Cosa vedere a Madrid, cosa fare: dal Museo del Prado alla 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 leading financial hub and largest city in Spain, the major center of Southern Europe. Madrid is first, overall, in domestic tourism and fourth in the European context.

Madrid is undoubtedly one of the most globalized cities on the planet, which alongside an ultra-modern 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 that refutes the common belief that to experience the movida, one must necessarily 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, venues. Therefore, if you have time, it is recommended to see it not only in one day as what to see in Madrid in three days is a question with multiple 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 Prado Museum, where you can admire masterpieces by Italian, Spanish and Flemish masters from the 15th to the 19th centuries; of the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which houses, among many others, the famous painting Guernica by Pablo Picasso. And of the Thyssen Bornemisza collection moved a few years ago from Lugano, Switzerland. All just a few minutes’ walk along the Paseo del Prado.

Madrid Puerta del Sol

Those who are not deterred by distances and can easily use public transport can visit Madrid by moving comfortably between the Royal Palace and the Escorial, featuring the imposing monastery and the lavish 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, Madrilenians gather to celebrate the arrival of the new year: tradition has it that you must eat one grape for each stroke of midnight and it is a capital that can also be visited on a budget.

Madrid places of interest

1 Museo del Prado Madrid

Along the Paseo del Prado is one of the most famous museums in the world: the Museo del Prado. Its origins date back to 1819 and it was founded at the behest of Queen Isabella of Braganza who wanted a public art museum in Spain modeled after the Louvre. Inside the gallery are seven centuries of art history (8,600 paintings and over 700 sculptures). It is practically impossible to visit the Museo del Prado in a few hours, given the richness of works on display. It is recommended to visit again or, alternatively, to choose the era or artists you don’t want to miss.

Museo Madrid del Prado: hours and prices

From Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sundays and all holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Last admission 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), and students up to 25 years old enter for 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 purchasing online tickets that also allow you to choose guided tours of the Museo del Prado.

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 stayed here until 1931. Following a fire in 1734, the Royal Palace of Madrid was commissioned to be majestic and much larger than the previous one by Philip V. The project was not fully executed but an impressive building 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 attached pharmacy, and the Royal Armory. The Royal Palace is surrounded by the gardens “Campo del Moro” 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 buildings with arcades among which stands out, for historic interest, the Palacio de la Panadería, 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. In Plaza Mayor, as can be easily guessed, several important streets of the city converge such as Calle Mayor, Calle Toledo, Calle Segovia.

4 Plaza Santa Anna Madrid

Plaza Santa Ana in Madrid can be reached by metro, Anton Martin station. It is one of the most well-known squares in the Spanish capital and has undergone several restorations over time. It is the heart of the Barrio de los Literatos and is a very lively place in the city. Plaza Santa Ana is very popular in Madrid and is full of bars, restaurants, hotels, and theaters. Here is the Casa Museo de Lope de Vega, open from Tuesday to Friday (9:30 AM to 2:00 PM) and on Saturdays with free entry (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM).

5 Plaza de la Villa Madrid

In Plaza de la Villa in Madrid stands the Madrid city hall called the Ayuntamiento. It consists of towers and rooms frescoed by Francisco Goya. In the square is also the Torre de los Lujanes and in the center, the statue of Álvaro de Bazán, protagonist 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 (patron saint of the city), between May and June. Inside is the 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 Royal Barefoot Nuns Madrid

Monastery of the Royal Barefoot Nuns in Madrid is a convent dating back to the 16th century, built for blue-blooded nuns. It is rich in tapestries, fabrics, and finely crafted utensils. It can be reached by Metro Sol. Guided tours on even days from 10:30 AM to 12:45 PM and from 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM. On Fridays from 10:30 AM to 12:45 PM. On Sundays and all 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 art from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It was the residence of the Spanish monarchs and was created by Titian, Giordano, El Greco, Velázquez. 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 miss

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

1. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: rich in Western art collection spanning over eight centuries. It complements the Prado museum and is recommended for enthusiasts of Western art. It is located at Paseo del Prado number 8. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00.
2. Lazaro Galdiano Museum: founded by the writer José Lazaro Galdiano, it houses a collection of ivories and enamels from the 6th century and several paintings by international artists (from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century). It is open every day except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 16:30, and is located at Calle Serrano 122.
3. Reina Sofia Museum Madrid Art Center: near the well-known Atocha station, today enriched by many shops, bars and restaurants, is this museum created in an old hospital. The Reina Sofia Art Center Museum 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. Archaeological Museum: 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 on Sunday from 9:30 to 15:00.
5. Museum of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando: located at Calle Alcalà number 13, this museum contains works by Italian, Spanish and Flemish painters from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Standing out above 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 flea markets: El Rastro, the flea market

Every Sunday morning, south of Plaza Mayor, between the districts of La Latina and Lavapies, the famous Madrid flea market takes place: El Rastro. Everything can be found on the stalls, from new and used clothing to souvenirs. The area is a popular neighborhood and once leather tanners lived here. The neighborhood is still very popular today and prone to pickpockets. It is important to keep an eye on your bag or wallet. Danger may be lurking but, with proper caution, a visit is recommended.

11 Parque del Retiro Madrid

The Parque del Retiro is much loved by the Madrilenians. Located west of the Prado Museum, 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 heaven. Two very important palaces overlook the gardens: the Palacio de Velázquez and the Crystal Palace. 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 the Madrid airport from which you can reach the city center. In particular; number 200 goes to A. de America, no. 101 to Canilejas and 214 to Av. de Amarica (from Terminal 4). Madrid metro. The metro cost is the same as the buses but there are Metrobus tickets, 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 move around the Spanish capital at low cost.

Qué hacer en Madrid

13 Dónde comer en Madrid

En Madrid se puede comer en cualquier lugar. En particular en el centro de Madrid y en la Plaza Santa Ana pero también en la Plaza Mayor, hay varios puntos de restauración. Sin embargo, siempre es mejor evitar los que están en la propia plaza o demasiado turísticos. En la capital hay varios bares de tapas. Los mejores y más económicos se encuentran en La Latina y en Lavapiés. El Café de Chinitas es uno de los mejores restaurantes con espectáculo de flamenco. Es sin duda un lugar turístico, pero vale la pena comer aquí al menos una vez. En el Palacio Gaviria, cerca de la Puerta de Sol, es posible asistir a espectáculos de cabaret o bailar música dance. El restaurante con estrella Michelin de Madrid es el Santceloni. Se encuentra en el Paseo de la Castellana, número 57, dentro de una bodega. El restaurante ofrece pescado. El Chilky, por otro lado, en la Calle Mayor 24, propone platos de la tradición madrileña. Entre ellos, la imprescindible paella, las tapas, los asados.

14 Madrid dónde dormir

En cuanto a la hospitalidad, la capital española presenta diferentes ofertas. Hoteles en Madrid. Los hoteles con cierto encanto no son muchos. Sin embargo, la capital española es adecuada para todos los bolsillos pero no para los oídos, ya que Madrid es muy ruidosa. El consejo es siempre reservar con anticipación incluso para aprovechar ofertas relámpago, pero en Booking hay una amplia selección de hoteles.

15 Madrid clima

Clima de Madrid.  En la capital española el clima es cercano al continental, con un clima seco y sin precipitaciones excesivas durante el año, veranos muy calurosos e inviernos fríos. Temperaturas en Madrid. A continuación, la temperatura en Madrid hoy, mañana y durante los próximos siete días.