Top Attractions in Madrid

Madrid offers visitors countless things to do and places to see. The following is a list of the city’s top attractions not to be missed:

Our five top visits

• 
  Puerta del Sol
  The Puerta del Sol is Madrid’s most renowned square. It houses numerous landmarks like “El Oso y el Madroño”, KM 0 and the most famous clock in the city.
• 
  Plaza Mayor
  The Plaza Mayor is located in the heart of Madrid, very near the Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace. It is one of the oldest squares in Spain and was designed by Juan de Herrera and Juan Gómez de Mora during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
• 
  Gran Vía
  Gran Vía is the most famous street in Madrid. It houses numerous restaurants, stores, theatres and cinemas. A street that never sleeps in the heart of Madrid.
• 
  Retiro Park
  El Retiro Park is Madrid’s most renowned park since it was opened to the public in the nineteenth century. This beautiful park is a perfect place to visit with children.
• 
  Puerta de Alcalá
  The Puerta de Alcalá is one of Madrid’s most representative monuments. It was designed by Francisco Sabatini during Carlos III’s reign.

Other top places to visit in Madrid

• 
  Plaza de Cibeles
  The Plaza de Cibeles is a square with a large fountain in the center. It is one of the city’s most symbolic landmarks. The Real Madrid football (soccer) team and the Spanish football team celebrate their victories in the majestic fountain.
• 
  Royal Palace of Madrid
  The Royal Palace of Madrid is the Spanish Royal Family’s official residence. It was built between 1738 and 1755 and is the largest royal palace in Western Europe.
• 
  Plaza de España 
  Located between the Calle Gran Vía and Calle Princesa, the Plaza de España is one of the most popular squares in Madrid for both tourists and locals.
• 
  Almudena Cathedral
  The cathedral of Madrid, Almudena Cathedral, was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993 when it was completed. Felipe VI of Spain was married to Queen Letizia in this church.   
• 
  Temple of Debod
  The Temple of Debod is one of Madrid’s most beautiful hidden treasures. It was given to Spain by Egypt for helping save the Abu Simbel temples.
• 
  Cuatro Torres
  The Cuatro Torres (Four Towers) are the symbol of the most modern part of Madrid and the city’s business district. These skyscrapers stand 820 ft (250 m) tall and are the tallest buildings in Spain.
• 
  El Rastro
  El Rastro is Madrid’s most famous flea market located in the city center, in La Latina. It is open on Sundays and public holidays until 3 pm approximately.
• 
  Círculo de Bellas Artes
  The Círculo de Bellas Artes is a cultural organization housed in a striking building with an impressive and trendy rooftop with spectacular views of Madrid.

Attractions near Madrid

• 
  Royal Palace of El Pardo
  The Pardo Royal Palace is situated in the district of Fuencarral – EL Pardo. From 1939 to 1975, it was the official residence of the Spanish Dictator, Francisco Franco.

Money saving tips to visit Madrid’s top attractions

Check out our article on how to save money during your stay in Madrid. We have included information on the Madrid Tourist Pass, which is a great option if you are interested in visiting several of the city’s museums and monuments: 

• Madrid Card