Top 10 places you must visit in Madrid

Madrid

If there’s one thing Madrid offers in abundance, it’s beautiful places to visit. The Spanish capital is brimming with iconic sites, from palaces to museums, and markets to squares. Whether you’re interested in history, gastronomy, or culture, Madrid has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Madrid soon, this guide will be invaluable as we highlight the city’s most popular and unmissable attractions.

The 10 most visited places in Madrid

Here’s a list of the 10 must-visit places in Madrid. Grab a pen and paper to jot them down so you won’t miss a single highlight of the Spanish capital.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of Madrid’s most visited landmarks and a monument of immense historical importance. Once the residence of Spanish monarchs, it is no longer used as a home but is reserved exclusively for official ceremonies and events.

Today, the palace serves as a museum, boasting over 3,400 rooms and showcasing works by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Goya, and Mengs. A guided tour will take you through its grand halls, the Royal Armoury, and the Royal Pharmacy laboratory.

One unique feature of the Royal Palace is the changing of the guard, which is highly recommended: Light changing of the guard: Held every Wednesday and Saturday, every half hour until 2 pm. Solemn changing of the guard: Takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, except in January, August, and September

Plaza Mayor

Most Spanish cities have a main square, historically the centre of the city where most commercial exchanges took place and where daily life was lived. Plaza Mayor in Madrid is particularly beautiful. Surrounded by buildings and restaurants, it's a perfect spot to sit, enjoy a drink, and relax. One of the most typical things to do in Plaza Mayor is to enjoy a calamari sandwich—a local delicacy.

The square has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, meaning it is carefully preserved, allowing visitors to experience its timeless charm. During the Christmas season, the square hosts a fantastic Christmas market filled with stalls selling traditional figurines and decorations. It's undoubtedly one of the best times to visit.

Puerta del Sol

No trip to Madrid is complete without passing through Puerta del Sol, one of the city’s most iconic squares. It is always lively, offering a great atmosphere and a chance to admire the surrounding landmarks, including the clock of Casa de Correos, where the famous New Year’s Eve chimes are celebrated annually. It is also home to the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue, symbol of the city, the Kilometre Zero, marking the starting point of Spain’s national roads, the Mariblanca statue and the equestrian statue of Carlos III.

El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park is a favourite spot among locals. Madrileños usually opt to escape the hustle and bustle of Madrid by coming here. Whether you plan to go for a run, for a walk, do a picnic or even just relaxing in one of its restaurants, it is a go-to place. Besides this, El Retiro also offers space for culture. For example, you can visit the Crystal Palace, a unique glass building built for the Philippine Islands Exhibition in 1887. One of the most typical activities in El Retiro Park is a boat ride on the lake.

The Gran Via

Gran Via is one of Madrid's most famous thoroughfares and a must-visit destination. Inaugurated at the beginning of the 20th century, this avenue resulted from an ambitious urban reform aimed at modernising the city by connecting the Salamanca district with the historic centre.

Originally known as the "Broadway of Madrid" due to the numerous theatres and cinemas along its length, Gran Via remains a cultural epicentre. Today, you'll find large theatres hosting popular musicals, as well as cinemas screening the latest film premieres.

The avenue is also home to some of Madrid’s most iconic buildings, such as the Telefonica Building and the Capitol Building, with its famous illuminated Schweppes sign.

As well as being a cultural hub, Gran Via is also an important commercial area, featuring fashion boutiques, department stores, and international brands, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is a millennia-old monument located in Madrid's Parque del Oeste, a place of immense historical and cultural value. This ancient Egyptian temple, dating back to the 2nd century BC, was gifted by the Egyptian government to Spain in 1968, as a token of gratitude for Spain’s assistance in preserving the temples of Nubia during the construction of the Aswan Dam.

Situated on a hill with panoramic views of the Royal Palace and the Casa de Campo, the Temple of Debod offers a tranquil setting to appreciate the beauty of the city. The temple is a popular sunset spot, as you can enjoy incredible views with the sunlight reflecting off the surrounding waters. It's one of Madrid's top free activities and a must-visit for any traveller.

Puerta de Alcala

The Puerta de Alcala is one of the most visited monuments in Madrid. Located in the Plaza de la Independencia, next to Retiro Park, it was built at the end of the 18th century by the Italian architect Francisco Sabatini as part of a project to beautify the city and modernise its entrances.

Each of its sides features unique details: on the façade facing outwards towards the city, the arches are decorated with war reliefs, while on the façade facing the centre of Madrid, the motifs are more sober and serene. This duality symbolises the entrance to a vibrant and monumental city.

Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is one of the most photographed places in Madrid. At the heart of the square stands the Fuente de Cibeles, a sculpture depicting the Greek goddess Cybele, symbol of the earth, fertility, and nature, riding a chariot pulled by lions. For years, this fountain has been the setting for Real Madrid's sporting celebrations.

In addition to its historical and symbolic importance, Plaza de Cibeles is a key transit point connecting major avenues such as Paseo del Prado and Gran Vía.

Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is one of the most important and visited museums in the world and a must-see during your trip to Madrid. It houses one of the richest collections of European art, with works ranging from the 12th to the 19th century. Its treasures include paintings by artists such as Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Titian. Its most iconic work, Las Meninas by Velazquez, is one of the undisputed jewels of the gallery.

San Miguel Market

Madrid also has room for gastronomy. Mercado de San Miguel is one of the city's most emblematic markets, known for its iron architecture and gastronomic atmosphere. Inaugurated in 1916, the market has evolved from a traditional food market into a gourmet space where you can enjoy a unique culinary experience.

Tour the best places in Madrid with DoYouSpain

If you want to make the most of your trip to Madrid and not miss a single corner, we recommend booking a rental car through DoYouSpain. As you’ve seen, Madrid boasts many interesting places to visit, and one of the easiest ways to explore them comfortably is with a rental car, which will allow you to get to all these sites in record time.

With DoYouSpain, you can book a hire car in Madrid and ensure you get the best price available. DoYouSpain searches and compares thousands of rental cars, always showing you the best deals. Don't think twice—book your rental car in Madrid now to make the most of your visit!