The Best Attractions and Experiences to be explored in Madrid

Madrid is one of the most alive Capitals out there in Europe and one of my favorites. You can’t visit this city without falling for its charm and positive vibes. The capital is full of life and happy people. It is always a good idea whether for a weekend or a couple of days. This is where you will enjoy the warm weather eat well and yes party hard.

Madrid might not be the most touristic Capital in Europe but it still has some fascinating landmarks and touristic places to explore. My advice to you though, is to plan a full schedule that will include the amazing nightlife & Gastronomy there.

Hey! Don’t Worry about that. I will be telling you all about it in a different article. For now lets stick to the Main attractions to be visited there.

And most Importantly, check out the Madrid Itinerary 😎 for a previously prepared schedule for you. Yes I have thought about everything, all you need to do is grab your suitcase and head to Madrid.

Oh and in case you are there for the food😋 This article is made for you: the most delicious Spanish specialties to try once in Spain.

So now that you are all set and ready to go, let me tell you about the Main attractions & experiences to explore in Madrid!🤩

1. Palacio Real de Madrid
2. Temple debod
3. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
4. El Retiro Park
5. Mercado de San Miguel
6. Madrid Plazas

1- Palacio Real de Madrid

It is not only about the Royal Palace, even though its the Main iconic Landmark there, but the whole surrounding area wont fail to impress you. This is definitely the number one area to visit in Spain’s Capital.

Some general tips

• If you wish to witness the Changing guard ceremony, it is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• You can either take a guided tour, or do the visit on your own.
• I advice you to visit the palace around noon when it can get less crowded.

My experience

How to get there?

I personally recommend you to have a walk from Puerta del sol to the palace. The walk is about 15min. But if you want to go there by transportation, take the line L2, L3 or L10 to the closest square called Plaza Espana.

Address: Callede Bailén , s/n28013

Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 10am to 6pm & Sundays from 10am to 4pm

The Palace’s gardens: Sabatini Gardens

This is my favorite part of the area. I actually enjoyed the Gardens even more than the palace itself. And if you are a fan of photography this is where you should work your Magic. All angles have a captivating view.

Don’t simply stay up and check the Palace & the Gardens from up there. NO! Go down and have a stroll in those gardens. I compared them to the Gardens of Alice in Wonderland.🤩 And you can easily wander for a while in there. Walk along its narrow passageway, admire this amazing landscape and take the most beautiful pictures by the Fountain.

Opening hours: Throughout the week from: 10am-6pm

Cathedral de Santa Maria & Muralla arabe

2- Temple Debod

Now this is something original in the center of the city, a totally different historical monument located in an unlikely location. What am I talking about? An ancient Egyptian temple.

Situated in the Madrid’s Parque del Oeste, in a one of a kind setting along the waters the view is captivating. You can’t pass by there without being surprised and happy about this little controversial Gem in the middle of Plaza de Espana.

Is it worth the visit?

Although it is not related to the Spanish culture and history, Yes it does. And that is why I am telling you about it.😉 There is nothing much to see inside, its a small temple. But it still has some decorative Egyptian treasures, and displays some videos and audiovisual materials on its walls.

It might get a bit busy and you might have to stand in line because numbers are limited to the temple. So try to be patient.

The best Part is the Outdoors

This is a great place for photographers and amateurs of photography. It is a one of a kind spot in the city where you can take some breathtaking pictures. And if you like light and reflections by the waters pictures, this is exactly where you should be.

Recommendation: My advice to you is to go there around sunset. The reflection of the sun on the stones monuments is impressive. You will witness various shades of colors and take some unique photos of this masterpiece.

3- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Whether you are a Fan of football or not, this is an outstanding experience to live once in Madrid. The stadium itself is a masterpiece and the Bernabéu Tour is a magical visit that takes you to a journey in the Club’s amazing World.

Which Club’s Stadium is that? Well nothing else than the Real Madrid Club. The Stadium has a current capacity of more than 80000 seating. It is the second largest Stadium in Spain and hosted the Champions league final for many years. And most importantly witnessed the FIFA WORLD CUP final in 1982.

“The club of the Century“

Real Madrid was elected the best club of the 20th Century and this is what it was entitled. That gives you one more reason to discover their stadium and feel the white’s heartbeat.

What am I recommending? The Stadium’s guided tour! Where you will get the chance to learn more about this prestigious Club, discover its museum, the players lockers and finally have a stroll in the Stadium itself.

Recommendations:

• Get your tickets online to secure your place and get a discounted price.
• In case you are not sure about your date of visit check out the “flexible tour” ticket. For a few euros more you will be able to take the tour anytime you want.

Ticket prices: The flexible ticket is around 20 euros and the Classic one is about 17 euros.

The Stadium Tour

And for your ultimate experience, the tour will end at the Stadium where you will enjoy those panoramic views all over the place.

4- El Retiro Park

Almost like all the European Capitals, Madrid has its own magnificent Park called the Retiro Park. And here is a little secret for you, this one is actually my favorite park in Europe. Why am I saying that? Because the Retiro has many landmarks, offers many activities and has some beautiful greeneries and plants. It is also not very large and located right next to the outstanding Plaza Cibeles.

When is it best to visit it?

I went there in both autumn and summer. And while you get to really enjoy it in summer, its nature wont fail to impress you while its dressed in those fall colors. So even if it happens that you are in Madrid out of warm season, don’t hesitate to head there. Trust me you will be impressed.

Spend a cool afternoon there and discover all its wonders while enjoying Madrid’s warm and nice weather.

How to get there?

I totally recommend you to Have a walk from through Gran via towards El Retiro. This is what I have done and it was an amazing stroll towards la Plaza Cibeles & through the Puerta de Alcala. But if you’d rather take the Subway, don’t worry take the line 2 to Retiro station and you are there.

Now, let me tell you about the most amazing spots in the Park, the ones definitely at any cost not to be missed!

The Retiro Park lake

This lake located in the heart of the Retiro and represents its main symbol and its heartbeat. The lake is an impressive large one and a popular one for the locals who go there to tan. The vibes out there are captivating, you will have a stroll with a small breeze in your hair while getting enchanted by some street musicians.

The Lake is also known for its arcade structure that became the icon of the Park. It is a place where tourists and locals lay on its stairs to relax and enjoy the view. The view from around the lake is breathtaking and the environment super friendly.

Tip: you can also enjoy some activities in the lake like rowing and solar boats. So rent one of those for the ultimate experience in the park.

Palacio de Cristal

A bit further down from the Lake, you will find this unique structure called el Palacio Cristal. I really was impressed with what I saw, and from an engineer point of you I can tell you this is a masterpiece.

The structure is made up almost entirely of glass supported by a metallic framework based on a brick. What was built back in 1887 on the occasion of the Exposition of the Philippines, has become an impressive landmark in the park and a center of attraction.

Tip: don’t simply stand out there, go inside to check some amazing statues and piece of art.

La Rosaleda del Retiro

This is a small landscaped garden with a variety of roses and arbors along with stone fountains. This where you will find serenity! In this small corner by the end of the park lays some magic and charm that wont fail to put a big smile on your face. Go ahead and take those nice pictures with that perfect background and have a final stroll between the blooming roses.

Tip: There is a small impressive wooden passageway on your way from Palacio de Cristal towards la Rosaleda, make sure to have a walk there.

Recommendations:

• Make sure to check out: the fountain of the fallen Angel. A sculpture illustrating Lucifer falling from heaven.
• Don’t make it a quick getaway in the park, make sure to really enjoy an afternoon there. You have some Restaurants and some drinks vendors for you to keep you satisfied.
• If you are into museums, check out the nearby National museum called Museo national del Prado

5- Market de San Miguel

Spanish gastronomy is one of the best in the World! So what about having some of that in the Capital the local way? Madrid offers you the opportunity to have some delicious Spanish specialties in a cool ambiance. The capital is known for its different Food Markets all over the city and one of the best ones is definitely the Market de San Miguel.

What makes this Market special?

Definitely its location & history. The Mercado San Miguel that opened in 1916 as a food Market, became Madrid’s first gastronomy market in May 2009. And what makes it even more special? Its unique iron Architecture. The Market doesn’t look like any other Food Market but has unique image of its own.

So what about its location?

The Market is located in the heart of the city center, at a walking distance of the historic Plaza Mayor. This makes it at a proximate distance of Puerta del Sol and its Metro. Surrounded by many attractions, the market became an important landmark, packed with tourists from around the globe.

Here is your address: Plazade San Miguel, s/n28005

The food paradise

The San Miguel Market wont fail to fill your appetite. Oh and have I mentioned about dessert yet? I guess not…Yes you also have many types of those along with the finest Spanish wine.

My Experience

Once I stepped in the Market I felt the great vibes and cool atmosphere. It’s an amazing place to have some specialties in a unique environment. And guess what? It’s not only a touristic place, its the Spaniards happy place. I actually felt like a local there wandering in the Market checking all their goods and getting tempted to eat everything.

Is it expensive? Well it’s not the cheapest food Market I have been to, but it is of great quality. And you can find many items for many prices. So if you don’t wish to pay a lot you have some choices. The only thing that bothered was the fact that I wanted to try almost everything😅

Recommendations

• Don’t leave without trying the traditional one of a kind Iberian Jamon (Ham)
• Make a stroll all over the place before deciding on what you wanna have. Because you might end up with a totally different choice.
• If you want the full local experience, go there on an early evening for some tapas & wine.

Tip: Have a walk in the nearby street for some cool building facades.

6- Madrid Plazas

This is a major experience by itself in Madrid. The capital is known for its different Plazas and special streets. You will find many tourists and locals wandering in those plazas and mostly having there afternoon coffees or sunset drinks. There are many and each one of those plazas or small area is unique and known for a specific reason. Their diversity makes them all a must even though some are more famous than others.

My favorite one of those?

I will keep it as a secret for now and will tell you all about it in my separate related article. Make sure to stay tuned because I will be revealing my preference and giving you some nice recommendations.

So goodbye for now, Enjoy those touristic attractions!! AND See you Later😉

Thank you for reading and Leaving your comment!😊