Madrid sightseeing: the best tips at a glance 

Madrid has so much to offer. Sometimes you don't even know where to start. Luckily, you've landed here. We have the best insider tips when it comes to great Madrid sights. Let's get started!

Sightseeing in Madrid: The top addresses at a glance

Of course, we only want to experience the best on our travels. That's why we go on holiday, isn't it? If only to reminisce about unforgettable memories later. To achieve this, however, it usually takes little but a certain amount of advance planning. After all, you want to enjoy your city holiday, don't you? That's why we've taken the trouble to list the best places to visit in Madrid. Did you know that Madrid is the third largest city in Europe after London and Berlin? A flight to Madrid usually only costs a few hundred euros. Several flights depart daily from German cities such as Frankfurt and Munich. So travelling to Madrid is relatively easy. 

You will also find a packing list further down in this text. So, let yourself be inspired. Perhaps this city trip will be the trip of a lifetime. Let yourself be surprised and immerse yourself in the vibrant city of the Iberian Peninsula.

The National Museum of Spain

If you are interested in the history, but also the culture of the city and the country, this visit will be at the top of your list. In the “Prado” you will be able to marvel at world-famous, breathtaking exhibits. As the opening times are also very visitor-friendly, you won't be overwhelmed by the crowds in the Spanish National Museum. Give yourself plenty of time, you are on holiday and therefore not in a hurry. This visit will be a great addition to your holiday that you will certainly never forget.

Our tip: It's best to book a tour of the Museo del Prado in advance. Then you won't have to queue. On a guided tour, you can experience the great works of art up close. Afterwards, stroll through the historic neighbourhoods with your guide and learn all about famous artists and infamous kings.  Click here for the tour.

Monumental and Bustling: The Plaza De Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is magnificent as it can be seen right away how large it is. The square is beautiful where there are many activities taking place such as at the intersection where the Calle de Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado meet where they number twelve lanes each. Get ready to experience an exhilarating and colourful ambience that is akin to the pulsating life of Spain’s main urban streets. However, one should not miss visiting the square. There is something magical about it and particularly so whenever Real Madrid is coming back from conquering an away match. Don’t forget to take photos of Fuente de la Cibeles fountain and the grandiose Palacio de Comunicaciones.

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Madrid sights

Since the end of the 18th century, the residents of Madrid have been relaxing in the beautiful botanical gardens. To this day. You too can relax here during your city trip to Madrid – surrounded by all kinds of plants. We also recommend a guided tour through the botanical garden. Here you can learn all about the long history, the care of the various plant species and the use of some ancient medicinal herbs.

The best time to visit the Botanical Gardens in Madrid is in spring. Everything around you is in bloom and you can literally bathe in a sea of flowers.

Luxury shopping on the Grand Via

The 1.5 kilometre long promenade, the Gran Vía, is magnificent and beautiful. The boulevard stretches right through Madrid's historic centre. The Gran Vía was built back in the 1920s. Paris, with its boulevards for the haute élite, served as a model when attempts were made to turn the Spanish capital into a fashionable metropolis. The city planners of the time certainly succeeded. Here, high-end boutiques, department stores, theatres, cinemas and restaurants are lined up side by side. The façades are particularly splendid. It's fun to stroll along the boulevard with a coffee in your hand and watch the colourful hustle and bustle. The small side streets are also pretty. There are often great little owner-run shops and boutiques hidden away here. 

An exploratory tour of the royal palace is a must!

When it comes to sightseeing in Madrid, this one is a must. The Palacio Real in Madrid is a truly unforgettable sight, so why not visit it in a spare minute? This unrivalled architectural feat is a great place to take souvenir photos, but you will also be able to immerse yourself in the country's culture and wander through the different eras of architectural history. You will also find many sights and pop-up restaurants in the vicinity of the Royal Palace. You can spend a whole day in the neighbourhood around the Royal Palace, you will always discover and get to know something new. An ideal place to better understand Madrid.

The Almudena Cathedral

Now turn your back on the Palacio Real. And you are already standing in front of another highlight of Madrid's sights. The Almudena Cathedral, right at the other end of Armería Square. The ornately designed cathedral is relatively new compared to many other buildings in the city – it was only completed in 1993. By the way: from the forecourt you have a wonderful panoramic view over the old town. 

Culinary delights: The best Tapas Bars In Madrid

When you think of Spain and Madrid, the many different tapas immediately spring to mind. No wonder: there is no shortage of these typical, local restaurants in Madrid, which give you a welcome break from the many fast food chains at any time and where you can really enjoy the authentic flavours of the city. The choice of delicious delicacies is huge and after an invigorating aperitif, you will be able to savour your way through the city's delicacies. One thing is for sure: you won't regret this culinary evening. In our opinion, one of the best restaurants for tapas in Madrid is Taberna Tempranillo. Not only does it serve the best wine in the city. The rolls with chorizo, the vegetables baked with cheese or the fresh crispy prawns are simply delicious.

Immerse yourself in the city`s nightlife

Madrid, like many other metropolises around the world, is in many ways a city that never sleeps. This is especially ideal for night owls, and for those who want to become one, to spend the hours after midnight in style. You can sample the local cocktails in the countless bars and then have a great time learning basic blackjack strategies in one of the many thriving local casinos. We can highly recommend the Malasaña neighbourhood in particular. Just a stone's throw from Gran Vía, you'll find pubs, bars and clubs of all kinds. Why not dance late into the night and then fall into your hotel bed exhausted but happy. 

Perhaps the most beautiful neighbourhood in the city: the letter district

The Letters Quarter (Barrio de las Letras in Spanish) was once the meeting place of Madrid's great writers. Quotes from various poets are embedded in the floor of this beautiful, winding neighbourhood for good reason. You can lose yourself in the colourful maze of alleyways. The Letter Quarter is also a great place to go out, full of bars and clubs. You can easily party here until 7 in the morning.

Top 3 excursion options for Madrid

Can't get enough of sightseeing in Madrid and want to discover even more? Then how about the city's surrounding area? As well as great sights in Madrid, there are also wonderful excursion options that usually involve a maximum one-hour journey. We present our top 3:

1. Toledo & Segovia

The historic cities of Toledo and Segovia are not far from Madrid and are perfect for a guided day tour. Segovia, for example, is home to the imposing Alcázar, an impressive castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The royal palace was built on a rock above the confluence of two rivers near the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. In Toledo, you can marvel at a beautiful cathedral and stroll through the alleyways of the old imperial city. The town is situated on a hill and offers a marvellous view over the flatlands of Castilla-La Mancha.  Click here for the tour.

2. The monastery of El Escorial

About 50 kilometres from Madrid is the monastery of El Escorial. A gigantic building in creamy white, built in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding valley from the monastery. You will also learn about the history of the region – from the reign of Philip II to the current democracy. Click here for the tour.

3. To the wineries of the Ribera del Duero wine region

The Ribera del Duero region is famous for the Tempranillo grape variety. You can experience three different wineries if you book a day tour from Madrid. You will be picked up in a minivan and taken into the wonderful world of Spanish wine by an experienced guide. Of course, snacks with cheese and Iberico in the wine cellars are also provided.  Click here for the tour.

General tips for your stay

Everything packed? Great. Then we have a few general tips for your city trip to Madrid. Let's get going:

Buy your tickets cheaper in advance

We've already recommended this above. If you plan your trip in advance and buy tickets online, you can usually save a lot of money. You'll also avoid queues 100 metres long. The museums in Madrid are rightly very popular. So you save time and money.

Rely on sightseeing passes in Madrid

Another tip for your Madrid city trip: buy a City Pass for the sights in Madrid. This will get you from A to B in a relaxed manner, as you can use public transport free of charge. We recommend two passes here: Venture Pass or Madrid City Pass.

Travel to Madrid in spring or autumn

In summer, it is insanely hot in the Spanish capital. This is when Madrilenians usually flee to seaside destinations. So the city is empty, many restaurants take a break for the summer and you have to sweat from one Madrid attraction to the next. Not a good idea. We recommend a visit in spring or early autumn. Then the city is in its full splendour. Even in winter, Madrid is wonderful. Then, in the off-season, the hotels are usually particularly cheap.

Book at least two days – or more

As you can see, the sights in Madrid are many and varied. Two days are hardly enough to experience the city in all its splendour. It should be the absolute minimum for your Madrid city trip. It's better if you have a little more time. Four or even five days is ideal. Also to experience the city's surroundings.

Travel by direct flight

Barajas International Airport is located just 12 kilometres from the city centre. This makes travelling to Madrid relatively convenient. Especially if you are travelling by direct flight. You will be at your hotel in just a few hours. From the airport, it is best to use the Airport Express Bus or a TAxe. 

Travelling by bike, taxi or public transport

The public transport network in Madrid is very well developed. The best way to get around is by metro from Hotspot Hotspot. But be careful: There are many pickpockets on the move. So keep an eye on your bags and luggage. The hop-on hop-off tourist bus is also ideal for anyone travelling to Madrid for the first time for a city trip. It's a great way to get an overview of the city on your first day. If you like pedalling, you should take a look at the city's bike hire service BiciMAD. You can download the app at home and register. This means you can start cycling as soon as you arrive. One hour costs around EUR 2. A deposit of EUR 150 is charged to your credit card for the bike.

Get yourself a good guidebook

If you want to get serious about Madrid, its sights and history, a good guidebook is recommended. The Bruckmann travel guide “500 Hidden Secrets Madrid” will give you extraordinary insights during your city trip to Madrid. A great guide with the best hotspots and great insider tips from the locals. A warm recommendation.