One of the most unique 16th century architectural designs featuring a combination of Baroque and Classicism-style, the Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in the city. The opulent palace is lavishly adorned with crystal chandeliers, ceiling frescoes, and porcelain paintings.
A beautiful urban oasis in the heart of the city, Parque del Retiro is an enormous 350-acre park that offers breathtaking views, scenic walks, and picturesque lakes. Enjoy rowing boat rides, street performances or relax under the shade of a tree. The famous Crystal Palace is crucial for art lovers
One of the world's most prominent art galleries and a shrine for art lovers, the Prado Museum houses a wealth of art treasures including masterpieces of world-renown artists, such as El Greco and Diego Velázquez. The museum's broad art collection dates back to 1200 and spans European art from various periods.
Home to one of the best football clubs, Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a prime destination for sports enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the stadium's grandstands, media area, museum, locker rooms, and even step onto the pitch. The tour is exceptional, don't miss it.
A 19th century work of neoclassical architectural brilliance, Almudena Cathedral is a symbol of religious devotion, beauty, and history. The grand cathedral has an enchanting interior brimming with vivid colors, columns invoking Romanesque and Byzantine styles, historic artworks, alluring arches, and mesmerizing sculptures.
As its name suggests, Plaza Mayor is the grandest and most famous square in Madrid. Its vast size, stunning architecture, and unique artfulness make it stand out. The bustling square is adorned with Romanesque frescoes and surrounded by a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and shops including the famous Mercado de San Miguel.
Home to Atletico Madrid Football Club and venue for 2019 Champions League final game, Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is a newer stadium, having opened in 2017. It amazes with its state-of-the-art architecture, five-star hospitality areas, museum, and guided tours, gradually becoming one of the city's top attractions.
Madrid's public transportation network is seamless and efficient, with buses, metro, and trains all linked. A 10-trip ticket costs €12.20, with a single trip priced at €1.50. Most tourist sites are within walking distances of each other, especially when in the city center. Taxis are also abundant and affordable, but not necessary during your stay.
For those with more time, they should visit Toledo, a charming medieval city close to Madrid. Food lovers should seek out bar-hopping in the La Latina area for tasting some of Madrid's best tapas. For those with less time, it would be best to skip just one stadium while in Madrid as the two visits consume lots of time.
Madrid's primary airport is the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located about 8 miles (13km) from the city center. The airport is modern and has four terminals, and there are numerous transport options available, including taxis, metro, buses, and trains.