Must-Dos in Spain’s Capital City
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Known for its historic architecture, food markets, and famous artworks, Madrid is a city sure to fascinate any traveler. Here’s a bucket list to make sure you experience all that Madrid has to offer!
Plaza Mayor
One of Madrid’s most famous squares is Plaza Mayor. The plaza is home to the statue of Philip III on horseback and has served as the venue for bullfights, Christmas markets, and even soccer games. This is a great place for visitors to relax and have a meal! Not too far from the plaza is the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel, and Chocolatería San Ginés, a cafe known for its delicious churros.
Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel is a must visit for those looking to indulge in Spanish cuisine! Located near Plaza Mayor, this space serves Madrid as a gourmet food market. Visitors can find an array of tapas, paellas, cheeses, and more. Mercado de San Miguel is also home to two Michelin Star chefs – Joan Roca and Rodrigo de la Calle.
Temple of Debod
An attraction that often surprises tourists is the Temple of Debod – an ancient Egyptian temple that was rebuilt in Madrid. The temple was given as a gift from Egypt to the city of Madrid, where it was opened to the public in 1972. Visitors can view the exterior of the temple at any time since it sits in a public park. Stepping inside the temple is limited by operating hours and capacity.
Plaza de Espana
Located at the corner of Calle de la Princesa and Gran Via is Plaza de Espana. Here, visitors can see stunning architecture displayed through buildings such as Torre de Madrid and Espana Building surrounding the square. Many tours and transportation services meet up at this plaza.
Royal Palace of Madrid
A top bucket list item in Madrid is visiting the Royal Palace. The Palace is the official residence for the Spanish Royal Family and was constructed in the 18th century. We highly recommend taking a tour of it, where you can see the Grand Staircase, Crown Room, and Royal Library. Operating hours and ticket price vary by season; admission information can be found here.
Catedral de La Almudena
Right next to the Royal Palace of Madrid is Catedral de Santa María La Real de La Almudena. The Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid and was the first to be consecrated outside of Rome. Admission is free and we recommend visitors tour it to see the beautiful neoclassical and neo-romanesque architecture.
El Retiro Park
One of the most popular attractions in Madrid is El Retiro Park. Visitors can soak up the sun, stroll through the many gardens, or admire the Glass Palace. Another great option is to rent a rowboat and go out on Retiro Park Lake!
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Madrid is known for being home to famous artwork, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is one of the best places to see these pieces! The most notable work in this museum is Guernica by Pablo Picasso, which symbolizes the suffering caused by war. The museum also houses artwork by many other Spanish artists such as Juan Gris. General admission is 12 Euros.
Museo Nacional del Prado
Another noteworthy art museum to add to your bucket list is Museo Nacional del Prado. Here visitors can see Las Meninas, Saturn Devouring His Son, and The Third of May 1808, among many other famous pieces. You could easily spend an entire day admiring all the collections! If your time in Madrid is limited, the museum has put together recommended itineraries for one, two, and three hour visits. Here is the link for the two hour itinerary.
Shop at El Corte Inglés
Whether you need new clothes to help you survive in Spain’s heat or just love a good shopping spree, El Corte Inglés is a great store to stop by while in Madrid. El Corte Inglés is the largest department store group in Europe and will be easy to spot while you’re walking around – some of the stores span entire city blocks.c
See a Flamenco show
No trip to Madrid would be complete without seeing a flamenco show! The show is generally a mix of dancing, singing, and music, and depending on which one you book, it might come with dinner and drinks. Las Carboneras Flamenco Show, Teatro Flamenco Madrid, Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco, and Tablao Flamenco Las Tablas are popular options.
Disclaimer: All information presented in this post was accurate of the time at the time of our trip. Attractions, availability, circumstances, operating hours, prices, etc. are subject to change and this post may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Readers are advised to do their due diligence in researching the location prior to travel. Hyperlink content may be out-of-date and is not sponsored by or affiliated with Scenic Sites unless otherwise noted.
Visited May 2018 | Posted July 2022
