Madrid Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Madrid
Madrid
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Madrid

This great Spanish city is known for its art history and beautiful ancient landmarks. However, its modern architecture is equally striking, and can be appreciated immediately on arrival at Madrid airport.

At the heart of country, the Spanish capital Madrid is home to around three million inhabitants. From small beginnings, Madrid grew quickly to become an influential empire. From 1561 when Felipe II chose the city as his capital, by the 17th-century a swarm of spectacular churches, palaces, monasteries and squares arose.

The stunning Palacio Real (Royal Palace) typifies Madrid’s 17th-century exuberance. The vast palace was the home of the Royal Family right up until the 1930’s. The main attractions include the painted ceilings of the opulent Dining Room and the lavish Throne Room.

At the core of the city sits Plaza Mayor (main square), a beautiful 17th-century square that has witnessed many of Madrid’s historical political and sporting events. Visitors once came here to enjoy bull fights, theatre and executions. Today its arcades play host too many charming cafes and shops.

For more insight into the Spanish art of bullfighting, visit Plaza de Toros de las Ventas. This magnificent building is one of the most beautiful in the country. There is an adjacent museum (Museo Taurino) where you can learn about the ancient spectacle.

Just along from the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol (Gateway of the Sun), is one of Madrid’s more lively neighbourhoods. This former castle gateway entrance bustles with visitors that flock to see a collection of historical landmarks such as the Casa de Correos - a former 18th-century post office and municipal building, the Kilometre Zero – the centre of Spain’s road network, and centrepiece statue of Carlos III.

Contemporary Madrid is best experienced at the Gran Via, the main avenue sweeping across the city’s central zone. Above the many modern hotels, shops and restaurants, sit some architectural wonders such as the 1930’s Art Deco Capitol cinema and Edificio La Estrella.

During your stay you are likely to spot one of Madrid’s tallest skyscrapers, the magnificent office block, Torre Picasso at Plaza Picasso, stretching 43 floors into the sky. Other noteworthy skyscrapers in the surrounding commercial area include the Torre Europa and Banco del Bilbao Tower.

Cultural Madrid is best enjoyed on the Paseo del Prado, home of the city’s best galleries and museums. The Museo del Prado and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza house infamous art collections by Goya and Velazquez.

In the neighbourhood you’ll spot more of Madrid’s spectacular monuments, the Plaza de Cibeles, an impressive Romanesque fountain, the stunning Ritz Hotel and the dominating Banco de Espana.

El Rastro, Madrid’s famous open air flea market is popular with tourists and locals alike. Dating back to the 19th-centruy, here can buy anything from furniture items, antiques, vintage clothing and more. For more upmarket and designer shopping try the Salamanca District. Here you’ll also come across upscale restaurants and style bars.

Where to stay in Madrid

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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(745 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
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Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
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Salamanca

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and La Caixa Foundation. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.

Salamanca
Chueca featuring café lifestyle and a city as well as a large group of people

Chueca

4.5/5(65 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chueca, you might enjoy attractions like Gran Via and Plaza de Chueca. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.

Chueca
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Malasaña

4/5(42 area reviews)

Museums, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Malasaña. Make a stop by Gran Via or Calle de la Princesa while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Noviciado Station or San Bernardo Station to get around town.

Malasaña
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Ibiza

During your stop in Ibiza, check out the parks, and jump on the metro at Ibiza Station to see more of the surrounding area.

Ibiza
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
The price is ฿6,855 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
฿6,855
฿7,540 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,310 reviews)
"I stayed here for one night and I absolutely enjoyed it. For starters, I appreciate how central it is. There's a lot of stores and restaurants nearby and the Metro station was close as well. I also appreciate that the hotel guests get preference to go to the rooftop bar. The staff was very kind and ..."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Senator Barajas Hotel

Senator Barajas Hotel

4 out of 5
Galeon 27, Madrid, Madrid
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,306 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
฿3,306
฿3,637 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,687 reviews)
"So convenient for the airport. Good dining options."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Senator Barajas Hotel
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport

Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport

3 out of 5
Avenida de Aragón 402, Madrid
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,382 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
฿2,382
฿2,620 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Madrid. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,248 reviews)
"Clean hotel"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,239 reviews)
"Excellent in every way"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Gran View Apartments
Compostela Suites Apartments

Compostela Suites Apartments

3 out of 5
C/ Zambrana, 4, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (659 reviews)
"It was okay and suited my children and myself for one night before the airport. It was clean, beds comfortable. Lacking cooking equipment. Quiet and felt very safe. The apartment just needs a little tlc….needs redecorating, handles etc to be fixed. Would use again, when needing an apartment near ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Compostela Suites Apartments
Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47

Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47

3.5 out of 5
Calle Gran Vía 47, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (400 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Smartr Madrid Gran Vía 47
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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