THE BEST Sights and Attractions in Madrid
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems — explore the best sights and attractions in Madrid with curated picks, local tips, and free itinerary planning tools.
🏛️ Sights and Attractions in Madrid
- Prado Museum — The Museo Nacional del Prado anchors Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art with major Spanish and European painting collections.
- Royal Palace — The Palacio Real de Madrid is the former royal residence beside Almudena Cathedral, with state rooms, historic collections, and formal grounds.
- Retiro Park — Jardines de El Buen Retiro is Madrid’s historic central park, known for the Estanque Grande, the Crystal Palace, gardens, and shaded walking paths.
- Reina Sofia Museum — Museo Reina Sofía houses Spain’s modern-art collection, including Picasso’s Guernica, across the Sabatini and Nouvel buildings.
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum — The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum completes Madrid’s Golden Triangle with a broad collection spanning Old Masters, Impressionism, and modern art.
- Almudena Cathedral — Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena stands opposite the Royal Palace and combines a long construction history with a distinctive modern interior.
- Plaza Mayor — Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s historic arcaded square, centered on the statue of Philip III and lined by the Casa de la Panadería and traditional cafés.
- Puerta del Sol — Puerta del Sol is Madrid’s central civic square, marked by the Casa de Correos clock, Kilometer Zero, and the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue.
- Temple of Debod — Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain after the Aswan Dam rescue project and set on a hilltop west of the historic center.
- Gran Vía — Gran Vía is Madrid’s grand commercial boulevard, linking Calle Alcalá with Plaza de España through theaters, historic façades, shops, and rooftop viewpoints.