The Plaza Mayor, dating back to 1619, is a large public square surrounded by impressive buildings including Casa de la Panadería and Casa de la Carnicería. This is a great place to start your day in Madrid, relax in a café, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
The Mercado de San Miguel is a covered market offering a vast array of fresh and local goods. The highlight of this market is its tapas stalls, serving up delicious miniature dishes that inspire a social dining experience amongst locals and tourists alike.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. This grand palace boasts over 3,400 rooms! Visitors can partake in guided tours and view the many intricacies of the palace including ballrooms and the Throne Room.
The Museo del Prado is one of the world's most revered art museums, featuring Spanish and European art from the 12th century to the early 20th century. Notable pieces include works from artists such as Goya and El Greco.
The Retiro Park is a large and breathtaking park covering 125 hectares. This park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, rent a rowboat, people watch, or visit the iconic Crystal Palace.
Puerta del Sol is a bustling square in the heart of Madrid, famous for its iconic clock, Tio Pepe signage, and a statue of a bear and a tree which represents the symbolic seal of Madrid. This is an excellent place to shop street stalls, people watch, and snap some pictures of this famous landmark.
Madrid has an extensive metro system that is both affordable and convenient. For a single journey, the cost is €1.50. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi, which is more expensive, with fares starting at €2.40, plus an additional €1.20 per kilometer traveled. For a more sustainable and eco-friendly option, you can consider renting a bike from one of the many bike rental shops dispersed throughout the city.
Should you have more time in the city, we recommend you visit other notable attractions including the Temple of Debod, the Reina Sofía Museum, or taking a day trip to Toledo. For those with less time, we suggest cutting a visit to the Mercado de San Miguel or leaving Puerta del Sol as a last moment detour.
Madrid has one active airport- Mardid-Barajas Airport (MAD). It is located approximately 9 kilometers northeast of the city center. The airport offers several transport options into the city center, including public bus transport, metro lines, trains, and taxis.