What to See in Madrid, What to Do: From the Prado Museum to Puerta del Sol

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

Madrid is without a doubt one of the most globalized cities on the planet, which, alongside an 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 life, contradicting the common notion that to experience 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 rich in places of interest, museums, attractions, and venues. Therefore, if you have time, it is recommended to see it in more than just one day, as the question of what to see in Madrid in three days has many answers.

Madrid cosa vedere

What to see in Madrid. Despite the size and the rhythm of a large capital, Madrid can satisfy even the laziest tourist, concentrating some of the most prestigious museums and art galleries (which alone are worth the trip) very close to each other. This is the case, for example, of the Museo del Prado, where you can admire masterpieces by Italian, Spanish, and Flemish masters from the 15th to the 19th century; of the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which houses, among many others, the famous painting Guernica 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, instead, are not bothered by distances and are skilled with public transport, can visit Madrid freely moving between the Royal Palace and the El Escorial, with its imposing monastery and lavish royal residence; between the Retiro Park and the Birth House of the great Miguel Cervantes; between Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol, where on New Year’s Eve, the people of Madrid gather to celebrate the arrival of the new year: tradition holds that you must eat a grape for each stroke of midnight and it is a capital city also visitable at low cost.

Madrid places of interest

1 Prado Museum Madrid

Along the Paseo del Prado is located one of the most famous museums in the world: the Prado Museum. Its origins date back to 1819 and it was founded by the will of Queen Isabella of Braganza, who wanted a public art museum in Spain modeled after the Louvre. Inside the art gallery there are 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 on display. A return visit is recommended or, alternatively, choosing the era or the artists of which you do not want to miss anything.

Prado Museum Madrid: hours and prices

From Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Sundays and all holidays, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Last entry half an hour 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 persons, minors (under 18 years) and students up to 25 years enter free.

At certain times of the year, there may be a long line to purchase tickets. The good news is that you can skip the line by buying 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 representation headquarters of the monarchs who stayed here until 1931. Following a fire in 1734, the Royal Palace of Madrid was designed to be majestic and much larger than the previous one, by Philip V. The project was not completely executed but a building of imposing size was still constructed. Inside the Royal Palace you can visit: the Throne Room, the Salon de Columnas, the Salon de Alabarderos, the apartments of Charles III with the adjoining pharmacy and the Royal Armory. The Royal Palace is surrounded by the “Campo del Moro” gardens in English style.

Royal Palace: opening hours and useful information

From October to March

Monday-Saturday: from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday: from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

From April to September

Monday-Saturday: from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday: from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

“Campo del Moro” Gardens

From October to March

Monday-Saturday: from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday: from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

From April to September

Monday-Saturday: from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sunday: from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Skip the line for tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid.

What to visit in Madrid

3 Plaza Mayor Madrid

Madrid Spain. Plaza Mayor in Madrid is a square surrounded by beautiful arcade buildings among which stands out, also for historical interest, the Palacio de la Panaderia, an old bakery. In the eighteenth century it was completely renovated due to a fire. In the center of the square stands the equestrian statue of Philip III. Various important city streets such as Calle Mayor, Calle Toledo, Calle Segovia converge at Plaza Mayor, as you can easily guess.

4 Plaza Santa Anna Madrid

Plaza Santa Ana in Madrid is accessible by metro, Anton Martin stop. It is one of the best-known squares in the Spanish capital and has undergone various restorations over time. It is the heart of the Barrio de los Literatos and a very lively part of the city. Plaza Santa Ana is a very popular place in Madrid and is full of bars, restaurants, hotels, and theaters. Here is the Lope de Vega House Museum, open from Tuesday to Friday (9:30 am – 2:00 pm) and on Saturday with free admission (10:00 am – 2:00 pm).

5 Plaza de la Villa Madrid

In Plaza de la Villa in Madrid stands the city hall known as Ayuntamiento. It consists of towers and halls frescoed by Francisco Goya. In the square is also the Torre de los Lujanes and in the center, the 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 bullring square. Built in the 1930s, it becomes lively during the Feria de San Isidro (the city’s patron saint festival), between May and June. Inside there is a museum with free admission. Hours: from March to October, Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; Sundays and bullfight days from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. From November to February, Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

7 Monastery of the Descalzas Reales Madrid

The Monastery of the Descalzas Reales in Madrid is a convent dating back to the 16th century, commissioned for noble nuns. It is rich in tapestries, fabrics, and finely crafted utensils. It is accessible via the Sol metro. Guided tours on even days from 10:30 am to 12:45 pm and from 4:00 pm to 5:45 pm. Fridays from 10:30 am to 12:45 pm. Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 am to 1:45 pm.

8 Monastery of El Escorial

The Monastery of El Escorial in Madrid was commissioned by Philip II, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered a true temple of 16th and 17th century art. Home of the Spanish monarchs. It was created by Titian, Giordano, El Greco, Velazquez. The complex includes a library, museums, and the Palace. It is located on Calle de Juan de Borbón y Battemberg in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Madrid to see

9 Madrid museums not to be missed

Besides the Museo del Prado that rewards the trip, there are other interesting museums in the Spanish capital.

1. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: rich in a collection of Western art spanning over eight centuries. It complements the Prado museum and is recommended for Western art enthusiasts. It is located at Paseo del Prado number 8. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00.
2. Museo Lazaro Galdiano: desired by the writer José Lazaro Galdiano, it houses a collection of ivories and enamels from the 6th century and various paintings by international artists (from the 16th to the 19th century). It is open every day except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 16:30, and is located at Calle Serrano 122.
3. Museo Reina Sofia Madrid Centro de Arte: near the well-known Atocha station, now enriched with many shops, bars, and restaurants, is this museum realized in an old hospital. The Museo Centro de Arte Reina Sofia contains a rich collection of 20th-century art. Works by Dalí, Miró, Picasso, Braque, among others. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 21:00, while on Sunday the museum closes at 14:30. It is located at Santa Isabel, 52.
4. Museo Archeologico: located at Calle Serrano 13, the archaeological museum of Madrid preserves millenary artifacts from Spain. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:30 to 20:30 and Sunday from 9:30 to 15:00.
5. Museo de La Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando: located at Calle Alcalà number 13, this museum contains works by Italian, Spanish, and Flemish painters, from the 16th and 17th centuries. Standing out among all is Francisco Goya. The museum remains open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 15:00; on Sunday it closes half an hour earlier, at 14:30.

10 Madrid Markets: El Rastro, the flea market

Every Sunday morning, south of Plaza Mayor, between the neighborhoods of La Latina and Lavapies, the well-known Madrid flea market is held: El Rastro. On the stalls you can find everything, from new and used clothing to souvenirs. The area is a popular neighborhood and once tanners lived here. Even today the neighborhood is very popular and a target for pickpockets. It is important to keep an eye on your bag or wallet. Danger could be lurking but, with the right caution, a visit is recommended.

11 Parque del Retiro Madrid

The Parque del Retiro is much loved by Madrilenians. Located west of the Museo del Prado, the park is made up of gardens, lakes, monumental fountains, groves, rose gardens. Here is the sculpture of “the Fallen Angel” representing the devil falling from paradise. Two very important palaces overlook the gardens: the Palacio de Velázquez and the Palacio de Cristal. Also worth visiting is the “Forest of the Disappeared” created in memory of the victims of the 2004 attacks. The Parque del Retiro is located 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 international airport of Madrid is located about 15 km northeast of the capital. Madrid flights. From Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Madrid Barajas airport, it is possible to reach the city center. In particular; number 200 goes to A. de America, number 101 to Canilejas and 214 to Av. de America (from Terminal 4). Madrid metro. The cost of the metro is the same as the buses but there are Metrobus tickets valid for both. On average, a taxi, whose stop is at arrivals, costs about 25 euros to reach the city.

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

What to do in Madrid

13 Where to eat in Madrid

In Madrid, you can eat anywhere. Especially in downtown Madrid and at Plaza Santa Ana but also at Plaza Mayor, there are several dining spots. However, it is always advisable to avoid those in the square itself or too touristy. In the capital, there are several tapas bars. The best and most affordable ones are found in La Latina and Lavapies. The Cafe de Chinitas is one of the best restaurants with flamenco shows. It is certainly a tourist spot but worth eating here at least once. At Palacio Gaviria, near the Puerta de Sol, it is possible to attend cabaret shows or dance to dance music. The Michelin-starred restaurant in Madrid is Santceloni. It is located on Paseo de la Castellana, at number 57, inside a wine cellar. The restaurant offers fish dishes. Chilky, on the other hand, at Calle Mayor 24, offers traditional Madrid dishes. Among these, the unmissable paella, tapas, and roasts.

14 Madrid where to sleep

Regarding hospitality, the Spanish capital offers various choices. Madrid hotels. Charming hotels are not numerous. However, Madrid suits all budgets but not ears, since Madrid is very noisy. The advice is always to book in advance also to take advantage of flash deals, but on Booking, there is a wide selection of hotels.

15 Madrid Weather

Madrid climate.  In the Spanish capital, the climate is close to continental, with a dry climate and without excessive precipitation throughout the year, very hot summers and cold winters. Madrid temperatures. Below is the temperature in Madrid today, tomorrow, and in the next seven days.