Madrid Attractions

Madrid, what to see

Madrid... A magnificent metropolis, the capital of sunny Spain, an ideal place, always open to tourists at any time of the year!

Tourists (both Spanish and foreign) rush to see all the great variety Madrid has to offer, enjoy the capital's atmosphere, see the most popular sights and savour the local cuisine. So what is the first thing to see in Madrid?

Popular Attractions in Madrid

Madrid is very big, and it is impossible to fully explore this city in a few days. But its main and famous sights are in the centre, so if you start in the morning, there is a lot to see! We have been many times in Madrid, but unfortunately we always had only one day to walk around, so let's look at the main places to visit first.

Plaza Puerta del Sol in Madrid

One of the most famous places in the city. This square is always crowded with tourists sightseeing and locals meeting for a chat and a stroll.

The ‘Gate of the Sun’ is the name of the square in Spanish. Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, there was a stone wall and a gateway to Madrid facing east, on which the sun was depicted and through which you could watch the sunrise.

The wall and gates were destroyed in the 16th century, and the place gradually became a square and a fashionable landmark of the capital. The Puerta del Sol is home to some of the most important tourist attractions, which should be photographed:

Kilometre Zero in Madrid

When you arrive at Puerta del Sol square it's impossible not to notice people looking at the floor and taking pictures of something.

As you get closer, you will notice a sign marking the zero kilometre. It was erected in 1950 and here, from this very spot, are the six roads that lead from Madrid to Andalusia, Valencia, Catalonia, Extremadura, the Basque Country and Galicia.

The clock on the Royal Post House in Madrid

The clock can be seen on one of the oldest surviving buildings on the square, it was built in 1768.

It is remarkable because, since 1962, thousands of people gather in front of it (the clock) on New Year's Eve and traditionally eat 12 grapes while the chimes strike.

A statue of a bear and a strawberry tree

In Sun Square you can notice a sculpture of a bear and a strawberry tree, unusual for the capital. It is unusual in that bears have not been here in this region for a long time, and strawberries do not grow here either. However, they represent the coat of arms of Madrid and symbolise the strength and power of the city and the fertility of the land.

For us mere curiosity seekers who have come to see the sights, it's an excuse to take another photo.

Plaza Mayor main square in Madrid

Madrid's main and central square. It is only 300 metres from Puerta del Sol. You can get here by walking through the narrow streets that surround the main square.

It is a huge open space, in the centre of which stands an elegant statue of Philip III on horseback, made in 1616. There are also many bars and restaurants around the edges of the square, and it is always interesting to sit down and have a leisurely drink (depending on the time of day, whether it is a coffee or a glass of beer or wine) and try one of Madrid's typical snacks - a squid sandwich, for example (bocata de calamares).

From the end of November to the end of December, Christmas markets have been set up here for almost 150 years, where you can buy something interesting for the holidays.

Royal Palace in Madrid - Palacio Real de Madrid

From the main square of Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace can be reached in a 15-minute leisurely walk along the street.

It is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. But in reality, it's where they hold various receptions, official events and ceremonies. They live in another palace.

From the outside, the building looks very imposing with 135,000 m² of floor space, but inside, official sources say there are 3,418 rooms! The Royal Palace in Madrid is one of the largest royal palaces in the world!

You can walk around and see the building in all its splendour, or you can pay an entrance fee and see the inside, or take a guided tour, which is also fascinating.

Gran Via Boulevard in Madrid

This street is something absolutely amazing, the most famous place in Madrid that you can't miss. Personally, I love walking here, and every time we are in this city, I am always drawn here. There is a similar street in Barcelona - the commercial boulevard Paseo de Gracia.

I don't know, it's the beauty of the buildings, the huge clothing shops or the atmosphere here, but Gran Via really does attract everyone, locals and tourists alike. Unfortunately, this is also known to be true of scammers, so you should always be careful in such metropolises.

Retiro Park in Madrid - Parque del Retiro

The most famous park in Madrid and also one of the capital's main attractions.

This park once belonged to the royal family, but in the late 19th century it changed its status to a public park.

Retiro Park is an amazing green space located in the centre of Madrid with an area of 125 hectares! It is a favourite place for locals and of course visiting tourists. Here you can meet many artists, street performers, watch a variety of shows and even take a boat ride!

What's a must-see at Retiro Park if you're sightseeing in Madrid:

Big artificial lake - estanque grande del Retiro

This beautiful large lake in the centre of Madrid is an integral part of Retiro Park. Here you can sit on a bench, watch turtles, ducks and, if you book in advance, take a boat ride. This is done very simply on the Madrid Móvil app. There is also a monument in honour of King Alfonso XII on the east side of the pond.

Crystal Palace - Palacio de Cristal

Another jewel of the park and a very significant element in Madrid's architecture is the Crystal Palace.

This building looks like a huge greenhouse - and it used to be, it was built in 1887 to house all sorts of tropical plants.

It is located near a large lake. A very beautiful structure made of metal and glass, it looks fabulous and mysterious. You can go in and take beautiful photos. Entrance is free.

Velasquez Palace - Palacio de Velázquez

A palace that hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The exterior of the building is very spectacular and original looking. You can go in and see paintings by Spanish artists if there is another exhibition going on at the time of your visit. Entrance is also free of charge.