The 5 Best Things to See in Madrid

Madrid keeps the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen within one walk of each other, and a working royal palace at the end of it. These are the places its own hosts send guests to first.

The 5 most popular of 19 sights our hosts recommend — ranked by what guests actually looked up, not by how often they turn up on a postcard.

Gran vía

The centennial Gran Vía is one of the main arteries of the city and one of its most emblematic avenues.

Its creation, between 1910 and 1931, marked the beginning of the modernization of the city with the construction of the first skyscrapers in the country.

As you walk around, you can admire the iconic buildings such as Telefonica and the Metropolis buildings, with its ornate facades.

In turn, explore all the trendy stores, the theaters and shows offered at the Lope de Vega Theater or the Coliseum Theater, or try the delicious gastronomic offerings of the area.

San Miguel market

Price No entrance fee

Located in the center of Madrid, this centenary market is the gastronomic temple of the city.

It consists of 33 stalls, and its architecture draws attention for its wrought iron and glass structure.

Inside, you can taste products from different parts of the country: from tapas made with fresh fish and seafood from the Galician coast to gourmet cheeses from La Mancha.

Thanks to its extensive opening hours, it is perfect for daytime and evening leisure.

In addition to food, it also offers activities such as wine tastings, cooking classes and cultural events.

Royal palace

Free admission Children under 5 years old, people with disabilities

The official residence of the Spanish monarchy, the Royal Palace of Madrid, is a baroque masterpiece offering imposing architecture and a rich history.

With its more than 3,000 rooms, it is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe.

Inside, you'll find luxuriously decorated halls and an impressive art collection that includes works by artists such as Velázquez, Goya and Caravaggio.

The Throne Room, with its frescoed ceiling and royal throne, is one of the most impressive rooms in the palace.

The Royal Armory houses an impressive collection of historic weapons and armor of Spanish royalty.

From the gardens of Campo del Moro, you can admire the palace's imposing facade and enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings.

The visit to the Royal Palace is a unique experience, which will show you the greatness and splendor of the Spanish monarchy.

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El retiro park

Located in the heart of Madrid, the Retiro Park is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty of 125 hectares, steeped in history.

Retiro Park was once the royal garden of the former Buen Retiro Palace, built by the kings of Spain in the seventeenth century as a place for spiritual retreat, walks, rest and vacations.

Take a leisurely boat ride or watch the swans on the pond, admire the majestic architecture of the Crystal Palace, stroll through the beautiful French and Spanish gardens or enjoy live music shows and open-air theater in the Amphitheater.

And for a rest from your walk, you'll find cafes and terraces with a relaxed atmosphere, and for the little ones there will be parks and playgrounds.

Explore it and discover why it's one of the most beloved places in the Spanish capital.

Plaza mayor

More than 400 years of history make this square a historic place, being the scene of numerous cultural and social events today.

Its architecture presents an impressive Spanish baroque style, with its characteristic balconies and the equestrian statue of Philip III in the center.

This venue was the scene of numerous public events in the past, such as bullfights, processions, festivals, theater performances, Inquisition trials and even capital executions.

You can immerse yourself in the daily life of Madrid, watching street artists, enjoying live music and exploring the surrounding stores and restaurants.

If you come in December, the traditional Christmas market is held, a custom that has been in force since 1860.