Madrid Attractions Guide 2026

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Madrid.

1. 1

   Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)

   museumAdult €15 · Child Free under 183–4 hours

   One of the world's greatest art museums, housing over 8,000 paintings including masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Rubens. The collection spans from the 12th to the early 20th century and is considered the finest collection of European art anywhere on earth.

   Tip: Book tickets online to skip queues · Free entry Mon–Sat 18:00–20:00 and Sun 17:00–19:00 · Audio guides available for €3.50

2. 2

   Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)

   landmarkAdult €13 · Child €6.50 (5–16)2–3 hours

   The official residence of the Spanish royal family and the largest functioning royal palace in Western Europe, with 3,418 lavishly decorated rooms. Highlights include the Royal Armoury, Throne Room, and the ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo.

   Tip: Arrive early to beat tour groups · Combination ticket with Almudena Cathedral available · The changing of the guard takes place on Wednesdays at noon

3. 3

   Reina Sofía Museum (Museo Reina Sofía)

   museumAdult €12 · Child Free under 182–3 hours

   Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, most famous for housing Picasso's monumental anti-war painting Guernica. The museum also features major works by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Juan Gris in a converted 18th-century hospital building.

   Tip: Free entry Mon & Wed–Fri 19:00–21:00, Sat 14:30–21:00, Sun 12:30–19:00 · Guernica is on the 2nd floor — arrive there first before crowds build

4. 4

   Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)

   natureAdult Free · Child Free2–4 hours

   A stunning 125-hectare royal park that is the green lung of Madrid, featuring a rowing lake, the Crystal Palace, rose garden, outdoor sculptures, and street performers. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the city's most beloved outdoor space.

   Tip: Rent a rowing boat on the lake for €7/30 min · Visit the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) for free art exhibitions · Sunday is lively with street performers and local families

5. 5

   Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

   museumAdult €13 · Child Free under 122–3 hours

   The third pillar of Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, showcasing a comprehensive sweep of Western art from the 13th to the late 20th century. The collection covers Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, and Pop Art with works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Hopper.

   Tip: Free entry Monday 12:00–16:00 · Visit on the same day as Prado to save walking — they are 5 minutes apart

6. 6

   Puerta del Sol

   landmarkAdult Free · Child Free30 minutes

   Madrid's central square and official kilometre zero of Spain's radial road network, surrounded by historic buildings including the clock tower whose bells mark the Spanish New Year. The square is the pulsing heart of the city and a prime spot to watch city life.

   Tip: Watch out for pickpockets in this busy square · Look for the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue — Madrid's official symbol

7. 7

   Plaza Mayor

   landmarkAdult Free · Child Free1 hour

   Madrid's grand 17th-century arcaded square, built under Philip III and once used for bullfights, public executions, and royal ceremonies. Today it hosts restaurants, street artists, the Casa de la Panadería with its striking frescoed facade, and a Christmas market in December.

   Tip: Have a coffee at the outdoor cafés but eat lunch elsewhere for better value · Enter through the archways for atmospheric alley exploration

8. 8

   Templo de Debod

   landmarkAdult Free · Child Free1 hour

   A 4th-century BC ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the gods Amon and Isis, dismantled and gifted to Spain in 1968 as thanks for helping save Abu Simbel. It stands in Parque del Oeste and offers magnificent sunset views over the Casa de Campo and the Guadarrama mountains.

   Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best light · The surrounding park is a great picnic spot

9. 9

   Gran Vía

   culturalAdult Free · Child Free1–2 hours

   Madrid's iconic main boulevard, often called the Spanish Broadway, lined with grand early 20th-century architecture, flagship stores, theatres, cinemas, and rooftop bars. A walk along Gran Vía is essential for capturing the city's cosmopolitan energy.

   Tip: Visit rooftop bars on Gran Vía for panoramic city views · Best photographed at night when the neon signs are lit

10. 10

    Mercado de San Miguel

    culturalAdult Free · Child Free1–2 hours

    A beautifully restored 1916 cast-iron market hall near Plaza Mayor, now a gourmet food market with over 30 stalls offering tapas, pintxos, seafood, cheese, wine, and vermouth. It is one of Madrid's most atmospheric spots for grazing and people-watching.

    Tip: Visit at lunchtime rather than peak evening for more space · Budget €15–25 per person for a grazing lunch

Attractions by category

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Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Hours

Most museums open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–19:00 or 20:00; many closed Monday

Fees

Major museums €10–€15; combo tickets available for Prado+Thyssen+Reina Sofía

Best Times

Early morning 10:00–11:00 or late afternoon from 18:00 to avoid peak crowds

Booking

Book Prado, Royal Palace and Bernabéu online in advance, especially in summer

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Frequently asked questions