it was actually the tallest skyscraper in Europe until 1940!
For first-time visitors, the most important buildings in Madrid offer more than architectural beauty, they provide context to the city. Each one tells a different part of the city's story, from royal power and religious tradition to civic ambition, cultural identity, and modern life.
What makes these buildings significant and worthy of being included in this blog post is that their importance is not defined by a single standard. Some matter because of history and function, others because of reinvention, and some simply because their design has made them a landmark.
You do not need to see every interior or follow a rigid route to appreciate these important buildings in Madrid. Often, it is enough to see these buildings and know a bit more about them, or simply recognize which ones to look out for as you step foot in Madrid for the very first time.
If you are continuing to plan your trip, this guide pairs well with our broader Madrid Travel Guide, where you will find discover some of our favorite restaurants and things to do in the city. Should you need help finding a place to stay, do not miss our guide on Where to Stay in Madrid: Best Areas & Neighborhoods.
If you are planning your first trip to Madrid and are not sure which sights to prioritize, feel free to leave a comment below. We are always happy to help you think it through!