Quick Facts
Setting: Urban
Population (core): 3.4M
Population (metro): 6.7M
Best time to visit: Year-round
Top Sights
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor, originally "Plaza del Arrabal," is Madrid's historic square, redesigned in 1619 by Juan Gómez de Mora. Once a bustling marketplace, it hosted events from bullfights to executions. After fires, Juan de Villanueva rebuilt it with uniform arcaded buildings. Today, it's a vibrant hub with cafes and Philip III's statue.
FREE
Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid, completed in 1755, is Western Europe's largest palace with over 3,400 rooms. Though officially the Spanish royal residence, it's primarily used for state functions. Visitors can tour its art-filled rooms and experience its rich 18th-century history.
€14.0
/ Adult
Mercado de San Miguel
Originally built in 1916 in a cast-iron style, this market transformed from a traditional local hub into a gourmet food hall in 2009. It now offers local delicacies and events in an elegant setting, blending historical charm with modern culinary experiences.
FREE
Plaza de España
Plaza de España, one of Spain's largest squares, is dominated by the neo-Baroque Edificio España and Torre de Madrid, historic skyscrapers from the 1950s. Once Franco's headquarters, the plaza is now a vibrant leisure hub, featuring a statue of Cervantes amidst its leafy surroundings.
FREE
Catedral de la Almudena
The Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece, took over a century to complete, from 1883 to 1993. Designed by Francisco de Cubas, it features Baroque elements, colorful chapels, and a Romanesque crypt. Located opposite the Royal Palace, it serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid.
FREE
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More Sights
Teatro Real
Renowned opera house established in 1850 with frequent performances, guided tours & a grand design.
€8.0
/ Adult
History Museum of Madrid
Old orphanage with Baroque exterior, now a museum on Madrid's history, with documents, art & models.
FREE
Museum of Illusions Madrid
Popular, family-oriented visitor attraction with mind & eye-tricking exhibits & installations.
€14.0
/ Adult
Fundación MAPFRE - Sala de exposiciones
Set in a stately building, this museum showcases Miró & other notable 19th- & 20th-century artists.
€5.0
/ Adult
FLAMENCO Las Tablas
€45.0
/ Adult
Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas
Circa-1960 venue decorated with Arabic tiles, for live flamenco shows & fixed-price dinners.
€18.0
/ Adult
Liria Palace
Ornate 18th-century palace with furnishings, tapestries & a notable collection of classic art.
€8.0
/ Adult
Museum Velázquez tech
€9.2
/ Adult
Museum of Contemporary Art
Contemporary art museum with the reconstructed office of Spanish writer Ramón Gómez de la Serna.
FREE
Plaza de Oriente
Grand rectangular plaza built in 1844, featuring a statue/fountain & surrounding landmark buildings.
FREE
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The traveller's pocket guide
