Among the attractions of Madrid, we find sites such as the Royal Palace, the unique railway station, and the Real Madrid stadium, known by every football fan. Alongside these, there’s the Spanish style and culture, a favorite for many!
Spain’s capital and largest city is located along the Manzanares River. Although Madrid has modern infrastructure, many of its historical neighborhoods and streets still retain their original appearance and unique atmosphere.
Table of Contents
Madrid attractions
Gran Vía
The city’s main tourist route runs between Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de España. Shops, bars, and even a casino line this wide street, which stretches for over 1 km.
Its most famous building is the Metropolis, adorned with a 24-carat gold tower. Another is the Telefónica Building, which was the first skyscraper in Europe when it opened in 1929.
Gran Vía ends between the Torre de Madrid and Edificio España, opposite the Miguel de Cervantes monument in the large square.
Access: Line 1 and 5 metro to Gran Vía station.
Plaza de Cibeles
Located at the eastern end of Gran Vía, this square is one of the city’s most beautiful. In the center of the roundabout, there’s a beautiful 18th-century fountain. This is where Real Madrid football fans celebrate when the team wins a trophy.
The most beautiful building is the Palacio de Comunicaciones, formerly the main post office, now functioning as the city hall. Another notable building is the Bank of Spain, where the Spanish gold reserve is stored.
Definitely visit the square at night, as it’s most beautiful when illuminated!
Access: Line 2 metro to Banco de España station.
Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid)
The official residence of the king, but not his living quarters. It’s mainly used for ceremonies and diplomatic receptions.
One of Europe’s largest royal castles, it has 3400 rooms. The interior is extraordinary, decorated with paintings by artists like Goya, Caravaggio, Velázquez. Also, don’t miss the throne room and the armory!
Access: Line 2, 5 metro to Ópera station.
Almudena Cathedral
Planning began in the 16th century when Madrid became Spain’s new capital (replacing Toledo), but it wasn’t completed until the end of the 20th century.
Its interior is very beautiful, and you can climb up to the dome for a panoramic view of the city.
Entry is free, with a suggested donation of €1.
Access: Line 2, 5 metro to Ópera station, then a 500 m walk; bus lines 3, 148 to Palacio Real stop.
Moncloa Tower (Faro de Moncloa)
Located in the northwestern part of downtown, it offers a beautiful view of the city.
You can stay up there for a maximum of 30 minutes. Closed in bad weather!
Access: Line 3, 6 metro to Moncloa station.
Casa de Campo
This huge park is located on the western side of the city, across the Manzanares River. Many choose it for relaxation and hiking, with many well-developed trails.
Accessible from several stops on the line 10 metro: Lago, Batan, Casa de Campo stations.
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
Spain’s largest bullring, seating nearly 24,000 people!
Bullfights are regularly held from spring to autumn. There’s also a bullfighting museum.
Access: Line 2, 5 metro to Ventas station.
Puerta del Sol
Madrid’s central square, an ideal starting point for exploring downtown.
Two statues are located in the square: the bear climbing a strawberry tree, the city’s emblem, and the equestrian statue of Charles III.
Access: Line 1, 2, 3 metro to Sol station.
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s main square, surrounded by buildings on all four sides.
Many cafes, bars, and restaurants are hidden under the arcaded buildings. A popular place among tourists. In the center of the square is a statue of King Philip III.
Access: 350 m walk from Puerta del Sol.
Debod Temple (Templo de Debod)
An Egyptian temple complex on the edge of downtown, unique in the country. The temple would have been destroyed due to a dam construction, so Egypt gifted it to Madrid.
Entry is free!
Access: Line 6, 10 metro to Príncipe Pío station, then a 500 m walk.
Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá)
Located at the northwest corner of Retiro Park. Formerly the city’s eastern gate, this triumphal arch was built in the 18th century.
Access: Line 2 metro to Retiro station.
Gate of Europe (Puerta de Europa)
Interesting-looking twin towers, as the buildings are tilted at a 15-degree angle. If you have nothing else planned in Madrid, include it in your itinerary!
Access: Line 1, 9, 10 metro to Plaza de Castilla station.
Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)
A park on the edge of downtown, ideal for relaxation and walks. There’s a large lake where you can go boating, with a monument of King Alfonso XII behind it.
Two beautiful buildings in the park: the Glass Palace (Palacio de Cristal) and the Palacio de Velázquez. Both are free to visit.
Access: Line 2 metro to Retiro, line 9 metro to Ibiza station.
Atocha Station (Madrid Puerta de Atocha)
The railway station is also a botanical garden. About 7000 plants are present, including a greenhouse with fish and turtles.
It features mahogany, breadfruit, rubber trees, coconut palms, traveler’s palms, and even bananas. Among the smaller plants, the coffee plant and cocoa bean are noteworthy.
Access: Line 1 metro to Atocha Renfe station.
Royal Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico)
Founded in the 18th century, it now boasts 30,000 plants and 1500 trees. The outer part is divided into three sections, with a large herbarium and two greenhouses.
All information can be found here!
Access: Line 1 metro to Estación del Arte station.
Cable car (Teleférico)
About a 10-minute ride from the edge of downtown to Casa de Campo park. The lower station is not far from the Templo de Dobod.
All information can be found here!
Access: lower station – Line 3, 4, 6 metro to Argüelles station, then a 500 m walk; upper station – Bus 33 to Albergue Juvenil stop, then a 700 m walk.
Vertical Garden
For an interesting sight, the Vertical Garden is a good choice! Invented by a French botanist, it covers a wall with plants using a synthetic material. At 25 meters high, about 250 different plants settle on the wall.
Access: Line 4, 5, 6 metro to Diego de León station.
Amusement Park (Parque de Atracciones de Madrid)
Not a huge amusement park, but ideal for families with children. It includes several roller coasters, including the vertically rotating Tornado.
Bus 33 goes to the entrance.
All information can be found here!
Zoo (Zoo Aquarium de Madrid)
The zoo includes a large aquarium and dolphinarium. Among its attractions is the rare giant panda. Reviews of the zoo are positive.
Bus 33 goes to the entrance.
All information can be found here!
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The stadium of one of the world’s most famous football teams, Real Madrid. Capable of accommodating more than 80,000 people.
You can tour the stadium, see the club’s trophies, peek into the dressing room, sit on the bench, and walk through various levels of the stadium.
Access: Line 10 metro to Santiago Bernabéu station.
Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
The stadium of Madrid’s other famous team, Atletico Madrid. A new, modern arena, home to the club since 2017.
Also available for stadium tours.
Access: Line 7 metro to Estadio Metropolitano station.
Madrid public transport
You can easily reach important places, almost exclusively by using the metro.
Best museums in Madrid
Spain is also a country rich in art. As a result, Madrid has a wealth of museums.