10 must-see places in madrid: your spanish adventure awaits!

They have lots of artistic and cultural performances, delicious food and wine, stunning buildings and structures, and fun things to do in Madrid. Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain and as such you can only imagine the endless possibilities of fun there are. From the great galleries of modern and post-modern art to the bustling local districts teeming with life and a multitude of tapas bars, this global metropolis offers a fair for all sorts of tourists.

If you are thinking of going on a Spain trip and are likely to visit Madrid, then these are the top ten tourist places/areas in Spain that you should not miss. Your Madrid adventure awaits!

1. Plaza Mayor

A visit to Madrid is incomplete without a tour to Plaza Mayor which is one of the most important landmarks in the City. This is a vast public space, open to the sky and situated in the very center of the city; people-watching from one of the many tiers of a café is possible here. Stroll through some of the covered arcades, watch some live music or a street show, and embrace the ambiance of this lively outdoor marketplace.

It is suggested to spare time to pay a visit to the statue of King Philip III which is located in the central part of the square. But if you are visiting in May, do not forget about San Isidro festivities that are held in Madrid annually.

2. El Retiro Park

This large park is a 315-acre area that has become the most famous green area that the Madrid citizens go to relax from the bustle of city life. A visit to the park can be devoted to the beautiful gardens, the pond with rental boats, sculptures and fountains, the Glass Palace – a cast iron and plate glass building, designed by architect Johann Otto von Sckell and constructed in 1887 to exhibit plants and animals from other countries.

Turn into the statue-lined Paseo de Argentina and climb to the top to capture a bird's eye view of the park. And go to the Parque del Buen Retiro, a quiet garden for a walk with vegetable normal style gardens and quiet pathways.

3. Royal Palace of Madrid

There are so many things that are exciting to see and do in Madrid but of course, the most interesting place that one should not miss is the Palacio Real it is an 18th-century palace that was once the official residence of the Spanish royalty. It is a beautiful building that represents the Baroque and Neoclassical styles of architecture, and it houses over 3,400 opulent, ornamented rooms.

Take one of the guided tours to be able to view the most beautiful parts of the palace such as the spectacular Grand Staircase, elaborated with gilded ornaments and rich red-velvet walls of the Throne Room and the Royal Armory with an interesting collection of suits of armor and weapons. It is also important to visit the royal garden within and around the palace after a palace tour which is uniquely and professionally done.

4. Prado Museum

Those who have a passion for art would be happy to learn that Madrid boasts one of the finest art museums globally referred to as Museo Nacional del Prado. Known to have one of the finest collections of European art ranging from the 12th to the early 19th centuries, Spain’s art treasure troves include masterpieces by Spanish artists Goya, Velazquez, and Greco, and Italians such as Botticelli, Raphael, and Titian among others.

Stroll through the Prado Museum’s beautiful corridors to see the works of Spanish artist Diego Velazquez including “Las Meninas,” and prolific romantic painter Francisco Goya as well as the famous painting by Hieronymus Bosch known as “The Garden of Earthly Delights” triptych paintings. Ensure that you spare a considerable amount of time to tour one of the world’s best collections of European art in this premier gallery.

5. Puerta del Sol & Gran Vía

To have a taste of what everyday Madrid looks like, visitors cannot afford to miss this amazing area known as Puerta del Sol. This famous and popular Plaza is situated in the heart of Madrid and it signifies the beginning of the Spanish road system, ‘Kilometre Zero’. Take some pictures with the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue in the background and the bronze plaque which indicates that this place is the very center of Spain.

Then, walk along the Gran Vía, a replicate of New York’s Broadway, where you can spend time gazing at the glamour of the numerous shops and malls. Go to the restaurant McDonald's in the early 20th-century metropolis to see a piece of the art nouveau design still intact. Last but not least, the rooftop terrace of Circulode Bellas Artes is a must-visit place that offers a majestic view of the Gran Vía.

6. El Rastro Flea Market

This is one of the most popular and widely-known flea markets in Europe, El Rastro is an essential part of Madrid’s weekend routine.
Every Sunday, the district of La Latina turns into a large street with numerous side streets filled with stalls selling anything one might wish for. Buy clothes, vernisages, souvenirs, books, paintings, jewelry, antiques, toys, and countless little items.

After you’ve gone through all the stalls please remember to also look at the other shops dotted around the market. So if you have to have some Spanish tapas and wine from one of the popular bars and restaurants around you are set for a Madrid Sunday afternoon!

7. Flamenco Show

This Spanish dancing cannot be missing on any trip to Spain. This flamenco dance style, for example, is said to have evolved from the Andalusian neighborhood of Spain and is distinguished by the fast and intricate movement of the feet, the drumming of the hands, and the vocal trills.

When in Madrid, ensure you get a ticket to flamenco tablaos at some of the classic sites of the city such as Las Tablas, Villa Rosa, Corral de La Moreria, or Torres Bermejas. Expect a fiery show as ladies in rich ruffled gowns dance while men in leather outfits play guitars and sing emotional Spanish falsettos. That is the true Spanish culture you’re going to get in Madrid!

8. Reina Sofía Museum

While the Prado may be Madrid's most famous art museum, the Museo Reina Sofía is home to the city's most iconic painting: Guernica by Pablo Picasso, an avant-garde painter of the 20th century, famous for his pacifist response to the bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica. In addition to Guernica, this modern art museum also includes several more traditional twentieth-century Spanish art pieces in its collection, including works by Salvador Dali and Joan Miro.

Allow sufficient time to adequately admire Picasso’s Guernica and understand the background as to why Picasso painted this picture and the suffering it aimed to portray during the Spanish Civil War. And do not leave before seeing the paintings of Joan Miro on the 2nd floor, which are known for the biomorphic abstractionist style of the artist.

9. Tapas Hop in the districts of La Latina & Lavapiés

To truly enjoy Madrid, a guest cannot argue the pleasures of Spain’s tapas, or small plates, dining culture. To get to the real Madrid tapas, La Latina or Lavapiés districts are the best places in Madrid to start the tapas crawl between the numerous and inviting wine bars and taverns.

Try traditional Spanish appetizers including pinches, jamon croquettes, toast with tomatoes, Spanish tortilla, garlic shrimp, and other typical Madrid dishes usually accompanied by a glass of rosado. This restaurant is not touristy, so don’t hesitate to take a cue from the locals and toss your used napkins on the floor.

10. Day Trip to Toledo

Only a 30-minute train ride from Madrid, the ancient city of Toledo is situated on a ridge and is dubbed the ‘City of the Three Cultures’ due to its rich Jewish, Muslim, and Christian history. This perched-up fortified town is Spain’s former capital but a great place to tour around with excellent views.

Explore the old town area of Toledo and see the narrow streets and magnificent Gothic cathedral while strolling through the city atop its impressive walls. Relax in the El Greco museum that is devoted to the renowned Renaissance painter who left a great legacy of artwork. And by no means miss the opportunity to see modern masters of Toledo's craft of steel working making swords in one of the many craft studios in town. Toledo is an ancient city that boasts stunning historical architecture, art, and culture, making it a perfect scenic day trip destination from Madrid.

Madrid boasts remarkable art museums, vibrant districts, mouth-watering cuisine, and numerous day tours, making recommendations for an enriching Spanish trip. Therefore, the next time you are on your way to Spain, do not just jump into your car and head for the countryside without first spending a few days exploring this city that never sleeps. There is so much to do in Madrid and it is all up to you to decide what to do next. What new attractions or experiences are you incorporating into your Spanish journey? Here it is then, allow the fun and excitement in Madrid to start now!

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