Best Places to Visit in Madrid

• Attractions

The Palace has a well-known Throne Room, richly decorated with ornaments and used for various state affairs and festivities. It has a large collection of the Royal Armory, from medieval to modern weapons and armors. One can also take a close look at the Royal Pharmacy which displays old jars, formulas and a variety of medical tools used by the Royal Family. Besides this, the palace features beautiful gardens like Sabatini Garden and Campo del Moro, perfect for leisurely walks and scenic views of the palace. 

• Tips for the Visitors

For a better experience it is advised to take a guided tour, so one can gain more insights about the ancient histories of the palace. After visiting the Royal Palace, one can also visit the Almudena Cathedral, just opposite to the palace, featuring an amazing panoramic view. Nearby, Plaza de Oriente is a lovely square with the statues of the famous Spanish Monarchs.

The Plaza Mayor has witnessed a wide range of historical grandeur events from royal coronations to public trails. Thus, it remains the central gathering spot for both the tourists and the locals, reflecting Madrid’s rich cultural legacy. 

• Things to Do

One can visit the cafes and restaurants in the square, enjoy a meal or drinks. But don’t forget to try the local tradition sandwich of the square, Bocadillos de Calamares, which is a fried calamari sandwich. Also, one can watch the performers and artists, who make the square more lively with their music, mime acts and various other forms of art. The best time to visit this square is during the Christmas break, as the Plaza fills up with vibrant festive cheers, especially the market stalls. 

• Nearby Attractions

Visit the gourmet food market just a short walk away from the square to taste the perfect samplings of the Spanish delicacies. If visiting at year end, Puerta del Sol is a must visit, just a few minutes walk away from the Plaza Mayor. It is known for its clock tower, making it a central spot on New Year’s Eve.

• Highlights

Don’t miss the iconic masterpiece “Velazquez’s Las Meninas” celebrated for its complex and intricate compositions or “Goya’s The Third of May 1808”, portraying the brutal realities of the war, making it a significant piece of ancient art. Another prominent painting of the museum is “El Greco’s The Nobleman” showcasing Greco’s peculiar style of art. Explore curated temporary exhibitions that offer fresh insights into European art. Attend the art workshop or join an educational program to dive deeper into the museum’s rich collection.

• Visiting tips

Arrive early, to avoid crowds, and experience a more intimate experience with the artworks. Consider using the audio guides to gain deeper insights into the significance and historic contexts of the paintings. There is no entry fee during certain times, so plan the visit accordingly.

• Key Feature 

Take a tour of the stadium, walk through the locker rooms, the trophy-laden halls, and enjoy panoramic views from the stands. If you can, catch a live game and immerse yourself in the electrifying crows atmosphere and explore the history of the club through various exhibits and iconic trophies.

• Visiting Tips 

Collect souvenirs at the official real Madrid store at the stadium offering a vast variety of merchandise, from jerseys to memorabilias. It is advised to take a guided tour of the stadium to get detailed insights and also behind-the-scenes stories of the stadium. And if you are a football enthusiast, try to catch a live experience of the match. 

• Nearby Attractions

Visit Madrid’s main shopping and entertainment street, Gran Via, containing theatres, restaurants and much more. 

• Highlights

Savor traditional tapas while mesmerized by the fiery rhythms of flamenco dancers and musicians, and enjoy the feast while enjoying the performance. Also, if you are an admirer of the surroundings do look around the venue’s intricate tilework and décor to pay homage to the Alhambra, adding to the magic of the evening. 

• Visiting tips 

It is advisable to book online tickets, in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. While there is no strict dress code, it is favored that you wear a smart casual attire to vibe with the elegant atmosphere of the venue. It is also advisable to arrive at the location at least 30 minutes early, prior to the commencement of the show.

• Attraction

Recently opened ride, The Batman Gotham City Escape, takes you through dark and mysterious worlds of Gotham City. An intense roller coaster, named the Superman, gives you a feeling of flying in the sky like a real Superman. The park also has a picnic spot , Tom and Jerry Picnic, where you can enjoy delicious meals while watching your favourite cartoon characters come to life.

• Special Events

Come during Christmas holiday season, when the park transforms into a festive wonderland, with special decor and events. A recent addition to the theme park is the Santa’s Magical Bell, a new musical experience capturing the magical spirit of Christmas.

• Attractions 

The bullring’s striking facade is decorated with ceramic tiles, showcasing the costs of arms of diverse Spanish provinces. It has a capacity for around 24,000 people, making it the largest Bullring around the globe. To attend the prominent bullfighting event at Las ventas, visit Madrid during the San Isidro Festival, held annually in May and June. Beyond bullfighting, Las Ventas is also used for hosting political rallies, concerts and even tennis matches. 

• Visiting Tips

Take a guided tour, if you wish to explore the interior’s of the bullring like chapels, the infirmary and the arena. The tour guide will be valuable especially if you are interested in knowing about the rituals and traditions of the bullfights.

• Attractions

Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of Madrid, is famous for its cafes and restaurants. You can try out the delicious traditional cuisines of the locality, especially the fried calamari  sandwich. Enjoy the street performances, soaking the vibe of the city and have a relaxed evening. Another prominent destination in the Madrid old town is the Almudena Cathedral, adjacent to the Royal Palace with unique neo-gothic architecture and modern interior styles.  The Old Town is also scattered with traditional Tapas bars and restaurants. Thus, one can spend time hopping from one bar to another, trying different local wines and tapas.

• Attraction 

The main highlight of the Zoo is the adorable panda family, a group of endangered animals. The tropical Aquamarine will allow you to see and explore the Indo-pacific marine life, presenting sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish species.  You can discover giraffes, zebras and big cats in the African wildlife habitat. The zoo also offers various educational programs for tourists to participate in and have interactive sessions with sea lions, dolphins, and diverse exotic birds, making it a memorable and engaging experience for all age visitors. 

• Visiting tips

To avoid long queues, book your tickets online, in advance. Do check the zoo’s schedule and plan your visit during the feeding time to have a more engaging experience.

• Attractions 

1. This cathedral is a gothic masterpiece,one of the most famous cathedrals of the spain.. It is also known as the Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo, What makes it a must-visit spot while visiting Madrid is its stunning architecture, beautifully stained glass windows and also impressive collection of the artworks.
2. San Juan de lod Reyes, a Monastery built by the catholic Monarchs Isaelleba and Ferdinand. A piece of stunning Gothic architecture, with gardens for a peaceful retreat.
3. Alcazar Toledo, resting on the highest hill in Toledo, served as a fortress for the Roman Palace and military academy, currently home to Army Museum, showcasing intriguing facts about the Spanish military.

• Activities

Gain deeper insights into the stories and ancient history of the landmarks of Toledo. The night tours are especially enchanting, when the monuments are illuminated. The place is famous for its arms, swords and ornamental metalwork. Collect handcrafted souvenirs with intricate designs, from the local shops. You can also enjoy the local traditional cuisines such as venison, carcamusas (a hearty pork stew), marzipan (a sweet almond candy).

• Visiting Tips

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the Toledo street are made of cobblestone and it is situated in a hilly terrain. If possible, stay at Toledo overnight to experience the magical atmosphere, to watch the illuminated monuments and streets offering a scenic view of the city.

• Attractions

Built in the 1st century AD, covering over 800 meters and consisting 167 arches, the Roman Aqueduct is one of the most iconic and well-preserved structures in the world. Another key attraction is Alcazar of Segovia. This fairy-tale castle is perched on the rocky crag, has served as a royal palace, a fortress and a military academy. This is believed to have inspired Walt Disnye’sCinderella Castle. Visitors can explore the stunning and grand towers and halls of the castle. Lastly, the Church of Vera Cruz, built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century, well known for its 12 sided unique structure and historical prominence. 

• Activities

Segovia is famous for its traditional Cochinillo, roasted pig. You can enjoy this delicacy at any local restaurant nearby. Other specialties include lamb, La Granja (white beans) and the most prominent and scrumptious local dessert, Ponche Segoviano. You can browse through shops and collect local crafts like textiles, leather goods and many more. Segovia is also famous for its cheese and wine.

• Visiting Tips

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the Segovia street is made of cobblestone and it is situated in a hilly terrain. During holidays and weekends, check for the opening hours of the attractions, as some may require advanced bookings. If possible, stay at Segovia overnight to experience the magical atmosphere, to watch the illuminated monuments and streets offering a scenic view of the city.