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Sights & landmarks in Madrid

THE 10 BEST Madrid Sights & Historical Landmarks

Madrid Landmarks

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What travelers are saying

  • LeawoodCouple
    Leawood, KS272 contributions
    Biggest Surprise of Madrid
    We lucked out when friends on our tour could not use their pre-bought tickets to the Palace. Tickets were sold out on the only afternoon we could have visited. SO - be sure to buy your timed entry or tour tickets ahead of time. You only see a limited number of public rooms in the palace but they are some of the most impressive. BTW, there are over 3400 rooms making the Palace the largest in Europe. Spectacular decor from both Spanish and Italian sculptors, painters & architects. Such impressive rooms filled with art, tapestries and furniture. This palace is a must see in Madrid!!
    Review of: Royal Palace of Madrid
    Written June 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patty B
    Nashville, TN1,346 contributions
    Great Way To Spend An Afternoon
    What a beautiful area to explore. The buildings were beautiful as well as nice shops
    to visit. The weather was great in April for a nice afternoon walk.
    Review of: Gran Via
    Written June 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve_of_N21
    London, UK2,152 contributions
    Of course you have to visit, but take your photos and move on.
    The main town square of the historic part of old Madrid obviously has to to seen when you are visiting Madrid, but it is nowadays a magnet for tourists and the various hawkers who try to extort money from them for all sorts of tat. And during the day it’s difficult to see the main attractions here for the huge number of guided walking groups that converge on the square.
    So you will need to be patient to get your photos of Casa de La Panaderia, of the impressive Arco de Cuchilleros and especially patient for the photo of the Statue of Philip III, dating from 1616, but originally in Casa de Campo Park before it moved here in the mid 1800’s, as this is a magnet for the walking groups who like to stand round it for what seems like an age.
    I found this main square all a bit too touristy and preferred quite a few of the other squares to this one
    When you do decide to move on I would recommend leaving through the Arco de los Cuchilleros where steps lead down to Calle de los Cuchilleros. This street is lined with interesting buildings that are taller than others in the area and whose façades are slanted because they originally served as buttresses and were homes for the town’s knife makers who had their workshops here and would supply knives to the butchers on the Plaza Mayor.
    Review of: Plaza Mayor
    Written May 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Samuel C
    1 contribution
    Good
    I went to Santiago Bernabeu in 2017, i went to this place only 2 times in my life. Santiago Bernabeu is the Stadium of Real Madrid, the best soccer team in the world. In that place you can see the museum of the team and see the matches. It was a very good experience for me because i am a Real Madrid fan and i enjoyed the matches. You must go to Santiago Bernabeu because it is the most beautiful stadium in Spain and the matches played in this there are very incredible
    Review of: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
    Written May 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Janet C
    11 contributions
    Egyptian Temple
    We visited here on at sunset and decided to return and actually go into the temple.
    It is small only allowing 10 people in at a time and free!
    We had the time that was a reason to return. Interesting if you haven't been to Egypt to give you an idea of temples there.
    There was no water in the surround as shown in photos though.
    Review of: Templo de Debod
    Written May 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael K
    London, UK503 contributions
    Don't miss this!
    This is a must-visit, in my opinion, definitely 5*. A 19th century mansion owned by the Marquis of Cerralbo, who bequeathed it to the nation on his death in 1922. Born in 1845, a member of the aristocracy, he inherited this and many other titles and pursued his interest in art and culture, becoming the collector of over 70,000 objects. They range from classical art (El Greco, Veronese, Zurbaran etc), to clocks, chandeliers, mirrors, pottery, busts etc. Each room is a treat in itself. The house contains a winter suite of rooms and a summer suite, including a fabulous, OTT ballroom. A grand staircase provides a wonderful photo opportunity! The dark interior creates an intriguing atmosphere. There is even a pleasant garden. It was free to over-65s and only costs 3 Euros anyway. Incredible value for money! It’s just a shame there is no gift shop or refreshment facilities.
    Review of: Museo Cerralbo
    Written May 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ana Z
    150 contributions
    Must visit!
    The place is gorgeous, always crowded, people and cars everywhere, if you were able to take a decent picture you're lucky!
    Review of: Plaza de Cibeles
    Written June 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Oldjack
    Greater Melbourne, Australia27,432 contributions
    Once A Gateway to the City-Now Shopping Area
    Puerto Del Sol or Gate of the Sun was once part of the gates of the to the city of Madrid in the 16th century and if in Madrid a place to visit as most tourists come here. It is also the major shopping area in Madrid.
    Review of: Puerta del Sol
    Written May 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael K
    London, UK503 contributions
    Impressive restored dome
    I can't deny that this is an impressive building, worth 5*. But there’s always something of an irony on seeing Franciscan churches which, despite the ideals of their founder, are as extravagant as any other baroque church. The adjective “grande” is well-deserved though, for here we have here one of the largest church domes in the world at 33 m diameter. It is beautifully decorated and has been recently restored. Has some works by the great artists, eg Rubens and Velazquez, but also, unfortunately, one depicting James the Moorslayer. When will the authorities put in place some sort of explanatory note of penitence about these (numerous) insensitive portrayals? You can walk through rooms behind the High Altar to see artworks of famous Franciscans and the huge sacristy. Admission cost us 3 Euros each (over-65).
    Review of: Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
    Written May 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KP_SP_Review
    London, UK88 contributions
    Worth seeing from the outside
    This is a building made pretty much of glass on an iron framework with a stone entrance and a brick base - there is a lovely lake right beside the palace too.

    The palace is located within the Retiro Park. When there is sunshine it is very picturesque and one can take some lovely photos. There are various artefacts and exhibits inside the building for which there may be a charge but I believe that the building is more impressive from the outside than inside.

    Well worth a visit as it is in the Retiro where there are lots of other areas to explore (this being one of them). There are hawkers outside so this is one minus point for me.
    Review of: Palacio De Cristal
    Written June 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travelaround59
    London, UK1,800 contributions
    The shade of marvellous trees
    Is rather pleasant to walk the Paseo when moving around the museum “district”. Is the “third road” for walkers sandwiched between the two rather busy cars road. The trees are really magnificent and provide a well deserved shade…
    Review of: Paseo del Prado
    Written June 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AlbertSalichs
    Manresa, Spain10,853 contributions
    One of the main train stations in Madrid
    Estación de Atocha is one of the main train stations in Madrid, the main city of Spain. It is a big building, where you can see a very nice tropical garden or some sculptures like the monument to victims of 11M. Also, it is a pragmatic building, where you can sit, walk, eat or drink something and obviously catch a train.
    Review of: Estacion de Atocha
    Written May 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alexander V
    296 contributions
    Interesting side of hispanic culture
    The building and the ring itself are very impressive and grand. it was an interesting experience for this specific tradition of hispanic culture, despite its controversy. An audio guide is included in the ticket price. You can step down at the bullfighting ring. Ventas metro-station is right in front of it.
    Review of: Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
    Written December 11, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve_of_N21
    London, UK2,152 contributions
    The posh bit of Madrid
    .This is the Madrid Barrio for people with money. It’s all designer shops, upmarket hotels and expensive restaurants including several Michelin ones. And frankly in that respect it could be in any capital city anywhere in the world. But it’s saving grace is its architecture and design. Large tree lined leafy boulevards containing several impressive mansions laid out in a grid formation, and is a very pleasant area to stroll around. It’s very clean and perfectly safe, but compared to other barrios of Madrid, it’s all a bit sterile and lacking in any real culture.
    Yes there are plenty of street bars and cafes, but this is the area where the monied classes of Madrid go to be seen ( and unfortunately heard). So if you are one of these you will fit right in, if not you will probably have an annoying idiot on the table next to you.
    It’s an interesting area of Madrid and easy to get to and from using the city’s excellent metro system and I am glad I visited it. But for interest and life give me Barrio de Las Lettras and Barrio La Latina any day of the week.
    Review of: Barrio de Salamanca
    Written June 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve_of_N21
    London, UK2,152 contributions
    Come after dark and join the throngs of instagrammers
    .Like many others I cannot say I got to go inside the town hall building, but was attracted to walk here at night to see it in it’s illuminated glory.
    And a lot of people do. The best vantage point is on pavement opposite by the tall wall that surrounds the Jardínes del Palacio de Buenavista. From here you get the impressive Fuente de Cibeles in the foreground and the town hall as a backdrop. And as the fountain is lit up blue it makes a striking contrast to the Palacio behind.
    Review of: Palacio de Cibeles
    Written June 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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