Madrid is not merely the capital of Spain, the city is the country's heart and soul. Lying at the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, 650 metres above sea level, the metropolis is one of Europe's highest-lying capitals. Madrid is home to three of the world's greatest art museums and boasts breathtaking parks, elegant avenues and a nightlife that only quietens at dawn. Discover the Spanish capital's 10 best sights with us!
1. Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)
The Prado is one of the world's most significant art galleries, holding masterpieces of Spanish, Italian and Flemish painting. The core of the collection is the Spanish royal collection, with masterworks by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and Rubens. The most famous work is Velázquez's Las Meninas, one of the pinnacles of European painting. The museum is huge, it's worth choosing in advance what you want to see, or you can easily spend a whole day inside.
2. Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
Madrid's Royal Palace is one of Europe's largest palaces, with more than 3,400 rooms. Although the royal family no longer lives here, the palace remains the venue for official state ceremonies. The interior rooms, the Throne Room, the Hall of Mirrors and the royal armoury, testify to stunning splendour. The Plaza de Oriente in front of the palace, with its park and statue-lined promenade, is also worth spending time in.
3. Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)
Retiro Park is Madrid's green lung, spread over 125 hectares in the heart of the city. The former royal garden is now open to all: you can row on the artificial lake, stroll through the rose garden, or admire the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), which hosts temporary exhibitions. Since 2021 the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the Paseo del Prado avenue. On Sunday mornings, street musicians, magicians and puppeteers entertain the crowds.
4. Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is the centre of Madrid and indeed of all Spain, distances to every point in the country are measured from here. At the centre of the square is the "0 km" marker, the starting point of the Spanish road network. On the square stands the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño), Madrid's emblem. On New Year's Eve, Madrileños gather here to eat, by tradition, 12 grapes at midnight to the chimes of the new year.
5. Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Madrid's most iconic square, built in the 17th century by Philip III. The enclosed, rectangular square is lined with three-storey, balconied facades whose reddish-ochre tones radiate a characteristic Spanish atmosphere. For centuries the square was the setting for bullfights, markets and executions, today cafés and restaurants occupy the arcades. Beneath the square, the Mercado de San Miguel gastronomic hall awaits food lovers.
6. Reina Sofía Museum – Guernica
The Reina Sofía is Spain's most important modern-art museum, whose main attraction is Picasso's huge painting Guernica. The work depicts the horrors of the bombing of the Basque town in 1937 and is an iconic piece of anti-war art. The museum also displays works by Dalí, Miró and other 20th-century Spanish masters. Admission is free on weekdays after 19:00 and on Sundays after 12:30.
7. Gran Vía
Gran Vía is Madrid's most famous avenue, often called the "Spanish Broadway". Built at the start of the 20th century, the boulevard's monumental buildings are masterpieces of eclectic, Art Deco and neo-Baroque styles. The street is full of cinemas, theatres, shops and hotels. Strolling in the light of the neon signs in the evening, you may truly feel as though you're in a Spanish film.
8. Mercado de San Miguel
The Mercado de San Miguel is a restored, Art Nouveau iron-framed market hall near Plaza Mayor. The market has now become a gastronomic hub where you can taste the best Spanish flavours: Iberian ham, fresh oysters, manchego cheese, olives and croquetas. The stalls also offer wine and beer, so the market functions as a kind of tapas bar. The place is especially crowded on Friday and Saturday evenings, but it's worth the jostling.
9. Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod)
The Temple of Debod is an original 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple, given by Egypt to Spain in 1968 in return for help during the construction of the Aswan Dam. The temple stands on a hilltop in the Western Park (Parque del Oeste) and is undoubtedly Madrid's most unusual sight. From the terrace around the temple you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the city. It's free to visit, and the interior can be seen too.
10. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu is the home of the legendary Real Madrid and one of the world's most famous football stadiums. Following a recently completed major renovation, the stadium is ultramodern, with a retractable roof and a 360-degree LED display. On the stadium visit you can reach the trophy room, the dressing room and pitchside. On match days the atmosphere is electric, if you can, get a ticket for a La Liga or Champions League match.
Practical tips
- Madrid Card: The Madrid Card provides free admission to the main museums and discounted public transport, available in 1–5-day versions.
- Eating rhythm: Adapt to the Spanish mealtime schedule: lunch is usually 14:00–16:00 and dinner 21:00–23:00. Early-evening tapas (18:00–20:00) help bridge the gap.
- Siesta: Many smaller shops and institutions close between 14:00 and 17:00, you can use this time to rest or take a walk in a park.
- Free museum visits: The Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza all offer free time slots, it's worth timing your visit for these.
- eSIM: With a Spanish eSIM you can avoid roaming fees and easily navigate, search for restaurants or book tickets online while on site.