Travel Guide of Madrid in Spain by Influencers and Travelers

Madrid is the capital and most populous city of Spain. The city has almost 3.3 million inhabitants and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.5 million.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Madrid

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is a major public space in the heart of Madrid, the capital of Spain. It was once the centre of Old Madrid. It was first built during the reign of Philip III. Only a few blocks away is another famous plaza, the Puerta del Sol.

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2 - Museo Nacional del Prado

The Prado Museum, officially known as Museo Nacional del Prado, is the main Spanish national art museum, located in central Madrid.

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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Madrid Walking Tours

Cities are not only defined by their famous historical milestones. There are other, more hidden stories embedded in the public subconscious, which sometimes sketch the soul of the city better than their own streets and squares. Madrid is a city full of these mysteries. Some have already been unveiled; others have yet to be revealed. Get to know some of them on a unique, off-beat tour that will show you "the B side" of the Spanish capital, with plenty of humor and intrigue packed in. After starting at the Plaza de Pontejos, you'll be guided to the Plaza de Puerta Cerrada to take in the medieval times of the city. Afterwards, you will go to the Plaza Mayor to learn about a particularly strange episode that took place there. In the Plaza de la Villa, you'll meet the dragon who was the protagonist of the "other origin" of Madrid. And on your way through the Calle del Sacramento, you'll visit a beautiful lady who hides a great secret...

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4 - Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid, although now only used for state ceremonies. The palace has 135,000 square metres of floor space and contains 3,418 rooms. It is the largest functioning royal palace and the largest by floor area in Europe.

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5 - Temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid, Spain.

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6 - Evening | Madrid Flamenco Shows

Enjoy a fix of timeless Spanish culture with an award-winning Madrid flamenco show at the iconic Corral de la Moreria flamenco tablao. Named the best flamenco venue in the world by Spain's most prestigious flamenco magazine, and among the New York Times' 1,000 places to see before you die, this authentic Madrid flamenco show is absolutely unmissable. Step into the intimate atmosphere of this famous Madrid institution, where the likes of Salvador Dalí twiddled his mustache in appreciation. Sip a complimentary drink (included in this ticket) and prepare to be left speechless, as a small group of singers, dancers, and guitarists capture the soul of Spain before your eyes. If you're looking for the best Madrid flamenco show, your search is over. Olé!

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7 - Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art. The museum was officially inaugurated on September 10, 1992, and is named for Queen Sofía.

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8 - Palacio de Cristal

The Palacio de Cristal is a conservatory located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park. It was built in 1887 on the occasion of the Exposition of the Philippines, held in the same year, then a Spanish colonial possession. The architect was Ricardo Velázquez Bosco.

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9 - Sightseeing | Madrid

Enjoy the most iconic monuments of Madrid with a 5-hour skip-the-line tour. Beginning inside the Prado Museum, walk through the most emblematic areas of Madrid before concluding at the Royal Palace.

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10 - Puerta del Sol

The Puerta del Sol is a public square in Madrid, one of the best known and busiest places in the city. This is the centre of the radial network of Spanish roads.

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11 - El Rastro

El Rastro de Madrid or simply el Rastro is the most popular open air flea market in Madrid. It is held every Sunday and public holiday during the year and is located along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, between Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo.

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12 - Hot Air Ballooning in Madrid

Discover Segovia from the air on a hot-air balloon flight from Madrid. Enjoy breathtaking views of the historic city and its iconic landmarks, such as the Roman aqueduct of Segovia, the cathedral and the Alcázar Real, during this one-hour flig...

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13 - Puerta de Alcalá

The Puerta de Alcalá is a Neo-classical monument in the Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid, Spain. It is regarded as the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe, older than the similar monuments Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

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14 - Plaza de Cibeles

The Plaza de Cibeles is a square with a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures with fountains that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid. It sits at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado.

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15 - Paragliding in Madrid

If you can run, you can fly! A team of professionals will give you the chance to fly over the outskirts of Madrid in this Tandem Paragliding flight.  To do a tandem flight you don't need any kind of training or skills, nor any physical conditio...

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16 - Móstoles

   18 km away

Móstoles is a municipality of Spain located in the Community of Madrid. With over 200,000 inhabitants, it is the region's second most populated municipality after Madrid.

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17 - Brunete

   25 km away

Brunete is a town located on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain with a population of 10,730 people.

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18 - San Agustín del Guadalix

   30 km away

San Agustín del Guadalix is a Spanish town located north of the Comunidad de Madrid, near to Sierra de Guadarrama. It is bordered by Pedrezuela to the north, the municipalities of El Molar and Algete to the east and Colmenar Viejo to the south and west.

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19 - Alcala de Henares

   30 km away

Alcalá de Henares is a railway station serving the city of Alcalá de Henares in the Community of Madrid, Spain. It is on the Madrid–Barcelona railway and is owned by Adif. The station is served by Cercanías Madrid lines C-2 and C-7.

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20 - Chinchón

   39 km away

Chinchón is a town and municipality in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Located 50 km southeast of Madrid, it is considered to be part of the Comarca de Las Vegas. As of 2018, it has a population of 5,239. The municipality covers an area of 115.91 km².

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21 - Manzanares el Real

   44 km away

Manzanares el Real is a 8,936 inhabitant town in the northern area of the autonomous Community of Madrid. It is located at the foot of The Pedriza, a part of the Sierra de Guadarrama, and next to the embalse de Santillana.

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22 - Puerto de Navacerrada

   47 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Madrid from Influencers

20 pictures of Madrid from Abbie Bernet, Joel Filipe, Braden Collum and other travelers

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Why should you visit Madrid ?

Travel to Madrid if you like:

  🗼 Landmark     🏘️ Town     🛣️ Road trip  

How to visit Madrid ?

Why travel to Madrid?

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a city rich in history, culture, and entertainment. With its world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and mouth-watering cuisine, Madrid offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition that caters to all types of travelers, making it an unmissable destination on any European itinerary.

How to get there?

Madrid is well-connected to major cities around the world via the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. From the airport, you can take the Metro (Line 8) or an airport shuttle bus to reach the city center. Alternatively, Madrid is accessible via high-speed trains (AVE) from other Spanish cities and major European cities like Paris and Lisbon.

What to book in advance?

To make the most of your time in Madrid, it's wise to book tickets in advance for popular attractions such as the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, and the Royal Palace. This will help you avoid long queues and ensure guaranteed entry, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, consider reserving seats for flamenco shows and other special events.

What are the costs?

Madrid is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. Expect to pay around €50-€80 per night for budget accommodations, €100-€150 for mid-range hotels, and €200+ for luxury options. Dining out can vary from €10 for a casual meal to €50+ for a fine dining experience. Entrance fees for attractions like the Prado Museum and Royal Palace are approximately €15 each.

What are the best things to do?

1. Explore the Prado Museum, home to an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the 19th century.
2. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum, which houses contemporary art, including Picasso's "Guernica."
3. Stroll through Retiro Park, a large green space perfect for relaxation, boating, or enjoying outdoor performances.
4. Wander around the Royal Palace and its lush gardens.
5. Experience a traditional flamenco show at a local tablao.
6. Attend a football match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or Wanda Metropolitano.

Where to eat?

1. Casa Mono: Taste the traditional Spanish tapas with a modern twist in a cozy atmosphere.
2. StreetXO: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering an unconventional fusion of Spanish and Asian cuisine.
3. Mercado de San Miguel: A historic market where you can sample a variety of Spanish delicacies from multiple vendors.

Where to stay?

1. Hostal Persal: A budget-friendly option located in the heart of Madrid, within walking distance to major attractions.
2. Room Mate Alicia: A stylish boutique hotel in the vibrant neighborhood of Barrio de las Letras.
3. Hotel Urban: A luxury hotel boasting contemporary design, a rooftop terrace, and a prime location near the Prado Museum.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, venture to the CaixaForum, a cultural center housed in a former power station. This architectural marvel showcases a vertical garden and hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events. Additionally, visit the nearby Matadero Madrid, a former slaughterhouse turned cultural complex, featuring contemporary art exhibitions, theater performances, and independent film screenings.

Learn More about Madrid

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. Located in the central part of the kingdom, it is also the capital and most populous city of the Community of Madrid. As the state capital, it is home to most of the country's political institutions, including the royal residence, the seat of government and the parliament.

It has a population of approximately 3.3 million inhabitants within a total area of 604.3 km2, within an urban area of approximately 6.5 million inhabitants in 2014. Counting its intramural population, Madrid is the second largest city in the European Union, after Berlin.

For sightseeing and fun, nothing beats a weekend in Madrid ! Humane and accessible, the Spanish capital is a nugget that can be appreciated for its cultural wealth but also for its unique atmosphere.
Marked by the influence of the Habsburgs and then the Bourbons, Madrid is full of masterpieces. Don't miss the paintings by Velasquez and Goya in the Prado museum! The city also has a lot to offer in terms of squares, from the bucolic Plaza de la Villa to the theatrical Plaza Mayor. But Madrid is best discovered by wandering through the old streets of the Rastro or Latina, where the colourful buildings with their wrought iron balconies look like something out of an Almodovar film.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Madrid

Who runs Madrid ?

The President of the Community of Madrid (in Spanish: Presidente de la Comunidad de Madrid) is the head of government of the Spanish autonomous community of the Community of Madrid. The current holder of this post is, since 17 August 2019 , the conservative Isabel Díaz Ayuso.

Why do people go to Madrid ?

Madrid is known worldwide for its cultural wealth and the impressive number of museums that call the capital home. But don't miss the lively squares, historic gateways, religious buildings and royal palaces that help shape the identity of the Spanish capital.

   Where to Stay in Madrid

   More Travel spots to explore around Madrid

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Madrid

  🗼 Landmark spots     🏘️ Town spots     🏰 Palace spots     Swimming spots     🌲 Forest spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     ⛰️ Mountaineering spots     🏖️ Archipelago spots     🌲 Plain spots     🛣️ Road trip spots     Skateboarding spots     🏊 Swimming pool spots     🌲 Temperate broadleaf and mixed forest spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🏰 Basilica spots     🚴 Cycling spots     Driving spots  

  Travel map of Madrid

Explore popular touristic places around Madrid

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