MADRID TRAVEL GUIDE
Welcome to Madrid! Spain’s capital city since the 17th century. This cosmopolitan mecca sits at the heart and center of the country and is a true concentration of culture. From Egyptian temples to Beaux Arts beauties, the mix of architectural styles and landmarks tell a vibrant story of the city’s colorful history.
One of the largest European capital cities, it has a reputation. Embrace the siesta, a relaxing time between 2pm and 4 pm (and sometimes later). Don’t show up for dinner before 9 pm. Experience artful Flamenco and take a step back in time with Don Ernesto (Ernest Hemingway).
When exploring Madrid, I recommend (if you are a first time visitor) spending a majority of your time in the two main sightseeing areas. East and West Madrid. See below for my recommendations!
WEST MADRID (Architecture)
PALACIO REAL
The Royal Palace of Madrid should be the first stop for any visitor to Madrid. The limestone exterior of the palace is beautiful and the surrounding grounds are impressive and extensive- it really sets a tone for Madrid’s french inspired architecture. Next to the Palace walk through Sabatini Gardens or the Plaza de Oriente for some equally extravagant and landscaped gardens.
CATHEDRAL DE LA ALMUDENA
Directly across from Palacio Real, see the beautiful Neo-Gothic façade and grand interiors.
PLAZA MAYOR
Meander the cobblestone streets of Old Madrid, and enter the plaza under Arco de Cuchilleros. The archaded square has plenty of restaurants and cafes along its perimeter. One house centered on the square, Casa de la Panadería, is known for its beautiful painted fresco façade.
PUERTA DEL SOL
The literal translation is “Gateway of the Sun” as it used to be the gate or entrance to the city. This semi-circular shaped plaza is a popular meeting spot in the city with plenty of shops and cafes. Buy a souvenir, such as a handmade fan from Casa de Diego.
GRAN VIA
Stroll down this busy shopping street. Considered an iconic architectural achievement during the city's expansion, it is now bustling with mainstream retailers and luxury boutiques.
PLAZA DE LA VILLA
This unassuming, yet charming square shows off Madrid's history by its period architecture. (So if you love architecture; this stop is for you!) With three distinct buildings, built in three different centuries, The oldest, The Lujanes’ House and Tower was built in the 15th Century in Gothic-Mudejar style, Casa de Cisneros, known for its “Plateresque design” and built in the 16th Century, and finally the the former city hall, Casa de la Villa, showing off the perfect Spanish Baroque style architecture, built in the 17th Century.
ROYAL BASILICA OF SAN FRANCISCO EL GRANDE
If you are seeking out the best architecture of Madrid, you must stop at this basilica. With one of the largest domes in all of Europe, paintings by Francisco Goya that date back to 1784, and frescoes covering every square inch of interior, this church is worth the 5 euro entrance fee. It is truly breathtaking.
WEST MADRID (Food + Drink)
SOBRINO DE BOTIN
This restaurant is considered the world’s oldest running restaurant! It is known for its cochinillo or roasted suckling pig. The same meal that Ernest Hemmingway used to eat when he visited the restaurant.
CALLE CAVA BAJA
The Famous Tapas street. Full of restaurants to choose from, walk up and down the street and pick a handful and taste test. You will not be disappointed.
LA CAMPANA
Recommended for great authentic bocadillos de calamares (calamari sandwiches). Don’t forget to ask for extra lemon. A little squeeze of lemon adds so much to the flavor!
CHOCOLATERIA SAN GINES
This is THE spot for where you can find the best hot chocolate with churros. Sit at one of the many tables outside and enjoy the flavors! It may have a line, but it goes by quickly and worth it!
MUSEO DEL JAMON
Check out this combination restaurant and store for the unique atmosphere of hundreds of hams hanging from the ceiling.
LA MALLORQUINA
Grab a pastry and walk around Puerta del Sol. I recommend a fresh napolitana crema. Words do not give this tasty treat justice- just enjoy life's simple sugar pleasures. I genuinely still think about this pastry today.
MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL
A must stop. This market opens up at 10AM, and serves up delicacies from around the country. Try a house vermouth and pick your favorite tapas. This glassed-in market is the city’s last example of iron construction, and was built in 1914-15.
EAST MADRID
PARQUE DEL RETIRO
Once a park for the royal family, this now public garden is a must stop on any traveler’s itinerary for Madrid. (and in July 2021, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Retiro Park is stunning, and I would recommend a picnic here on everyone’s itinerary. It was one of my favorite places in the entire city and is all about recreation in nature.
Palacio de Cristal Built by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, Crystal Palace celebrates the intricate nature of iron and glass work. Pro Tip: The iron architecture is best seen at sunset, when the light reflects off the glass.
Monument Alfonso XII The elaborate colonnade encircles the marble and bronze monument, which stands at almost 100 ft tall.
Rent a boat and go rowing on estanque (pleasure lake).
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF ART
The city’s top three museums all concentrated together. It's a difficult decision if you only have time for one, so choose wisely based on your interests!
Museo Nacional del Prado With extensive collections, the Prado Museum is considered one of the world’s finest collections of European art, and is one of the most visited sites in Madrid. Buy tickets in advance and plan to be there first thing in the morning or if you are on a budget, plan to go two hours before it closes- admission is free.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia This notable and national art museum tells a story of continual development in terms of its collections and architecture. The building’s humble beginnings as a general hospital tell a very different story, compared to its most recent and major addition by Architect Jean Nouvel in 2005. Today it has transformed the neighborhood and activated the urban surroundings. The museum offers multiple remarkable collections but its crown jew is Picasso’s Guernica.
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza Explore the collection, with over 1,000 pieces of art, this museum offers a unique overview of Western art between the 14th and 20th centuries, with its focus being landscapes. However, don't miss the modern masterpieces like Roy Lichtenstein’s Woman in Bath or Degas’ Swaying Dancer.
CAIXAFORUM
Close to the Prado Museum, this once former electrical power station has been given new life by architect’s Herzog & de Meuron. The art center’s building seems to float above the ground level and at the same time, feel grounded with a remarkable vertical green wall/garden.
PUERTA DE ALCALA
Centered in a roundabout at the north-west corner of Retiro Park. This Neoclassical gate is a beautiful stop. Built between 1769-1778, this granite sculpture consists of five arches adorned by angels. Grab dinner or a drink in one of the restaurants that line the perimeter of the roundabout (I recommend Cappuccino), and soak up the best of Madrid.
FLAMENCO
Considered nothing less than an art form in Spain. I picked Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco. This intimate theater is filled with the sound of acoustic guitar, music and singing, foot stomping, hand clapping and very passionate dancing. You leave energized and searching for more similar music on Spotify.
“BEYOND ‘EAST/WEST’ MADRID (On Our Next Trip)
TEMPLO DE DEBOD
This Egyptian temple was gifted to Spain in 1968 and sits in the Parque del Oeste and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Don’t forget to check out the inner crypts of the temple!
MADRID RIO
Explore the sprawling park along the Manzanares River. Rent Bicycles and enjoy the bike paths. Check out the very distinct bridges:
Arganzuela Footbridge Designed by Dominique Perrault. The interlocking metal spirals form a bridge over what was once a highway.
Puente de Segovia A historic bridge at the end of Calle de Segovia, built between 1582 to 1584.
CASA DE CAMPO
A former expansive hunting ground, the park covers 4,300 acres. Take the Teleferico (cable car) into the park from Parque del Oeste, or take the subway. Grab reservations at a lake side restaurant for an outdoor dining experience, I have heard Villa Verbena is top notch.
PLAZA DE TOROS DE LAS VENTAS
The largest and most beautiful bullring in all of Spain. Despite your opinions on bullfighting, this ring was built in 1929, and is a perfect example of Neo-Mudéjar Architecture. The building uses classic elements such as horseshoe arches and ornate tile and brickwork. Take a tour of the stadium and the bullfighting museum, and if you dare, experience one of Spain’s bull fights.
NEIGHBORHOODS BEYOND (Las Austrias)
MALASANA
A historic and creative neighborhood, Malasaña is known for its trendy street food vendors, vintage boutique shopping, and great cultural scene.
CHUECA
Once home to tile-makers and blacksmiths, this bohemian neighborhood is now full of life, and the heart of the LGBTQ community.
SALAMANCA
Built in the late 19th Century for Spanish Aristocracy, French Style facades line the streets.
SLEEP
Only You Boutique Hotel
Once a 19th century palace, this 45 room boutique hotel still dares to make a statement. The interiors are dripping with eccentric, drool worthy finishes all designed by Lazaro Rosa Violan. The hotel was given a 2021 Traveler’s Choice “Best of the Best” award by Tripadvisor, and is in an incredible area close to multiple attractions and restaurants.
TRANSPORTATION
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Use the METRO: Madrid has an excellent and extensive subway system.
Pro Tip: Purchase a flat rate metrocard for the duration of your stay.
WALK
Most attractions are within a 20-30 minute walk from Puerta del Sol. If you plan to cluster your travel based on “EAST and WEST” Madrid as recommended, you will not need anything other than a great pair of walking shoes.
ESTACION DE ATOCHA
Arrive at Madrid's beautiful train station that houses a tropical palm garden with breadfruit and coconut palm trees.The station was one of the first large scale construction projects with glass and wrought iron in the city’s capital. High speed trains are available from multiple cities within Spain, including Barcelona, Valenica, and Seville. If you are traveling through this station, the palm garden is worth a stop.
