Bonjour lecteurs! We love travelling to Spain. Madrid packs centuries of Spanish history, world-class art, and some of Europe’s best public spaces to walk around. You can even cover the major landmarks in a few days and still have time to sit at a café and watch the city move. Here are the seven sights that deserve a spot on any first Madrid itinerary.
The Royal Palace of Madrid
The Palacio Real is la résidence officielle of the Spanish royal family. Even if they don’t actually live there day-to-day, it’s still a must-see in Madrid for its architecture. With over 3,400 rooms, it’s the largest functioning royal palace in Europe by floor area. Roughly 50 of those rooms are open to the public. Look for the Royal Armory, the Throne Room with its Tiepolo ceiling frescoes, and the Royal Pharmacy.
Arrive early, ideally right at the 10 a.m. opening, to get the best views before the guide tours arrive. The changing of the guard happens on the first Wednesday of each month at noon, but a smaller version occurs weekly. It’s worth checking the schedule before you go.
The Prado Museum
The Prado holds one of the most important collections of European art anywhere. The most famous section is probably all the Spanish paintings from the 12th through 19th centuries. Velázquez’s “Las Meninas,” Goya’s “Third of May 1808,” and an extensive collection of Bosch’s work, are the pieces most people come to see. The museum’s collection runs deep enough that even a full day only scratches the surface.
Free entry is available Monday through Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. Be prepared for queues though! If you visit during peak season, buy timed ticket online in advance.
Retiro Park
Once a royal retreat, Retiro Park now functions as Madrid’s central green space and a genuine slice of local life. Rent a rowboat on the park’s central lake, wander past the Crystal Palace (a 19th-century glass-and-iron structure originally built to house exotic plants). Or just find a bench and watch the street performers who gather near the Alfonso XII entrance. On Sundays, the park fills with families, joggers, and vendors selling everything from sunglasses to fresh coconut water.
If you like an hidden gem, Rosaleda, a rose garden near the park’s southern end, blooms most vividly in May and is far less crowded than the main paths.
Plaza Mayor
This grand rectangular plaza has served as a marketplace, bullring, and public execution site since its construction in the early 17th century. Today it’s ringed by cafés and shops, with the bronze statue of Philip III at its centre. The architecture made of 237 balconies, gives a strong sense of how the square would have looked centuries ago when it hosted royal ceremonies.
Prices at the plaza’s outdoor cafés run higher than elsewhere in the city. So I would not bother with a meal there, unless you want pictures for your Instagram.
Mercado de San Miguel
Just steps from Plaza Mayor, this glass-walled market building dates to 1916 and has been renovated into a food hall packed with tapas stalls, wine bars, and vendors. You can find all the best Spain has to offer: from Iberian ham to fresh oysters. It gets crowded, particularly on weekend evenings, but the energy is part of the appeal. Grab a small plate of Croquetas or a glass of vermouth, la spécialité from Reus.
For a quieter visit with better access to the stalls, go in the late morning on a weekday rather than during dinner hours.
The Golden Triangle of Art
Beyond the Prado, Madrid’s so-called Golden Triangle includes the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía, both within easy walking distance along the Paseo del Prado.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza offers une collection privée spanning eight centuries of art.
Travelers who want context on all three museums, along with the history behind the artwork, often find that guided Madrid tours through this district add real depth. You can get so much out of the knowledgeable guides with further details and connections that are easy to miss walking through alone.
Gran Vía
Madrid’s main commercial artery cuts through the city centre with early 20th-century architecture. The so-called “Spanish Broadway” is a must-see with its many theatres, flagship stores, and ornate buildings like the Metropolis Building and Telefónica Building line the street. It’s especially striking lit up at night. Gran Vía also connects several neighbourhoods, making it a natural route for exploring rather than a single stop.
These seven sights cover Madrid’s royal history, artistic heritage, and everyday street life. So what are you waiting for? Book a Madrid break now. It’s très différent from Barcelona and the Catalonian coast, but still full of heritage.
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