🗺️ Madrid route for 3 days: tickets, opening hours and main places

Madrid is easy to explore on foot: the main sights are in the center. From Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace you can walk in ten minutes. The city's three main museums line up along one street, so you can comfortably fit two of them into a single day.

This guide is designed for an independent trip, without a guide or tour group. We selected thirty places worth seeing: palaces, cathedrals, markets, and parks. For each one, we note what sets it apart from the others on the list and how long a visit takes.

Experience shows: a ticket to the Prado is best booked in advance, for the morning. A full ticket costs €15, a reduced one €7.50 (as of 09/2026, official Prado Museum website). Without a time slot, you will stand in the ticket line for over an hour.

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1. Plaza Mayor: Madrid's main square

💡 In short:

Madrid is compact: you can cover the thirty places below in three to four days.
The main museums (the Prado, the Reina Sofía, the Thyssen-Bornemisza) stand next to each other on Paseo del Prado.
Entry to Almudena Cathedral is free, while the museum and the dome climb cost €6 (as of 09/2026, Almudena Cathedral website).
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Prado Museum website

Equestrian statue of Philip III in Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor was built in the early 17th century under Philip III. Today it is called the city's main square, and the poet Lope de Vega called it the "navel of Spain". In the center stands an equestrian statue of the king, and the whole ensemble revolves around it.

The square lies at the junction of Calle de Toledo and Calle de Atocha, in the area known as "Austrian Madrid". On all sides it is enclosed by three-story houses with balconies. In Habsburg times, jousting tournaments, bullfights, and even public executions were held here. Today the square is lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and street musicians.

The catch: in summer and on weekends it gets very crowded, so calm photos are only possible early in the morning.

2. Basilica of Saint Michael

Interior of the Basilica of Saint Michael in Madrid

The Basilica of Saint Michael stands in Madrid's oldest quarter, a stone's throw from Plaza Mayor. In the last century, a royal decree declared it a national historic monument of Spain. The building was erected in the first half of the 18th century, commissioned by the Archbishop of Toledo, who also paid for the construction.

The work took seven years and involved several architects in succession. The project was started by Teodoro Ardemans and completed by the Italian Santiago Bonavia, who was invited by King Philip V. The basilica's floor plan follows a Latin cross, and above the dome rise two towers with spires in an oriental style. Inside you will see frescoes, paintings by old masters, stucco, and wood carving; the stained glass was added in the 20th century.

The basilica is convenient to visit together with the main square in one morning, spending about half an hour.

The catch: during services, tourist entry is closed, so it is best to check the visiting time in advance.

3. Royal Palace

Aerial view of the Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace serves as the main residence of the Spanish crown and remains the largest functioning royal residence in Europe. It was built on the site of an old fortress that burned down. The design was prepared by the Italian architect Filippo Juvarra, and the new palace turned out larger than both Versailles and Buckingham Palace.

Construction began under Philip V, the first Bourbon on the throne, and was completed under Charles III. The king valued art, so the halls were filled with the best works of European schools. Today the royal family uses the palace only for official receptions; the rest of the time the halls are open to visitors year-round. Tickets here and to other city palaces are sold on Tiqets, so book your time slots in advance.

The palace is large: allow at least two hours to see the state rooms. The Plaza de la Armería in front of the entrance connects the palace with Almudena Cathedral, so these two sights are convenient to visit back to back, in one morning.

4. Almudena Cathedral

Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, general view from the square

Almudena Cathedral closes off the palace complex and stands opposite the palace on the Plaza de la Armería. Its style echoes the palace, but its history turned out to be more complicated. The first stone was laid back in the 19th century, construction dragged on, was suspended because of the Civil War, and finished only at the end of the 20th century. During that time, rulers, architects, and tastes all changed.

The result is a rare example of neoclassicism with a dome in the spirit of the new Baroque. The cathedral is very large, but it looks solemn rather than heavy. It is the only Spanish cathedral consecrated by Pope John Paul II. Inside, it is worth seeing the marble altar, a 17th-century crucifix, and the neo-Gothic interiors. Entry to the cathedral is free, while the museum and the climb to the dome cost €6 for adults (as of 09/2026, official website).

5. Sabatini Gardens by the palace

The Sabatini Gardens were laid out by landscape designer Fernando Mercadal in memory of the architect Francesco Sabatini. They lie on the north side of the Royal Palace and cover several hectares. This is a model neoclassical park: strict geometry of the paths, trimmed conifers, hedges of boxwood and elder. In summer it smells of lilies and magnolia, and in the heat it stays cool.

The garden was created between the 1930s and the 1970s, and it was opened by King Juan Carlos I. Statues of Spanish kings stand by the pond, and the picturesque staircase offers a view of the street. Photographers love this spot for its views of the palace, so early in the morning you can get shots without people.

In half an hour you can walk the whole area and manage to photograph the palace facade from different angles. In the evening it is noticeably quieter here than at Plaza Mayor, and you can sit peacefully on a bench by the water.

6. Plaza de España and Cervantes

Monument to Cervantes in Plaza de España in Madrid

Plaza de España lies in the center and serves as both a place to relax and a transport hub. The decision to create it on the site of old blocks was made at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it is decorated with fountains with evening lighting, a tall stele, and a sculptural group of Cervantes with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

The view of the square is completed by two high-rise towers, España and Madrid, which have long become a symbol of the capital. Benches line the paths, and large trees with broad crowns grow along them. On holidays, fairs and sales are held here.

The catch: during the day most of the square is in the sun, with shade only under the trees along the paths.

7. Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

Facade of the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales in Madrid

Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales is unusual already because it occupies a former palace. It was founded in the 16th century, and the most famous Spanish architects of the time took part in its construction. The order of the Poor Clares settled here, and the complex was originally intended for aristocratic women.

The monastery is considered one of the richest in Europe. Its treasures can be neither sold nor spent, so the works of art remain here forever. You will see treasures collected over four centuries: antique religious objects, sculptures, paintings, and rare furniture. The buildings have long been listed as part of Spain's national heritage.

The monastery is active, so some halls are closed to visitors, and the most valuable items remain in closed rooms. The open rooms give an idea of aristocratic life: carved furniture, antique clocks, and silver utensils. It is more convenient to view the treasury in the morning, when there are fewer tour groups.

8. Museo Nacional del Prado

Facade of the Prado National Museum with statue of Velázquez

The Museo Nacional del Prado is smaller than the Louvre and the Hermitage, but in terms of the number of masterpieces it stands alongside them. The halls display paintings by Bosch, El Greco, Velázquez, and other masters of the European school of painting. The collection began to be formed back in the 16th century under Charles V: monarchs collected paintings and passed them on to their heirs.

A separate building for the museum began to be built in the second half of the 18th century to a design by Juan de Villanueva, and the halls opened to the public at the beginning of the 19th century. Thousands of paintings are kept in storage, so allow at least three hours for a visit. If you want to navigate the halls without confusion, take a guided tour of the Prado.

9. Puerta de Toledo

Puerta del Sol in Madrid on a Christmas evening

Puerta de Toledo stands where the road from Madrid to Toledo began in the 15th century. The medieval fortress wall that once encircled the city was eventually dismantled as it was no longer needed, and the gate was rebuilt closer to the center by order of Philip IV. That is how it went from being a defensive structure to a city ornament.

In the early 19th century, the gate was rebuilt to a design by architect Aguado, and the work took ten years. The result was a massive granite arch with two rectangular passages on the sides. Above the central section there is a carved Latin inscription thanking King Ferdinand VII, under whose reign the war of liberation against the French was fought. The gate stands on a busy square, so it is easier to view it from the sidewalk without getting in the way of traffic.

10. Puerta de Alcalá

Puerta de Alcalá was built by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, who also worked on completing the Royal Palace. It originally served as a ceremonial entrance to the capital, and locals nicknamed it the "sheep gate": the road to the cattle pastures started here. The style combines Baroque and Neoclassicism, hence the strict lines and elegant details.

There are several passages: three on the pediment side and two on the sides. Above the central passage, sculptor Francisco Gutiérrez placed figures of Fame and Genius, and above the side passages he placed Courage, Wisdom, Justice, and Confidence. At night the monument is especially beautiful thanks to its lighting, and parades and processions pass in front of it. It was here in the early 20th century that Spanish Prime Minister Eduardo Dato was assassinated.

11. Teatro Real

Teatro Real is considered one of the best opera stages in Europe. Its stage hosts not only opera arias but also concerts by contemporary performers. The building was constructed opposite the Royal Palace by order of Queen Isabella II. The result was a hexagonal structure with excellent acoustics, rehearsal halls, salons, and a café.

The theater is ranked alongside La Scala and San Carlo, and its style complements the neighboring palace. The most recent renovation was carried out at the end of the last century. Since then, the hall seats nearly two thousand spectators, plus about three dozen decorated boxes and a separate two-tier royal family box finished in gold. Getting into the theater is easy; sometimes performances take place without advance booking.

The theater stands directly opposite the Royal Palace, so after touring the palace halls you can easily walk here. Inside, pay attention to the hall's decor and the royal box.

12. Monastery of the Incarnation

Monastery of the Incarnation and monument in the square

The Monastery of the Incarnation was founded in 1611 on the initiative of Queen Margaret of Austria, which is why in Spain it is called Las Margaritas. It is an active convent conceived as a reminder of the tragedy of 1609 and the expulsion of the Moriscos from Madrid. Its opening in 1616 was celebrated in the presence of the king and his family.

The monastery is home to novices from the upper classes, and it is considered one of the richest in the country. Architecturally, it is an example of mid-17th-century Spanish building: the architects adhered to a strict, laconic style. After a fire in the 18th century, the church was rebuilt with Neoclassical features added. Inside you will see paintings by Luca Giordano and works by Francisco Bayeu.

The catch: it is an active convent, so some areas are closed to visitors.

13. Mercado de San Miguel

Iron-and-glass pavilion of San Miguel Market on a cloudy day

Mercado de San Miguel stands in the center, next to Plaza Mayor. People come here not only for fresh products from around the world but also for the tapas bars: locals and visitors alike love to linger here. A corner with coffee and pastries is available at any time of day, although the busiest hours are lunchtime and evening.

The market got its current look in the 19th century, when an iron frame was installed. Before that, the city-block-sized area was neglected, and dirt from the stalls made life miserable for the neighbors. Now the stalls are decorated with ceramics, gas lamps are lit, and the counters have striking lighting. The market is divided into three parts: baked goods, seafood with caviar and delicacies, and a tapas section with paella, cheeses, and pintxos.

The catch: at lunchtime and in the evening, it is almost impossible to find a free spot at the counters.

14. National Library of Spain

Facade of the National Library of Spain in Madrid

The National Library of Spain looks like a palace, although it is a working institution. Its facade is decorated with sculptures of great cultural figures, and inside you will find paintings, decorative details, and sculptural compositions. The building is large, and the interior space is divided into eight thematic halls.

The most valuable items are collected in the main hall. The Cervantes Hall is dedicated to the writer and his works; the Goya Hall displays canvases and reproductions, old maps, and photographs of rare books. Music has its own hall, the Barbieri Hall, and the history of the library itself is covered in the historical hall. Over three centuries, millions of publications have accumulated here: books, newspapers, magazines, and engravings. It is the country's most authoritative library.

15. Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great

Painted dome of the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande from inside

The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great looks modest from the outside, although it stands on the site of a destroyed Franciscan monastery founded by Saint Francis back in the 13th century. The basilica opened to parishioners in the mid-18th century; Francisco Cabezas, Antonio Plo, and Francesco Sabatini worked on it. The building is circular in plan, and the style is restrained, typically Neoclassical.

Inside, the decor surprises with its richness. The enormous dome is considered the largest in Spain and one of the largest in Europe, emphasizing the basilica's grandeur. The central entrance is made of walnut wood, and seven chapels hold works by Goya, Zurbarán, and other masters. It is also the honorary burial place of Spanish politicians, heroes, and cultural figures. Restoration has been underway for thirty years.

16. Royal academy of fine arts of San Fernando

The Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando occupies a historic building in the very heart of the city, on Calle de Alcalá. The building serves simultaneously as an educational institution, a museum, and the headquarters of the Madrid academy of arts. The house was built in the late 17th century to a design by José de Churriguera, during the heyday of the Baroque, hence the rich decor and elegant forms. Later the facade was simplified, removing excess Baroque details.

Facade of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando on Calle de Alcalá

Painting, architecture, and sculpture were taught here, then a music faculty was opened, and in the 20th century photography, television, and cinematography were added. The academy was headed by major cultural figures, and Salvador Dalí was among its students. The academy operates its own museum with paintings by Goya, Rubens, Zurbarán, and Dalí.

17. Church of San Andrés

Nave and marble altarpiece of the Church of San Andrés

The Church of San Andrés is part of a church complex in the old La Morería district, along with the chapels of San Isidro and Obispo. It is one of the oldest churches in the capital: it was first mentioned in documents in the early 13th century. The building stands on the site of an even older church from the Islamic period.

The church is built in the Baroque style, so it immediately draws attention with its rich decor. The dome is decorated with cherub figures, and inside there is a combination of stucco, marble finishes, and a magnificent altar. San Andrés serves as the resting place of Saint Isidore, the city's patron saint, and of writer Vicente Espinel, who is called the "father" of the Spanish guitar. The church stands on the square of the same name.

18. Church of San Pedro el Viejo

The Church of San Pedro el Viejo stands on Calle del Nuncio, in a quarter that was once Moorish. Its tower survives from an old Arab fortress, so its "Islamic past" is still visible in its appearance. The church received the name San Pedro el Viejo only in the late 19th century; before that it was known as San Pedro el Real.

Over the centuries the church was rebuilt several times, but the tower barely changed: today it looks the same as it did centuries ago. Lovers of architectural puzzles will notice that the top of the tower is slightly off the central axis. As a place of worship, the church was founded by Alfonso XI of Castile and León in the 14th century in gratitude for the capture of Algeciras, and it was built on the site of an older mosque.

19. Church of Sacramento

Facade of the Church of Sacramento in Madrid with dome

The Church of Sacramento stands on a small square off Calle Mayor, not far from Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace. It is a 17th-century architectural monument, and these walls are all that remain of the monastic complex of Santimo Sacramento. The monastery was founded by the Duke of Uceda, later suffered damage during the Civil War and was demolished to make way for a residential block, while the church survived as the main temple of the monastery.

The facade is dominated by the figure of an angel. It was placed there in memory of the 1906 tragedy: an anarchist threw a bomb at the wedding procession of King Alfonso XIII, killing thirty people, although the royal couple themselves were unharmed. The facade is entirely granite, while the building itself is brick. The facade is decorated with an 18th-century bas-relief of Saints Benedict and Bernard, and inside you are greeted by an atrium with paintings.

20. Church of San Isidro

The Church of San Isidro stands a stone's throw from Plaza Mayor. Until the end of the last century, it held the title of Madrid's cathedral, before it was transferred to Almudena. The church is named after Saint Isidore, known for his miracles. The most famous of them involves a well: the saint's son fell into it, and after his father's prayers the water rose, so the boy was saved.

The building is designed in refined Baroque style, commissioned by monks of the Jesuit order. After the order was expelled, King Charles III ordered the interior to be completely altered, affecting the altarpiece and the presbytery. During the Civil War the church suffered heavy fire damage, and many works of art were lost. The cathedral was later restored and two towers were completed, which had long stood unfinished. Its plan is a cross with a dome in the center.

21. Las Vistillas Gardens

Garden with flowerbed and view of Almudena Cathedral

Las Vistillas Gardens cover an area of more than one and a half hectares. It is especially pleasant here in summer, but the garden does not lose its charm in other seasons either. The project was prepared by two Spanish architects, Fernando García Mercadal and Manuel Herrero Palacios.

The main part of the garden is surrounded by low fences and reached by a staircase. Inside there is a seating area, a fountain and flower beds, and the granite paths are lit by lamps at dusk. The garden's name comes from the Spanish word meaning "views," and it is justified: from here you get a panorama of the Manzanares River and Casa de Campo park. After your walk you can sit in an open-air cafe or bar and watch the sunset.

22. Buen Retiro Park

Garden with pool and roses in Buen Retiro Park

Buen Retiro Park is loved by both locals and visitors: on Sundays whole families come here to stroll. It is located in the district of the same name and remains one of the largest parks in the capital. On the grounds you can relax by a small lake or walk along tree-shaded avenues.

In the late 19th century, palaces of crystal and brick were built in the park for international exhibitions, becoming new ornaments of the place. Under King Philip IV, the park adjoined his palace and served as a place of court entertainment: balls and theatrical performances were held here. What remains of the palace are the buildings that now house the Army Museum and part of the Prado collection, while the palace itself was destroyed in the war with Napoleon.

The catch: on Sundays the avenues and the lake are packed; it is quieter here on weekdays.

23. El Rastro Market

Stalls and crowd of shoppers at El Rastro market

El Rastro Market is located in the old La Latina quarter, next to Puerta de Toledo metro station. This colorful market stretches across several city squares, and the quarter itself has a rich history. It is the most famous flea market in Spain and one of the oldest in the city.

Almost everything is sold here: from porcelain figurines and vintage jewelry to antique furniture and old pieces by Spanish craftsmen. It is a convenient place to pick up authentic souvenirs and gifts. Even if shopping does not interest you, it is worth coming to feel the life of Spaniards, haggle with vendors and listen to street musicians. The market has an almost theatrical atmosphere: emotional dialogues, brightly decorated stalls, a riot of colors.

24. Naval Museum

Facade of the Naval Museum in Madrid with sign

Spain has long been famous for its seafarers and shipbuilders, which is why the Naval Museum in Madrid is on the must-visit list. Its halls tell in detail about the traditions and history of conquering the seas by different generations of Spaniards. The museum was founded back in the late 18th century.

In the exhibition you will see works of art related to maritime affairs, weapons used to equip ships of the Spanish crown, sailors' uniforms and artillery pieces. There are also truly rare exhibits here. Among them, the map of Juan de la Cosa depicting America is especially valuable: historians consider it the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the American continent.

25. National Museum of Romanticism

The National Museum of Romanticism is the only one in Europe where the entire exhibition is dedicated to a single era. It houses the most outstanding examples of this movement. Romanticism primarily touched the visual arts and literature, so in the halls you will find works by artists and printed publications from the 18th and 19th centuries, the period when the movement flourished in Europe.

Puerta del Sol square in Madrid on a sunny day

The exhibition opened in the early 20th century, and an original 18th-century mansion in an unusual Baroque style was chosen to house it: it looks aristocratic and rich. The building's walls hold many paintings and miniatures, and rare furniture from various Romanticism trends is kept here, from Empire style to Romantic Art Nouveau. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and attracts historians and admirers of the Byron era.

26. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Stands of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium during a match

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is considered one of the best sports arenas in the world. Real Madrid and the Spanish national team play here, so the stands are almost never empty. The stadium was named after Santiago Bernabéu, a highly respected club president in Spain: under him the club won the European Cup six times.

The arena serves not only for sports; it is also one of the largest concert venues in Europe. Frank Sinatra performed here, and in 1982 the stadium hosted a meeting between the Pope and tens of thousands of Catholics. The stadium is located not far from the center and is easy to reach by metro. A stadium tour costs from €37 (as of 09/2026, official Real Madrid website), book your slots in advance.

27. Queen Sofía Arts Center

Glass elevators at the facade of the Reina Sofía Museum

The Queen Sofía Arts Center is part of the capital's "Golden Triangle of Art." It attracts not only tourists but also students, scholars and art historians: it houses one of the largest collections of 20th-century art. In the halls you will find works by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

In addition to Western European masters, the museum has exhibitions of Soviet-era avant-garde artists, such as works by Rodchenko and Popova. The complex includes several buildings and a palace-and-park ensemble, as well as lecture halls, a concert venue and a restaurant with panoramic views. The library collection numbers tens of thousands of items. For current prices and opening hours, see the official museum website.

Allow at least two hours to see the main collection: it is large, and the halls stretch across several levels. Besides paintings, there are sculptures and installations related to the art of the past century. Start with the main building and decide where to go next from there.

28. CaixaForum

Facade of CaixaForum Madrid with vertical garden and sculpture

CaixaForum occupies the building of a former early 20th-century power station. The architects turned the industrial facility into a modern exhibition hall while preserving the Art Nouveau features: wide brick walls, a skylight in the center of the roof, the double facade structure, and clean lines. Outside, metal panels were applied to the walls and artificially aged.

The wall facing the Royal Botanical Garden is decorated with a vertical garden: thousands of plants grow on it. Inside, you will find the most interesting installations by contemporary artists, viewing halls across three above-ground and two underground floors, and an unusual staircase that has become an architectural landmark of the complex. In addition to the permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events take place here.

29. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Facade of the Villahermosa Palace with banners and palm trees

Until 1993, the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection remained the largest private art collection in the world. Together with the Reina Sofía Museum and the Prado, it is part of Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art," which defines the area of the capital's most famous museums. The museum's collection complements those of its neighbors.

In the galleries you will see paintings from different eras, styles, and schools: Italian primitives, works of the Dutch and English schools, Impressionist and Expressionist pieces. There are also paintings more than eight centuries old, as well as works by American artists from the second half of the last century. Some of the masterpieces are held in Barcelona, at the National Museum of Catalan Art. The museum itself is located near the Banco de España metro station, in a ducal palace.

30. Linares Palace

Gilded hall of the Linares Palace with mirrors and fireplace

Linares Palace was built in 1884 by one of the city's wealthy bankers, on Cibeles Square. The building rivals royal chambers in beauty and decoration, and its architect was Carlos Colubí. The palace's owner, José de Murga, was not a nobleman and received the title of Marquis later, as recognition of his service to the country.

The building is in the neo-Baroque style, with refined decoration and clean lines. It had three residential floors, the basement was used for the kitchen and utility rooms, and the fourth floor housed guest rooms, a winter garden, a gallery, and bathrooms. The interiors were decorated with silk and velvet, and the furniture was made by the best Spanish craftsmen. After the owner's death, the palace fell into neglect and was damaged during the Civil War, but in 1976 it was restored based on descriptions and photographs. It is now open to visitors.

Madrid attractions on the map

Madrid is divided into a compact historic center and outlying neighborhoods served by metro and bus. You can walk around the old town, while the stadium, Buen Retiro Park, and CaixaForum are easier to reach by metro. Buy a single ticket from the machine at the station; a travel card is worth it if you plan to make many trips. From Madrid-Barajas Airport, the easiest option is to book a transfer to your hotel.

30 sights of Madrid

Places on the map

1Plaza Mayor Main 17th-century square with an equestrian statue of Philip III
2Basílica de San Miguel 18th-century church a stone's throw from Plaza Mayor, frescoes and carved altars
3Palacio Real Europe's largest working royal residence
4Catedral de la Almudena Entry is free, the museum and dome climb cost €6
5Jardines de Sabatini Neoclassical park on the north side of the Royal Palace
6Plaza de España Fountains, a stele and a sculpture group of Cervantes with Don Quixote
7Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales 16th-century convent of poor Clares with a four-century-old collection
8Museo del Prado Bosch, El Greco and Velázquez, full ticket €15, book a time slot in advance
9Puerta de Toledo Early 19th-century granite arch on the site of the road to Toledo
10Puerta de Alcalá Ceremonial gate by Sabatini, lit up in the evening
11Teatro Real One of Europe's best opera houses, opposite the Royal Palace
12Monasterio de la Encarnación Working convent from 1611 with murals by Luca Giordano
13Mercado de San Miguel 19th-century iron pavilion near Plaza Mayor, tapas bars and seafood
14Biblioteca Nacional de España Eight themed rooms, including the Cervantes and Goya rooms
15Basílica de San Francisco el Grande A round temple with Spain's largest dome, works by Goya
16Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando Academy of arts on Calle de Alcalá with works by Goya, Rubens and Dalí
17Iglesia de San Andrés One of the city's oldest churches, in the La Morería quarter
18Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo A tower left from an Arab fortress, slightly off axis
19Iglesia del Sacramento 17th-century monument on Calle Mayor, an angel figure on the facade
20Iglesia de San Isidro The city's former baroque cathedral near Plaza Mayor
21Jardines de las Vistillas 1.5 hectares with a view of the Manzanares and Casa de Campo park
22Parque del Buen Retiro One of the capital's biggest parks, with a lake and a crystal palace
23El Rastro Spain's most famous flea market, in the La Latina quarter
24Museo Naval Juan de la Cosa's map and a collection on the conquest of the seas
25Museo del Romanticismo Europe's only single-era museum, in an 18th-century mansion
26Estadio Santiago Bernabéu Real Madrid's arena, stadium tour from €37
27Museo Reina Sofía 20th-century art collection, Dalí, Picasso and Miró
28CaixaForum Exhibition hall in a former power station with a vertical garden on the wall
29Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza The former largest private painting collection in the world
30Palacio de Linares 1884 neo-baroque palace of a banker on Plaza de Cibeles

All thirty sites are marked on the map, making it easy to build your own route. If you don't want to plan walks between monuments manually, check out the ready-made tours below.

Plan your day by neighborhood: Habsburg Madrid, Paseo del Prado, and La Latina. Start your morning with the outlying sites and leave the center for the evening.

Tours and tickets in Madrid

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need to see Madrid?

Two or three days are enough for the center: the thirty places on the list are close together. Add a separate day for the Prado and the Reina Sofía Museum if you love museums. The stadium and Buen Retiro Park are easy to fit into a fourth day.

Which Madrid attractions are free?

You can enter Almudena Cathedral, the Church of San Andrés, and Buen Retiro Park for free. Plaza Mayor, the Alcalá Gate, and Plaza de España are also open around the clock. The museum and the Almudena dome charge €6, and state museums offer a reduced ticket: check their websites for free admission conditions (as of 09/2026, official Madrid tourism website).

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable, when there is no summer heat. In summer, plan walks for the morning and evening, and spend the afternoon in air-conditioned museums. In winter there are fewer tourists, and you will hardly ever find lines at ticket offices.

What to see in Madrid with kids?

Kids usually enjoy Buen Retiro Park with its lake and boats, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and San Miguel Market with tapas. At the Prado, it is better to go with children for a couple of hours rather than the whole day. Plan food stops, otherwise your child will be tired by lunchtime.

How do you get around Madrid?

You can walk around the center: distances between the main sights are short. For outlying sites, the stadium, and the park, it is easier to take the metro or bus. From the airport, take a pre-booked transfer or a taxi; it is easier with luggage.

In short: what to book

Everything else depends on your plans. If you are visiting for two days, focus on the old town and leave the museums for your next visit. That way you won't rush and won't miss the essentials.

For a first visit: a Prado ticket for the morning and a time slot at the Royal Palace.
For art: the Reina Sofía Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in one day.
For sports: a Santiago Bernabéu tour with an early slot.
With kids: Buen Retiro Park and San Miguel Market.

If you don't want to search for accommodation one option at a time, compare hotels in central Madrid on Trip.com. Walkability matters more here than star rating: it determines how much you can fit into a day.

What to see in Madrid: 30 places from Plaza Mayor to Linares Palace