Madrid has been the capital of Spain since 1561 and is a hub for millions of tourists who come to see Spain’s rich heritage.
Its origins are curious, the city was originally called Mayrit, “abundance of rivers of water”. This small metropolis was founded by Emir Muhammed I in 865 with the construction of a citadel near the Manzanares River. Later conquered by Alfonso VI of Castile in 1083, it went from being an Islamic city to being part of the Christian kingdom, retaining few traces of its Muslim past.
Today Madrid stands as a vibrant cosmopolitan city, full of museums, art and monuments waiting to be discovered!
Discover with us what to see in Madrid and explore every corner of the city to discover its unique beauty.
If you want to know what to see in Madrid without missing out on any must-see places, keep reading.
What to see in Madrid: 8 must-see places
1. Plaza Mayor: The heart of Madrid
Originally known as Plaza del Arrabal, it has had up to 7 different names.
At 129 metres long and 94 metres wide, Plaza Mayor is a must-see in Madrid.
Here you can find historic buildings and monuments such as; the Casa de la Panadería, home to the tourist centre and municipal offices; the Casa de la Carnicería, a boutique hotel and event space; the Arco de Cuchilleros, the access to the square and shopping area; and the Statue of Felipe III, a historic monument and meeting point for many Madrilenians.
Today, Plaza Mayor is a bustling meeting point where tourists and locals enjoy terraces, the traditional calamari sandwich at Bar La Campana and, at Christmas, a charming Christmas market!
2. Puerta del Sol: The old entrance
Although it is called Puerta del Sol, it is actually a square.
Built in the 15th century, it was one of the access points of the old wall that surrounded the city. And that is where its name comes from: it was a gateway that received the first rays of the sun at dawn. It was Charles I of Spain and V of Germany who gave it its current name because of this characteristic.
If you want to know what to see in Madrid, here you will find many tourist attractions such as the famous statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the Kilometre Zero plaque, the Real Casa de Correos (Royal Post Office), and the Mariblanca.
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3. Palacio Real de Madrid: The largest palace in Madrid
With more than 3,000 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the largest palaces in Europe and an essential site to see in Madrid.
Built in the 18th century on the remains of the old Alcázar of Madrid, former residence of the Catholic Monarchs, today it is open to the public and offers guided tours of its marvellous rooms and sculptures. Among its wonders we can highlight its collection of musical instruments, with 1,800 pieces; works of art, with paintings by Goya, Velázquez and Rubens; or weapons, being one of the most important collections in the world.
4. San Miguel Market: The best tapas
did you know that Lope de Vega was baptised here?
Well, actually it’s not exactly like that… In the past, in the same place where the market stands, there used to be a church, the Iglesia Parroquial de San Miguel de los Octoes. In 1809 this was demolished and replaced by a small square where the market was built. This is how the market was born, an open-air space specialised in fish. It was between 1913 and 1916 that the closed market was built, inspired by European iron markets such as Las Halles in Paris.
Today, with its wrought-iron structure and lively atmosphere, the Mercado de San Miguel is a must-see in Madrid to sample the best of Spanish cuisine and experience the city’s vibrant culinary culture.
5. Temple of Debod: An Egyptian Gift
Located in Madrid’s Parque del Oeste, this is an ancient Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC, donated by Egypt to Spain in 1968 as a thank you for its help in saving the temples of Nubia.
After being carefully dismantled and moved, it was inaugurated in Madrid in 1972, maintaining its original east-west orientation.
The temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset, but at night… it lights up offering a light show for your eyes!
are you going to miss this essential place to see in Madrid?
6. Plaza de la Villa: Historic Imposing
The square is home to 3 important buildings that you definitely have to see in Madrid:
- Casa y Torre de Lujanes: of Gothic-Mudejar style from the 15th century, the building is known for temporarily housing King Francis I of France as a prisoner.
- Casa de Cisneros: this 16th century Renaissance building was a historic residence connected to the Casa de la Villa by an elevated passageway.
- Casa de la Villa: formerly Madrid’s town hall, today it houses municipal offices and is used for institutional events and official ceremonies.
- Statue of Álvaro Bazán: dedicated to the Spanish admiral Don Álvaro de Bazán, it is a work by the sculptor Mariano Benlliure.
Why so many houses, you may ask? The square was born as an important administrative and residential centre in medieval Madrid, housing influential families and becoming the political and social centre of the city. Its location, between two of the most important entrances to the city, the Guadalajara Gate and the Vega Gate, made this space one of the most important in medieval Madrid.
7. El Retiro: A royal park
The Retiro Park is one of the largest and most emblematic parks in Madrid, covering more than 125 hectares in the heart of the city.
Inaugurated in the 17th century as a royal retreat for the family of Philip IV, today it is a green oasis to see in Madrid for locals and tourists alike
The park is home to numerous gardens, ponds and monuments, such as the majestic Palacio de Cristal and the Estanque Grande, where you can take a boat ride. It also offers cultural activities, recreational areas and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making it the perfect place to enjoy nature and leisure in the heart of the city.
Curiosity: the oldest tree in the park. It is called “El Abuelo”, and it is an ahuehuete planted around 1637.
8. Prado Museum: Art and culture
Located on the Paseo del Prado in Madrid, the Museo Nacional del Prado is one of the most important and prestigious art galleries in the world. A place to see in Madrid that you can’t miss.
The building was inaugurated in 1819 and houses a vast collection of masterpieces of European painting from the 12th to the 19th century.
Its treasures include paintings by artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens and Titian. The museum is famous not only for its extraordinary art collection, but also for its imposing neoclassical architecture, designed by Juan de Villanueva.
It is important to know what to see in Madrid, but also what to eat. Here are some typical dishes not to be missed:
Typical dishes of Madrid
Madrid stew
Cocido madrileño, which originated in the 19th century as a humble stew for less well-off families, has reached a majestic status, being appreciated by kings such as Carlos I and Felipe II, who popularised it in the best restaurants in Madrid.
Nowadays, it is common for Madrid restaurants and homes to offer it on a weekly basis, especially on Saturdays, establishing itself as an essential dish on the family menu.
Patatas Bravas
This dish was invented in Madrid around 1960 in the Casa Pellico and La Casona establishments. Although it is possible that the recipe is older and comes from the more popular classes. However, the term “bravas” appeared with these bars.
Although there are many variations, patatas bravas are officially served with hot sauce.
what sauce do you like them with?
Don’t miss these potatoes to see and taste in Madrid.
Tripe
Callos a la madrileña is a traditional Madrid dish, for the bravest. Made with beef tripe cooked in a rich tomato sauce, paprika, chorizo and black pudding, it is one of the greatest delicacies of the national homemade gastronomy.
This hearty and tasty stew is especially popular in the winter months. It is usually served as a tapa or main dish in bars and restaurants.
Churros
The origin of churros is uncertain, with theories attributing them both to China, where the Portuguese introduced the salty Youtiao recipe, and to Spanish nomadic shepherds, who created an easy-to-cook dough in the mountains.
did you know that salted churros exist? In other countries, such as Uruguay and China, churros are eaten salted, sometimes filled with cheese.
In Spain, churros owe their name to the “Navajo Churro” breed of sheep, because of the similarity of their shape to the horns of these animals.
Today this crunchy sweet is served in thousands of churrerías around the country, a sweet treat to see in Madrid, and of course to try!
And if you have a car and want to discover what to see in Madrid outside the city, we recommend these nearby places:
3 Places you can’t miss near Madrid
San Lorenzo El Escorial
Located about 50 kilometres northwest of Madrid, in the Sierra de Guadarram, this municipality is famous for housing the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This town is a must for those wondering what to see in Madrid, offering a rich combination of history, culture and natural beauty.
Alcalá de Henares
Alcalá de Henares is a historic university town and the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes.
Located 35 kilometres northeast of Madrid, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, you can visit iconic buildings such as; the University of Alcalá; the Cathedral-Magistral; the Plaza de Cervantes; and the Corral de Comedias.
With direct buses from Madrid, Alcalá de Henares offers a fascinating journey through Spanish history, literature and architecture. A must-see in Madrid.
Aranjuez
Located some 50 kilometres south of Madrid, Aranjuez is known for its majestic Royal Palace and extensive gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Royal Palace, built in the 16th century, stands out for its elegant architecture and luxurious interiors. A highly recommended sight to see in Madrid.
On the other hand, its gardens; the Aranjuez Gardens; the Prince’s Garden; and the Island Garden, are famous for their beautiful landscaping and ornamental design.
In addition, the city is also home to the Museum of Royal Falúas, with an impressive collection of vessels used by royalty.
Undoubtedly a town that stands out as a historical enclave to visit in Madrid.
Legends and Curiosities to see in Madrid
- The House of the Seven Chimneys: A Historical Mystery to See in Madrid
Right in the centre of Madrid, close to the bustling Gran Vía, is the enigmatic Casa de las Siete Chimeneas, a building full of legends that is a must-see in Madrid. Built in the 16th century, this house was, according to legend, home to a young woman named Elena, who was supposedly the secret lover of a Spanish monarch.
Legend has it that Elena died in mysterious circumstances, and her spirit still haunts the house, appearing in the windows on nights when the moon is full. In addition, some claim to have seen unexplained lights and heard wailing on the darkest of nights. This mystery makes the Casa de las Siete Chimeneas a place full of history and mystery to see in Madrid.
- The Ghost of Queen Barbara in the Palace of Linares: A Spooky Story to See in Madrid
The Linares Palace, located in the emblematic Plaza de Cibeles, is not only a monument of great architectural beauty, but also a place shrouded in legends to see in Madrid. It is said that the Marquis of Linares, one of its former owners, married a woman without knowing that she was his half-sister.
Upon discovering the truth, he ordered the death of his son, which triggered a series of tragic events. Since then, the ghost of Queen Barbara, the Marquis’s wife, is believed to wander the corridors of the palace, weeping for her lost son. This enigmatic tale has given the Palacio de Linares a sinister reputation, making it a fascinating sight to see in Madrid, especially for lovers of the paranormal.
- The Cibeles Fountain and its Secret Connection: An Enigma to See in Madrid
The Cibeles Fountain is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, but few know of its mysterious connection to Freemasonry. Although it is best known for being the place where Real Madrid fans celebrate their victories, the fountain hides Masonic symbols in its design, making it an enigma to see in Madrid.
The arrangement of the monuments in the Plaza de Cibeles, along with the orientation of the goddess Cibeles towards the Palacio de Buenavista, is said to have hidden meanings related to Masonic beliefs. This theory has been the subject of much speculation and adds a layer of mystery to this popular meeting point, making the Fuente de Cibeles an intriguing and historic place to see in Madrid.
- The Legend of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree: An Essential Symbol to See in Madrid
The Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the quintessential symbol of Madrid, is much more than just a sculpture; it is a living legend to see in Madrid. The story behind this iconic statue dates back to the Middle Ages, when the city was surrounded by vast forests inhabited by bears and strawberry trees. According to legend, bears were so common that they came to be seen as the protectors of the city, while the strawberry tree symbolised the abundance of natural resources.
This union between the bear and the strawberry tree was adopted as the city’s coat of arms, and today, the statue located in Puerta del Sol is a popular landmark and a history-laden symbol of what to see in Madrid for those looking to learn more about the Spanish capital.
5. The Mystery of Puerta del Sol and Kilometre Zero: An Enigma to See in Madrid
Puerta del Sol is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places to see in Madrid, but few know about the enigmatic mystery surrounding Kilometre Zero, the point from which all of Spain’s radial roads are measured. According to an old urban legend, the Kilometre Zero plaque conceals a “special energy” capable of influencing those who stop on it. Some say that by stopping at this exact spot, one can recharge one’s vital energy, while others claim that it brings good luck to those who set out on a journey.
In addition, it is rumoured that underneath this plaque is a buried time capsule containing important objects and documents, destined to be revealed in the distant future. This mystery makes Kilometre Zero not only a landmark, but also a place full of symbolism and curiosity to see in Madrid if you are looking to uncover the city’s hidden secrets.
6. The King’s Shadow in the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial: A Supernatural Story to See in Madrid
On the outskirts of Madrid, in the imposing Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a legend is told that has endured over the centuries, making it one of the most mysterious stories to see in Madrid. King Philip II, the monarch who ordered the construction of the monastery, is said to still wander its corridors after his death.
According to legend, the king’s spirit often appears in the area of the Pantheon of the Kings, where many of Spain’s monarchs are laid to rest. Visitors and monks have reported seeing the shadow of a hunched man, looking very similar to Philip II, praying or walking slowly through the dark corridors of the monastery. This supernatural tale has added an air of mystery and fascination to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, making it an intriguing place to see in Madrid, especially for those interested in the paranormal and historical accounts.
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