Discover the capital of Spain - Madrid travel guide!

Madrid Travel Guide | Visit the heart of Spain and discover the Spanish culture that surprises millions of tourists every year! Great museums, art at every step and one of the most famous gastronomy - this is what a holiday in Madrid means. The city is the second largest in Europe, so it can be difficult to choose what to visit. You have below a list of the main attractions of Madrid so that you can establish an itinerary!

Transport

To get from Madrid-Barajas Airport to the city center, you can choose between metro, bus and train (2-5 euros) or taxi for a price of about 30 euros.

Accommodation

Although the prices here are higher than here, the accommodation costs are more affordable compared to other European cities. Accommodations in guesthouses or hostels in the city center even start from 25 euros per night. At hotels you will find prices even at 70 euros per night.

Our recommendations are:
For a single traveler – Hostal La VeraSe - a single room starts from 25 euros per night, the hostel being very close to the center and the metro

For a couple – Casa du Soleil - an oasis of peace with a superb terrace, 500 m from the center, the price of a room starts from 65 euros per night.

For family/group – Gran View Apartments - an apartment for 4 people, with a beautiful terrace and access to the outdoor pool for only 200 lei per person per night.

Madrid tourist attractions – Itinerary by day

Day 1

The Prado Museum
Reina Sofia National Museum of Art
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Madrid Wax Museum

"The Golden Triangle of Art"

The history of Madrid is vast, so you will find numerous museums throughout the city. One of the most famous museums is The Prado Museum (7 euros/adult) which houses thousands of paintings, sculptures and other art objects from all over Europe. Here you can admire works by the famous Velazquez, Botticelli, Murillo and many others. Another impressive museum and among the favorites of art lovers from all over the world is Queen Sofia National Museum. Picasso, Dali and other Spanish artists have their works exhibited in this museum where access costs 12 euros/adult. Another museum worth visiting is Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (9 euros/adult) with works of art from Europe starting from the 13th century. All these 3 museums are known as the "Golden Triangle of Art" and are close to each other, as can be seen on the map:

Madrid Wax Museum

Not even 1 km from them you will find Madrid Wax Museum. It is a popular destination due to the more than 450 wax figures that embody both historical emblems and contemporary stars from all fields such as: Film, Music, History, Science, Sports or the world of children. If you arrive via Madrid, don't hesitate and buy the ticket here.

Day 2

Royal Palace
Almudena Cathedral
Temple of Debod
Plaza de Espana and Plaza de Mayor
Puerta del Sol
Calle Gran Vía

Royal Palace

Royal Palace it is the largest royal palace in all of Europe, with over 3000 rooms. It was built in the 10th century and great kings of Spain lived here. With ballrooms, a throne room, porcelain rooms and many other amazing rooms, this is the place that offers you an idyllic and fairytale Madrid holiday. The access ticket starts from 10 euros and you can get there by metro, bus or train with prices starting from 1 euro/person.

Almudena Cathedral

On the side of the Royal Palace, there is the Almudena Cathedral, built in honor of the patron saint of the city, the Virgin of Almudena. As a result of naming Madrid the capital of the country, it was desired to build a cathedral commensurate with the importance of the city. This construction process lasted more than a century, but the results are worth it. The cathedral is imposing, 104 meters long and 76 meters wide. The entrance is free, it can be visited from 9:00 to 21:00.

Temple of Debod

At 1km from the cathedral, you will be greeted by an oriental air, more precisely by an Egyptian temple in the heart of Madrid. This temple represents a sign of Egypt's gratitude to Spain, as a result of saving the historical monuments of Nubia.

The entrance is free, this architectural complex dating back over 2000 years, located in the Cuartel de la Montaña park, surrounded by a lake and lots of nature.

Plaza de España and Plaza de Mayor

Spain is a country that can be proud of numerous imposing markets, known all over the world, Plaza de España and Plaza de Mayor being two of them. Located in the immediate vicinity of the park, do not miss these two perfect objectives for a photo session or a little rest. The markets are full of terraces and boutiques, so give them plenty of time. Here you will best observe the typical Spanish life and style.

Puerta del Sol

Not even 400 m from Plaza de Mayor is Puerta del Sol, more precisely the town square. In this is the official symbol of Madrid, a statue that embodies a bear looking for strawberries. It was inaugurated in 1964 by order of the Spanish Government by Antonio Navarro Santafé.

Calle Gran Vía

When you say Madrid, you say Calle Gran Via. Not only is it the main artery of Madrid, but it is also the most famous boulevard in Spain. Here you will be able to see impressive buildings, Gran Via being an architectural ensemble representative of the styles of the 20th century. Among them, don't miss: the Metropolis Building, the Madrid Lighthouse Tower and the Callao Cinema and Square.

Day 3

Puerta de Alcalá
Plaza de Cibeles
Parque de El Retiro
Plaza de Toros – Las Ventas
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Puerta de Alcalá

Puerta de Alcala it is located in Plaza de la Independencia, being an important objective dating from the period of Charles III. This is a neoclassical construction, made of granite, provided with 2 rectangular passages and 3 arches. Visiting it is free.

Once in this area, don't miss the famous duck Plaza de Cibeles, where there is the famous statue-fountain in neoclassical style, which embodies the goddess Cibele on a carriage pulled by two lions.

Parque de El Retiro

Next to Puerta de Alcala is El Retiro Park. It is a 120 ha park that harmoniously combines nature with history. Take the necessary time because here you will find lakes, rose gardens, statues, fountains and even caves. Make sure you don't miss out The Crystal Palace, a building made mostly of glass similar to a greenhouse, which is reflected in the lake, Parterre Gardens, similar to the gardens of the Palace of Versailles or Fountain of Angel Caido, a statue representing the fall of Lucifer.

Plaza de Toros – Las Ventas

If we move away a little from Parque de El Retiro with line 2, we will arrive in Plaza de Toros. Once you arrive here, you will notice Las Ventas, the largest bullring in Spain and the 3rd largest in the world. The arena has a capacity of almost 24,000 thousand people, and if you happen to be on vacation in Madrid between March and October, you have the chance to be a spectator because then is the bullfighting season.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Microbist or not, if you still end up in Madrid, it's worth visiting the famous one Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. It is equipped with its own metro station (which, of course, bears its name) and with a staff totaling over 2,500 employees.

Besides the three finals of the European Cup (1957, 1969, 1980), the UEFA Champions League Final was also hosted here in 2010, being an important part of world football.

For those who wish, there are many types of tours available HERE.

Food

Spanish cuisine has become a real art and you may have already heard of the famous ones tapas – small snacks. These most often include assortments of cheeses, olives or different types of ham. They have become popular all over the world, but you will find authentic Spanish tapas in most restaurants in Madrid. Try it too tortillas Spanish - a kind of omelette with potatoes, gambas al ajillo - shrimps with garlic, Iberian ham and paella - rice with seafood. Some unmissable delicacies are churros with chocolate sauce and cake which resembles sponge cake. Don't miss the drinks the blood and tinto de summero.

Spanish gastronomy is full of unforgettable flavors, and a vacation in Madrid gives you the chance to discover even better the culinary talent of the locals.

Shopping

You can't leave Spain without a shopping session. The famous centers El Corte Ingles they are spread all over the city, it would be a shame not to enter at least one of them.

For an authentic Spanish shopping adventure on the famous streets: Calle Gran Via, Calle de Preciados, Calle de Serrano or Calle de Fuencarral. If you are a lover of markets and talcioks, we also recommend you El Rastro found on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores.

A stay in Madrid is an unforgettable experience for any tourist who arrives there. Even if you came with your family and are looking for places that will make the little ones happy, or you are with your partner and looking for romantic areas - Madrid is the most suitable city. You will definitely find objectives that you like. It is a lively city, full of life and with a vibrant culture. Are you going to plan your trip? I have prepared some links that can make it easier for you to organize your stay:

Transport

Accommodation

Tourist spots