Visit Madrid

As you reach the end of Gran Vía, you’ll spot several striking buildings. These skyscrapers, serving as luxury hotels, share something special — like many others in Madrid, they have stunning rooftop terraces open to the public. Feel free to head up, grab a drink, and Read more

We’re now in the northwest of the city, standing on the vast Plaza España. It’s the largest square in Spain, covering 36,900 square metres. Here, you’ll find some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. At the centre stands the city’s most photographed monument: a Read more

You’ve arrived at the foot of the Montaña del Príncipe Pío hill, a name that dates back to the 18th century. Back then, a palace belonging to Prince Pío of Savoy stood where Madrid’s North Station stands today. The prince inherited the estate from his wife, the Read more

Let’s take a quick detour to Egypt, without leaving Spain. It’s time to explore the Parque de la Montaña and admire the stunning Temple of Debod. This isn’t a replica, but a genuine Nubian temple, built in honour of the god Amun, dating back to two centuries Read more

Visiting the Egyptian temple also brings you to one of the best viewpoints in Madrid. From here, you’ll get a stunning view of the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Locals often come here to watch the sunset against this beautiful backdrop. If you’re Read more

You’re now walking alongside the elegant Sabatini Gardens, named after one of King Charles III’s favourite architects — though he wasn’t the one who designed them. The gardens bear his name because they were built on the site of the former royal stables, which Read more

Finally, we’ve reached it ! The famous Royal Palace, built in 1738 as the residence of the Spanish royal family. From Charles III to Alfonso XIII, generations of monarchs lived here. This is the largest royal palace in Europe, and one of the largest in the world, Read more

During the revamp of the area around the Royal Collections Museum, which opened in 2022, Madrid added a thoughtful touch. The city created a public viewing platform on the Plaza de la Armería, between the cathedral and the Royal Palace, so you can enjoy a Read more

You’ve seen it from afar, and now you’ve finally arrived before the beautiful Almudena Cathedral. Unlike the grand cathedrals found in most major cities, this one is relatively young. Standing opposite the Royal Palace, its construction began in 1883 and Read more

You’re now on the eastern side of the Royal Palace — which is why the square is called Plaza de Oriente, or the Orient Plaza. It’s best known for its impressive layout, offering views of the Royal Palace, the theatre, and a collection of statues of 20 Spanish kings. These Read more

You’re now standing in Plaza de la Ópera. In front of you is the Teatro Real — Madrid’s Royal Theatre, commissioned by Queen Isabella II, whose statue is at the centre of the square, giving the theatre its “Royal” name. It was inaugurated in 1818 and even hosted Read more

Look up at the rooftop on the corner buildings with elegant, glass balconies that curve like a pin. See the upside-down wings? That’s Accidente Aéreo — The Plane Crash — a sculpture depicting a life-sized winged man who crash-landed headfirst onto the rooftops of Read more

This charming little pedestrian square is one of the best-preserved historic sites in the city, featuring light brick façades and a cobbled ground. It showcases a beautiful mix of architecture from the 15th to the 18th century — a true time capsule of the city’s past. Picture Read more

Welcome to the San Miguel Market Hall, one of the city’s rare examples of iron architecture, and certainly one of the most beautiful. This square has hosted a market since the Middle Ages, but it only became a covered market in 1916. Today, it’s a true temple of Read more

The red-brick church with the tall tower you can see is the Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo, one of the oldest churches in Madrid. Its exact origins are unknown, but the name appears in Madrid’s town charter from 1202. The current structure, shaped by multiple Read more

In this charming square, you’ll find one of the oldest churches in Madrid — San Andrés — and the museum that shares the same name. The current church dates from the late 17th century, but its origins go back to the 12th century. It’s also where Saint Isidore the Read more

Welcome to the heart of the La Latina neighbourhood. All these winding streets date back to medieval times, when this area was a cluster of suburbs outside the city walls. This is where traders arriving in Madrid would settle — and this history is reflected in the Read more

On your right, you’ll spot Botín - a restaurant with countless stories to tell. It’s officially the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world! At least, the oldest one with a written record to prove it. There’s a document from 1590 in which the owner requested Read more

This beautiful archway is called the Arco de los Cuchilleros. It was built as part of a plan to enclose the square, after a fire had damaged Plaza Mayor in the 17th century. It served as one of its main entrances, linking it to Cava de San Miguel. Its impressive Read more

Welcome to the most famous square in Madrid — Puerta del Sol, which means Gate of the Sun. The name traces back to the 15th century, when a city gate stood here, marking the entrance through the old city wall. As for “sun”, there used to be a large sundial on Read more