Best things to do in Madrid
Find out more about those top places in Madrid
At the center of the Spain is Madrid, “the nation’s pride”, it is no secret that it is one of Europe’s best cities with its famous architectural structures, lovely landscapes, rich heritage and welcoming communities.
Madrid is the capital of Spain, with a population of over 4 million people, it is the third largest city in the European Union behind Berlin and London.
It is one of the leading cities in the world when it comes to tourism and it welcomes millions of visitors yearly.
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The Prado Museum
Located at the center of Madrid is the Museo Del Prado (The Prado Museum), Spain’s main art museum. Established in 1819 the museum features work from famous artists across Spain and Europe and it is also one of the most visited museums in Europe. The building where it is situated was designed by Juan de Villanueva and was initially the residence of Ferdinand VII before becoming Royal museum of Paintings and Sculptures. The museum has thousands of art works in its collection including the famous Van Der Weyden’s masterpiece “the virgin and Child” and Goya’s “Countess of Chichon”.
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Royal Palace of Madrid
With a Baroque architectural Style, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest functioning Royal palace in Europe. It is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and it consists of over 3,418 rooms. Designed by several Spanish artists it is surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains and sculptures. Although the official residence of the Royal Family, they are rarely present deciding to stay in the much smaller Palace of Zarzuela on the city outskirts.
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Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Home to Real Madrid, Spain’s most successful football club, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a must visit. The stadium completed in 1947, has a capacity of 81,044 it is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. A Typical visit will include a tour of the team’s dressing rooms, press room, presidential box, dugout and the gallery that displays the trophies won by the team. If you are visiting on a match day, you get to see the football stars play in an erupting atmosphere.
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Flamenco Tablaos
The Spanish are well-known for their dancing, many of which originated from Spain itself. One of those dance styles is the Flamenco, usually performed in a tablao (a platform floor). The Flamenco Tablaos were so famous in the 1960s that they gradually replaced most of the restaurants around. To get immersed in the culture of Madrid, visit one of its numerous Tablaos in the city and watch the Flamenco.
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National Library
Situated on the Paseo de Recoletos, the National Library of Spain is a place worth visiting. The Library was established in 1712 by King Philip V, features over 26,000,000 items including books, manuscripts, newspapers and serials. The library is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Spain’s heritage through documentation.
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El Rastro
El Rastro is a flea market located along the Plaza de Cascorro, it is one of Madrid busiest markets. The market is held on every Sunday and on public holidays and has over 3500 stores with vendors from different parts of the country. For tourists looking to buy antiques or souvenirs this is the best place.
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Reina Sofía Museum
See Picasso's famous painting, "Guernica" and other masterpieces of 20th-century art on a guided tour of Madrid's Reina Sofia Museum. Marvel at works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, and get explanations from an English and Spanish-speaking guide.
