Royal Palace of Madrid

Must to See

18th-century, ridge-top palace for state occasions, plus tours with rooms full of art and antiques.

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

Stadium

Not all of Madrid's tourist attractions revolve around art. One of its most-visited museums draws football fans to the stadium of the city's home team, Real Madrid. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium, as well as the museum, which displays trophies, team artifacts, and temporary exhibits. Tours also give fans a chance to enjoy the view of the field from the top of the stadium.

Buen Retiro Park

Park

It is an oasis of peace in the heart of Madrid. This lush and beautifully manicured park offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park encompasses more than 125 hectares and is shaded by over 15,000 trees. Created for the Count-Duke of Olivares in the 17th century, the historic park has an elegant ambience with its variety of gardens and tree-lined paths. The Parque del Retiro was owned by the Spanish royal family until the 19th century; since then it has been a public park.

Royal Palace

Landmark

This grandiose palace is the Spanish version of Versailles, a royal court designed to impress. However unlike Versailles, which is now just a museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid is still the official residence of a monarch and continues to be used for official State events.

Puerta del Sol

Must to See

Public square with an equine statue of King Carlos III & 0km marker stone for Spanish distances.

Plaza Mayor

Landmark

This elegant 17th-century plaza was built during the reign of Philip III and used as a center of commerce and municipal life, as well as the scene of ceremonial events such as the proclamation of a new king and the canonization of saints. The square also served as a venue for bullfights, dramatic performances, and knightly tournaments. The Plaza Mayor took on its present appearance after a fire in 1790, when the corners were enclosed and the nine entrance arches were constructed, linking it to Calle de Toledo, Calle Mayor, Calle de Postas, and others.

Plaza of San Miguel

Must to See

Fuente de Cibeles

Must to See

Standing in a major traffic intersection, the Fuente de Cibeles is one of the most emblematic monuments in Madrid. Lifelike statues depict the Roman Goddess Cybele riding a lion-drawn chariot. The fountain was created in 1782 by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel with the original purpose of providing water for public use. Behind the fountain is the Palacio de Cibeles that houses the CentroCentro cultural center, which hosts art exhibitions and workshops, conferences, and concerts.

Spain Gate

Park

This elegant, circa-1893 gate is a main entrance to the city's Retiro Gardens.

Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida

Church

Perhaps the least visited of Madrid's major art treasures are the stunning frescoes painted by Francesco Goya that decorate the vaults and ceiling of the chapel of the Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida. The little 18th-century chapel, along the banks of the Manzanares River behind the Royal Palace, hosts an annual festival in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua on June 13th, but it's the interior that has become a place of pilgrimage for art lovers.

Plaza Del Gral. Vara De Rey

Must to See

Plaza del Dos de Mayo

Park

Vibrant plaza around a monument to 1808 rebellion, bordered by shops, bars & cafes with terraces.

Basílica de San Francisco el Grande

Church

The Basílica de San Francisco el Grande was built by Carlos III in 1761 for a Franciscan friary. The church was designed by Francisco Cabezas, who modeled the Neoclassical architectural plan on the Church of Santa Maria in Campitelli in Rome. The construction was completed in 1784 by Francisco Sabatini. The interior features an inspiring 58-meter-high dome that is larger than the dome of Saint Paul's Cathedral in London. Magnificent paintings adorn the chapels of the basilica, including masterpieces by the Spanish Old Masters.

Muslim Walls

Park

Paved garden with viewing platforms over remains of stone walls built by 9th-century Moorish forces.