MAP > MADRID > Tourist Attractions in Madrid

    Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Madrid

    Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Madrid; Places to visit in Madrid

    Are You Wondering Which Places To Visit in Madrid?

    Madrid is a city where there are many places with tourist sites that can be visited depending on the number of days you decide to spend there. Some sites have free access and others require payment to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Here is a list of the top 10 tourist attractions you can see in Madrid.

    We also recommend you to plan in advance the reservation of some of the tourist sites to enjoy without worries.

    RECOMMENDED: Best Restaurants in Madrid & Nightlife in Madrid: Top 5 Best Places To Go Out

    1. Puerta del Sol

    1. DESCRIPTION
      • With its lively atmosphere, iconic symbol “the Bear and the Strawberry Tree”, and its central location, La Puerta del Sol is a catchy destination that truly embodies the spirit of this vibrant city.
      • Is where all the people come together to eat the 12 grapes on December 31st at 12:00 midnight.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • By metro, you can take line 1 (Blue Line) and get off at “Sol station”. ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • The bus that arrives at Puerta del Sol, is number 3.
    3. PRICES
      • Free access
    4. SCHEDULE
      • 24/7
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING
      • No links

    2. Plaza Mayor

    Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Madrid; Places to visit in Madrid
    1. DESCRIPTION
      • Is a very attractive tourist site with many curiosities. Among them is the fact that it has been the scene of bullfights, markets and even public executions. You will discover fascinating things as you stroll through its streets!
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • The easiest way to get to the Plaza Mayor is to head for Sol station. You can take line 1 (blue), 2(red), 3(yellow) to get to “Sol station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Alternative lines are: line 2 (red), 5 (green), which is similarly close to Plaza Mayor.
    3. PRICES
      • Free access
    4. SCHEDULE
      • 24/7
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING
      • No links

    3. Palacio Real

    Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Madrid; Places to visit in Madrid
    1. DESCRIPTION
      • The Royal Palace is a popular tourist attraction. In addition to its architectural beauty, it houses curiosities that capture the attention of visitors. From its more than 3,000 rooms to its famous astronomical clock, this palace has many captivating stories to tell.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • Underground: Lines 5 and 2 “Opera station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Bus: Lines 3, 25, 39 and 148
    3. PRICES
    4. SCHEDULE
      • Winter hours (October to March). From Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00. Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
      • Summer hours (April to September). From Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00. Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
      • Box office and admission to the Palace close one hour earlier
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING

    4. La Almudena Cathedral

    Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Madrid; Places to visit in Madrid
    1. DESCRIPTION
      • It is the only cathedral in Spain consecrated by a Pope: on June 15, 1993, it was consecrated by John Paul II.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • Underground: Lines 5 and 2 “Opera station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Bus: Lines 3, 31, 50, 65, 148
    3. PRICES
      • Basic Admission: 7 €
      • Reduced Admission: 5 €
      • Free access up to 9 y/o
    4. SCHEDULE
      • September to June: Mon – Sun: 10am – 8pm
      • July and August: Mon – Sun: 10am – 9pm
      • Museum: Mon – Sat: 10am – 2.30pm
      • The Cathedral cannot be visited during religious services.
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING
      • No online tickets

    5. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

    Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Madrid; Places to visit in Madrid
    1. DESCRIPTION
      • Has witnessed numerous historic moments in soccer. It has hosted World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League finals. It has also been the scene of legendary clashes between rival teams and has seen some of the world’s greatest players shine.
      • The stadium also boasts an impressive capacity to host thousands of spectators. With more than 80,000 seats available, it offers an unparalleled experience for fans lucky enough to witness a live game.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • Underground: Line 10 “Santiago Bernabeu station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Bus: Lines 114, 27, 40, 43, 120, 126, 147 and 150.
    3. PRICES
      • Classic: 25€ (28€ at the ticket office)
      • Classic Flexible Time: 30€ (33€ at the ticket office)
    4. SCHEDULE
      • Open every day of the year except December 25 and January 1
      • On non-game days: from Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm; Sundays and holidays, from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
      • On match days: the Tour will be open until 5 hours before kick-off.
      • Ticket office closed: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING

    6. Mercado de San Miguel

    Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Madrid; Places to visit in Madrid
    1. DESCRIPTION
      • Known for its wide selection of fresh and delicious products, starting from delicious Spanish ham, cheeses, “croquetas, “Spanish “tapas” to seafood and sausages. It also offers a variety of dining options to enjoy on the spot or take home.
      • Built in 1916, it stands as an extraordinary example of iron architecture, showcasing stunning glass walls and intricate wrought-iron details.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • Underground: Lines 5 “La Latina station” and Lines 1, 2, 3 “Sol station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Bus: Lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 146 y 150
    3. PRICES
      • Free access
      • Eating there: Average price 30€ ——–> MORE INFO
    4. SCHEDULE
      • From Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
      • Fridays, Saturday’s and holiday eves from 10:00 a.m. to 01:00 a.m.
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING
      • No online tickets required

    7. Palacio de Cibeles

    1. DESCRIPTION
      • On the eighth floor there is a public access viewpoint that allows an amazing 360º views of the entire city. From up there, the Gran Vía and its confluence with Alcalá Street, the Paseo de la Castellana and the greenery of the Retiro stands out.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • Underground: Line 2 “Banco de España station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Bus: Lines  E1, 203, 14, 27, 37, 45, C03, 1, 146, 15, 2, 20, 51, 52, 74, 9, 10, 34, 001
    3. PRICES
      • Basic Admission: 3 €
      • Reduced Admission: 2.4 € // 2 to 14 y/o , retirees, people over 65 y/o: 1.5 € // people with disabilities and companion: 1 €
    4. SCHEDULE
      • Tues to Sun: 10.30am-2pm / 4-7.30pm. Visits every 30 minutes
      • Ticket Office: Tues – Sun: 10am – 1.45pm / 3pm – 7.30pm Floor 2
      • Closed: Mondays, 1 and 6 Jan, 1 May, 24, 25 and 31 Dec. On 5 Jan, open from 10am to 2pm
      • Times may vary for security reasons or due to adverse weather conditions
      • Guided tours: Tue to Fri: 12 noon, Wed: 5.30pm. Duration: 30 mins. Max. 9 persons + guide.
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING

    8. Museo Nacional Del Prado

    1. DESCRIPTION
      • Currently has a collection of more than 1,100 paintings. However, inside there are more than 27,500 artistic objects, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, medals, photographs, coins, weapons …, a collection that would require at least 25 museums to display the entire collection.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • Underground: Line 1 “Estacion del arte station” // Line 2 “Banco de España station” or “Retiro station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Bus: Lines 001, 10, 14, 27, 34, 37, 45, C03
    3. PRICES
      • Basic Admission: 15 €
      • Reduced Admission: 7.5 €
      • Free access times: Monday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. // Sunday and holidays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    4. SCHEDULE
      • Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
      • Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
      • Closed: January 1st, May 1st, December 25th
      • Limited open hours: January 6th, December 24th and 31st (From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING

    9. Parque De El Retiro

    1. DESCRIPTION
      • The Romans organized representations of naval battles in their amphitheaters, Fernando VII also ordered to represent historical naval battles in the Retiro pond.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • Underground: Line 2 “Retiro station” or Line 9 “Ibiza station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Bus: Lines 1, 19, 20, 52, 63, C1
    3. PRICES
      • Free Access
    4. SCHEDULE
      • Spring – Summer: April to September 6am – 12 midnight
      • Autumn – Winter: October to March 6am – 10pm
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING
      • No tickets required

    10. Puerta de Alcala

    1. DESCRIPTION
      • It was designed by Sabatini in 1778 and belongs to one of the five royal gates through which you could access Madrid. When crossing, the traveler was obliged to pay the corresponding tax.
    2. HOW TO ARRIVE BY UNDERGROUND OR BUS
      • Underground: Line 2 “Retiro station” ——> PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
      • Bus: Lines 1, 2, 9, 15, 20, 51, 52 y 74
    3. PRICES
      • Free (Public monument)
    4. SCHEDULE
      • 24/7
    5. LINKS FOR BOOKING
      • No links

    FAQs About Traveling to Madrid

    1. What is the best time to visit Madrid with few tourists?

     Madrid is a place where no matter what time of the year is, it will always be crowded, but if you want to visit it when it is less busy then you should come in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) seasons offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring Madrid’s tourist attractions.

    2. What is the best and the worst season for visiting Madrid?

    The best time to visit Madrid is in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May), when there are mild temperatures tending to be a bit colder in October-November, and there are beautiful colours during these seasons. But if you don’t mind layering up or experiencing a toned down Madrid, visit in the winter when hotels reduce their rates.

    The worst weather in Madrid is during July and August where the temperatures can get up to 40 degrees celsius (104 Fahrenheit)

    3. Are there any specific dress codes for visiting religious sites in Madrid?

    While there is no strict dress code, it is advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as cathedrals or churches out of respect for their significance.

    It is recommended to book tickets online in advance for popular attractions like the Prado Museum or Royal Palace to avoid long queues and ensure entry at your preferred time slot.

    5. Are there any famous landmarks near Madrid worth visiting?

    Yes, within a short distance from Madrid, you can explore iconic landmarks such as Avila with its city walls, Toledo’s historic old town or Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and Alcazar castle.

    6. How can I get around Madrid easily?

    Madrid has an excellent public transportation system, with a comprehensive metro network and buses that cover all major areas. You can also explore on foot as many attractions are within walking distance.