Spain’s capital and largest city is Madrid. Contrary to Barcelona, its primary industry is not tourism; rather, it is a city for habitation. Because of this, it’s the ideal location to learn about Spanish culture and get your “culture fix” while traveling.
The best amount of time to experience all the main places in Madrid attractions is three days. Stay a little longer if you have a few extra days, though, and take advantage of some wonderful day trips from Madrid to places like Segovia, Toledo, or Valencia.
10 best places in Madrid to visit
1. El Retiro Park
Located in the center of the city, El Retiro Park is a stunning piece of nature that has been recognized by UNESCO as a world historic site. Here, over 15,000 trees, including huge horse chestnut, oak, and cypress trees, provide shade along lovely, wide-open gravel streets. Here, the oldest tree was planted in 1633.
Wander through places in Madrid ,El Retiro and take in the lovely statues, neatly trimmed bushes, and rose gardens. In actuality, the park belonged to the Spanish royal family until the late 19th century, when it was opened to the public. It’s amazing to believe that this park is a community asset for residents because of how grand it feels like the royal gardens could still be there.
Timings:
October – March 6 AM to 10 PM, and April to September, from 6 AM to midnight.
Take the subway to the ‘Retiro’ station and then walk to El Retiro Park from there.
2. Palacio de Cristal in Madrid
In the center of El Retiro Park stands Palacio de Cristal, also known as “the glass palace.” This stunning glass conservatory is shaped like a Greek cross and rises 22 meters above the ground. It is encircled by lovely horse chestnut trees. The gorgeous reds and oranges of the fall season are very breathtaking!
Timings:
October to March 10 AM – 6 PM and April to September 10 AM – 9 PM. on significant Spanish holidays, closed.
3. Atocha-Renfe Station in Madrid
Since they are mostly used to board trains to other locations, the majority of train stations around the world aren’t particularly worth seeing. Atocha Station is the exception, though! A magnificent tropical garden packed with unusual plants and trees can be found at this amazing station. These plants and trees can grow to astonishing heights and almost reach the station’s roof arch. One of the most unusual things to do in Madrid is the bizarre sight of this jungle inside an industrial station!
4. Street Art
Madrid is a creative city, which should come as no surprise given that it is home to some of the best art museums in the entire world. There is street art all over, some of it more obvious than others, like the large paintings that cover the sides of buildings. Other pieces are less obvious, such as the tiny paintings or sculptures you can find on doorways or buried down back alleys.
5. San Miguel Market
As a food market, the San Miguel Market has existed since the turn of the 20th century. Today, it is renowned for its gourmet food stalls, and Michelin-starred chefs even call it home and bring their dishes here! It’s a great spot to sample some of the best cuisine in Madrid (and throughout Spain!).
Timings:
Sunday through Thursday, 10 AM until midnight. 10 a.m.–1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Nearest Metro Station: ‘Sol’ is the closest metro stop.
6. Reina Sofia Gallery
A center for modern and contemporary art, the Reina Sofia Museum is home to the creations of some of the greatest painters, including Dali and Picasso. Picasso, who was born in Malaga, is famed for his painting “Guernica,” which attracts visitors from all over the world. In addition to having magnificent art, the museum is housed in a large white neoclassical edifice that was originally a hospital.
Timings and entry fees:
10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Tuesdays are off. Sunday 10 AM – 2.30 PM. Free admission is offered to the museum from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. In person at the ticket office or online, the entrance price is 12 EUR.
7. Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, which is located in one of the city’s oldest districts, is the most well-known square in the entire city. It’s an immense area, 129 meters long and 94 meters broad, where folks congregate and go out for drinks in the evening.
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8. Palacio Real
The Palacio Real (the Royal Palace), which is flanked by spacious open squares and opulent gardens, is unquestionably the greatest structure in best places in Madrid. From the patio level, you may also enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside that surrounds Madrid. Additionally, you’ll love the lively environment that is created by musicians and street performers that frequent the square to make a living.
Timings and Cost of Entry:
10 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gardens, however, are open until 6 PM. Free entry from 4 to 6 PM, Monday through Thursday.
9. Caixa Forum Museum Vertical Garden
One of the most intriguing places in Madrid is the vertical garden of the Caixa Forum Museum. A vertical green garden covers the external wall of what was formerly a power plant and is now a contemporary art gallery. People can touch the 78-foot wall, experience the various textures, and view the 300 different plant species thriving in this interactive garden.
10. Sunday Street Market (Top Madrid Attraction)
The weekend was spent here. The best places in Madrid is the El Rastro flea market! Every Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM, this enormous market covers the streets of the La Latina neighborhood. Find vintage apparel, furniture, plants, comic books, albums, books, and more!
Best Time to Visit Madrid
Madrid is a city of opposites, with extraordinarily dry and scorching summers and bitterly frigid winters. In the summer, a large number of locals depart Madrid for the coast. As a result, there is a change in the city’s atmosphere, many restaurants close, and it might be challenging to get around and take in the sights.
This makes early spring or the shoulder seasons of September and October a fantastic time to visit Madrid. As long as you don’t mind the cold, Christmas is also a terrific time to check off the top Madrid attractions and visit the Christmas markets and lights!
