What to see & Do in Madrid?
Explore Madrid as a Local with this Itinerary
The Spanish capital is one of Europe’s liveliest, friendliest and most engaging cities. Come for the show-stopping galleries, marvelous palaces and buzzing barrios (neighborhoods). Stay for the fabulous food, dynamic markets, revitalized green spaces and non-stop nightlife.
A taste of Madrid’s history, arts and culture
Sample a taste of Madrid by exploring its opulent palace and its grandest square. Shop your way through its unique boutiques and fuel up on goodies from the market before savoring one of Madrid’s favorite indulgences, chocolate con churros. Admire the city’s most beloved church and finish with a flamenco show paired with Michelin-starred food.
Palacio Real
With more than 3000 rooms, El Palacio Real is one of the largest palaces in the world. You’ll only see a fraction of these on your visit, but it’s more than enough to satisfy. From its swirling chinoiserie to its sky-blue ceilings populated by cherubs, eagles and subjects from around the globe, the experience is the visual equivalent of swallowing an entire Black Forest gateau at once.
Though the current royal family doesn’t live here, the presence of the Bourbons is keenly felt in royal portraits hung up on damask walls. The best canvas on display, however, is Caravaggio’s haunting Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, which can be found towards the end of the tour before you get to the magnificent throne room.
Madrid is the capital and the largest city of Spain. It spans across an area of over 600 square kilometres and is home to a population of over 3 million residents, with about 15% of the population comprising immigrants from other countries. The city is separated into 21 different districts that are further divided into a number of sub-wards, and each district is handled by a Junta Municipal de Distrito.
A typical Mediterranean climate is found in Madrid, with summers that are pleasantly warm and winters that are quite cold. Madrid also offers the most number of trees and greenery per inhabitant in Europe and is home to several parks, gardens and places of natural wonder. Museums and art centres are amongst the other popular tourist attractions in the city.
The city is located towards the North East of the Iberian Peninsula, over the Manzanares River. Most of the tourist-attractions are located within the city centre, with must-visit spots including the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real and Plaza de Colón.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the hub of Madrid’s most medieval quarter. It’s a place both to admire and to get your bearings, where so many explorations of the neighborhood (and city) begin. It’s at once the hub of local life and the topographical high point of the barrio (district).
Plaza Mayor was built in the 17th century during the reign of Philip III. The surrounding architecture is in a uniform Herrerian style, with slate spires, ochre apartments and 237 wrought-iron balconies. Over the centuries, the plaza has witnessed many historic events and public spectacles, like bullfights, executions and theatrical performances. During the Spanish Inquisition, heretics were condemned in autos-da-fé rituals, followed by public executions. More joyous events like royal weddings also took place in the plaza.
Now, locals and tourists alike gather here to dine at outdoor cafes, watch street performers, or attend concerts and festivals. Some highlights of Plaza Mayor include the frescoes of the Real Casa de la Panadería, with mythological figures against a backdrop of zodiac signs. The equestrian statue of Philip III in the center is a popular meeting point. Stop by Chocolatería de San Ginés, which is famous for serving chocolate con churros any time of day. Major landmarks near the plaza include the Mercado de San Miguel, the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of Almudena, the Muralla Árabe (Arab Wall) and Plaza de Oriente.
Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel is one of Madrid’s oldest markets and its most varied gastronomic hub. Behind its century-old glass-and-wrought-iron facade near Plaza Mayor, you’ll find an inviting space strewn with tables and a breathtaking array of food on display. This is a gourmand’s paradise. The market offers tapas, with a few stands providing more substantial plates. Begin with the fine fishy pintxos (Basque tapas) at La Casa de Bacalao (Stalls 16-17), follow it up with some jamón or other cured meats at Carrasco Guijuelo (Stall 18), cheeses at Stalls 20-21, all manner of pickled goodies at Stall 22, or the gourmet tapas of Lhardy (Stalls 61-62).
There are also plenty of places to buy wine, Asturian cider and the like. Mercado de San Miguel has become one of the coolest places to eat and mingle with locals in downtown Madrid.
Templo de Debod
Perched high above the city in a leafy setting, this ancient temple is an arresting sight. A gift to thank Spain for its help preserving the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt, this 2nd-century BCE temple is dedicated to the god Amun and the goddess Isis. Incredibly, the entire structure was taken from the Nile and reconstructed stone by stone in Cuartel de la Montaña Park before being opened to the public in 1972.
The interior is rather cramped, but entry is free and a visit won’t take any longer than 30 minutes. If you time it right, you’ll be able to catch the last rays of the sun turning the palace and cathedral a pretty pink from the nearby viewpoint.
Nearby Airports
The Madrid Barajas International Airport is amongst the largest airports in Europe and is located around 10 kilometres from the Madrid city centre. Established in 1928, it is one of the most prominent aviation centres in the continent and serves millions of passengers every year. Two other airports in Madrid are the Torrejón de Ardoz Airport – which mainly handles private aviation – and the Cuatro Vientos Airport which deals with flying schools and state services.
Halal Restaurants
Several Halal restaurants in Madrid are available for Muslim travellers, serving cuisine ranging from Middle Eastern to South Asian fare. Popular spots in the city include Cappadocia Kebap, Al Zahra and Bombay Palace. Another must-try spot is the Restaurante Farah Bagdad – one of the few certified Halal restaurants in Madrid – which is hidden on a small street near the El Carmen metro, serving delectable Middle Eastern food.
Mosques
Madrid offers a few mosques for Muslim travellers. Amongst the most prominent is the Madrid Central Mosque – also known as the Abu-Bakr Mosque – which is located in the vicinity of the Cuatro Caminos neighbourhood, as well as the Islamic Cultural Center of Madrid which is one of the largest mosques in Europe and offers various facilities to visitors.
Things to Do and See in Madrid
- Palacio Real
- Plaza Mayor
- Prado Museum
- Retiro Park
- Gran Via
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza de Cibeles
- Temple of Debod
- Museo Reina Sofia
Top: Puerta del Sol © Valery Bareta. Bottom left: Metropolis building. Bottom right: Royal Palace © Álvaro López. Destination Madrid
1. Puerta del Sol
Flanked by the Real Casa, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and the giant Tío Pepe sign. A classic? Taking a picture of your feet on the Kilometre Zero plaque, the starting point of all distances on Spanish roads.
2. Gran Vía
A vibrant city thoroughfare and a hub for the theatre scene, day and night. The “Broadway” of Madrid.
3. Plaza de España.
Here you have to look for the imposing building of Torre de Madrid and the monument to Cervantes.
4. Plaza de Oriente
Several interesting sights are here: the Royal Palace, the Sabatini Gardens, the Teatro Real opera house, and the Cathedral of La Almudena.
5. Plaza Mayor square
Be sure to see the Casa de la Panadería (the baker’s), the Casa de la Carnicería (the butcher’s) and the terraces where you can try the legendary “calamari sandwich”.
6. Plaza de Santa Ana
A good area for tapas, usually served with “una caña bien tirada”, which is how you should ask for a small glass of beer. By the way: Serving beer is an art form in the bars of Madrid!
7. El Retiro park
A city garden full of idyllic spots. The must-sees: The Palacio de Cristal and the boating pond. Together with the Paseo del Prado and the surrounding area, it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
8. Plaza de Cibeles
Cibeles Palace (Madrid City Hall) and Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Both with rooftops for a magnificent view of the city from above.
9. Temple of Debod
A gift from Egypt to Spain and a magical place to enjoy the sunset.
Top: Temple of Debod. Bottom left: Plaza de Cibeles and City Hall. Bottom right: Crystal Palace in Buen Retiro Park
10. Barrio de las Letras
Another option is to lose track of time and have a wander around the streets. Iconic bars, vintage signs, urban art, unique shops, shopping around Callao, Fuencarral or Barrio de las Letras, and seeing how the locals live. The streets are the best museum in Madrid and walking through them is the best way to capture its essence.
You can also take the opportunity to see the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, or visit the Museo del Prado with important works such as Las Meninas or The Garden of Earthly Delights.
88A day in Madrid in 10 essential visits
First, can Madrid be visited in one day? It’s obvious that the capital has much more to give. But if you only have one day, we’ve come up with a selection of must-sees.Ready for that?
Top: Puerta del Sol © Valery Bareta. Bottom left: Metropolis building. Bottom right: Royal Palace © Álvaro López. Destination Madrid
1. Puerta del Sol
Flanked by the Real Casa, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and the giant Tío Pepe sign. A classic? Taking a picture of your feet on the Kilometre Zero plaque, the starting point of all distances on Spanish roads.
2. Gran Vía
A vibrant city thoroughfare and a hub for the theatre scene, day and night. The “Broadway” of Madrid.
3. Plaza de España.
Here you have to look for the imposing building of Torre de Madrid and the monument to Cervantes.
4. Plaza de Oriente
Several interesting sights are here: the Royal Palace, the Sabatini Gardens, the Teatro Real opera house, and the Cathedral of La Almudena.
5. Plaza Mayor square
Be sure to see the Casa de la Panadería (the baker’s), the Casa de la Carnicería (the butcher’s) and the terraces where you can try the legendary “calamari sandwich”.
6. Plaza de Santa Ana
A good area for tapas, usually served with “una caña bien tirada”, which is how you should ask for a small glass of beer. By the way: Serving beer is an art form in the bars of Madrid!
7. El Retiro park
A city garden full of idyllic spots. The must-sees: The Palacio de Cristal and the boating pond. Together with the Paseo del Prado and the surrounding area, it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
8. Plaza de Cibeles
Cibeles Palace (Madrid City Hall) and Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Both with rooftops for a magnificent view of the city from above.
9. Temple of Debod
A gift from Egypt to Spain and a magical place to enjoy the sunset.
Top: Temple of Debod. Bottom left: Plaza de Cibeles and City Hall. Bottom right: Crystal Palace in Buen Retiro Park
10. Barrio de las Letras
Another option is to lose track of time and have a wander around the streets. Iconic bars, vintage signs, urban art, unique shops, shopping around Callao, Fuencarral or Barrio de las Letras, and seeing how the locals live. The streets are the best museum in Madrid and walking through them is the best way to capture its essence.
You can also take the opportunity to see the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, or visit the Museo del Prado with important works such as Las Meninas or The Garden of Earthly Delights.
Muslim Travelers in Madrid Spain
Where to go Shopping in the major cities of Spain?
Where to go shopping in the major cities of Spain?
Shopping in Spain is concentrated in the two largest cities Madrid and Barcelona. These cities have the best malls and shopping centers in the country where you can find things of any price. Collections are represented by international and local brands, however, are also known throughout the world.
In other cities like Sevilla, Valencia, Malaga, and Zaragoza, shoppers will be
able to find everything they need. The famous Spanish markets deserve special attention. Unique products and souvenirs can be bought there. In outlets, travelers will be able to find things from old collections with nice discounts.
Most major cities of Spain have El Corte Ingles Malls. You can find goods of any category in these huge shopping centers. Tourists will enjoy the unforgettable shopping
Madrid
You can do good shopping in several areas, depending on the purpose and budget. Shopping streets start from the central city square. There are also numerous shops of local craftsmen with traditional souvenirs. Excellent shopping for everyone is waiting for tourists in the Gran Vía area. And in Cuatro Caminos you can buy exclusive fabrics and even order an outfit. Among the most amazing shopping centers of the capital, it’s worth noting Plenilunio, Principe Pio and Moda Shopping. There you can buy inexpensive clothing from the world famous Spanish and foreign brands.
Not far from Madrid, there a fairly large outlet, Las Rozas Village, where you can buy clothes of expensive brands with discounts up to 70%. The season of sales in Spain runs twice a year. Winter sales start in early January and last until March; by the end of it, discounts may reach even 80%. Summer sales also last about two months, from early July to late August. This time is considered the best for shopping in Spain.
Products of elite brands can be searched in the most prestigious area of the city, Barrio de Salamanca.
Barcelona
Barcelona has prepared a real present for shoppers. Monday to Friday, during the working hours, a bus runs along the streets of the city and takes tourists to the most important places for shopping. The length of the route is 5 kilometers; the ticket price is 10 euros. Most of the shops are located in the city center. You can find boutiques of famous Spanish brands, including Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Stradivarius with rather democratic prices on the Passeig de Gracia avenue. The same street features shops of elite brands – Chanel, D&G, and Yves Saint Laurent. One of the largest shopping centers in the capital of Catalonia is Diagonal Mar. It has more than 150 shops of various brands, children’s areas, and restaurant patios. No less exciting is shopping in the areas of Raval and Gracia. Here, you can find something vintage and exclusive.One of Spain’s largest outlets, La Roca Village, is located near Barcelona. It has more than 100 stores; discounts there can reach 60%. The village has a very special design, so you can visit it even as part of the tour.
Valencia
Valencia, go for shopping to Carrer Colon, which is the main trade artery of the city. There are shops of different brands, including Lacoste, Zara, H&M, and Nike. The budget-saving shopping can be done at El Saler, where clothes, toys, cosmetics, and accessories are sold. In Seville, it is obligatory to buy something local. The homeland of flamenco produces luxurious colored scarves, dresses for dancing, shoes, and castanets. You can buy inexpensive souvenirs on Bazar Arjona. In Malaga, there is the oldest shopping center in the country, Felix, where you can find a large number of different shops.
Vacationers will also be able to make nice purchases on the Canary Islands. In the south of the island, in the resort of Las Americas, it is worth to go to the main street, which is called the Golden Mile. There, you can buy clothes of both elite designers and inexpensive brands. The largest city of the islands, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has somewhat wider choice. Shopping centers like Carrefour and Meridiano are recommended to make purchases
Some of the best shopping malls in Madrid
Madrid is home to some great outdoor shopping areas like the Gran Vía, but sometimes, especially when the weather is bad, a shopping mall is a much nicer shopping prospect. Read on to discover some of the city’s best shopping centres.
Centro Comercial La Gavia
If you need some furniture or just have an urge to stock up on cheap candles, then La Gavia is for you: it is home to one of Madrid’s two IKEAs (top tip: try to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds). As well as Scandi furniture, the shopping centre, located on the end of Line 1 on the metro, has a huge range of shops, from women’s and men’s fashion, to toy shops and tech stores, as well as a cinema. There are a good number of food options too: popular burger chain Five Guys is one of the latest fast food options to open here.
Opening times:
Shops: Monday–Sunday 10am–10pm
Restaurants: Sunday–Thursday 10am–1am; Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays 10am–3am
IKEA: Monday–Sunday 10am–10pm
Centro Comercial La Gavia, Calle Adolfo Bioy Casares, 2, 28051 Madrid, Spain, +34 914 25 54 01
Principe Pio
The Centro Comercial Príncipe Pío is a good option if you don’t want to stray too far from the city centre; it is located in the former Estación Norte train station just to the west – and within easy walking distance – of the centre. There is a good range of high street brands, from Spanish favourites like Zara and Mango to international names like H&M and Levi’s. There is a Cinesa cinema and a food court packed full of different dining options.
Opening times:
Shops: Monday–Saturday 10am–10pm; Sunday 11am–10pm
Restaurants: Sunday–Thursday until 1am, Fridays and Saturdays until 2am
Principe Pio, Paseo de la Florida, 2, 28008 Madrid, Spain, +34 917 58 00 40
Príncipe Pío shopping centre | © Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
ABC Serrano
Set in the historic former headquarters of Spanish newspaper ABC, this shopping centre is located right in the heart of Madrid’s most exclusive neighbourhood: Salamanca. It holds regular events, from art exhibitions to tie ins with Madrid fashion week. Don’t miss exploring the nearby Golden Mile of designer stores, even if you’re just window shopping!
Opening times:
Monday–Saturday, 10am–9pm
ABC Serrano, Calle de Serrano, 61, 28006 Madrid, Spain, +34 915 77 50 31
Centro Comercial Madrid Xanadú
Madrid Xanadú, to the south-west of Madrid, is much more than just a shopping centre. As well as a good range of shops and restaurants, it is home to the biggest indoor ski slope in Spain, Madrid Snowzone. There is also a cinema, bowling alley, and mini golf – so it’ll have you covered for activities for all the family.
Opening times:
Shops: Monday–Sunday 10am–10pm
Restaurants: Sunday–Thursday 10am–1am; Fridays and Saturdays 12pm–3am
Centro Comercial Madrid Xanadú, Autovía A-5, Km. 23,5, 28939 Arroyomolinos, Madrid, Spain, +34 902 26 30 26
Go skiing indoors in Madrid | © tookapic/Pixabay
Parquesur
Located in Leganés, seven kilometres south of Madrid but easily accessible on the cercanías commuter train, Parquesur is one of the biggest shopping malls in Spain. It has 153 shops and 47 restaurants, as well as an IMAX cinema and bowling alley.
Opening times:
Monday–Saturday 10am–10pm; Sundays 11am–9pm
Parquesur, Av. de Gran Bretaña, 28916 Leganés, Madrid, Spain, +34 916 87 36 00
Plaza Norte 2
This shopping centre is located in San Sebastián de los Reyes, to the north-east of Madrid. It is the location of the second IKEA in Madrid so a useful option if you’re looking for some new furniture or homeware. As well as all the usual Spanish and international high street stores, there is also a cinema.
Opening times:
Shops: Monday–Saturday 10am–10pm; Sunday 11am–9pm
Restaurants: Sunday–Thursday 10am–1am; Friday and Saturday 10am–3am
Plaza Norte 2, Plaza del Comercio, 11-12, 28703 San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid, Spain, +34 916 59 39 67
Plaza Norte 2 | © M.Peinado/Flickr
Las Rozas Village
In the town of Las Rozas on the outskirts of Madrid is Las Rozas Village, a designer fashion outlet with lots of top brands at bargain prices. There is a direct bus line from Plaza de España, right in the centre of Madrid. Non-EU residents can also claim back the tax on purchases by asking for a tax-free receipt and showing it to customs when leaving Spain.
Opening times:
Sunday–Friday 10am–9pm; Saturday 10am–10pm
Las Rozas Village, Calle Juan Ramón Jiménez, 3, 28232 Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain, +34 916 40 49 00
Las Rozas Village | © jacinta lluch valero/Flickr
Original post from The Culture Trip
El Retiro Park, green oasis in the heart of Madrid
El Retiro Park, a green oasis in the heart of Madrid
Covering over 125 hectares and comprising more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. In it you’ll find all kinds of interesting monuments and gardens, including the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (Andalusian-inspired classicistic gardens), the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the Rosaleda rose garden and the Parterre Francés, which holds a Mexican conifer that is nearly 400 years old and is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree.
In addition to its role as one of the city’s green lungs, it is also a popular spot among Madrileños who likes to go there for a stroll, to do some sport, visit an exhibition or take the kids to a puppet show. The park is home to a large artificial lake, where you can rent a rowing boat, and to the Velázquez Palace and Glass Palace which are both currently used as exhibition halls by the Reina Sofía Museum. The latter is a beautiful glass pavilion built in 1887 to house exotic plants for an exhibition in the Philippines. It is one of the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in Spain.
El Retiro is also filled with interesting sculptures and fountains such as the magnificent Monument to Alfonso XII, which watches over the lake and in the spring of 2018 opened to the public an observation deck offering wonderful vistas. Near the Rose Garden, you’ll encounter the statue of the Fallen Angel, the only sculpture in the world dedicated to the devil which curiously enough sits 666m above sea level.
Other spots worth visiting are the Galápagos Fountain, built in honor of the then princess Isabella II, the Teatro de Títeres, the only theatre in Europe that stages puppet shows every weekend, and the large area known as Reservado de Fernando VII which King Ferdinand VII decided to keep for himself and his family when the rest of the park was opened to the public.
In this section of El Retiro, between Calle O’Donnell and Calle Menéndez Pelayo, you’ll find some of the king’s “whims”, small buildings or monuments designed as little retreats for the monarchs to rest and relax: Casa del Pescador, the Montaña Artificial and the Casa del Contrabandista which accommodates Florida Retiro, a modern venue with a restaurant that hosts all kinds of events.
A firm favorite with both locals and tourists, El Retiro is a great place to go rollerblading, for a long walk or a jog. Dotted with playgrounds of different sizes, it’s just as popular with the little ones.
The park is also home to La Chopera municipal sports center, the Eugenio Trias Public Library and the Casa de Vacas Cultural Centre, as well as to what is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree. An exotic species that doesn’t lose its leaves every year, the Ahuehuete (or Montezuma cypress) has been there since around 1630. Used by Napoleon’s soldiers as a support for their cannons when they turned their park into the army’s headquarters, it was one of the few lucky trees to survive the Spanish War of Independence against France.
If you fancy pedaling around the park, you can rent a bicycle from one of the bike rentals in the area. In El Retiro you’ll also find a number of outdoor cafés and kiosks when you can get a drink or bite to eat.
Every year the Retiro plays host to popular events such as the Book Fair and the fireworks display held in honor of San Isidro, the city’s patron saint.