Madrid is a city full of life, culture and delicious food. The city’s main attractions are within walking distance from one another so it’s one of the best places in Spain to explore on foot. Stop for tapas and a glass of wine at one of the city’s many restaurants before continuing your journey. Not convinced yet? Let’s take a look at 21 stunning pictures of Madrid that will convince you to visit right away.
El Retiro Park
Although Madrid is the capital and most populous city of Spain, there are still great green spaces in the city. El Retiro Park is one of our favorites as it is full of elegant gardens, ponds, monuments and even a unique iron and glass pavilion. The park was a royal property until the 19th century when the public could use the space. The royal past explains the extravagance of the park today. You could easily spend an entire day here admiring nature. You’ll even find the oldest tree in the city here, a Montezuma Cypress from 1633.
Palacio de Cristal
Palacio de Cristal is in El Retiro Park, but it’s so stunning we thought it deserved its own mention. The crystal palace is actually a greenhouse but its intricate design of iron and glass makes it feel like a palace. The greenhouse was built in 1887, making the architecture even more impressive. The Palacio de Cristal has a beautiful lake and fountain behind it that really pulls the whole view together.
Royal Palace of Madrid
No major city in Europe is complete without a palace or castle and Madrid is no different. The Royal Palace of Madrid was built in the mid-1700s for King Philip V. It is actually the largest royal palace in western Europe. The large size of the palace does not dim its appearance as the architecture and displays are all super extravagant. You’ll feel like royalty just from walking through the halls.
Although the palace is beautiful from the outside, you need to go in to get the full effect. For example, displays of intricate watches, tapestries, porcelain, silverware, Stradivarius instruments, and weapons from the Royal Armoury decorate different rooms.
Plaza Mayor
Another common attraction throughout Europe is city squares. For instance, Plaza Mayor in Madrid is one of our favorites as it is a beautiful renaissance square from the early-1600s. The square is huge with nine entrances and historic three-story buildings surrounding it. In the middle, you will find a 400-year-old bronze statue of King Phillip III atop a horse.
Although this square is full of history, it is also quite modern. You can find arcades, the city’s busiest Christmas market during the holidays, and great restaurants or cafes here. If you love to people watch, Plaza Mayor is a great place to do it!
Gran Via
If you only have a short amount of time in Madrid, a good way to get a feel for the city quickly is to visit Gran Via, a buzzing avenue with interesting buildings, delicious food and tons of shopping. You can find plenty of malls, high-street stores and luxury boutiques here. Visiting Gran Via at night is also nice as you can head for dinner, go to the cinema or even see a musical. If enjoying the nightlife is your thing, many of Madrid’s top nightclubs can also be found here.
Temple of Debod
If you’re interested in ancient Egyptian architecture, you may be surprised to learn that you can experience it within Madrid. During your stay, you need to visit The Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled in Nubia and rebuilt in the center of Madrid at the end of Gran Via street. There are a few works of ancient Egyptian architecture outside of Egypt, but this temple is the only one of its kind in Spain.
Explore the City’s Museums
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Although there are plenty of great art museums in Madrid, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is one of our favorites. It features works from English and German schools as well as plenty of renaissance art. Work from artists like Hans Holbein, Hans Buldung Grien, Tintoretto, Veronese, Rembrandt, van Dyck, Monet, Degas, Renoir, and much more can be found here.
Cerralbo Museum
Another great museum in Madrid is the Cerralbo Museum, named after the 17th Marquis of Cerralbo Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa. The museum houses art and historical objects from the Marquis who died in 1922. The main appeal of this museum is the design of the inside. It was built in the 19th century according to Italian taste, so it is super unique in Spain. Every room is luxuriously decorated with paintings, baroque furniture, and intricate chandeliers.
Madrid Atocha Railway Station
You may naturally come across this railway station as it is the biggest one in Madrid. You can catch trains from this station to various parts of Spain as well as Marseille in France. The building itself is an attraction thanks to the interesting architecture and the fact that it was built in 1851. The interior is any plant lover’s dream as it is full of huge palm trees, a variety of plants, and even a pond. In short, visiting the train station just to see the impressive garden is an attraction in itself.
Catedral de la Almudena
Spain is still a very Catholic-heavy country, so no trip is complete without a visit to one of the many churches in Madrid. Our favorite is Almudena Cathedral which was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993 despite building starting in 1883.
The church is extraordinary from the outside and the interior. Everywhere you look you’ll see beautiful paintings, unique architecture and impressive instruments like the pipe organ. Almudena Cathedral also has a crypt where plenty of royalty remains.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Madrid has plenty for you to do and see. You certainly don’t need to take our word for it as these pictures speak for themselves. Head to Madrid yourself to enjoy the stunning architecture, delicious food and history around every corner.