aventuro
Spain
Things to do in Madrid
1,436 attractions · Spain
Photo: Eric Salard, CC BY-SA 2.0
Community of Madrid, Spain · 40.400, -3.683
About Madrid
Madrid sits at the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, functioning as the high-altitude capital of Spain. The city is renowned for the Golden Triangle of Art, which includes the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Visitors can explore the expansive royal history at the Royal Palace of Madrid or find urban reprieve in green spaces like El Retiro Park. The city's layout is defined by grand boulevards and historic squares, anchored by iconic landmarks such as the Cibeles Fountain.
Good to know
- 1
Madrid is the highest capital city in the European Union, situated at an elevation of approximately 650 meters above sea level.
- 2
The city is home to the world's oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, which has been operating continuously since 1725.
- 3
Madrid contains more trees per inhabitant than any other city in Europe, with over 300,000 trees lining its streets.
- 4
The official symbol of Madrid is a bear reaching up to eat fruit from a strawberry tree, an emblem dating back to the 13th century.
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Unlike many European capitals, Madrid was not established as a city by Romans or Greeks but was founded by the Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba in the 9th century.
Plan your visit to Madrid
Best time to visit
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and avoid the extreme summer heat common in the interior of Spain.
How many days
3-4 days to explore the major museums, historic palaces, and primary city parks without rushing.
Getting around
The city features a highly efficient metro system, and the central districts are densely packed and largely walkable.
Where to stay
Stay in the Barrio de las Letras for a central, historic atmosphere or near Salamanca for upscale shopping and high-end dining.
Budget
Mid-range; while luxury options abound, the city offers diverse dining and accommodation options that cater to varying budgets.
Highlights of Madrid
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
El Retiro Park
This sprawling 125-hectare park features formal gardens and the famous rose garden, the Rosaleda.
Museo Nacional del Prado
It houses one of the world's most significant collections of European art from the 12th to the early 20th century.
Royal Palace of Madrid
This official residence of the Spanish monarchy contains over 3,400 rooms and showcases extensive royal collections.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
This museum focuses on 20th-century art, most notably displaying Picasso's monumental anti-war painting, Guernica.
Temple of Debod
An original 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple that was transported to Madrid and reassembled stone by stone.
Palacio de Cristal
This glass and iron structure serves as a distinctive exhibition space within the gardens of El Retiro.
Estanque Grande del Retiro
The artificial lake serves as the focal point of the park, where visitors can rent rowboats.
Puerta de Alcalá
This neoclassical gate once stood at the city's eastern entrance and now functions as a major landmark.
Top things to do in Madrid
The 1,436 most popular places in Madrid.
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481
Temples Known locally
Parroquia de San Francisco Javier y San Luis Gonzaga
The Parroquia de San Francisco Javier y San Luis Gonzaga is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the Tetuán distric...
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482
Temples Known locally
Parroquia Cristo Sacerdote
Parroquia Cristo Sacerdote is a functional parish church located in the San Blas-Canillejas district of Madrid, serving...
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483
Parks Known locally
Pistas de tenis
Pistas de tenis is a public sports facility located on Calle de Florencio Castillo in the Hortaleza district of Madrid....
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484
Temples Known locally
Casa Sobre la Roca
Casa Sobre la Roca is a prominent Protestant Christian temple located in the Ciudad Lineal district of Madrid, Spain. Th...
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485
Temples Known locally
Parroquia San Emilio
Parroquia San Emilio is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the Ciudad Lineal district of Madrid, Spain. The churc...
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486
Temples Known locally
Parroquia Madre del Buen Pastor
Parroquia Madre del Buen Pastor is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the Usera district of southern Madrid, spec...
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487
Temples Known locally
Mezquita Al-Huda
Mezquita Al-Huda is a neighborhood mosque situated in the heart of Madrid’s historic city center. It serves as a focal p...
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488
Places of interest Known locally
The Rocker Grandma - Ángeles Rodríguez Hidalgo
The Rocker Grandma monument, located in the Puente de Vallecas district of Madrid, honors Ángeles Rodríguez Hidalgo, a l...
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489
Parks Known locally
Pablo Sorozábal Gardens
Pablo Sorozábal Gardens is a public park located in the Chamartín district of Madrid, situated along Calle del Príncipe...
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490
Venues Known locally
Jamming
Jamming is a renowned improvisational theater company based in Madrid that operates its own dedicated performance venue....
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491
Parks Known locally
Fuente de la Glorieta de Rocío Dúrcal
The Fuente de la Glorieta de Rocío Dúrcal is a public fountain and landscaped roundabout located in the Tetuán district...
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492
Historical places Known locally
Historic San Fernando Bridge
The Historic San Fernando Bridge, locally known as Puente de San Fernando, is an 18th-century stone structure crossing t...
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493
Parks Known locally
Bar Bami
Bar Bami is a local neighborhood green space centered around Plaza de Bami in Madrid's Ciudad Lineal district. The park...
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494
Historical places Known locally
Puerta del Príncipe
The Puerta del Príncipe serves as the ceremonial entrance to the Royal Palace of Madrid, located on the western facade a...
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495
Places of interest Known locally
Saint Isidore Bridge
The Puente de San Isidro is a historic bridge spanning the Manzanares River in Madrid, connecting the districts of Argan...
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496
Parks Known locally
Huerta de la Partida
Huerta de la Partida is a historical agricultural site reimagined as a public park situated between the Madrid Río corri...
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497
Museums Known locally
Claustro del Monasterio de los Jerónimos (ampliación del Museo del Prado)
The Claustro del Monasterio de los Jerónimos serves as a historical and architectural anchor point within the Prado Muse...
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498
Places of interest Known locally
Fountain of the Water Source
The Fountain of the Water Source is a prominent landmark located within Madrid's redesigned Plaza de España. It serves a...
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499
Temples Known locally
Parroquia de Santa María la Antigua
Parroquia de Santa María la Antigua is a historic Catholic parish church located in the heart of the Vicálvaro district...
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500
Places of interest Known locally
Plaza de Pablo Picasso
Plaza de Pablo Picasso is an urban square located in the Tetuán district of Madrid, Spain, situated near the northern se...
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501
Places of interest Known locally
Casa Gallardo
Casa Gallardo is a prominent architectural landmark located on Calle de Ferraz in Madrid, Spain. Designed by the archite...
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502
Playgrounds Known locally
Infantil Park
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503
Places of interest Known locally
Plaza de la Independencia
Plaza de la Independencia is a major traffic circle in Madrid dominated by the Puerta de Alcalá, an 18th-century neoclas...
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504
Historical places Known locally
Capilla de Nuestra Señora y de San Juan de Letrán
The Capilla de Nuestra Señora y de San Juan de Letrán is a historic chapel located in Madrid's Plaza de la Paja at addre...
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505
Parks Known locally
Campo de la Cebada
Campo de la Cebada is an urban public space located in the La Latina neighborhood of Madrid, situated on the site of a f...
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506
Historical places Known locally
Torre de los Lujanes
The Torre de los Lujanes is the oldest civilian building in Madrid, dating back to the 15th century. It features a blend...
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507
Places of interest Known locally
Fountain of Juan de Villanueva
The Fountain of Juan de Villanueva is a historic 18th-century monument located within the expansive Parque del Oeste in...
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508
Temples Known locally
Parish of Our Lady of Mercy
The Parish of Our Lady of Mercy is a Roman Catholic neighborhood church located in the Moratalaz district of Madrid. Sit...
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509
Temples Known locally
Our Lady of Mercy English Speaking Parish
Our Lady of Mercy is the primary English-speaking Catholic parish in Madrid, serving the city's international and expatr...
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510
Temples Known locally
Iglesia de las Religiosas de María Inmaculada (Casa Madre)
The Iglesia de las Religiosas de María Inmaculada serves as the motherhouse and central church for the Religious of Mary...
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Madrid on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Madrid?
Aventuro lists 1,436 curated attractions in and around Madrid, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Madrid?
El Retiro Park is the most popular place to visit in Madrid right now.
What kind of attractions does Madrid have?
The largest category is places of interest, with 364 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Barcelona, Valencia, Seville.
