Things to see in Madrid
What to see in Madrid: the 40 essential places not to be missed
Madrid, the buzzing capital of Spain, offers visitors a fun-filled getaway with fashionable neighbourhoods, stunning museums, beautiful parks and gardens, irresistible restaurants and unparalleled entertainment.
The Valle de los Caídos: Franco’s controversial monument in the Sierra de Guadarrama
The remains of 33,000 fighters who took part in the Spanish Civil War, rests at the foot of a huge stone cross commemorating Spain’s darkest hour.
Atocha station: the iron heart of Madrid
The first train station in the capital, inaugurated in 1851, is Spain’s primary railway station and stands out for its late-nineteenth-century canopy.
Madrid’s Plaza Mayor: the Habsburg city’s magnificent Baroque stage
Having borne witness to everything from royal proclamations and celebrations to executions, Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is an emblem of the city, championed by the Habsburg dynasty.
The Templo of Debod, a treasure of Ancient Egypt in the heart of Madrid
A 2,200-year-old place of worship, a gift presented to Spain by the Egyptian Government, has dominated the Montaña de Príncipe Pío since 1972.
Matadero Madrid, the epicentre of avant-garde art
Matadero Madrid has become one of the capital’s principal hubs for avant-garde art and culture.
The Puerta del Sol: Madrid’s epicentre
Some of Madrid’s most iconic sights are concentrated in the Puerta del Sol, considered to be the city’s beating heart. It’d be a crime to come to Madrid and not pay it a visit.
The Las Ventas bullring: a spectacular monument in the Neo-Mudejar-style
With a seating capacity of 24,000, the Las Ventas bullring is the third largest in the world and a striking example of Neo-Mudejar architecture.
The Royal Palace of Madrid, a hymn to the Hispanic World
Built on the orders of Felipe V in 1738, the complex is now only used for State occasions and ceremonies; for the rest of the time, it is open to the public.
Parque del Retiro: from royal flight of fancy to public park
Located in the centre of Madrid, this green space combines recreation, culture and architecture with a thrilling story about the decline of the absolute monarchy in Spain.