27 Must-See Attractions in Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a bustling city packed with incredible art, architecture, culture, and food. It’s home to some of the world’s best art museums and historic sights and has many gorgeous palaces, plazas, and gardens to explore.

If you’re looking forward to a visit to Madrid and want to prepare a packed sightseeing itinerary, you might be wondering which of the city’s museums, galleries, and landmarks to see. Here are 27 must-see Madrid attractions that you can’t afford to miss.

1. Museo Nacional del Prado

• Website: museodelprado.com
• Address: El Prado, Paseo del Prado, s/n, 28014
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm / Friday: 10 am – 7 pm

The Prado Museum is Madrid’s best-known art gallery. It boasts masterpieces from the likes of Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, El Greco, and many more. Entry is free during the last two opening hours of the day so you can see the most famous works of art without spending a dime.

2. El Retiro Park

• Website: esmadrid.com
• Address: Parque del Buen Retiro, Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001
• Opening hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily

Parque del Buen Retiro (“the park of pleasant retreat”) is one of Madrid’s largest green spaces and its most popular. Since 2021 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to 15,000 trees across its 350 acres, and it contains many of Madrid’s best sights including the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, the Alfonso XII monument, the Alcalá Gate, and the Glass Palace.

3. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

• Website: museoreinasofia.com
• Address: C. de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012
• Opening hours: Monday: 10 am – 9 pm / Tuesday: closed / Wednesday – Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm / Sunday: 10 am – 2.30 pm

The Reina Sofía Museum focuses on contemporary art. It’s home to pieces by some of the world’s greatest modern masters, including Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Highlights include Picasso’s Guernica and Dali’s The Great Masturbator.

4. Flamenco Shows at Corral de la Morería

• Website: corraldelamoreria.com
• Address: C. de la Moreria, 17, 28005

Having been established in Andalucía in the 15th century, flamenco is one of Spain’s oldest and most beloved art forms. There are many flamenco houses in Madri, but Corral de la Morería is one of the oldest and most famous. Enjoy dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant while watching the flamenco dancers do their thing.

5. Vallehermoso Market

• Website: mercadovallehermoso.es
• Address: C. de Vallehermoso, 36, 28015
• Opening hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 11 pm / Friday & Saturday, 9 am – 12 am / Sunday, 12.30 – 5 pm

Since 1930, the colorful Vallehermoso Market has been a shopping haven for foodies. You’ll find a wide variety of vendors selling high-quality meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, baked goods, cured meats, cheeses, chocolates, coffee, and more.

6. Puerta de Alcalá

• Address: Pl. de la Independencia, s/n, 28001
• Opening hours: 24/7

The original Puerta de Alcalá was built in 1599 and served as a welcome to the wife of King Felipe III. In the 1760s, King Carlos III replaced the gate with a significantly more extravagant version. This stately structure is an important landmark in El Retiro Park.

7. El Rastro Flea Market

• Address: Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, 28005
• Opening hours: Sunday and public holidays: 9 am – 3 pm

El Rastro is thought to be the largest open-air flea market in Europe, and its atmosphere is like no other. More than 1,000 stalls sell everything from clothes and antiques to home goods to art. The area, La Latina, is also packed with trendy bars and cafes so you can grab a bite to eat once you’ve worked up an appetite shopping.

8. Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

• Website: museothyssen.org
• Address: Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014
• Opening hours: Monday: 12 – 4 pm / Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 7 pm

The National Museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza offers the largest private art collection in Europe. Set in an opulent mansion, it displays a mix of traditional and contemporary artworks by Spanish and international masters, including Monet, Rembrandt, and Chagall. You’ll find everything from medieval European pieces to 19th-century American works.

9. Ayuntamiento de Madrid

• Address: C. de Montalbán, 1, 28014 Madrid
• Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily

Madrid City Hall is a striking building found in Plaza de Cibeles. In addition to housing government offices, the building hosts a variety of art exhibitions and cultural events. Visit the observation deck for fantastic views of the square below.

10. Gran Vía

Gran Vía is one of Madrid’s most important avenues, having been constructed in the early 20th century as an attempt to decongest the packed city. The mile-long stretch is home to many shops and restaurants and it’s a popular spot to enjoy a day of shopping.

11. Mercado de San Miguel

• Website: mercadodesanmiguel.es
• Address: Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, 28005
• Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10 am – 12 am / Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 1 am

Mercado de San Miguel is a gourmet food market situated right outside the Plaza Mayor. Pick up fine wines, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat tapas, amongst many other delectable treats.

12. Lavapiés

The neighborhood of Lavapiés is known for its multicultural population and gorgeous architecture. This is a vibrant portion of the city to wander around, take in the atmosphere, and grab a bite to eat.

13. Plaza Mayor

Situated in the heart of the city, Plaza Mayor is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the world go by on a sunny afternoon. Its beautiful Baroque architecture dates back to 1617 and gives visitors a glimpse into Spain’s past.

14. Royal Palace of Madrid

• Website: patrimonionacional.es
• Address: Palacio Real Madrid, C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071
• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm / Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm

Palacio Real was home to the Spanish royal family between the 1700s and early 1900s, and it is one of the biggest royal palaces in Western Europe. Some of its 3,418 rooms are open to the public so you can take in the building’s lavish opulence firsthand.

15. La Almudena Cathedral

• Website: catedraldelaalmudena.es
• Address: C. de Bailén, 10, 28013
• Opening hours: 10 am – 8.30 pm daily

La Almudena Cathedral was a long time in the making, having first been planned in 1879. A complex series of redesigns and delays meant it wasn’t finished until 1993, when Pope John Paul II consecrated the imposing structure. The results are stunning and are well worth visiting.

16. Temple of Debod

• Address: C. de Ferraz, 1, 28008
• Opening hours: Monday: closed / Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 7.30 pm

This 2nd-century Egyptian temple was donated to Spain in 1907. Flooding caused by the Aswan Dam lead Egypt to dismantle four of its ancient temples to protect them against damage. Madrid was one of the recipient cities, and it placed the temple on the site of the 1936 military uprising that triggered the Spanish Civil War.

17. Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles sits at the intersection of Calle Alcalá and Paseo del Prado, where Real Madrid football club traditionally celebrates its victories. The enormous Fountain of Cybele dominates the square.

18. The Glass Palace

• Website: museoreinasofia.es
• Address: Paseo de Cuba, 4, 28009
• Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm, daily

The Glass Palace or Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) was originally built in 1887 to showcase Filipino flora and fauna. Ricardo Velázquez Bosco designed the beautiful cast-iron structure. Today, the building hosts temporary exhibitions as part of the Reina Sofía Museum.

19. Plaza de Toros Las Ventas

• Website: las-ventas.com
• Address: C. de Alcalá 237, 28028
• Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm, daily

Known as the Bullfighting Cathedral of Spain, this beloved arena hosts not only bullfights but a variety of performances and events. The Beatles’ first Spanish concert was held here in 1965. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the arena’s history.

20. Chueca Quarter

Named after the Plaza de Cheuca, which honors the Spanish writer and composer, the Cheuca Quarter is the LGBTQ+ capital of Spain and a hub for nightlife. Madrid’s Pride festival takes place here every year and it’s considered one of the best Pride events in the world. Spend a day here shopping and eating, followed by a night in the area’s thriving gay bars and clubs.

21. House Museums

Explore some of Madrid’s most impressive mansions and get a glimpse of Spain’s luxury and elegance.

Sorolla Museum

• Website: culturaydeporte.gob.es/msorolla
• Address: Paseo del General Martínez Campos, 37, 28010
• Opening hours: Monday: closed / Tuesday – Saturday: 9.30 am – 8 pm / Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm

The house and studio of Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla.

Lope de Vega’s House-Museum

• Website: casamuseolopedevega.org
• Address: C. de Cervantes, 11, 28014
• Opening hours: Monday: closed / Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Home of Lope de Vega, one of Spain’s Golden Age writers.

Cerralbo Museum

• Website: culturaydeporte.gob.es/mcerralbo
• Address: C. de Ventura Rodríguez, 17 28008
• Opening hours: Monday: closed / Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 9.30 am – 3 pm / Thursday: 9.30 am – 3 pm, 5 – 8 pm / Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm

The lavish stately home of the 17th Marquess of Cerralbo.

Liria Palace

• Website: palaciodeliria.com
• Address: C. de la Princesa, 20 28008
• Opening hours: Monday: 10.15 am – 12.45 pm / Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 12.45 pm, 4.15 – 7 pm

The official residence of the aristocratic House of Alba.

22. Paseo del Prado

• Website: esmadrid.com
• Address: 28014 Madrid

The tree-lined promenade of Paseo del Prado was created by King Philip II to serve as a much-needed urban green space for all classes. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk beneath the shade of the trees.

23. Matadero Madrid

• Website: mataderomadrid.org
• Address: Pl. de Legazpi, 8, 28045
• Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm, daily

This former slaughterhouse is now an artistic hub comprised of a theater complex, a citizens’ laboratory, a film archive, exhibition spaces, and two restaurants. Check the Matadero Madrid website for screenings, exhibits, and immersive experiences.

24. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

• Website: realmadrid.com/en/santiago-bernabeu-stadium
• Address: Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036

Soccer is an important part of life in Spain, and the sheer size of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium reflects this. Take a guided tour of the stadium to appreciate its stature and learn more about Real Madrid, the most successful soccer club in the world.

25. Chocolatería San Ginés

• Website: chocolateriasangines.com
• Address: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, 28013
• Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday: 8 am – 11.30 pm / Thursday – Sunday: 24 hours

Chocolatería San Ginés is a famed chocolate shop that has been serving churros and hot chocolate since 1894. Don’t be put off by the long lines. Service is fast if you opt to take your delicious sweet treat away to enjoy it in the nearby Plaza Mayor.

26. Segovia

Segovia is a UNESCO-listed town on the outskirts of Madrid. It boasts an awesome ancient Roman aqueduct that is incredibly well-preserved. The town’s historic center is also dotted with sights, including the 12th-century Alcázar fortress. You can reach Segovia by high-speed train in just 30 minutes from central Madrid.

27. Casa de Campo

• Address: P.º de la Prta del Ángel, 1, 28011
• Opening hours: 24/7

Casa de Campo is the largest public park in Madrid and it’s a great spot for a relaxing day trip. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, kayak out on the lake, or ride on the roller coasters and courses in the Parque de Atracciones. You can reach Casa de Campo by metro from Madrid city center.

Plan Your Tour of Madrid

Now you know of Madrid’s best tourist attractions, you can get started planning your cultural adventure in the Spanish capital.