Tourist Attractions in Madrid

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Madrid

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Madrid

Luxurious royal Madrid is one of the centres of European tourism. Millions of foreigners visit the city every year. The Spanish capital began to develop after the Bourbon dynasty ascended to the throne in the 16th century. Then began to build lavish churches and palaces, erected monuments to the heroes of the nation.

Walking along the Plaza Mayor and tasting tapas in the central market of San Miguel, you can feel the spirit of Madrid – austere, solemn and at the same time dynamic and forward-looking. The former greatness of the Spanish nation is carefully preserved in the treasures of the Prado Museum, sealed in the walls of the Palacio Real palace, embedded in the stone pavement of the Plaza del Sol.

A trip to the Spanish capital is a journey into a world of art, fine architecture and mind-blowing gastronomy, as well as an immersion in a vibrant and authentic culture.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

 4.6/5

98791 reviews

A true Spanish Versailles, one of the most beautiful royal palaces in Europe, built in the 17th century. On the western side of the complex are the magnificent gardens of Campo del Moro. During the reign of dictator Franco, the palace was nationalised, so the royal family no longer resides here, but only holds official receptions. The rest of the time the building is open to tourists.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Cibeles Fountain

 4.7/5

48805 reviews

One of the main squares of the Spanish capital is Plaza de Cibeles. There is a monumental fountain of the XVIII century and a palace built at the beginning of the XX century. Since 2007 the building has been the residence of the mayor of the city. In the past centuries the citizens used to take drinking water from the fountain, and the palace building served as the main post office for the whole XX century. Nowadays Plaza de Cibeles is a popular place for tourists and residents of Madrid.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Gate of Europe

 4.4/5

1310 reviews

Two skyscraper towers on the Plaza de Castilla, built at an inclination of 15° to the surface of the base. The buildings were designed by American architects D. Berge and F. Johnson in 1996. The towers reach 114 metres in height and contain 25 floors, with private helipads on the roofs. This landmark has become a symbol of modern Madrid.

Open time

Calle Gran Vía

 4.8/5

3806 reviews

One of the capital’s main thoroughfares and the main ‘walking street’ for locals. In the evenings, especially at weekends, hundreds of citizens come out here for the famous Spanish “marca” – a long walk from bar to bar (there are plenty of these establishments on Gran Via), during which you can socialise, meet acquaintances, have a glass of wine and join the merry crowd of other revelers.

Plaza Mayor

 4.6/5

172597 reviews

Madrid’s central square, from where most of the famous tourist routes start. Plaza Mayor was created in the 17th century during the reign of Philip III. Since then it has been the scene of important state events: executions, bullfights, coronations of Spanish kings, public festivals and the fearsome trials of the Inquisition. Nowadays, the square is a gathering place for street artists, performers and curious onlookers.

Open time

Puerta del Sol

 0/5

The name of the place translates from Spanish as “gate of the sun”. The famous symbol of Madrid, a bear propping up a strawberry tree, is located here. In the middle of the square there is a monument to Charles III. Puerta del Sol is always full of people. Here Christmas lottery sellers get lost in groups of Chinese tourists with huge cameras, and shopaholics run from one shop to another in search of discounts.

El Retiro Park

 4.8/5

181324 reviews

A green area within the city limits, a favourite place for strolling for Madrid residents. The park has many picturesque alleys, fountains and buildings from the past centuries. Citizens come here as a family on weekends to eat ice cream or take a boat ride on the small lake. In Spanish, the name of the park means “good solitude”.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Casa de Campo

 4.5/5

50898 reviews

An extensive park area, somewhat removed from the central neighbourhoods of Madrid. In the past, it was the site of royal hunting grounds. The park has a large zoo with an aquarium and dolphins, as well as an amusement area with dozens of slides, mazes and other merry-go-rounds. There is also an entire street of restaurants, the Paseo de Gastronomia, for hungry visitors.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Museo Nacional del Prado

 4.7/5

116766 reviews

A priceless collection of works of art that is worth more than even the Louvre in Paris. The Prado Museum has a vast collection of Italian painters and Flemish school masters. The Prado Museum has extensive collections of Italian painters and paintings by masters of the Flemish school. The expositions were opened to the public in 1819.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

 4.5/5

54693 reviews

It is one of the “golden” three art galleries in the Spanish capital, together with the Thyssen-Bornemisza and Prado museums. The exhibition was opened in 1992. in the former building of the capital’s hospital. The art centre was named after Spain’s Queen Sofia. The place is famous for its rich collection of contemporary art. The most famous painting is “Guernica” by the grandiose Pablo Picasso.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

 4.7/5

38036 reviews

The museum was a private collection of the Thyssen-Bornemisza family until 1993, when it was bought by the state. The museum presents paintings by artists who were neglected by the Prado and the Queen Sofia Art Centre. Works by Italian primitivists, Russian constructivists, Dutch and English painters are exhibited on a permanent basis. There are also many masterpieces in the style of pop art and geometric abstraction.

Open time

Monday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Museo de America

 4.4/5

3523 reviews

A museum dedicated to the discovery of the American continent. It is unrivalled in the whole of Europe. It houses collections showing the history and life of the indigenous population of the Americas before the Spanish conquest. Visitors can look at weapons, household items, clothing, religious objects of Indian tribes. Conquistador weapons and examples of colonial art are also on display.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Biblioteca Nacional de España

 4.6/5

1394 reviews

The largest collection of written and printed exhibits in the country: books, maps, engravings, pamphlets, magazines, musical scores, posters. The library appeared during the reign of King Philip II in the early 18th century. The funds were constantly replenished by depositing a copy of every printed work published in the country. Over the three centuries of its existence, the library has accumulated 26 million specimens.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Teatro Real

 4.6/5

12379 reviews

The main opera house of the capital, it has existed since the middle of the 19th century. As a result of wars and revolutionary events, the theatre repeatedly lost its functions and alternately served as a barracks, a warehouse, and a parliamentary building. In 1977 the theatre was restored to its original function, and in 1997 it began staging only operas and other musical works.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Catedral de la Almudena

 4.6/5

21770 reviews

Madrid’s monumental and majestic cathedral, where lavish public services are held and the festive mass is celebrated. The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Almudena, the patron saint of the Spanish capital. The foundation stone was laid by King Alfonso XII in 1884. The cathedral was finally completed only by the end of the XX century. The architecture of the building is a mixture of neoclassical and baroque elements.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

 4.7/5

28880 reviews

The abode is located about an hour’s drive from Madrid at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The rugged fortress served as a residence for Spanish kings. Construction lasted from 1563 to 1584. Despite the austere and rather simple appearance, the interior of the palace is striking in its opulence and luxury. The ashes of all Spanish monarchs, starting with Charles V, are buried here.

Open time

Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

 4.4/5

2415 reviews

An active 16th-century convent in Madrid’s city centre, located near Puerta del Sol. The convent provided shelter for women from noble families who fled to its walls to escape from hated and imposed fiancés. Thanks to the rich dowries of the failed brides, the convent quickly became one of the richest in all of Europe. In one part of the monastery there is a museum of paintings.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Temple of Debod

 4.4/5

53274 reviews

An ancient Egyptian temple, about 2000 years old. Originally intended for the worship of the god Amon, it later became the centre of the cult of the goddess Isis. The temple was presented to Spain by the Egyptian authorities as a token of gratitude for saving historical relics damaged during the construction of the Aswan Dam. The structure was dismantled into stones, transported to Madrid and installed in the Western Park.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Puerta de Alcalá

 4.6/5

49077 reviews

Located on Independence Square in the centre of the capital. The structure is made in neoclassical style, has three large and two small spans on the sides. The facade is decorated with a sculptural group and an inscription commemorating the name of Charles III. In the 17th century, the road to Alcalá de Henares passed through the gate. The monument became one of the symbols of the modernisation of Madrid during the era of Charles III.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Estación Madrid - Puerta de Atocha

 4.1/5

17331 reviews

The main and largest railway station in Spain, from which high-speed trains to all regions of the country depart, as well as suburban trains. The building consists of two terminals. The old 19th century terminal houses a tropical garden, cafés, shops and entertainment facilities, while the new one is used for train departures and arrivals.

Open time

Las Ventas Bullring

 4.5/5

33974 reviews

An arena designed for the famous Spanish national show – bullfighting. From May to October, bullfights are held here every Sunday, and from April to November you can visit the bullfighting museum. It is also quite often used for concerts and festivals. The building was built in the early 20th century to replace an old building located in the city centre.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

 4.6/5

134087 reviews

The home arena of the popular football club Real Madrid. The stadium can be visited on a guided tour, during which visitors can learn about the history of the team, see the Trophy Hall, look into the changing room and sit in the stands. The arena can seat up to 80,000 spectators. On the stadium’s opening day in 1947, Real Madrid played against Portuguese side Belenenses and won 3-1.

Open time

 0/5

A shopping area or, more precisely, a flea market where you can buy interesting things – from antique furniture and musical instruments to sweets, rare books, clothes. The market is open on Sundays in the La Latina neighbourhood. It is often visited not only by tourists, but also by locals, as the market often sells rare and necessary mechanisms and parts.

Mercado de San Miguel

 4.4/5

126586 reviews

A gastronomic market near the Plaza Mayor. A vibrant tourist attraction in the capital, where tourists flock to sample a variety of Spanish tapas. Here you can taste fresh oysters with a glass of champagne or delicious jamon flavoured with herbs and spices. The delicacies can be sampled endlessly, as each counter offers something different.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Parque Warner Madrid

 4.2/5

75312 reviews

An amusement city in the suburbs of Madrid, covering an area of 55 hectares. Here you can have a wonderful holiday with children. The park is divided into several zones: Hollywood Boulevard (main avenue), Superhero World, Cartoon City, Wild West, Film Studio. Each zone is unique and interesting, with exciting shows and fun rides everywhere.

Open time

Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed