Have you ever heard the expression “Madrid al Cielo”? For me, there is no expression that better describes the city! We must always return to Madrid because only there can one be happy! I visited the capital of Spain in January, in a short but perfect stay of three days. And because I want to inspire you to visit this city, I bring you a post dedicated to it!
Continue reading this post to find 15 places worth visiting in Madrid.
Puerta de Alcalá
Located in the centre of the Plaza de la Independencia, Puerta de Alcalá is one of the five royal gates that gave access to the city of Madrid. It is one of the main tourist icons of the city and is located next to the Parque del Retiro.
Parque del Retiro
El Retiro Park is a real green refuge in the centre of Madrid. Besides being one of the city’s green lungs, the park offers various activities such as a boat ride on Lago Grande, a visit to the Velázquez Palace and the incredible Crystal Palace. Along the park you will find several sculptures and fountains of great beauty, of which the monument to Alfonso XII stands out.
Plaza de Cibeles
Located in the centre of the city, it is the most famous square in the Spanish capital. It is presided over by a beautiful fountain and surrounding it are imposing and representative buildings: the majestic Palacio de Cibeles, also known as the Communications Palace, Palacio de Buenavista, Spanish Army’s Headquarters, the Bank of Spain and the Palacio de Linares.
Museo Nacional del Prado
The Museo Nacional del Prado is Madrid’s best-known museum and one of the most important art museums in the world. Its collection is based on paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Among its paintings you will find masterpieces by painters such as Velázquez, El Greco, Rubens, Hieronymus Bosch and Goya.
Fuente de Neptuno
The Fountain of Neptune is one of the most beautiful and majestic in Madrid. The Gods represented in it occupy prominent positions in the Greek mythological hierarchy and compete in the sporting arena. The fans of Atlético de Madrid celebrate their victories in the square of the god of the sea. On the other hand, the supporters of Real Madrid do so in Cibeles.
Plaza de Puerta del Sol
Central and full of life, the Plaza de Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s emblems. Several of the city’s most historic and bustling streets converge on it. The square is also home to some of the most iconic symbols of the city, such as the clock of the Post Office or the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry tree, much loved by the people of Madrid and a popular meeting point which represents the elements of the city’s shield.
Temple of Debod
Located in the Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montaña Park, it is undoubtedly the best place to see the sunset in the city! It is an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC installed in the Cuartel de la Montaña Park, near Plaza de España. The temple was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government to prevent it from being flooded by the construction of the great dam in Aswan.
Royal Palace
A royal residence from the reign of Carlos III until the reign of Alfonso XIII, the Royal Palace of Madrid is a real journey through the history of Spain. Although it is not inhabited by the current monarchs, it remains the official residence of the kings.
La Almudena Cathedral
Situated in front of the Royal Palace, La Almudena Cathedral is truly imposing, both for its beauty and for its grandiosity. The first plans for the church were drawn up in 1879 with the aim of serving as a pantheon for the late Queen Maria de la Mercedes. In 1885, the church was transformed into a cathedral by Pope Leo XIII.
Purta de Toledo
Going down from La Almudena Cathedral, we find the Puerta de Toledo. The Puerta de Toledo was built to commemorate the arrival in Madrid of Fernando VII, el Deseado (the Desired).
Plaza Mayor
WOW! There is no better description of what it feels like to enter the Plaza Mayor. This porticoed square is the heart of Austria’s Madrid, the old part of the city and one of the most charming districts. The square consists of majestic buildings such as the Casa de la Panadería, the Arco de Cuchilleros and the Statue of Philip III.
San Miguel Market
I present to you the best gastronomic temple in Madrid! Located in the city centre and with more than 10 million annual visitors, the San Miguel Market brings together the contemporary essence of all the currents of Spanish gastronomy. From the best Iberian ham to the freshest shellfish, coming daily from Galicia, from the Mediterranean rice to the most special cheeses from the regions of Castile, Asturias or the Basque Country. Top quality products and wines from all corners of the Spanish geography, which can be tasted at 30 fixed and three mobile stations.
Círculo de Bellas Artes
Círculo de Bellas Artes, in the tourist area of Gran Vía, is one of the most important private cultural centres in Europe. The terrace of Círculo de Bellas Artes offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Madrid, which includes a unique view of the city’s streets and allows a close contemplation of the Gran Vía buildings.
Atocha Station
Madrid’s first train station is an excellent hub in the Paseo del Arte. Atocha station is a complex formed by two stations: the old and the new. The new one is destined for rail traffic – the AVE terminal, long-distance and suburban lines – the old one is used for RENFE offices and for a commercial and leisure complex, where a tropical garden with more than 7,000 plants of 400 species has been installed.
Gran Vía
The century-old Gran Vía is one of the main arteries of the city and one of its most emblematic avenues. The Gran Vía is enriched by several emblematic buildings such as the Metropolis, the Telefónica building, the Military Casino, the Capitol Building or the Callao cinema.
