Madrid is a city where history, culture, and modern life come together. Whether you’re exploring ancient squares, relaxing in lush parks, or diving into its art and food scenes, you’ll find something to love in every corner.

Let us take you through Madrid, a city where every corner holds centuries of stories and where tradition dances with modernity in perfect harmony.

Enjoy your visit!

Habsburg Madrid (Madrid de los Austrias)

Let’s start in Habsburg Madrid, where Spain’s imperial past lives on in stone and spirit. Between 1516 and 1700, the Habsburg dynasty left their mark here, building what would become the historic center of Madrid. It’s full of old buildings and streets that remind us of Spain’s imperial past. One of the main highlights is Plaza Mayor*, created during King Philip III’s reign. It’s a large, rectangular square surrounded by elegant buildings with three floors.

Close to Plaza Mayor is the San Miguel Market, one of the few iron structures left in Madrid. It’s a beautiful building where you can try delicious local foods.

Nearby is Plaza de la Villa*, a small and charming square surrounded by old baroque-style buildings. One of them used to be a prison and later became Madrid’s City Hall.

For religious history, visit the Almudena Cathedral, a relatively new church completed in 1993. Next to it, you’ll find the Royal Palace*, which is no longer the home of the royal family but is still used for official ceremonies. The palace is surrounded by two lovely gardens: the Sabatini Gardens and the Campo del Moro Gardens, both free to visit.

Lastly, don’t miss Plaza de Oriente, a peaceful square in front of the palace with great views of the Royal Theater*. All these spots are close together, so it’s easy to walk between them.

Plaza de Cibeles

In Plaza de Cibeles, you’ll find yourself face to face with Madrid’s soul – a stunning neoclassical fountain where the goddess Cibeles sits in her chariot pulled by lions. Behind her rises the majestic Cibeles Palace, built in 1909 as a post office and now home to centrocentro, headquarters of the Madrid City Council and a new cultural center. Take the elevator to the Madrid Lookout on the eighth floor – for a small fee, you’ll get panoramic views from 70 meters up.

It’s one of Madrid’s most recognizable also because it is the place where Real Madrid football team celebrates its victories!

palacio-de-cibeles-madrid

Puerta del Sol

The heart of Madrid beats in Puerta del Sol. This lively square in the heart of Madrid is always buzzing. It’s named after a gate that stood here in the 15th century. On one side of the square, you’ll find the famous statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (el Oso y el Madroño), a symbol that’s been part of Madrid’s identity since the 13th century.

In the center, there’s an equestrian statue of King Charles III, one of Spain’s great rulers. Opposite the statue is the Casa de Correos, an old post office building now used by the Madrid Regional Government. Its clock is famous for the New Year’s Eve countdown. On the ground in front of the building is the Kilometer Zero plaque, marking the starting point of all Spain’s main roads.

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Parque de El Retiro

Retiro Park unfolds like a green oasis in the city. This large and beautiful park was once part of a royal palace but became public in the late 19th century. Originally created as gardens for the Buen Retiro Palace, it’s now a favorite spot for locals to relax and enjoy nature.
Today it’s filled with sculptures, monuments, and the daily life of madrileños enjoying their beloved park.

Key architectural and historical features include the Grand Pond, offering activities like rowing boats. Additionally, the Velázquez Palace and the Crystal Palace , both now exhibition spaces for the Reina Sofía Museum, and the “Montaña de los Gatos”, are must-sees.

Museums Along the Art Walk

Madrid’s Art Walk, the Paseo del Arte, boasts a collection of world-class museums that narrate Spain’s artistic evolution. The Prado Museum reigns supreme, showcasing masterpieces by Spanish masters like Velázquez and Goya. For modern and contemporary art, the Reina Sofía Museum houses iconic works like Picasso’s Guernica. The CaixaForum features contemporary art, rotating exhibits, and a unique vertical garden, while the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum provides a comprehensive overview of European art.

If you’re intrigued by Spain’s ancient past, the National Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit.

vertical-garden-of-caixaforum-in-madrid

Gran Vía

Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous street and grand boulevard, stretches from Alcalá Street to Plaza de España. Often referred to as the “Spanish Broadway,” Gran Vía is a bustling hub of theaters, shops, restaurants, and bars, with a vibrant nightlife scene. Constructed between 1907 and 1929, the street boasts a captivating blend of 20th-century architectural styles, including Art Deco and Neo-Mudéjar.

Temple of Debod

Near Plaza de España, you’ll discover an unexpected treasure: the Temple of Debod.

This ancient Egyptian temple, a gift to Spain in the 1960s, dates back over 2,200 years. Originally constructed near Aswan, it was relocated to Madrid to safeguard it from flooding caused by the Aswan Dam. Despite the challenges of Madrid’s climate for its preservation, the Temple of Debod stands as a unique piece of ancient Egyptian architecture in Spain.

Situated in a park, it offers breathtaking views, particularly at sunset. While entry is free, be prepared for potential queues due to its popularity. It is recommended to reserve your tickets here

 

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El Rastro

El Rastro, the heart and soul of Madrid’s Sunday mornings, is a vibrant outdoor flea market located in the La Latina neighborhood. This historic market, which dates back to 1740, earned its name “The Trail” from the trails of blood left by butchers transporting goods near the old slaughterhouses. Today, it’s a bustling hub of activity, transforming the streets into a colorful spectacle every Sunday and holiday.

Starting at Plaza del Cascorro and sprawling towards the Manzanares River along Ribera de Curtidores (named after the area’s leather-working history), El Rastro offers a treasure trove of over 1,000 stalls. You’ll find everything from vintage records and unique artisan crafts to antique treasures, each with its own story to tell.

Beyond the shopping, El Rastro is an immersion into Madrid’s culture. The air fills with the sounds of flamenco guitar, the calls of vendors, and the enticing aromas of tortilla and jamón from nearby bars. Haggling is part of the experience, adding to the lively atmosphere.

rastro madrid

After exploring, do like the madrileños do—find yourself a spot in one of the dozens of cafés scattered throught the city. Order a café con leche, maybe some churros, and watch the world go by. That’s how you really feel the pulse of Madrid.

But why stop there? For an even deeper connection to the city, join us on our Madrid walking wine and food tour, where we’ll take you to the places we share with our own families and friends. Along the way, you’ll discover some of the iconic spots mentioned here, as well as hidden gems and authentic local flavors. Plus, we’ll share insider tips and recommendations to help you make the most of the rest of your stay in Madrid.

Let us show you Madrid through the eyes of a local—one bite at a time!

Madrid walking wine and food tour

About the Author: Spain Food Sherpas

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