Madrid is one of Europe’s most popular cities for its lively atmosphere, fascinating history, renowned museums and stunning architecture.
Madrid is Spain’s stylish, cosmopolitan and party-centric capital city. After enjoying the spacious parks, modern facilities, café terraces and outdoor art, venture inside to admire the city’s palaces and churches. Modern Madrid is commercially and politically significant for Europe, but its old Spanish culture is what is most prominent in the city streets lined with grand buildings, museums and galleries.
You could spend days exploring some of the world’s major art museums. Visit the Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado) for a look at works by greats like Goya and Velázquez or head to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza) to see a collection of paintings spanning many centuries. Wander the galleries of the Reina Sofía Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía) to admire works by Spanish masters such as Picasso and Dalí.
Have lunch in the central square, the 18th-century Plaza Mayor, or take a tour of the old City Hall (Casa del Ayuntamiento).
The king resides on the outskirts of the city, but visitors can enter the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) in the city center to see lavishly decorated rooms and an impressive array of artifacts. Don’t miss the adjacent Almudena Cathedral (Santa María la Real de La Almudena): It took over a century to complete.
The iconic Puerta de Alcalá adorns a corner of El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro), an impressive green space with architectural marvels, gardens and ponds. Casa de Campo is an even bigger urban park. Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales) to learn all about the local flora and fauna.
Las Ventas has bullfights on Sundays. If this old Spanish tradition doesn’t interest you, watch a soccer match or browse the El Rastro flea markets.
At night, visit Puerta del Sol, surrounded by some of Madrid’s best “tabernas” and clubs. The tradition is to eat very late, so come closer to midnight to mingle with the Spanish. For local delights, order tapas or paella with a refreshing sangria or local wine.
Madrid is one of the liveliest cities in Europe and the sunny city is sure to steal your heart.
Where to stay in Madrid
Centro
4.5/5Wonderful!(2,786 area reviews)
Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.
Travelers choose Atocha for its interesting museums. Hop aboard the metro at Delicias Station or Palos de la Frontera Station and check out top sights like Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia.
Travelers love Salamanca for its popular shops, and you can see more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Lista Station or Manuel Becerra Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Paseo del Prado and WiZink Center.
This avant-garde part of Madrid is known as the gay quarter because of its numerous LGBT shops and bars, a Gay Pride march and an open-minded populace.
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Barajas. Spend some time visiting top spots like Real Madrid City, and catch the metro at Barajas Station or Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 Station to see more of the area.
Consider a visit to Paseo de la Castellana and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Chamberi. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Canal Station or Alonso Cano Station.
Located in Centro, this hotel is steps from Plaza de Espana - Princesa, Plaza de España, and Gran Via Street. Teatro Coliseum and Lope de Vega Theatre are also ...…Located in Centro, this hotel is steps from Plaza de Espana - Princesa, Plaza de España, and Gran Via Street. Teatro Coliseum and Lope de Vega Theatre are also ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (388 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and the hotel was very clean. The amenities were great in the room and the gym was perfect for my stay. I'd gladly return if ever in Madrid again!"…""The staff was very friendly and the hotel was very clean. The amenities were great in the room and the gym was perfect for my stay. I'd gladly return if ever in Madrid again!"WWW…"
Located in Ciudad Lineal, this spa hotel is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and within 6 mi (10 km) of IFEMA - Feria de Madrid and Thyssen-Bornemisza ...…Located in Ciudad Lineal, this spa hotel is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and within 6 mi (10 km) of IFEMA - Feria de Madrid and Thyssen-Bornemisza ...WWW…
4.2/5Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"The location is good and the installations are second to none"…""The location is good and the installations are second to none"WWW…"
Located in Moncloa-Aravaca, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Plaza de Espana - Princesa, Plaza de España, and Gran Via Street. Teatro Coliseum ...…Located in Moncloa-Aravaca, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Plaza de Espana - Princesa, Plaza de España, and Gran Via Street. Teatro Coliseum ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (456 reviews)
"Well kept, excellent service. Breakfast was very good"…""Well kept, excellent service. Breakfast was very good"WWW…"
This square has seen everything from markets and public celebrations to bullfights and executions. Today you’ll find street performers, artists and plenty of shops.
Enjoy the excitement at Parque Warner Madrid and see why this is a favorite amusement park in San Martin de la Vega. You can enjoy the cafés while in the area.
Day Tour of Toledo & Segovia with Alcazar Entrance
￥8,323
Step back in time as you explore Toledo and Segovia on this guided excursion with an experienced guide. Learn about Spanish history while strolling past medieval architecture, soaring cathedrals, and charming neighborhoods in 2 cities that bear beautiful traces of the region's past.
Get a lay of the land and soak in the sights of the Spanish capital on a double-decker bus, hopping on and off as you see fit to explore Madrid at your own pace. With unlimited rides on 2 routes, you can cruise easily between attractions like the world-famous Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Let the swirling skirts, fanciful footwork, stirring guitar rhythms, and powerful vocals of world-class singers whisk you away to the Spain of a bygone era. During a flamenco performance at the renowned Cadamomo, let yourself be captivated by an unforgettable performance in an inviting atmosphere.
Real Madrid Bernabeu Tour - Open Date Ticket (Ticket Only)
￥3,016
Relive more than a hundred years of Real Madrid history. Welcome to the Bernabeu Tour, where you will see the stadium as you have never seen it before. Get ready to feel the excitement of being on the pitch itself, the thrill of pre-match tension, the glow of past glories and the long history that has molded one of the world’s best football teams.
Skip the lines and get inside one of the most memorable Royal Castles of Europe, the “Royal Palace of Madrid”, with this tour. Take a look inside one of the most memorable royal palaces in Europe with this tour to the official home of the Spanish monarchy.
Visit: Essential Flamenco, Calle de la Cruz 26, 28012 Madrid Spain We want to recover the intimacy, which was the essence of authentic flamenco. The audience literally stuck to the stage, surrounded by three rows of chairs. No tables, no meals, no distractions.
