From the streets to the monuments, from the fine arts to the intrinsic architecture, and from food fiestas to flamenco craze, there is no place on earth which feels as young and passionate as Madrid, in Spain. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family vacation, or a crazy trip with friends, here are top 20 remarkable places to visit in Madrid, that teach how to live the good life and make every moment count on your magical European holiday.
Architectural Charms Of Madrid
1. Plaza Mayor
Originally named the “Plaza del Arrabal”, Plaza Mayor is a public, and the most famous square in all of Madrid. Boasting a uniform, classic, and an intense architecture by Juan de Villanueva, this grand arcade along with its northern block of Casa de la Panadería, is one of the best places to visit in Madrid, Spain.
Location: Calle Gerona 4, 28012 Madrid
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
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2. The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
A historical monument that took the architects of Juan Bautista de Toledo, and Juan de Herrera (in order) more than 20 years of construction, the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is the most eminent of all Madrid Spain attractions. Standing tall as a witness to the great Spanish Renaissance, El Escorial happens to be one of the greatest architectural monument of Spain.
Location: Av Juan de Borbón y Battemberg, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid
Timings:
- April to September: 10 am to 8 pm
- October to March: 10 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee:
- 10 Euros or INR 750 per person
- Free for kids below the age of 5 years
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3. Catedral de Sta Maria la Real de la Almudena
Being one of the greatest contributor to the Madrid Spain Tourism, Catedral de Sta Maria la Real de la Almudena is the prime Diocese of Madrid which took almost 110 years to be constructed, inaugurated, and consecrated. Owing such a delay to the political factors, it is indeed one of the most remarkable landmarks of Spain. Adding to its glory, it stands tall as the only Spanish cathedral that has ever been consecrated by his grace, Pope John Paul II.
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Place: Street of Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid
Operating Hours:
- July to August: Monday to Sunday – 10 am to 9 pm
- September to June: Monday to Sunday – 9 am to 8.30 pm
Admission Fee:
- Entry to the cathedral is complimentary while a donation of 1 Euro is suggested.
- Additionally, entrance to the museum costs 6 Euros or INR 450 per person.
4. Plaza de Cibeles
Holding the famous and remarkable Cibeles Fountain, and the impressive Cybele Palace, Plaza de Cibeles is the most iconic landmarks of Spain. Situated at the intersection of the districts of Salamanca, Retiro, and Centro, Plaza de Cibeles is also home to the Buenavista Palace, Linares Palace, and the stunning Bank of Spain.
Place: Street Alcala y Paseo de Recoletos, 28014 Madrid
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 20 am to 8 pm
Admission Fee: 2 Euros or INR 150 per person
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Historic Places To Explore In Madrid
5. Royal Palace of Madrid
After the Moorish Castle was demolished during 1734 by a tragic fire, the Royal Palace of Madrid or the Palacio Real, was constructed on the very site where it stands today. Regarded as one of the primary components of Madrid Spain sightseeing, one can still appreciate the walls of the old city surrounding the palace site, which was once known as al-Magrit meaning the origin of water, then as Mayrit, later as Magerit, and finally as Madrid.
Place: Street of Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid
Operating Hours:
- April to September: 10 am to 8 pm
- October to March: 10 am to 6 pm
Admission Fee:
- 15 Euros or INR 1125 with tour guide
- 11 Euros or INR 825 without tour guide
- 6 Euros or INR 450 for elderly, students, and individuals with disabilities
- Free for children under 5 years old
6. National Museum of Art
Originally intended as the site for the National Museum of History, the National Museum of Art is a historically significant attraction that ranks among the top destinations to explore in Madrid. It houses some of the world’s most exceptional masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, Van Dyck, Velázquez, Titian, El Greco, and Bosch. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the mesmerizing paintings dating from the 11th to the 18th century.
Location: Paseo del Prado, s/n, 28014 Madrid
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 am to 8 pm
- Sundays – 10 am to 7 pm
Admission Fee:
- 24 Euros or INR 1800 with tour guide
- 15 Euros or INR 1125 per person
- 7.5 Euros or INR 565 for elderly and youth card holders
- Free entry for individuals under 18 years old, students aged 18-25, and individuals with disabilities
7. Temple of Debod
It is believed that the Temple of Debod was given as a token of gratitude by former Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser to the team of Spanish archaeologists. Considered to be one of the unconventional sights to see in Madrid, this iconic temple was saved from the submerged waters of Lake Nasser in Egypt by a UNESCO team and now resides in the heart of Parque del Oeste in Madrid.
Location: Calle Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm
- Saturday & Sunday – 9.30 am to 8 pm
Admission Fee: Free
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8. Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida
It is quite rare for an artist to be laid to rest in the very place that he created. Speaking of the Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida in Madrid, this chapel showcases some of the remarkable works by Francisco Goya – the famous Spanish Romantic painter. His artwork, displayed in the form of creative frescoes inside the church, mainly depicts the life of the church’s patron saint, St. Anthony. Additionally, the church also houses the remains of Francisco Goya, who was buried right in front of the altar.
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Place: Glorieta San Antonio de la Florida, 4, 28008 Madrid
Operating Hours:
- From Tuesday to Sunday – 9:30 am to 8:00 pm
- Guided visits from Monday to Friday – 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Admission Fee: No charge
Fascinating Art Spots to Explore in Madrid
9. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Situated in the heart of Madrid at the Art Walk, the Reina Sofía museum exhibits some of the finest contemporary and modern art pieces by renowned artists like Juan Gris, Miró, and Dalí. With its innovative Nouvel building and appealing Sabatini building, visitors are drawn to this art museum to witness Guernica, which is considered Picasso’s most remarkable creation.
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Place: Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid
Operating Hours:
- Mondays and Wednesday to Saturday – 10 am to 9 pm
- Sundays – 10 am to 7 pm
Admission Fee: 10 Euros or INR 750 per person
10. Teatro Real, Madrid
The Royal Theatre, Teatro Real, or El Real as it is widely known, this remarkable opera house is one of the most captivating sights to see in Madrid. Recognized as one of Europe’s finest theaters, the Royal Theatre hosts performances by esteemed artists from the realms of music, dance, and theater. With a seating capacity exceeding 1,745 individuals, this cultural establishment also offers informative tours in different languages for all visitors alike.
Place: Plaza de Isabel II, s/n, 28013 Madrid
Operating Hours:
- Guided Tours: From Monday to Sunday – 10.30 am to 1 pm
- Artistic Tours: From Monday to Sunday – 9.30 am onwards
- Visits of a Technical Nature: Monday to Sunday – 10 am onwards
Admission Fee:
- Escorted Visits: 8 Euros or INR 600 per individual; 6 Euros or INR 450 for senior citizens aged 65 and above & below 26; Free for children under 7 years old
- Artistic Visits: 12 Euros or INR 900 per individual; 10 Euros or INR 750 for senior citizens aged 65 and above & below 26; Free for children under 7 years old
- Technical Visits:16 Euros or INR 1200 per individual; 14 Euros or INR 1050 for senior citizens aged 65 and above & below 26; Minimum age for this visit should be 10 years old
Average Duration of Performance: 45 minutes to 75 minutes
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11. Círculo de Bellas Artes
Whether it’s writing or theory, visual art or fine art, science or performing arts, Círculo de Bellas Artes welcomes innovative talent with open arms. Although this notion may be unfamiliar to most travelers, this private institution gained great renown when it was declared the official “Center for Preservation of the Fine Arts and Public Interest” in 1880. Also, do not miss out on the captivating panoramic views of the city of Madrid from its rooftop and savoring some authentic cuisine from the rooftop restaurant.
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Location: Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid
Hours:
- Tuesday – 5 pm to 8.30 pm
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11 am to 1.30 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm
Admission Fee:
- 1 Euro or INR 75 per person
- 3 Euros or INR 225 per person for rooftop entrance
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12. Barrio de La Latina
Narrow streets, spacious squares, and ancient Islamic walls, mostly compose the cozy and inviting atmosphere of this neighboring street in Madrid. Representing the ancient times and the cultural legacy, this neighborhood is a must-see for everyone who’s interested in delicious appetizers, shopping, music & dance scenes, and beer, of course! Having said that, make sure you avoid visiting La Latina during weekends unless you don’t mind the overcrowded crowd.
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Location: Plaza de la Cebada, 28005 Madrid
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