Madrid is the capital of Spain, also known as Villa de la Corte. It’s the largest city in the country and the third‑largest in the European Union with over 3 million inhabitants in the city proper (more than 6 million in its metropolitan area). Madrid boasts many tourist attractions as well as heritage sites.
History of Madrid
Madrid is known as the City of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. That nickname dates from the mid‑13th century, born of a legend involving a dispute between the city council and diocesan clergy over rights to certain forests and fields. They agreed that the forests belonged to the council and the meadows to the clergy.
Today, Madrid houses the national government headquarters and the official royal residence of the Spanish monarchs. Financially, it is home to the headquarters of many international and national firms. The capital is also a cultural sanctuary, with world‑famous museums such as the Prado Museum and the Reina SofÃa Museum.
Madrid has been the Spanish capital since the mid‑16th century, when Philip II moved it from Toledo. For five years (1601–1606) the court relocated to Valladolid before returning permanently to Madrid. The inhabitants of Madrid are called “Madrileños.” In the past, residents were also affectionately dubbed “cats” — a Middle Ages nickname recalling how Alfonso VI’s troops had to scale the walls like cats when they captured the city.
The earliest reliable records mentioning Madrid as Spain’s capital date back to the 9th century during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Since then the city has undergone many changes, which are reflected in its current appearance. Present‑day working hours in Madrid are long. In the city center, you’ll find certain shops—especially souvenir shops and local‑product stores—open at almost any time of day.
Best Areas & Tourist Attractions in Madrid, Spain
Madrid features many tourist attractions that draw visitors from around the world every year. Among the most notable are: the Prado Museum, Buen Retiro Park and Crystal Palace, the Royal Palace and its gardens, and various other landmarks and sites.
1. The Prado Museum
Celebrating its bicentenary this year, the Prado Museum is the crown jewel of Madrid’s most iconic tourist route. Its walls display masterpieces from Spanish and Italian schools. With a collection of around 8,600 paintings and over 700 sculptures, it’s wise to plan what to see before your visit. For short visits, there are suggested 1‑, 2‑, and 3‑hour routes covering the museum’s highlights.
The Prado holds the world’s largest comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings. Begin your visit with 11th‑century Mozarabic murals from the Church of San Baudelio. It houses works by leading masters of the Spanish Golden Age—including Ribera, Zurbarán, Murillo, and the great Velázquez. Among its galleries dedicated to Goya you’ll find works by Velázquez such as cartoons created for the Royal Tapestry Factory.
Nineteenth‑century paintings by the Valencian artist (whose own museum is in the city) are displayed in dedicated rooms. Spanish Baroque art, heavily influenced by the Renaissance, features prominently. There are also outstanding fifteenth‑century works and Italian Baroque pieces by artists like Caravaggio, Guido Reni, and Annibale Carracci, illustrating different Baroque paths.
The Prado first opened on November 10, 1819. The building—designed by Juan de Villanueva—was originally meant as a house of science. Encouraged by his wife MarÃa, King Ferdinand VII eventually repurposed it into a museum to store royal paintings. The Prado contains over 5,000 panels, rivaling the Louvre in Paris. Most of its holdings—from the 12th to early 19th century—are Spanish, but the collection also includes Italian, Flemish, French, British, and German paintings, and classical‑revival Italian sculpture.
2. Buen Retiro Park & Crystal Palace
At the heart of Buen Retiro Park lies a large lake—once built between 1634 and 1636 by architect Cristóbal de Aguilera as part of Retiro Palace. It hosted water shows, royal boat rides, and mock naval battles. By the late 18th century the lake had an island at its center; in 1902 a monument to Alfonso XII was erected—a historic architectural highlight designed by José Grases Riera.
Today, paddle boats (two accessible via wheelchair) are popular. The park covers 120 hectares and offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. It was created in the 17th century by the Count‑Duke of Olivares, with elegant surroundings, tree‑lined paths, and a large central pond that leads to the Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace, with its graceful water fountain and reflecting pool, now hosts temporary exhibitions under the Reina SofÃa Museum. Nearby are cafés where locals relax in sun or shade. The park also houses an 18th‑century observatory.
3. The Royal Palace & Royal Gardens
The Royal Palace (Palacio de Oriente) is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Construction began in 1738 and took 16 years to complete. When opened in 1764, King Charles III made it his official residence after the previous royal palace burned down on Christmas Eve 1734. Today, the palace is used exclusively for state receptions, international celebrations, and official duties; the current king actually resides elsewhere.
Surrounding gardens include Campo del Moro (a medieval park on the west side) and the Sabatini Gardens (20th‑century, on the north side). Campo del Moro is open winter 10 am–6 pm, summer 10 am–8 pm. There’s a guard‑changing ceremony every Wednesday at 11 am from October through July. Guided and self‑guided tours are available year‑round, except during official events.
Visit highlights include:
State Rooms — ornate, beautifully cared‑for halls, each uniquely decorated; the Throne Room is especially breathtaking
Royal Armory — one of the world’s finest collections of armour and weapons
Royal Pharmacy — hundreds of beautifully labeled jars and a reconstructed laboratory
Gardens — opened to the public in 1978, designed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, replacing the former royal stables.
4. Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s grand central square—a rare, spacious plaza amid the narrow historic streets. It’s one of Spain’s most beautiful open spaces, combining stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant street life. The plaza hosts the city's main tourist office, a Christmas market in December, and is flanked by majestic arcades that weave through the medieval layout of Old Habsburg Madrid.
History: Built in 1619 by Juan Gómez de Mora in a signature slate‑tower style. The square has seen many historic events—including bullfights celebrating royal weddings or births—with kings watching from balconies and up to 50,000 people standing packed below. After a major fire in 1790, it was rebuilt under Juan de Villanueva’s supervision, the same architect linked to the Prado Museum.
The splendor of Plaza Mayor today lies in its warm‑colored uniform buildings with 237 wrought‑iron balconies, facing magnificent 17th‑century murals. Those murals were recreated in 1992 by Carlos Franco, who depicted zodiac signs and mythic deities to provide a stunning backdrop. They were unveiled to coincide with Madrid’s designation as European Capital of Culture in 1992.
5. Puerta del Sol: City’s Heart
Puerta del Sol—literally “Gate of the Sun”—is among Madrid’s most famous central squares and a hub for tourists. Its semicircular layout meets historic and bustling streets like Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá, and Preciados. It’s also the starting point for Spain’s radial road network. Originally a city gate in the 15th century, by mid‑18th century the Casa de Correos was built there as the regional government headquarters. Between 1857 and 1862 it gained its final shape. The square saw the addition of a fountain in the 20th century and some trees; one of its original gateways is commemorated.
Puerta del Sol should top your must‑visit list. From the rooftop of Casa de Correos, the famous clock bares witness to the New Year countdown—every December 31, people nationwide eat twelve lucky grapes in time with the twelve midnight chimes to welcome the new year.
Symbols in Sol include:
The Bear and the Strawberry Tree sculpture — Madrid’s heraldic emblem; built in 1967, it’s a popular meeting point
Casa de Correos clock — central to the grape‑eating New Year tradition
Kilometre Zero — a plaque outside Casa de Correos marking the official point from which all roads in Spain are measured.
6. Reina SofÃa Museum of Contemporary Art
The Reina SofÃa Museum (Queen SofÃa Center for the Arts) is one of Madrid’s most visited museums, with one of the finest collections of Spanish contemporary art. Founded in 1992 and located on the Art Walk, it features one of Spain’s most famous artworks: Picasso’s Guernica. The earliest work in the collection dates to 1881—the same year Picasso was born.
The museum covers a large collection of 20th‑century Spanish art, especially noted for its anti‑war pieces. Art lovers may spend several hours; casual visitors can focus on highlights in 1–2 hours.
Museum sections, covering over 22,400 works, are organized into three thematic periods:
Utopia & Conflict (1900–1945)
Has the War Ended? (1945–1968)
Revolution to Post‑Modern (1962–1982)
Picasso’s Guernica is a centerpiece. Commissioned by the Spanish Republican government for the 1937 Paris International Exhibition, it depicts the bombing of the Basque town of Gernika and stands as a permanent symbol of the horrors of war.
The permanent collection also includes a turning point between the 19th and 20th centuries, bridging modernity and tradition—featuring works by Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa, José Gutiérrez Solana, and Medardo Rosso. The museum also features European avant‑garde works.
Admission is free on Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings, and every weekday after 7 pm—ideal times to save money if you want to combine visits with other activities. The building itself was once the 18th‑century San Carlos Hospital.
7. Gran VÃa & Cibeles Fountain
Plaza de Cibeles sits at the junction of Paseo del Prado and Calle Alcalá and has become one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. Dominated by a spectacular fountain featuring the Roman goddess Cybele in a chariot drawn by lions, the surrounding architectural ensemble dates from the late 18th century.
The fountain was designed by RodrÃguez and Fontana in 1782. Sculptures and lions were carved from marble and the rest from stone; Francisco Gutiérrez sculpted Cybele and Roberto Michel the lions. Originally a water source, the fountain was moved to the center of Plaza de Cibeles in 1895 and became decorative.
Besides being a famous landmark, Cibeles Fountain has been the celebration hub for Real Madrid's victories for decades—and also for Spain’s national football and basketball teams.
Nearby notable buildings include:
The Cibeles Palace (formerly the Communications Palace), completed in 1919; once the Spanish postal service HQ and from 2007 the Madrid City Council seat
Buenavista Palace, built in 1777 as the Duke of Alba’s residence, now serving as Spanish Army headquarters
Be sure to visit Gran VÃa and Cibeles—they are among the best tourist areas in Madrid, Spain.
8. Temple of Debod: Ancient Egyptian Temple
The Temple of Debod is one of Madrid’s most beautiful treasures. Dating from the 2nd century BC, it was donated by Egypt to Spain in order to help preserve Abu Simbel and other monuments threatened by the Aswan High Dam. The temple was dismantled and moved to Spain—a rebuilding process spanning two years, with some missing stones requiring reconstruction.
The Temple of Debod opened to the public on July 20, 1972. Originally dedicated to the gods Amun and Isis, it was enhanced with decorative reliefs and expanded by Ptolemaic kings. After Egypt’s annexation by Rome, emperors like Augustus, Tiberius, and possibly Hadrian continued decoration and completion.
Today the temple lies within a lovely rose garden with great views toward Casa de Campo. Locals gather there year‑round for picnics, yoga, or relaxation. The best time to visit is just before sunset, offering a magical sky backdrop—and staying later reveals beautiful nighttime illuminations.
The interior shrine is free and worth exploring; although not as well‑preserved as other Egyptian temples, its walls feature hieroglyphs and carvings. Information panels discuss Egyptian myths and society. Upstairs there’s a fascinating miniature artwork featuring Nubian temples.
9. San Antonio de la Florida Chapel
The San Antonio de la Florida chapel is home to the stunning fresco cycle painted by Goya at the end of the 18th century. These restored mural ceilings are one of Madrid’s most surprising treasures. The southern part of the twin chapels is among the few places where you can view Goya’s work in its original setting—painted in 1798 at the request of Charles IV.
The murals depict the miracle of Saint Anthony raising a young man from the grave to exonerate his father, wrongfully accused of murder. Goya himself is buried in front of the altar; in 1919 his remains (except for the mysteriously missing head) were moved from Bordeaux, France, where he died in self‑imposed exile in 1828. The project took 120 days to complete, portraying 13th‑century miracles with naturalistic scenes never before used in religious painting. Opposite the frightening dead man on the main dome, Goya painted himself wearing a black cloak.
Due to a special effort to preserve them, the chapel was declared a national monument in 1905. In 1928, an identical chapel was built beside it for worship, preserving the original frescoes as part of the Goya Museum. Although it’s a fine example of Madrid’s neoclassical style, Goya’s frescoes make San Antonio a must-see.
Guided tours run Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 1 pm, when visitor numbers support group tours.
10. Thyssen‑Bornemisza Museum: Museum of Fine Arts
The Thyssen‑Bornemisza Museum is one of Madrid’s most popular art museums, along with the Prado and Reina SofÃa—it forms the Golden Triangle of Art. Its extensive collection of nearly 1,000 artworks was managed by the Thyssen‑Bornemisza Foundation after Spain purchased the collection from the family in July 1993.
Tracking European painting from the Middle Ages to the late 20th century, it includes Italian primitives, German Renaissance, 19th‑century American painting, Impressionism, German Expressionism, Russian Constructivism, and many other movements.
Housed in a beautiful late‑18th‑century neoclassical palace across three floors: start on the second floor, then move to the first, and finally the basement to follow the evolution of European painting. The museum includes works by Van Gogh, Kirchner, Hopper, Gauguin, Rubens, Frans Hals, and others. Though it lacks some marquee works like the Prado, its superb holdings make it a perfect complement and an essential stop among Madrid’s top art attractions.
The collection’s modern museum journey began in the 1920s when Baron Hans Thyssen started gathering paintings—about 525 to begin with. As the collection grew, and given its scattered state, the Spanish government offered the former Villa Favorita to house it. The palace of Villahermosa (late‑18th century) became its new home. The state acquired the collection in 1993.
11. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: Real Madrid Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is home to Real Madrid and is one of Madrid’s most visited attractions, drawing over one million visitors annually. Opened in 1947 as “Nuevo Estadio ChamartÃn,” it was later renamed in honor of Santiago Bernabéu, who presided over the club for 35 years.
With a capacity of about 80,000, it’s among Spain’s largest stadiums. VIP seating lining the pitch offers an exclusive viewing experience. Real Madrid is one of three major football clubs based in the city, along with Atlético Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. The club opens its doors 363 days a year for fans of football and sports history.
For non‑football fans, there are alternative tours and experiences suited to other interests. Stadium tours can include the presidential box, changing rooms, pitch‑side walk, and more. After the tour, you can view trophies, historical jerseys, balls, photos, and an interactive museum recounting the club’s legendary moments. Online booking is recommended to avoid queues. Santiago Bernabéu remains one of Madrid’s top tourist attractions.
12. Basilica of San Francisco el Grande
The Basilica of San Francisco el Grande is a monumental religious landmark in Madrid. Its grand interiors and collection of Spanish paintings and sculptures (17th to 19th centuries) are impressive. It also features murals from the Madrid crypt, and its dome ranks as the third largest in the Christian world.
Legend holds that Saint Francis of Assisi, passing through Spain, ordered a monastery built in 1217, known as “the old convent,” dedicated to the Virgin Mary with a miraculous fountain. The site later expanded in the 14th century into a Gothic temple popularly known as San Francisco. When Madrid was declared capital by Philip II, noble families sponsored chapels—enhancing the basilica’s status. The complex once included a hospital, religious shop, and museum.
During Franco’s dictatorship it was known as the “Church of the Regime,” and Franco himself attended mass there multiple times. Today the space occasionally hosts musical performances amid its artistic interiors. The Basilica, still linked with the Holy Sepulchre protection body under Spain’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, was declared a national monument on October 19, 1980. It stands central in Madrid, near the jewel‑like Descalzas Reales convent.
13. Sorolla Museum
The Sorolla Museum occupies a charming small palace surrounded by a productive garden. It preserves the artist JoaquÃn Sorolla’s original home and studio, making it a delightful museum‑house experience. Opened in 1932 by the artist’s widow—who donated the building and gifted generously—this museum holds the largest collection of his work. It’s one of Europe's best‑preserved painter’s home museums.
The museum, located in the ChamartÃn neighborhood near the bustling Calle Castellana, was the family home from 1911 until Sorolla’s death in 1923. Many of his possessions—sculptures, ceramics, personal items, letters, photos—remain in situ. The collection includes over 1,200 paintings and sketches, which grew after 1982 through state acquisitions. The Andalusian‑style garden enhances the atmosphere.
Though smaller than landmarks like the Prado or Thyssen, Sorolla Museum offers a wonderful, intimate experience and is an excellent choice if you have extra time or are visiting during special events. It ranks among Madrid’s finest tourist sites.
14. National Archaeological Museum
Madrid’s National Archaeological Museum is Spain’s premier archaeology museum and one of its most beautiful attractions. Since its 2014 renovation, it’s become one of the capital’s busiest museums, drawing over half a million visitors annually.
Reopened after a six‑year exhibition overhaul, the museum houses one of the world’s most important archaeological collections. Its exhibits span from Mediterranean cultures—prehistoric to 19th century. Located in Salamanca district, it covers historical periods often absent from nearby art museums on the Art Walk. Collections include Greek pottery, Islamic ivory, Roman and Egyptian artifacts. Established in 1867 by Queen Isabel II, the museum unified Spain’s dispersed collections. A €65 million modernisation project (2008–2014) dramatically improved display quality, tripling visitor numbers.
Famous exhibits include the Lady of Elche, the Boso Moro tomb, Lady of Baza, and the Six Crowns. The National Archaeological Museum is well‑curated, educational, affordable (sometimes free), and deeply interesting—especially if you read the interpretive labels.
15. Lázaro Galdiano Museum
This imposing early‑20th‑century Italian‑style palace belonged to Don José Lázaro Galdiano (1862–1947), a successful businessman and arts patron. His private collection—13,000 works, a quarter displayed in the museum—continues to astound visitors. Some of the masterpieces he acquired earned their fame through his patronage; works by Goya are particularly prominent.
On the ground floor, the museum displays artifacts that reflect Galdiano’s social context: sculptures, bronzes, miniatures, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, arms—showcasing his broad interests. The elegant first floor features Spanish art under a central ballroom ceiling, while the second floor houses small treasures by Italian, Flemish, English, and French artists. The top floor hosts temporary exhibits, including stunning textiles in Room 24. Bilingual labels (Spanish and English) and archival photos enhance understanding.
Born in Navarre and relocating to Madrid young, Galdiano became a cultural force in the city. He supported the Prado during WW I and later collected Spanish works at risk of leaving the country. After exile during the Civil War, he later established the foundation that became the Lázaro Galdiano Museum—now considered among Madrid’s top art attractions.
16. Puerta de Alcalá
Puerta de Alcalá is one of Madrid’s most famous monuments. This Neoclassical triumphal arch stands in Plaza de la Independencia, near a main entrance to Retiro Park. Opened in 1778 and designed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini—who spent much of his life working in Madrid for the Spanish royal family—it replaced a 16th‑century brick gate demolished by King Charles III.
Once one of the five royal city gates, it was the first triumphal arch built in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire—older than Paris’s Arc de Triomphe or Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.
Interesting facts:
Named “Alcalá” because the road led to Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO World Heritage city 35 km northeast of Madrid
It served as one of the five royal access gates into Madrid
Converted to a plaza in 1889
Each side has different relief designs: the city‑facing side is crowned with war trophies (flags, armour, helmets) and three round arches topped by lion heads; the opposite side is more ornate with royal heraldry and Fame carrying the royal coat of arms
At the top are four allegorical children representing the fundamental virtues: Fortitude, Justice, Temperance, and Prudence
It stands about 30 meters tall and leaves a lasting impression
Located at Retiro Park’s northeast entrance, just by the park’s artificial lake—making it the perfect final stop if visiting this magnificent landmark.
