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Monuments, museums and cultural sites to visit in Madrid

Madrid establishes itself as one of the richest cultural capitals in Europe. Behind its wide avenues and lively squares, the city reveals a heritage that is royal, artistic, and popular. From the Royal Palace to the Prado, from the Retiro Gardens to the alleys of Plaza Mayor, each neighborhood tells a piece of Spanish history. Art lovers discover masterpieces from the Golden Age, visitors stroll between contemporary museums, markets, and cathedrals, while Madrilenians enjoy their parks as open-air salons. Between iconic museums, historic buildings, and lively places, this selection gathers the essential sites to understand Madrid’s beauty and energy, balancing tradition and modernity.

Retiro Park

Madrid, Spain

Retiro Park

Green lung of the city, this 125-hectare park features a lake, glass greenhouses, sculptures, and tree-lined pathways. It is a favorite spot for walkers in Madrid.

Prado Museum

Madrid, Spain

Prado Museum

One of the largest museums in the world, showcasing Spanish, Italian, and Flemish masters. Velázquez, Goya, and Rubens converse across five centuries of European art.

Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid, Spain

Royal Palace of Madrid

Official residence of the Spanish monarchy, this baroque palace has over 3,000 rooms decorated with frescoes and antique furniture. It offers a magnificent view of the city.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Madrid, Spain

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The birthplace of Spanish football and the home of Real Madrid with 81,044 seats. Visitors can access the stands, locker rooms, and the museum depicting the club's history.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Madrid, Spain

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Between the Prado and the Reina Sofía, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of European painting from the Middle Ages to the pop art era.

San Miguel Market

Madrid, Spain

San Miguel Market

Located in a metal and glass structure built in 1916, this food market houses 30 stalls offering Spanish cuisine, wine, and fresh products.

Gran Via

Madrid, Spain

Gran Via

This main street extends 1.3 kilometers through central Madrid. The avenue contains art deco buildings, theaters, shops, and hotels from the 1920s.

Plaza Mayor

Madrid, Spain

Plaza Mayor

This rectangular plaza spans 129 by 94 meters with covered arcades along its perimeter. The square contains the 1616 equestrian statue of King Philip III.

Sorolla Museum

Madrid, Spain

Sorolla Museum

Former home of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla containing his art studio, personal furniture collection and original paintings. The museum grounds include a Mediterranean garden with tiled fountains.

Reina Sofía Museum

Madrid, Spain

Reina Sofía Museum

National museum of 20th century art located in an 18th century building. The collection includes works by Spanish artists Picasso, Dalí and Miró.

Temple of Debod

Madrid, Spain

Temple of Debod

A real Egyptian temple given to Spain by Egypt, moved stone by stone to Madrid. Today, it reflects in a pool at sunset.

Puerta del Sol

Madrid, Spain

Puerta del Sol

Central square of Madrid featuring the 19th century clock tower and the Spanish road network zero kilometer marker. A bronze bear statue represents the city symbol.

Plaza de Cibeles

Madrid, Spain

Plaza de Cibeles

A large circular plaza featuring a central neoclassical fountain depicting Cybele, goddess of nature, riding a lion-drawn carriage. Government buildings frame the intersection.

Paseo del Prado

Madrid, Spain

Paseo del Prado

Historic boulevard with plane trees stretches 1.1 kilometers from Plaza Cibeles to Plaza del Emperador Carlos V near Atocha Station.

National Archaeological Museum

Madrid, Spain

National Archaeological Museum

A neoclassical building housing important Spanish archaeological findings, including Iberian art, Roman mosaics, Egyptian mummies, and the notable Lady of Elche bust.

Cerralbo Museum

Madrid, Spain

Cerralbo Museum

A 19th-century palace preserving the personal collection of Marquis of Cerralbo, featuring historical weapons, paintings, furniture, and decorative arts in their original room settings.

Crystal Palace

Madrid, Spain

Crystal Palace

A metallic and glass structure built in 1887 for the Philippines Exhibition, located in Retiro Park. The building stands beside a small lake and hosts temporary art exhibitions.

Atocha Station

Madrid, Spain

Atocha Station

Main railway hub built in iron and glass, featuring an indoor tropical garden of 4,000 square meters with ponds and 260 plant species.

Palace of Cibeles

Madrid, Spain

Palace of Cibeles

Former central post office built in 1919, this stone building now houses Madrid's city government and cultural exhibitions.

Salamanca District

Madrid, Spain

Salamanca District

19th century neighborhood with geometric street layout, luxury retail stores, restaurants and residential buildings with ornate stone facades.

Madrid Rio Park

Madrid, Spain

Madrid Rio Park

Urban park along the Manzanares River features walking paths, cycling lanes, sports fields, concert areas, playgrounds and ten bridges crossing the water.

Puerta de Alcalá

Madrid, Spain

Puerta de Alcalá

Former royal gate located on the Plaza de la Independencia, built as one of the five historic entrances to the city.

Royal Theatre

Madrid, Spain

Royal Theatre

Main theater in Madrid located opposite the Royal Palace on the Plaza de Oriente, hosting operas and performances.

Sweet Space Museum

Madrid, Spain

Sweet Space Museum

A playful and interactive museum dedicated to the world of sugar and desserts, known for its colorful displays and sensory exhibits.

Plaza España

Madrid, Spain

Plaza España

Large square surrounded by skyscrapers and gardens. The monumental statue of Cervantes pays tribute to Don Quixote.

San Francisco el Grande Basilica

Madrid, Spain

San Francisco el Grande Basilica

Neoclassical church from 1784 with a 33-meter dome, marble columns, frescoes and paintings from Spanish masters of the 18th century.

Almudena Cathedral

Madrid, Spain

Almudena Cathedral

Opposite the palace, this cathedral combines neoclassical, Gothic, and modern styles. It was consecrated by John Paul II in 1993.

Las Ventas Bullring

Madrid, Spain

Las Ventas Bullring

Neo-Mudéjar construction from 1929 with 23,800 seats. This bullring features red brick and ceramic architecture.

Royal Botanical Garden

Madrid, Spain

Royal Botanical Garden

Scientific garden created in 1755 containing 5,000 plant species over 8 hectares, organized into thematic terraces with historical greenhouses.

El Rastro

Madrid, Spain

El Rastro

The emblematic flea market in La Latina. Antiques, clothing, and crafts spread over the cobblestones every Sunday.

Madrid Zoo Aquarium

Madrid, Spain

Madrid Zoo Aquarium

20-hectare zoological park housing 6,000 animals of 500 species, with dolphins, giant pandas, and a 2-million-liter aquarium.

Plaza de Santa Ana

Madrid, Spain

Plaza de Santa Ana

Central square in the Huertas district featuring the statue of Federico García Lorca and restaurant terraces.

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