Attractions in Madrid - Top 10 Popular Landmarks

Madrid is the cultural, social, culinary, and artistic center of Spain.

The metropolis never sleeps and captivates with pure vitality in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. It offers impressive architecture, excellent cuisine, beautiful parks, and a vibrant nightlife. Our top 10 attractions in Madrid will tell you what not to miss when visiting the city.

The first place on the list of attractions in Madrid is Plaza Mayor. It is one of the city's landmarks and should definitely be part of your sightseeing program while exploring the metropolis.

Plaza Mayor is located in the heart of Madrid on Calle Mayor (the main street of Madrid). The spacious, rectangular square was built in the 16th century by order of King Philip III. Today, the bronze equestrian statue in the center of the square can still be admired.

Historically, Plaza Mayor was used for various public events - such as festivals, processions, bullfights, or theater performances. Even today, there is always something happening in the square. Numerous bars, restaurants, and traditional shops can be found here.

In December, Plaza Mayor is also illuminated by the Madrid Christmas market, rightfully making it number 1 among the attractions in Madrid.

Anyone visiting Madrid should also take a detour to Gran Via. Gran Via is arguably one of the most splendid and impressive streets in the metropolis. It offers a pure shopping experience and also features cultural highlights.

The famous Gran Via in the heart of the city is known for its numerous shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as cultural institutions like cinemas, theaters, musicals, or nightclubs that attract countless people daily.

The construction of this grand avenue began in 1910. Architecturally, it was designed in a Baroque and Neoclassical style combined with some modern elements.

You should definitely add Place 2 to your to-do list for Madrid attractions.

Place 3 among the 10 attractions in Madrid never sleeps. Puerta del Sol, located on Calle Alcala, is one of the most important junctions in Madrid and a popular meeting point in the city.

The first buildings were established here as early as the 16th century. However, during a radical renovation in the 19th century, some historical structures were torn down, giving the square its current appearance.

Today, Puerta del Sol is also known as 'Kilometer Zero,' as this is the starting point for all Spanish highways. From the zero-kilometer stone, the six main national roads of Spain diverge, and many bus and metro lines intersect here. Experience the heart of Madrid!

The Retiro Park in Madrid is arguably the most beautiful park in the city - securing its well-deserved 4th place on the list of the top 10 attractions in Madrid.

Parque del Buen Retiro is now a popular recreation area amidst the bustling metropolis. In the city's green lungs, colorful activities regularly take place. The Retiro attracts sunbathers, bookworms, athletes, musicians, and lovers alike.

This natural paradise was once a royal park for relaxation. However, the construction of the summer palace and ongoing renovations in the park under Philip IV consumed so much money that taxes had to be raised as well.

At times, the Retiro Park was also used as a training ground for the French army, such as during the War of Independence, during which many of the beautiful buildings in the park were destroyed.

When the Retiro Park was returned to the city and thus became public, the people of Madrid lovingly restored their park. The result of their work perfectly reflects Place 4 of our top 10 attractions in Madrid.

Near Plaza Mayor lies another attraction of Madrid: Calle Mayor. This is the main street of Madrid.

The street is lined on both sides by beautifully restored buildings. Here you can find residences, numerous small and large shops, and offices.

Anyone strolling along Calle Mayor should admire

The latter, with its impressive façade featuring Art Nouveau elements, is definitely worth a photo. When will you set off for Calle Mayor?

Place 6 of the top 10 attractions in Madrid is occupied by what is arguably Spain's most famous square. Plaza de España is located at the western end of Gran Via in the center of Madrid.

It is just a few steps from Plaza de España to the historic old town. The square is lined with relatively austere functional buildings and experiences heavy traffic.

However, two buildings stand out: The skyscrapers Edificio de España and Torre de Madrid, which were built in the 1950s, making them some of the oldest and best-preserved skyscrapers in the world.

A popular photo motif, especially, are the statues in the square. Among them is a figure of Don Quixote. Also, the small park on the southern side of Plaza de España is enticing.

The Museo de Historia de Madrid takes the 7th place in the ranking of Madrid attractions. This is the city museum.

At the Museo de Historia de Madrid, paintings, photos, and documents that tell the city's history are exhibited.

Even the entrance portal is a work of art - its Baroque splendor overwhelms the visitors. A highlight of the city museum is a nearly 1.4 m high bronze statue of an athletic man.

It was found in a farmhouse in the 1950s. It is said to be the most beautiful Roman sculpture ever found in Spain.

Opening hours: Tue - Fri 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM (except in August, only until 2:30 PM) | Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Admission: free

Place 8 will be royal. Anyone visiting Madrid should also make a detour to the Royal Palace. The impressive building was commissioned by King Philip V in the mid-18th century after the old palace or castle was destroyed by fire.

The three-winged complex with around 3,000 rooms and halls was designed by the Italian architects Filippo Juvarra and Francisco de Sabatini.

Today, the Royal Palace is only used for representative purposes such as state receptions, banquets, and tours. The Spanish royal family does not live in the Palacio Real.

In 9th place among the attractions in Madrid, you will find another small green oasis in the middle of the big city. The Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid is a botanical garden that will surely delight not only plant lovers.

Established in 1781 under King Charles III, the garden covers an area of about 8 hectares. The Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid on Paseo del Prado houses 30,000 different species from a total of 5 continents.

Among them are many medicinal plants, aromatic and edible flowers, tropical plants, and the massive bonsai collection of former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe González.

Opening hours: May - August daily 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM | September - April daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

If you are looking for great Madrid motifs and want to get an overview of the city, the Faro de Moncloa is just the right place.

This is a 100 m high transmission tower located at Plaza de Moncloa across from the Museo de América. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the observation deck. From here, you will catch a fantastic view over the entire city.

The Faro de Moncloa is also an excellent photo motif. With its observation platform, it somewhat resembles a flying saucer.

After a fire in the tower's restaurant in 2005, the tower was closed to the public for almost 10 years. After an extensive renovation, the Faro de Moncloa has been accessible to all again since April 2015.

Discover more amazing cities in Europe and let our Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe inspire you. How about a city trip to Prague or Amsterdam or Berlin?

The capital in the heart of Spain impresses seemingly at every corner with fantastic attractions. In Madrid, there are many elegant squares with noteworthy architecture, beautiful streets, lovingly designed park and garden areas, and numerous museums.

Our top 10 includes just a few highlights of the city; Madrid has much more to offer. For instance, Madrid is a globally recognized fashion city. It's best to plan your own city trip to Madrid and discover this fascinating city in Europe.