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Madrid

1,436 attractions · Spain

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Spain

Things to do in Madrid

1,436 attractions · Spain

Explore on the map

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.
5
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.

Quick facts

Country

Spain

Attractions

1,436

Coordinates

40.400, -3.683

Region

Community of Madrid

Population

3,334,730

Languages

Spanish

Currency

Euro

Timezone

Central European Time

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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.

Parks

El Retiro Park

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This sprawling 125-hectare park features formal gardens and the famous rose garden, the Rosaleda.

Museums

Museo Nacional del Prado

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It houses one of the world's most significant collections of European art from the 12th to the early 20th century.

Historical places

Royal Palace of Madrid

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This official residence of the Spanish monarchy contains over 3,400 rooms and showcases extensive royal collections.

Museums

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Very popular

This museum focuses on 20th-century art, most notably displaying Picasso's monumental anti-war painting, Guernica.

Historical places

Temple of Debod

Very popular

An original 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple that was transported to Madrid and reassembled stone by stone.

Museums

Palacio de Cristal

Very popular

This glass and iron structure serves as a distinctive exhibition space within the gardens of El Retiro.

Places of interest

Estanque Grande del Retiro

Very popular

The artificial lake serves as the focal point of the park, where visitors can rent rowboats.

Historical places

Puerta de Alcalá

Very popular

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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Madrid on the map

Top attractions plotted across the city.

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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.

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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.

Things to do in Madrid

About Madrid

Good to know

Plan your visit to Madrid

Best time to visit

How many days

Getting around

Where to stay

Budget

Highlights of Madrid

El Retiro Park

Museo Nacional del Prado

Royal Palace of Madrid

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Temple of Debod

Palacio de Cristal

Estanque Grande del Retiro

Puerta de Alcalá

Top things to do in Madrid

Galería Herraiz

Álvaro Alcázar Gallery

Parish of San Juan of Ribera

Parish Church of Santa Justa and Santa Rufina

Parish Church of Saint Francis of Paula

Calatrava Column

Saint Archangel Gabriel Church

Parque

Parque de Pan Bendito

Parque Teleferico Madrid

Parroquia Reina de los Ángeles

Helga de Alvear gallery

Monumento a Claudio Moyano

Chalecito de la Reina

Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de Usera

Parque Suanzes

Auditorio De La Gavia

Colossal Olmeca Head

Parque del Banco

Saint Cristobal and Saint Raphael Church

Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Sagrario

Parroquia de Santa Adela

Parroquia Resurrección del Señor

Good Shepherd Parish

Alto del Mojón

Cuña Verde de Latina Upper Viewpoint

Parroquia San Raimundo de Peñafort

Monumento a Eloy Gonzalo el Heroe de Cascorro

Capilla del Divino Cautivo

Actívate Senderismo

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Madrid on the map

Frequently asked

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Valencia

Seville

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Alicante

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