Best attractions in Madrid: Top 25
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After reading our review “Madrid’s top attractions”, every tourist will be able to create a fascinating sightseeing itinerary for themselves. We will tell you what to see in Madrid, focusing on the reviews and recommendations of experienced travelers and guides.
What to see in Madrid first
Excursions in Madrid are so varied and numerous that it’s easy to get lost in their selection. If you want to have an unforgettable and informative trip, your trip should include sightseeing such as:
1. The Royal Palace
An architectural monument that deserves to be included in the ranking of “Spain’s top attractions“. A majestic and beautiful residence of the kings, in which all kinds of ceremonial meetings and receptions are still held today. The palace building, often compared to Versailles in Paris, is located on the coast of Manzanares. The façade is clad in marble and stone; the interiors of the interior halls are decorated with exquisite sculptures, gilded furniture, Flemish tapestries, crystal chandeliers and ancient frescoes. Guests are invited to view a collection of Stradivarius violins, jewels from the reigning Spanish dynasty, weapons and ancient clocks.
Official website: http://www.patrimonionacional
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2. Cibeles Palace and Fountain
Both the former and the latter are located in the city’s main square, Plaza de Cibeles. The date of erection of the palace is the beginning of the 20th century, the monumental fountain - 18th century. Such interesting places in Madrid should be visited, first of all, fans of history and architectural masterpieces.
Official site: https://www.esmadrid.com
3. Las Ventas Arena
More than 90 years ago, the largest bullfighting ground in Spain was created on Alcala Avenue. The sight of this Madrid landmark is astonishing in its opulence and grandeur: the arena accommodates over 23,000 guests and is more than 60 meters in diameter. The facility is decorated with vaulted arches and ceramic decorations. If you don’t know what to visit in Madrid in March and October, but you are passionate about bullfighting and bullfighting, buy a ticket to the bullfight. You can also visit a local museum, or watch concerts, sporting events and festivals.
4. Alcala Gate
The gate has several small and three large side spans. The Neoclassical façade is richly decorated with sculptures and a table bearing the name of Charles the Third. The monumental structure is erected in the heart of the city - on Independence Square.
Official website: https://www.esmadrid.com/ru/turist
5. Gran Via
Where to go in Madrid for free? On the main boulevard of the capital, which “never sleeps”. The street, arranged in 1910, stretches through the entire city center and offers you to visit numerous shopping malls, restaurants and boutiques. The most famous object of the Gran Via is considered to be Telefónica (formerly the most high-rise building in Europe).
Official website: https://www.esmadrid.com
Check out the great views of Madrid in this beautiful video!
6. Plaza Mayor Square
Also one of the main squares in the Spanish city, made in the shape of a quadrangle. Its perimeter is surrounded by about 135 original buildings - with images of magical creatures on the facades, with arches and balconies. In the center of the square there is a sculpture of Philip the Third in bronze. In earlier years, public executions and bullfights were held here. Today, artists, city celebrations, fairs, shows and carnivals are performed on the Plaza Mayor. Such top attractions in Madrid will interest both fans of modernity and connoisseurs of history.
Official website: https://www.esmadrid.com/
7. Puerta del Sol Square
Just like the largest hotels in Madrid, this square is not silent for a minute. The area is shaped like a crescent: standing on its kilometer zero, tourists make wishes. In the nearby streets are open a large number of restaurants and cafes, which serve dishes of national cuisine. At dark, the Puerta del Sol is illuminated by three hundred treads: in their light, the fountains and monuments of the square seem like fairy-tale decorations.
Official website: https://www.esmadrid.com/ru
8. “Gateway of Europe.”
The modern symbol of the city are two glass “falling” skyscrapers, 115 meters high. The buildings are inclined towards each other and form a kind of gateway. On the roofs are platforms for helicopters. The development of the object was done by architects from the USA. During the construction innovative materials and technologies were used. On the eve of Christmas between the skyscrapers set the Main Christmas Tree of Spain. In addition, incredible light performances are arranged there every year.
Official website: https://www.esmadrid.
9. Royal Theater
The building was built in the middle of the 19th century, and has been considered the main opera scene in Spain ever since. Numerous revolutions and wars have repeatedly destroyed the theater, turning it into a warehouse, a place for important meetings, and a military barracks. Since 1997 the stage has only been presenting operas and other musical productions.
Official website: https://www.teatro-real.com
10. Almudena Cathedral
Erected in memory of the patroness of Madrid, St. Mary of Almudena, the cathedral is decorated with stained glass windows, a gigantic 75-meter dome and a façade of gray-blue literate stone. The building is opposite the Royal Palace. The complex includes a large vantage point that allows to see the whole panorama of the city. Inside the temple is a grand altar of emerald-green marble.
Official website: http://museocatedral.
11. Descalzas-Reales Monastery
What to see in Madrid in 1 day for a religious person? One of the main shrines of the capital, the magnificent temple of Descalzas-Reales. Of interest is both the architectural component of the site and its rich history. At one time it was the 4th most important monastery in Spain.
Official website: http://www.patrimonionacional
12. Escorial Monastery
The temple is set up close to the Sierra Nevada, and was formerly the residence of the royal families. The construction of the austere fortress lasted more than 21 years. The sumptuous and opulent interior contrasts with the simple and rather plain facade. The interior halls contain the remains of all the kings of Spain (since Charles the Fifth).
Official website: http://monasteriodelescorial.
13. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
If you are passionate about soccer, and especially Real Madrid games, be sure to visit this famous stadium. By the way, guides in Madrid recommend it also because the national team holds its training here. The capacity is over 80,000 guests.
Official website: https://www.realmadrid.com
14. Warner Brothers Amusement Park
On an area of fifty hectares there is a unique park with themed areas: a movie studio, the Wild West, the World of Superheroes, the Cartoon Town, etc. Each zone has its own shows and performances, and there are rides for visitors of all ages.
Official website: https://www.parquewarner.
15. Parque Buen Retiro
The best place for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle. The park’s own attractions include a branch of the Prado Museum, a pavilion of crystal and metal in which artists’ exhibitions are held, and the sculptural group “Falling Angel”. There is also an artificial lake and boat rentals. It is not difficult to get to the park, which is located in the central part of the capital.
Official website: https://www.esmadrid.com
16. Parque Casa de Campo
An equally spacious green space, this time away from the city center. For vacationers there is a street of cafes and restaurants Paseo de Gastronomy, amusement rides, a dolphinarium, an aquarium and a zoo.
Official website: https://www.esmadrid.com/ru
17. Museum of America
All of the exhibits in the museum tell the story of the discovery of America and the life and culture of its natives before the continent was conquered by the Spaniards. You can view examples of colonial-era art, weapons of the conquistadors, and personal items of Native American tribes.
Official website: http://www.mecd.gob.es
18. Museo del Prado
A national symbol of the country, it houses more than 500 statues and about 8,000 works of art. This includes paintings by Rubens and Bosch. Many of the paintings were taken from the personal collections of Spanish monarchs.
Official website: https://www.museodelprado.
19: Queen Sofia Art Center
The first thing you’ll notice is the original glass elevator adjacent to the facade of the center and out to the street. The second is the zinc-aluminum red canopy. The collections include works by 20th century Spanish avant-garde artists. There are also temporary installations in the exhibition spaces. The museum’s key painting is Guernica. For Spaniards, it is the most celebrated painting of Picasso’s hands. In addition, visitors can view works by Salvador Dali, sculptures and art creations by Miró.
Official website: http://www.museoreinasofia.es/en
20. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Guests of the exhibition halls are invited to view a sumptuous display of paintings. The paintings were created by various masters over a period of eight centuries. All masterpieces are the property of the Spanish state.
Official website: https://www.museothyssen
Madrid sightseeings: what else is there to see in Madrid?
We have told you about the main attractions of Madrid in brief. If after seeing them you have some free time left, devote it to a visit to such monuments of history and architecture as:
21. Biblioteca Nacional de Espana
Over three centuries of work, the building has collected more than 26,000,000 works from writing and printing presses. There are not only vintage book volumes, but also inimitable posters, original scores, magazines, engravings and maps.
Official website: http://www.bne.es/en/Inicio/
22. Temple of Debod
Not far from the Royal Palace, in the central part of Oeste Park is the most extraordinary landmark of the capital. The temple complex was erected in honor of Isis (goddess of Egypt) and was formerly located on the banks of the Nile River. Many years ago, during the construction of a dam in Egypt, it was decided to move a couple of architectural and historical treasures - otherwise they would have been destroyed by the flood. The Spanish authorities decided to help Egypt with the construction, for which they received this beautiful temple from the hot country as a token of their gratitude.
Official website: https://www.esmadrid.com
23. Atocha railway station
The largest train station in the country took its name in memory of Atocha (the temple of Our Lady is nearby). The first building from 1851 has not survived and has been replaced by a shopping mall with an exotic garden, restaurant, boutiques and a nightclub. A beautiful, modern terminal handles high-speed commuter and long-distance trains. The sorrowful fame of the attraction came with the terrorist attacks that took the lives of so many people. To commemorate them, a memorial was opened at the station.
Official website: https://www.esmadrid
24. El Rastro Flea Market
The largest, most visited and famous bazaar in the capital, with over 35,000 outlets. The list of items that can be purchased in the local stalls is endless. There are the most inconceivable products. Pay special attention to the unusual, rare and valuable items offered in the antique shops. You can compare the bazaar to a giant flea market. However, a huge number of “junk” can give buyers an incredible surprise, for example, in the form of beautiful vintage clothing and accessories. Don’t forget the opportunity to haggle. Even if you are not in the mood for shopping, come here for the unique and colorful atmosphere of Spain.
25. San Miguel Market
A vibrant gastronomic bazaar where you can taste and buy all kinds of delicacies and foods. Spices, herbs, jamon, fresh oysters served with a glass of sparkling drink. At each counter you will be offered the possibility of tasting (but do not overdo it, respect the local merchants).
Official website: http://www.mercadodesanmiguel
We are sure that the sights of Madrid whose names and descriptions you have just seen have aroused your genuine interest. Come to the hospitable Spanish capital and book an experienced guide. With them your excursions will be even more exciting. Read also about sights of Malaga and be inspired for your next trip to Spain.
