Madrid travel guide – Sightseeing

Madrid is one of the most vibrant European capitals. A capital of art, history and loveliness.

The charming Spanish music, the street painters and musicians, the neo classical architecture, the majestic castles make the city an animated and joyful destination.

You will never get enough of walking its street, contemplating its marvels and tasting its traditional dishes. Meanwhile, here what not to miss while you’re in Madrid

The Museo del Prado

You should start your journey with the Museo del Prado, the most popular art museum in Spain. It contains one of the largest and most magnificent art galleries in the world.

The museum exhibits the Spanish royal collection and thousands of impressive paintings and drawings. Moreover it presents a valuable collection of sculptures, coins, prints and other types of works.

Opening hours

From Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 20:00. Sundays and holidays: 10:00 – 19:00

Closed: January 1, May 1 and December 25.

Ticket price

General: 14 €  General admission + official guide: 23 €

Plaza mayor madrid:

The plaza mayor is Madrid’s main square. It’s a rectangular square surrounded by impressive historical buildings and full of restaurants, cafés and of course tourists from around the world.

The street performers and traditional snacks shops increased the place’s vivacity and energy.

The square is surrounded by beautiful places. But the best of them is the Puerta del Sol, one of the most famous Madrid central squares and where you can find good stores.

Royal palace of madrid:

The royal palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family but they use it only for big events and ceremonies. Generally, the palace’s rooms and halls are open to public.

It’s actually a major tourist attraction in Madrid.

The monument architecture and courtyard are amazing.  And from the interior, the decoration, the fancy furniture and materials, the Spanish marble, the fabulous paintings are more than impressive.

Opening hours:

October – March: 10:30 – 18:00

Sundays and holidays 10:00 – 16:00

April – September: Monday – Sundays and holidays 10:00 – 20:00

Ticket price:

€8.00 without guide; €10.00 with guide. Children under 5 go free.

Buen Retiro Park:

The Buen Retiro Park or the park of the pleasant retreat in English, is the first and most popular park in Madrid. Very big, it contains a beautiful artificial lake, fascinating sculptures, fountains and monuments. We can’t forget to mention the amazing gardens such as the Rose garden, the Jardín de Vivaces and  the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez.

It’s where you will enjoy the verdure and beauty of nature along with the memorable Spanish history. It’s a perfect place for relaxing away from the crowd, having a refreshing walk or renting a boat.

Plaza de cibeles:

The plaza de cibeles is a symbol, beautiful landmark and a top  tourist attraction in Madrid. A complex of marble monuments: sculptures, fountains and castle.

The beauty of the place comes from the wealthy history and great architecture. From the inside, the monument is huge and fabulous.  There are a variety of rooms, a collection of artwork.

The building is constituted of 11 floors, each one is more beautiful than the other. But the view from the rooftop over the city is the most spectacular.

Tickets:  €2 to the roof

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza:

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is Another amazing art museum in Madrid featuring the work of famous artists from the 13th century to the late 20th. It presents the different historical periods from the Renaissance and the Baroque to the Romanticism.  Well organized by theme, it attracts art and history lovers and leave them spellbound.

Opening hours for the permanent collections:

Monday 12.00 – 16.00

Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 – 19.00

Ticket price:

10€ for permanent exhibition

Can go to 17€ if you include other exhibitions.

Madrid has a lot of interesting museums to not miss such as:

Sorolla Museum, National Archaeological Museum, Cerralbo Museum and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.