Popular places to visit
Gran Via
Madrid’s famous shopping strip has boutiques and international brands, an exciting nightlife and an impressive display of early 20th-century architecture.
Bernabéu Stadium
Cheer on the superstar players of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the colossal 81,000-capacity stadium.
Puerta del Sol
Stand at the very center of Madrid and feel the buzz as thousands of people meet and greet before a night out, gather for protests, or start out on a tour of the city.
Plaza Mayor
This square has seen everything from markets and public celebrations to bullfights and executions. Today you’ll find street performers, artists and plenty of shops.
El Retiro Park
Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.
Things to do
Madrid: Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drinks Options
Skip-the-Line with Madrid’s Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour
Big Bus Madrid Hop-on, Hop-off Open-top Sightseeing Bus Tour
From Madrid: 3 Cities in 1 Day – Segovia, Ávila & Toledo Guided Tour
From Madrid: Avila and Segovia Full-Day Tour
Toledo Half-Day Guided Tour with Cathedral included
Top hotels in El Pilar
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025
Senator Barajas Hotel
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025
Latroupe Prado
Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025
Other neighbourhoods around El Pilar
Tetuán
Travellers choose Tetuán for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Tetuan Station or Valdeacederas Station and check out top sights like Cuzco Square.
Chamartín
Travellers choose Chamartín for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Colombia Station or Concha Espina Station and check out top sights like Bernabéu Stadium.
Chamberí
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Chamberí. If sightseeing is on the list, Calle de la Princesa is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Islas Filipinas Station or Quevedo Station to see more of the area.
Malasaña
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.
Salamanca
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.
Recoletos
Travellers choose Recoletos for its fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station and check out top sights like Jorge Juan y Santacilia.
- Gran Via
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- El Retiro Park
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Prado Museum
- IFEMA
- Puerta de Alcalá
- Plaza de España - Princesa
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Plaza de Santa Ana
- Real Madrid City
- Las Rozas Village Outlet
- Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
- Plaza de Colon
- U.S. Embassy