What to see in Madrid, things to do: from the Prado Museum to Puerta del Sol

Madrid is the third most populated municipality in the European Union (about 6.5 million inhabitants including metropolitan area and suburbs); the foremost financial center and largest city in Spain, the main hub of Southern Europe. Madrid ranks first in domestic tourism and fourth in Europe overall.

Madrid is undoubtedly one of the most globalized cities on the planet, which alongside a ultramodern profile has managed to preserve its ancient heart, offering visitors streets, neighborhoods, palaces, gardens, and museums that tell its history and traditions. It has a lively cultural and social scene, dispelling the common belief that to enjoy the movida, one must go to Barcelona. Madrid in two days, three days or a week, is a matter of choice. The Spanish capital is full of places of interest, museums, attractions, and venues. Therefore, if you have time, it is recommended not to limit your visit to just one day, as what to see in Madrid in three days offers many possibilities.

What to see in Madrid

What to see in Madrid. Despite the size and pace of a major capital, Madrid can satisfy even the laziest tourist by concentrating some of the most prestigious museums and galleries (worth the trip alone) within a very short distance of each other. This includes, for example, the Prado Museum, where you can admire masterpieces by Italian, Spanish and Flemish masters from the 15th to 19th centuries; the Reina Sofia Art Center, which houses, among many works, the famous Guernica painting by Pablo Picasso; and the Thyssen Bornemisza collection, transferred a few years ago from Lugano, Switzerland. All just a few minutes’ walk along the Paseo del Prado.

Madrid Puerta del Sol

Those who do not mind distances and are adept with public transport can freely explore Madrid, moving between the Royal Palace and El Escorial, with its imposing monastery and opulent royal residence; between the Retiro Park and the Birthplace of the great Miguel Cervantes; between Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, where on New Year’s Eve locals gather to celebrate the coming year: tradition dictates eating a grape for each stroke of midnight. It is a capital city that can be visited on a budget.

Madrid places of interest

1 Prado Museum Madrid

Along the Paseo del Prado lies one of the world’s most famous museums: the Prado Museum. Founded in 1819 at the behest of Queen Isabella of Braganza to create a public art museum in Spain inspired by the Louvre. Inside the gallery you will find seven centuries of art history (8,600 paintings and over 700 sculptures). It is practically impossible to visit the Prado Museum in just a few hours given the wealth of works displayed. A return visit is recommended or alternatively choosing an era or artists whose works you don’t want to miss.

Prado Museum Madrid: hours and prices

Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00. Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 19:00. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. The museum is closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25. Ticket prices range from 16 euros (full) to 8 euros (reduced). Disabled visitors, minors (under 18 years), and students up to 25 enter for free.

During certain times of the year, there may be long queues to buy tickets. The good news is you can skip the line by purchasing online tickets that also allow you to choose guided tours of the Prado Museum.

Things to see in Madrid

2 Madrid Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is located on Calle Bailen and is currently the official residence of the monarchs who lived there until 1931. After a fire in 1734, the Royal Palace of Madrid was rebuilt to be grander and much larger than the previous one by Philip V. The project was not fully completed but an imposing building was constructed. Inside the palace you can visit: the Throne Room, the Column Hall, the Hall of the Halberdiers, the Apartments of Charles III with attached pharmacy and the Royal Armory. The palace is surrounded by the “Campo del Moro” gardens in English style.

Royal Palace: hours and useful info

From October to March

Monday-Saturday: 9:30 to 17:00; Sunday: 9:00 to 14:00.

From April to September

Monday-Saturday: 9:00 to 18:00; Sunday: 9:00 to 15:00.

“Campo del Moro” Gardens

From October to March

Monday-Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00; Sunday: 9:00 to 18:00.

From April to September

Monday-Saturday: 10:00 to 20:00; Sunday: 9:00 to 20:00.

Skip the queue for Royal Palace tickets in Madrid.

What to visit in Madrid

3 Plaza Mayor Madrid

Madrid Spain. Plaza Mayor in Madrid is a square surrounded by beautiful buildings with arcades, among which the Palace de la Panaderia, a former bakery, stands out for its historic interest. It was completely rebuilt in the 18th century after a fire. At the center of the square rises the equestrian statue of Philip III. Various important streets of the city such as Calle Mayor, Calle Toledo, and Calle Segovia converge at Plaza Mayor.

4 Plaza Santa Ana Madrid

Plaza Santa Ana in Madrid is accessible by metro, Anton Martin stop. It is one of the most famous squares of the Spanish capital and has undergone several restorations over time. It is the heart of the Bario de los Literatos and a very lively city area. Plaza Santa Ana is a popular spot with many bars, restaurants, hotels, and theaters. Here is located the Lope de Vega House Museum, open Tuesday to Friday (9:30–14:00) and Saturdays with free admission (10:00–14:00).

5 Plaza de la Villa Madrid

In Plaza de la Villa in Madrid stands the city hall, known as the Ayuntamiento. It features towers and rooms frescoed by Francisco Goya. Also located in the square is the Torre de los Lujanes and in the center, a statue of Alvaro de Bazan, hero of the Battle of Lepanto.

6 Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Madrid

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid is the bullfighting arena square. Built in the 1930s, it becomes lively during the San Isidro Fair (the city’s patron saint), between May and June. Inside there is a museum with free entry. Hours: March to October, Tuesday to Friday 9:30 to 14:30; Sundays and bullfighting days from 9:00 to 13:00. November to February, Monday to Friday 9:30 to 14:30.

7 Monastery of las Descalzas Reales Madrid

The Monastery of las Descalzas Reales in Madrid dates back to the 16th century, built for noble nuns. It is rich in tapestries, fabrics, and finely crafted utensils. It is accessible by Sol Metro. Guided tours on even days from 10:30 to 12:45 and 16:00 to 17:45. Fridays 10:30 to 12:45. Sundays and public holidays 11:00 to 13:45.

8 Monastery of El Escorial

The Monastery of El Escorial near Madrid was commissioned by Philip II; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered a true temple of 16th and 17th-century art. The residence of Spanish monarchs, it features works by Titian, Giordano, El Greco, Velazquez. The complex includes a library, museums, and the Palace. It is located on Calle de Juan de Borbon y Battemberg in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Madrid to see

9 Madrid museums not to miss

Besides the Prado Museum which alone is worth the trip, there are other interesting museums in the Spanish capital.

1. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: rich in Western art collections spanning over eight centuries. Complements the Prado Museum and is recommended for lovers of Western art. Located on Paseo del Prado at number 8. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00.
2. Lazaro Galdiano Museum: founded by the writer José Lázaro Galdiano, it houses a collection of ivories and enamels from the 6th century and various paintings by international artists (from the 16th to 19th centuries). Open every day except Tuesday from 10:00 to 16:30, located at Calle Serrano 122.
3. Reina Sofia Art Center Madrid: near the well-known Atocha station, now filled with many shops, bars, and restaurants, this museum is housed in a former hospital. The Reina Sofia Art Center Museum contains a rich collection of 20th-century art, including works by Dalí, Miró, Picasso, Braque among others. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00 and Sundays until 14:30. Located at Santa Isabel, 52.
4. Archaeological Museum: located at Calle Serrano 13, this museum conserves millennia-old artifacts from Spain. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 20:30 and Sunday from 9:30 to 15:00.
5. Museum of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando: located at Calle Alcalá 13, this museum contains works by Italian, Spanish, and Flemish painters from the 16th and 17th centuries. Among all, Francisco Goya stands out. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 15:00; Sundays close half an hour earlier at 14:30.

10 Madrid markets: El Rastro flea market

Every Sunday morning, south of Plaza Mayor, between the La Latina and Lavapies neighborhoods, is held the famous flea market of Madrid: El Rastro. On the stalls you can find everything from new and used clothing to souvenirs. The area is popular and was once home to tanners. Even today the neighborhood is busy and prone to pickpockets. It’s important to keep an eye on your bag or wallet. There is some risk but with proper caution it is a recommended visit.

11 Retiro Park Madrid

Retiro Park is very loved by locals. Located west of the Prado Museum, the park consists of gardens, lakes, monumental fountains, groves, and rose gardens. Here stands the sculpture of “the Fallen Angel” which represents the devil falling from heaven. Two important palaces overlook the gardens: Palacio de Velázquez and Crystal Palace. Also worth visiting is the “Forest of the Disappeared” created in memory of the victims of the 2004 attacks. Retiro Park is at Plaza de la Independencia and is open from 6:00 to 22:00 in winter and until midnight during summer.

12 How to get around Madrid Barajas airport

Madrid airport and Madrid Card

Madrid Barajas. The Madrid International Airport is about 15 km northeast of the capital. Madrid flights. From Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Madrid Barajas Airport you can reach the city center. Specifically; number 200 bus goes to A. de America, 101 to Canillejas, and 214 to Av. de America (from Terminal 4). Madrid metro. The metro fare is the same as buses but Metrobus tickets cover both. A taxi from arrivals to the city costs about 25 euros.

To get around Madrid you can use various means: metro, bus, taxi, train. Thanks to the Madrid Card, it is also possible to move around the Spanish capital at low cost.

What to do in Madrid

13 Where to eat in Madrid

You can eat anywhere in Madrid. Particularly in central Madrid and Plaza Santa Ana but also in Plaza Mayor, there are several dining spots. However, it is always good to avoid those in the square itself or too tourist-centric. The capital has several tapas bars. The best and cheapest are found in La Latina and Lavapies. The Café de Chinitas is one of the best flamenco show restaurants. It’s certainly touristy but worth dining at least once. Palacio Gaviria, near Puerta del Sol, offers cabaret shows or dance music. Madrid’s Michelin-starred restaurant is Santceloni. It is on Paseo de la Castellana, 57, inside a cellar. The restaurant specializes in fish. Chilky, at Calle Mayor 24, serves traditional Madrid dishes such as the must-try paella, tapas, and roasts.

14 Madrid where to stay

Regarding hospitality, the Spanish capital offers various options. Madrid hotels. Charming hotels are not numerous. However, the capital offers options for every budget but not every ear, as Madrid can be very noisy. Booking in advance is always recommended, including for flash deals. On Booking there’s a wide selection of hotels.

15 Madrid Weather

Madrid climate. The Spanish capital has a climate close to continental, with dry weather and no excessive rainfall throughout the year, very hot summers and cold winters. Madrid temperatures. Below are the temperatures in Madrid today, tomorrow and for the next seven days.