Things to See and Do in Madrid

If you are an art-lover, it is very unlikely that you will miss the chance to take a pleasant walk along the Paseo del Prado, Madrid’s oldest boulevard, to discover three of the world’s most famous museums: Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

From Plaza Cibeles to Atocha, Madrid proudly displays these invaluable treasures which complement each other. Due to their location, the area is also known as the Golden Triangle of Art, the Art Walk or the Museum Mile.

Spain´s main art gallery and one of the most famous museums in the world, the Museo del Prado was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785 and opened to the public as the Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture in 1819.

Thanks to the artistic tastes of Spain’s 16th and 17th century monarchs, the collection was, from its origins, one of the largest and finest in the world. The first paintings and sculptures exhibited in the museum, with an evident emphasis on certain artists, were borrowed from the Spanish monarchy, but the collection has grown remarkably over the years. In the never-ending exhibition halls, you will find countless masterpieces by the greatest masters of Spain and Europe such as El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Tizian, Tintoretto, Rubens, Van Dyck…it is not only an invaluable opportunity to study some of them in depth but to discover the History of Spain through its art.

Along with its extensive permanent collection, the museum also offers temporary exhibitions in its many galleries. Artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró stand out, being Picasso’s Guernica the most famous composition of the whole collection.

Access for individual visitors and groups with general admission is made through the Goya Entrance in Felipe IV Street.

Opening hours are from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00 (Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 19:00) but you can take the advantage of the free-access hours from 18:00 to 20:00 (Mondays to Saturdays) or 17:00 to 19:00 (Sunday and Holidays).

Another gem of the city and a great complement to Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum houses one of the most important private art collections which belonged to a hugely prosperous family from Switzerland (Thyssen-Bornemisza) for more than a hundred years.

Several governments and renowned organisations from all around the world were eager to buy the collection, but with the support of Baron Thyssen´s Spanish wife, Carmen (Tita) Cervera, it was finally acquired by the Spanish Government in 1993. The museum had opened one year earlier. Masterpieces from 13th to 20th century are distributed over two floors in a chronological sequence displaying different periods, styles and artistic currents. Great names along with some other lesser-known but interesting artists, predominantly European, give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a breathtaking Art History lesson.

Located on the site of the first General Hospital of Madrid, near Atocha Station, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is the third side of this so-called “art triangle”.

It is mainly dedicated to Spanish contemporary art with a collection that comprises more than 22,400 works from avant-garde art movements of the 19th century to the most heterogeneous styles of the 20th century. Along with its extensive permanent collection, the museum also offers temporary exhibitions in its many galleries. Artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró stand out, being Picasso’s Guernica the most famous composition of the whole collection.

The open areas and terraces of the museum are also used to exhibit representative artworks of important Spanish and international artists inviting the visitor to engage in a dialogue with the architectural space and the art shown inside it.

Use the glass lifts at the rear of the museum to visit different exhibition levels and don’t miss the panoramic views they offer!

As its name suggests, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family and, though it is no longer their home, state ceremonies, official banquets and other state functions do take place here.

A long history lies behind this site which was closely linked to the origins of the city, long before it became the capital of Spain. In the 9th century, Emir Mohamed I built a fortress to protect the kingdom of Toledo in the place where the actual palace stands. Later on, in the 14th century, it was used by the Kings of Castile gaining the name of the Old Alcazar. It was destroyed by a fire in 1734 and, therefore, a completely new palace was designed by order of successive monarchs.

The first monarch to occupy the new building was King Charles III. Several rooms of the palace are regularly open to the public, showing a large collection of paintings, decorative details and furniture which have changed over time according to the different artistic styles of the moment. The royal armoury is one the most important collections of its kind and the royal kitchen, recently reopened, is the oldest, well-preserved in Europe’s royal residences.

If you want to witness a true spectacle, don’t miss the biweekly Changing the Guard (held on Wednesdays and Saturdays) or, if you are lucky, the Solemn Changing of the Guard (special event which takes place the first Wednesday of the month).

Though the first plans to build a cathedral dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena in the new capital of Spain, transferred from Toledo to Madrid in 1561, were discussed in the 16th century, it was not until the late 19th century that construction works began.

However, the project was postponed again due to economic difficulties and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1936. It was finally consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993, so it’s considered to be one of the newer cathedrals in Europe.

It was originally conceived as a Neo-Gothic building by Marquis de Cubas, but the delays in carrying out the work determined an aesthetic change and nowadays we can enjoy a fascinating fusion of architectural styles which makes the building very interesting. Standing right in front of the Royal Palace and Plaza de la Armería, the Neo-Classical façade welcomes you to enjoy the ample interior with chapels and statues of contemporary artists.

The Neo-Romanesque crypt is accessed from Cuesta de la Vega Street and if you have enough time, climb to the dome (there is an extra charge here) and enjoy the stunning views of the Royal Palace, the Plaza de Oriente and the gardens of Campo del Moro.

Located outside the walls of 15th-century Madrid and built as a market square, it was first known as Plaza del Arrabal and quickly became popular among merchants and locals. It eventually gained the name of Plaza Mayor and, during the Hapsburg Period in the 16th century, the design of a renewed space was commissioned to the famous architect Juan de Herrera.

The project was finished in 1619 by architect Juan Gomez de Mora but has undergone several transformations since then.

From bullfights, royal weddings and outdoor theatre to executions, autos-de-fe and processions, all sorts of public activities have taken place in this square over the years.
It’s been and is a direct witness of the history of the city.

At first glance, you will notice that it is actually a rectangular square with uniformly distributed three-story residential buildings enclosing it and an equestrian statue of Philip III in the middle.

Under its arcades, you will find the excellent Madrid Tourist Office as well as many souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. Without a doubt, it is an epicentre of the city, a social hub that you shouldn’t miss.

After a tiring day nosing around in search of the hidden treasures of an unknown city, there is nothing like enjoying a magical sunset in peace. Madrid has a lot of lovely “corners” but, there is no doubt that Templo Debod is on top of the list.

Templo Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was literally dissembled stone by stone and rebuilt in Parque del Oeste, near the Royal Palace. It was donated by the Egyptian government in 1968 as a gesture of gratitude to Spain for helping save the Abu Simbel temples.

You can walk along the processional way through the three stone pylon and enjoy the stunning views but, unfortunately the temple itself is currently closed to visitors. Anyway, it is worth a visit.

Gran Vía is Madrid’s most iconic street, stretching from Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de España. It took several decades to complete this ambitious urban project, one of the most significant ever undertaken in the city.
Finished in 1929, it quickly became Madrid’s entertainment hub, lined with cinemas, theatres, musical venues, nightclubs and bars - earning it the nickname of the “Spanish Broadway.”

Today, although some of those historic venues have disappeared, Gran Vía remains one of the city’s liveliest areas, home to vibrant nightlife, flagship shops and exclusive boutiques. The street is also famous for its spectacular Art Nouveau and Art Deco façades, perhaps the finest show Gran Vía has to offer.

Immortalised by the Spanish singers Ana Belén and Víctor Manuel in the famous song of the same name - and by the millions of visitors who pass through Madrid each year - the Puerta de Alcalá was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1976 and has since become one of the city’s most recognisable symbols. It stands proudly in Plaza de la Independencia, just a few metres from the main entrance to the Buen Retiro Park.

In the 18th century, King Charles III commissioned his architect, Francesco Sabatini, to design the neoclassical monument we know today, although its origins stretch back two centuries earlier, when it served as one of the gateways in Madrid’s medieval walls. Remarkably, it is considered the first post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe - older even than those in Paris and Berlin!

Located at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá and the Paseo del Prado - not far from the Puerta de Alcalá and the beginning of Gran Vía - stands another of Madrid’s most recognisable landmarks: the Cibeles Fountain.

As its name suggests, it is a monumental sculpture of the Greco-Roman goddess of fertility, Cybele, riding a chariot drawn by two lions. Considered the Great Mother, she holds a sceptre and a key, both decorated with symbolic elements. Although legend says the fountain is as old as the city itself, dating back to its Moorish origins, the sculpture we see today was designed in the late 18th century.

The fountain is framed by some of the city’s most emblematic buildings: the Palacio de Buenavista (now the Army Headquarters), the Palacio de Linares (Casa de América), the impressive Bank of Spain building, and the beautiful Palacio de las Comunicaciones, which has been home to Madrid’s City Hall since 2007.

Beyond its historical and artistic value, the fountain is also famous as the gathering point where Real Madrid fans celebrate their team’s victories - so be prepared in case your visit coincides with one of these celebrations!

This green oasis, once an exclusive retreat for the royal family, is now the largest park in the city centre and an absolute must if you’re looking for a leisurely stroll without leaving Madrid. Filled with landscaped gardens, fountains, commemorative monuments, beautiful sculptures and even a large artificial lake, it’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, offering all sorts of activities.

You can explore the park on wheels, discover the temporary exhibitions hosted in the wonderful glass-and-iron Palacio de Cristal or the Palacio de Velázquez (both now used as exhibition spaces), take a boat out onto the lake, or simply enjoy an open-air concert with a refreshing beer.

Being Spain’s best-known symbol of its long bullfighting tradition, you may not want to miss the chance to visit Madrid’s monumental bullring and experience the locals’ passion for this age-old “spectacle” first hand. If you simply want to look around, you can buy a ticket or join a guided tour to learn more about the history, architecture, anecdotes and memorable moments that have taken place in this splendid Neo-Mudejar building.

Originally one of the gates of the city wall during the fifteenth century, La Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) is a famous square and meeting point in the capital. In front of the Real Casa de Correos, on the pavement, you will find a plaque, representing the origin of the radial network of Spanish roads (KM 0). The Real Casa de Correos (Old Post Office) is a splendid 18th century building. Its clock tower has become a symbol as, on New Year´s eve, a large crowd gathers under it to be part of the traditional eating of the twelve grapes, one with each stroke of midnight. In the corner leading to Calle Alcalá and photographed by thousands of tourists every day there is another symbol of Madrid. “El Oso y El Madroño” is a statue representing a bear eating fruit from a tree, it is said that if you touch the foot of the bear, the return to the city is guaranteed!

One of the most important private cultural centres in Europe, the Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA) promotes all kinds of innovative artistic trends. It offers an active programme all year round, ranging from visual arts to film, literature or performing arts. Though the institution was founded in 1880 by a small group of artists, its current headquarters is a monumental building on the Gran Vía inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1926. The rooftop terrace features one of the most amazing views of the city. A great opportunity to enjoy a unique perspective of Madrid´s landmarks while tasting a refreshing cocktail!

Malasaña was the heart of “La Movida Madrileña”, a countercultural movement born in the 80s after the death of dictator Francisco Franco and the country’s return to democracy. It has undergone huge changes and today it is considered one of Madrid’s hippest neighbourhoods. Mecca of vintage style, here you will find trendy boutiques, modern restaurants, and magnificent graffiti art.

Just east of Malasaña, Chueca is a revitalised neighbourhood thanks to the LGBT community and a lively district with a vast cultural offering and gastronomic options. It is home to the Museum of Romanticism, which has an interesting collection showing how people lived in Romantic Madrid of the 19th century, and Mercado de San Antón, a clear example of the area’s progressive transformation. Its Pride Parade is the biggest in Europe and the second biggest in the world.

South of Plaza Mayor, La Latina is a great place to discover the world of tapas, with a long list of crowded bars and restaurants. From the most traditional recipes to the most innovative snacks, you will definitely be amazed by the gastronomic delights. It has an interesting and eventful history, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages, which is reflected in its narrow streets and many squares. You will also come across lovely churches and basilicas, and if you are there on a Sunday, don’t miss El Rastro, the city’s best-known flea market.

Lavapiés is a clear example of the mixture of cultures that coexist in the city. Its multicultural character is evident in the different languages you hear in the streets as you explore the barrio. Along Calle Argumosa, you will find a wide gastronomic offering with delicious international food. There is also a rich range of cultural activities, with important institutions nearby such as the Reina Sofía Museum, Tabacalera Centre, La Casa Encendida, and many others.

Charming town with some impressive hilltop houses and a medieval Plaza Mayor (voted one of the most beautiful in the world), surrounded by buildings with wooden balconies. Visit the Museo Etnológico which shows traditional farming tools and machinery.

Distance 72 kms – Driving time 1 hr.

The amazing Roman aqueduct of Segovia is one of the best kept elevated Roman aqueducts in Europe. Famous for its food, don't miss a good "cocido" or suckling pig.

Distance 95 km – Driving time 1 hr 10 mins.

Found in 1888, the ruins of this ancient city are a great example of life in Celtic and Roman times. While the necropolis dates to the Celtic period, it’s located outside the main Roman city walls.

Distance 123 km – Driving time 1 hr 20 mins.

A city of enormous historic importance, once the capital of Spain, its old cobbled lanes have witnessed a rich variety of cultures over many centuries: Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians. The famous Alcázar fortress dominates the city.

Distance 70 km – Driving time 1 hr.