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.

Las Ventas bullring

Las Ventas bullring (1/3)
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Las Ventas bullring (2/3)
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Las Ventas bullring (3/3)
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The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, inaugurated in 1931, is a very emblematic monuments of Madrid and one of the most significant places for bullfighting lovers.

With a capacity for more than 20,000 spectators, this impressive bullring is known for its Neo-mudejar architectural design, which combines traditional Spanish elements with Arab influences.
You'll be able to opt for guided tours that offer a unique view of the arena, bullpens, and stands, allowing visitors to better understand the world of bullfighting and its impact on Spanish culture.
Immerse yourself in the history and tradition of Spanish bullfighting!
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Royal palace

Royal palace (1/3)
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Royal palace (2/3)
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Royal palace (3/3)
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  • 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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Prado museum

Prado museum (1/3)
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Prado museum (2/3)
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Prado museum (3/3)
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  • Free admission Children under 18, students between 18 and 25 years old, people with disabilities

The Prado Museum boasts the most complete collection of Spanish paintings in the world while presiding over one of the most visited tourist itineraries in the capital: the Art Walk.

You will be able to find a great variety of paintings by outstanding artists, such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Garden of Earthly Delights by El Bosco, The Naked Maja by Goya or The Black Paintings by Goya.
The Prado Museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions and cultural events, so be sure to check their program during your visit.
You'll have the chance to take a guided tour, enjoy a coffee or take home a souvenir of this sensory experience from the store.
If you're an art lover, this will be your paradise!
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Faunia

Faunia (1/3)
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Faunia (2/3)
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Faunia (3/3)
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  • Duration 4 hours

Faunia is a different kind of zoo, where you will find many different species of animals, and even some walking beside you.

The habitats are very well-designed, and you can buy food to feed some animals!
They offer experiences like the Polar Expedition, where you can walk among a colony of more than 100 penguins, or live an experience with manatees seeing them up close and feeding them.
Plus, enjoy exciting sea bear dives in a controlled activity, along with the opportunity to feed crocodiles and explore their Reptile School to interact with these fascinating animals.
You will be able to rent a locker to leave things for 5€.
As for parking, you can park inside the enclosure paying, or outside, which you can park well without having to walk a lot, if you go first thing in the morning.
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Centro de arte Reina Sofía

Centro de arte Reina Sofía (1/3)
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Centro de arte Reina Sofía (2/3)
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Centro de arte Reina Sofía (3/3)
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  • Free admission Monday to Saturday from 19:00 to 21:00 h Sundays from 12:30 to 14:30 h

At the intersection of the Art Walk lies the Reina Sofía Museum, home to a remarkable compilation of modern and contemporary Spanish art, renowned worldwide for its artistic and cultural value.

It houses an impressive art collection, highlighting works by Dalí, Miró, Juan Gris and Picasso's iconic masterpiece, "El Guernica ", which evokes the pain of the victims of the tragic bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
It features a permanent collection of contemporary Spanish art in addition to temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of contemporary art nationally and internationally, along with guided tours and cultural events that enrich the art experience.
Discover the essence of contemporary art in Madrid and be captivated by avant-garde creativity at the Reina Sofia Museum, an unforgettable experience for art lovers!
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