Madrid Tourism & Travel Guide - Places to see in Madrid

Madrid Tour & Travel Guide - Places to See in Madrid

Art galleries

If you’re an art enthusiast, Madrid’s art galleries just have to feature on your calendar. Home to Picasso’s Guernica, one of the most famous artwork from Spain, and several other Spanish artists, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía has one of Madrid’s premier collections of contemporary art. The works displayed here are from the 20th century up to the 1980s. The work of Joan Miró (1893–1983), whose paintings became a symbol of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 can also be found here. Museo del Prado is the other gallery to watch out for with more than 7000 paintings - although only around 1500 are currently on display. With such an extensive collection, you might have to come back to the Prado another time to really absorb the works on display. The third museum that joins the previous two to form Madrid’s ‘Golden Triangle’ of art is Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. This offers an extraordinary span of artistic styles, getting a whole lot of different artists together under one roof.

Plaza Mayor

The most famous plaza in Madrid, this is a must do for any tourist. Designed in 1619, this stunning square has seen its fair share of Spanish history. It’s been the address for numerous bullfights, symphonies, tournaments, and even the Inquisition. Today, it’s a common sight to see students and travelers sitting around the cobblestones enjoying a sunny day.

Parque del Buen Retiro

Laid out in the 17th century by Felipe IV for kings, queens and their intimates, the park was opened to the public in 1868. Today, it would be a great place to spot locals relaxing, or taking a boat ride around the marble monuments, landscaped lawns, a few elegant buildings and abundant greenery.

Templo de Debod

This 4th-century-BC Egyptian temple is situated in the heart of Madrid, in the Parque de la Montaña. It offers a magnificent view from the surrounding gardens towards the Palacio Real.

Palacio Real

A gigantic palace with 2800 rooms, Palacio Real gives the word grand its meaning. The palace is now only occasionally used for royal ceremonies since the royal family moved to the modest Palacio de la Zarzuela many years ago. Outside the main palace, you can visit the Farmacia Real (Royal Pharmacy) and the Armería Real (Royal Armoury), a shiny collection of weapons and armour, mostly from the 16th and 17th centuries.

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