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Discover the top attractions in Madrid

Madrid is the heart of Spain and a top travel destination. It is a city where history and modernity go hand in hand. Every street, every square and every corner has its own magic, inviting you to explore and discover all the top attractions in Madrid.

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DISCOVER THE TOP ATTRACTIONS IN MADRID

Places to see over a weekend

A weekend in Madrid might seem like not enough time to visit the capital of Spain, but it may be enough to get you a taste of the essence of the city and its atmosphere.

We have proposed one of our itineraries with what to see in Madrid in two days, and another with what to see in Madrid in 3 days if you also have Friday to visit the capital.

Let's start at kilometer 0

Make sure you don’t miss the iconic Puerta del Sol, the ground floor of Spain. Then, don’t miss the architectural beauty of the Gran Vía and a great place to enjoy both culture and leisure activities in Madrid.

The Plaza Mayor is another must-see attraction. Admire its architecture and also take the chance to try some typical Madrid tapas. You will then be near the Royal Palace and its gardens. You can visit any of the museums with your partner or family. There’s a great choice of activities. We would also encourage you to explore some of the famous districts in Madrid: La Latina, Barrio de las Letras, Cueca, Malasaña and the Barrio de Salamanca. All of them have extensive facilities for leisure, shopping and delicious cuisine at any time of day.

If you’re there on Sunday morning, the El Rastro market may be the best place to spend the morning. A market with everything from antiques to designer goods and all kinds of curiosities. It is worth taking a walk through the nearby streets.

To end the day with a unique sunset at the Temple of Debod near Plaza España. And as you know, Madrid nightlife awaits you, with a great choice of options from typical bars to trendy venues.

The must-haves of Madrid

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Our hotels in Madrid

Map of free tourist areas and attractions in Madrid

Tourist attractions in Madrid are located throughout the city and are best located using a map. Within these areas, the capital offers a lot of attractions that you can enjoy without spending a single euro.

Modern technology allows visitors to plan their route more easily and discover both the most popular attractions and secret places that only local residents know about. Many of these destinations will not break your bank account.

Search the map for free tourist attractions

Retiro Park is an oasis in the heart of the city for a walk, a picnic or just relaxing by the pond.

Another free option is a visit to several museums on certain days and at certain times. The Prado Museum is one of the most important museums in the world and opens its doors free of charge at specific times, as does the Reina Sofía.

The lively atmosphere of the Rastro market, Madrid’s most famous open-air market, is also free. The place is full of all kinds of antiques and curiosities. You can also visit many of the squares in the city centre, visit the Matadero or tour the banks of the Manzanares in Madrid Río.

Organize your itinerary

A map could be ideal for organizing a cultural itinerary around Madrid, making sure you don’t miss the attractions that every visitor has to see.

Some of the capital’s main attractions are: - Puerta del Sol - Gran Vía - Plaza Mayor - El Retiro Park - Royal Palace

Recommended itinerary for discovering Madrid in 2 days

If you’re lucky enough to spend two days in the capital, we recommend you follow an itinerary that takes you through the best places in Madrid and essential attractions so you don’t miss the essence of the city.

Whether you visit Madrid for the weekend or during the week, there are always many places to discover. No matter whether it’s day or night, you will find a wide range of experiences that will create unique memories.

Our recommendations for spending 2 days in Madrid

You can spend two full days discovering Madrid and enjoy an experience in which you can see both its culture and history through its architecture and, of course, savor delicious cuisine at any time of day.

On your first day, you could spend the morning focusing on art by visiting the Art Triangle, which includes the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. In the afternoon, stroll along the Gran Vía and attend a musical or show. You could end the day by watching the sunset at the Temple of Debod and immerse yourself in the Madrid nightlife.

The second day can be spent exploring the history of Madrid by visiting the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, followed by a walk through the Plaza Mayor and around the Austrias district. End the day with a tour of Malasaña and Chueca, where you can have dinner and enjoy the Madrid nights.

The most touristy and secret places in Madrid

Madrid is full of tourist attractions that are visited by millions of people every year. But in addition to the well-known attractions, Madrid also has some secrets that many tourists don’t know.

Places such as the Retiro Park, the Prado Museum and the Gran Vía are essential for tourist arrivals in Madrid and will also become transit areas. At the same time, some of the capital’s districts are also complicit in hidden secrets and stories that you could never have imagined.

From the most popular things to the most secret things in Madrid

Districts like La Latina or Lavapiés offer a more authentic experience, but they are also very touristy. The area is full of restaurants and bars where the locals enjoy their free time.

In addition to the Retiro Park which has already been mentioned as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madrid, you must also not miss the Royal Palace. Stunning due to its magnificent and beauty. Nearby, the Gran Vía is also the heart of the city for shopping and entertainment.

Another attraction is the San Miguel Market, where you can try typical Madrid cuisine in a historical setting. The Golden Mile is also the ideal place for people interested in shopping in Madrid. And for culture lovers, the Barrio de las Letras is a must, home to some of the greatest Spanish writers.

Small churches, hidden squares and gardens are just some of the hidden treasures you can discover in these neighbourhoods. Without a doubt, these are the best tourist attractions in Madrid for travelers seeking something different and should definitely be included in your itinerary.

The Madrid de los Austrias will also transport you to the past with its Renaissance and Baroque buildings, and the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple gift from Egypt to Spain, will surprise you with one of the best sunset views in the city.

Madrid is a metropolis that never ceases to amaze both day and night. The tourist attractions in Madrid are so many and so varied that there is always something new to discover. Whether for a weekend or for a longer stay, the Spanish capital promises memorable and exciting experiences. Experience history, culture and modernity all in one city: Madrid.

The content on this page has been created by Artificial Intelligence and reviewed to complete your journey.

By Virginia Menacho

Journalist specialized in travel. She studied at the Complutense University of Madrid and since she finished her studies she has dedicated herself to travel and to enjoy one of her great passions, walking on the beach.