Sights and landmarks in Madrid

Sights and landmarks in Madrid

1. SeeMoncloa

   Arco de la Victoria

   Puerta de la Moncloa

   Francoist triumph arch erected 1950–56 to commemorate the Nationalist victory in the Battle of Ciudad Universitaria of the Civil War.

2. SeeChamberí-Castellana

   Basílica La Milagrosa

   Church from the 1900s in Neo-Mudéjar and Gothic revival style, dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles.

3. SeeRetiro-Paseo del Arte

   CaixaForum Madrid

   A private centre particularly well-known for the 'vertical garden' by Patrick Blanc installed on a wall in front of the museum, as well as the quite special architecture of the building itself. The vertical garden can be seen from the street outside, just a block south of the Thyssen-Bornemisza and across from the Prado. The museum only displays temporary exhibitions, usually of a very high quality, in fields ranging from archaeology to contemporary art and architecture.

   Daily 10:00-18:00, open holidays·€6, free (La Caixa account holders), free on 15 May, 18 May, 9 Nov

4. SeeMoncloa

   Casa Gallardo

   Imposing and highly ornamental Art nouveau (or modernismo) building at the western corner of Plaza de España, designed by Federico Arias Rey and completed in 1914.

5. SeeMoncloa

   Casa de Campo

   The park at the rear of the Palacio Real which used to belong to the Royal family. Much of the park has been taken to smaller activity parks such as the Zoo but in general it's peaceful. From Moncloa you can take a teleferico (€5.90 return) across into the park.

6. SeeLa Latina-Austrias

   Catedral de la Almudena

   This massive cathedral faces the Palacio Real. Finished near the end of 20th century in the Neo-Gothic style, it is where the Princes of Asturias Felipe (current King Felipe VI) and Letizia were married in 2004. Especially noteworthy are the 5,000-pipe organ, a large painted 15th-century Gothic altarpiece, and the empty 12th-century coffin of Madrid's patron saint, Isidro. Like many cathedrals before it, construction took a while, being started in the 19th century while it was only inaugurated in 1992. The cathedral thus reflects a mixture of styles which sometimes harmonize and sometimes clash. One of the reasons for the late start of construction of a cathedral in the capital of one of the world's most catholic states was the power of the archbishops of Toledo who did not want to give up their ecclesiastical power to the upstart Madrid. Similarly the monarchy had moved its residence from Toledo to Madrid in part to escape the influence of the church and installing a bishop in Madrid (a requirement for a cathedral) seemed somewhat counter productive. The cathedral is also the site of many burials of important figures, including the daughter of Franco.

   Daily 09:00-20:30·€1 (requested donation)

7. SeeChamberí-Castellana

   Constitutional Tribunal

   Tribunal Constitucional

   Modern circular building from the early 1980s, designed by architects Bonet and Valdés.

8. SeeChamberí-Castellana

   Cuatro Torres

   Four Towers

   Four sleek skyscrapers, constructed between 2004 and 2009. Standing 224 to 249 metres tall, they are the highest in Spain. From south to north, they are named Torre Cepsa, Torre PwC, Torre de Cristal, and Torre Espacio. In the latter, the embassies of Great Britain, Australia and Canada are seated.

9. SeeChamberí-Castellana

   Estación de Chamberí

   Chamberí Ghost Station

   Former metro station designed by architect Antonio Palacios (creator of the Palacio de Cibeles, Círculo de Bellas Artes and Hospital de Maudes). It was inaugurated in 1919, but closed in 1966, thereby becoming a "ghost station". Since 2008 it has been converted to a museum, exhibiting original counters, signs, maps and advertising posters from earlier ages.

   Fri 16:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-1400&16:00-20:00 Sun 10:00-14:00·Free, booking from website (Spanish) linked from English site.

10. SeeMoncloa

    Faro de Moncloa

    Torre de Iluminación y Comunicaciones del Ayuntamiento de Madrid

    A 92 m high tower with an observation deck that you can access by elevator. In theory your visit is limited to 30 minutes, but you're likely to want to go down before the time is up.

    EUR 4

11. SeeSouthern Suburbs

    Faunia

    Zoological park. Different sections of the park include animals from different locations (Africa, Antarctica etc..)

    Hours vary by season·€26.45 (adults), €19.95 (seniors/children), €18.45 (disabled), free (children under 3); ticket prices are significantly cheaper if purchase online

12. SeeSalamanca

    Fundación Juan March

    Juan March Institute

    A few blocks off high-end shopping street Calle Serrano, this private foundation houses free temporary exhibitions of (mostly 20th-century) art which are often worth checking out. 10-15 min walk from either Museo Lázaro Galdiano or National Archaeology Museum.

    Mon-Fri 11:00-20:00, Sat 11:00-14:00·Free

13. SeeSol-Letras-Lavapiés

    Gran Vía

    Literally 'Great Way' (better translated as 'Broadway'), Gran Vía is one of the busiest avenues in Madrid. Running from Plaza de España to Plaza de Cibeles, it is the location of the cinema district and a number of shopping malls and is lined with large billboards and lights. There's a constant buzz of traffic and life – 03:00-04:00 early morning traffic jams are not unusual.

14. SeeChamberí-Castellana

    Hospital de Maudes

    Former hospital complex, built in 1916 in an eclecticist style (similar to Palacio de Cibeles, that was designed by the same architects). It includes a church, Santa María del Silencio. The hospital was intended to serve the poorer classes, therefore nicknamed Hospital de Jornaleros ("hospital of day labourers"). After the Civil War it became a military hospital, before falling out of use in 1970. In the 1980s, it was acquired by the autonomous Community of Madrid, refurbished and has since then housed the council of public works as well as a library.

15. SeeSol-Letras-Lavapiés

    La Tabacalera

    An abandoned tobacco factory turned into a huge Berlin-like alternative art space driven by the diverse locals of Lavapies district. Also free workshops daily. Nice big cheap outdoors terrace. It is hoped that the closure is temporary and that it will return in a reduced form after works, check website for current situation.

    Closed in 2024

16. SeeLa Latina-Austrias

    Mercado de la Cebada

    Once a glass and iron market of the late 19th century, it is now a vaulted concrete building which still serves as a neighborhood market. Where it used to stand an annexed public swimming pool and sports facilities, it lies now an empty field, used and managed by a neighbor association.

17. SeeSalamanca

    Museo Arqueológico Nacional

    National Archeology Museum

    Don't let the sound of it frighten you. This large, well-designed museum opened again in April 2014 after several years of renovation works. It houses an incredible collection of archaeological finds from across the peninsula. It leaves the visitor with a sense of the chronology of civilization in Spain (Iberian, Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Visigoth, Arab, and into the modern age). The famous Dama de Elche, an Iberian (pre-Roman) goddess statue, is in this museum. There are also a few pieces from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

    Tue-Sat 09:30-20:00, Sun and holidays 09:30-15:00·€3 (adults), €1.50 (concessions); free on Sa after 14:30, Su mornings, and national holidays

18. SeeChamberí-Castellana

    Museo Geominero

    Geo-mining Museum

    Part of the Spanish Institute of Geology and Mining, this museum is dedicated to Geology (with a focus on Mineralogy) and Paleontology, containing an impressive collection of fossils and minerals discovered on the territory of Spain and abroad. Also contains educational exhibits, although all are described in Spanish only. The interior of the building is just as impressive and may be worth a quick tour even if you are not particularly interested in Paleontology and Mineralogy.

    Free

19. SeeSalamanca

    Museo Lázaro Galdiano

    Museum of Lázaro Galdiano

    This museum houses the stunning collection of Spanish entrepreneur José Lázaro Galdiano (1862-1947) and is considered to be one of the best private collections in Spain. Not only will you find works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco and others - the museum is also filled with jewelry, furniture, sculpture and ceramics. It is located in Lázaro Galdiano's rather lavish former residence. This is an excellent museum that is usually not crowded and well worth the price of admission.

    Tue-Sat 10:00-16:30, Sun 10:00-15:00; closed Jan 1, Easter Thu and Fri, May 2 and 3, Nov 1, Dec 6 and 25·€6 (adults), €3 (seniors/students/disabled), free (children under 12); free admission Tu-Sa 15:30-16:30 and Su 14:00-15:00

20. SeeRetiro-Paseo del Arte

    Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

    Museo Reina Sofía / Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center

    Housed in a former public hospital with an adjacent modern wing, this museum contains Spain's largest collection of 20th century art. Created to house Pablo Picasso's renowned Guernica, allowed after the return of democracy to Spain, the work was initially behind armoured glass. That's gone, but you are kept further away from it that anywhere else in the gallery, and another room includes some Picasso etchings that were damaged in a 1971 political attack. The Reina Sofía also houses masterpieces by other Spanish masters including Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris, and others, as well as works by a number of international artists, including Vasily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Francis Bacon, and more. Purchasing tickets in advance no longer gives you a discounted entry but is a way to beat the queues. During free admission periods, it is still required to pick up a ticket at the ticket office; these times are especially busy and it is best to arrive a bit before the free period actually begins. Photography is permitted, except for the work of Oskar Schlemmer (even though he died in 1943). Backpacks are not permitted, but there are free lockers after both entrances (in the older and modern wings).

    Mon Wed-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-19:00·€12 (adults), free admission M W-Sa 19:00-21:00, Su 13:30-19:00

21. SeeRetiro-Paseo del Arte

    Museo Nacional de Antropología

    National Museum of Anthropology

    Small but interesting museum with artefacts and models from the indigenous people of Asia (mainly the Philippines, former colony of Spain), Africa and America. The exhibits are described in Spanish; however, on each floor, there is a leaflet in English explaining all sections.

    Tue-Sat 09:30-20:00, Sun and holidays 10:00-15:00·€3 (adults), €1.50 (concessions), free (seniors/students/children under 18); free Sa after 14:00 and Su

22. SeeChamberí-Castellana

    Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

    MCNM / National Museum of Natural Sciences

    Contains a large collection of fossils and minerals, plus educational exhibits (some are described in English but many are in Spanish only). Has two parts open to visitors with separate entrances. The ticket is purchased at the main entrance and to visit the other part you need to exit from the main entrance, turn left and follow the building until you reach the second entrance. Your ticket will be checked again there so don't lose it.

    Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat Sun and holidays 10:00-20:00; Sat Sun in Aug 10:00-15:00·€7 (adults), €3.50 (students/children 4-16), free (seniors/children under 4)

23. SeeNorthern Suburbs

    Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

    MCNM / National Museum of Natural Sciences

    Contains a large collection of fossils and minerals, plus educational exhibits (some are described in English but many are in Spanish only). Has two parts open to visitors with separate entrances. The ticket is purchased at the main entrance and to visit the other part you need to exit from the main entrance, turn left and follow the building until you reach the second entrance. Your ticket will be checked again there so don't lose it.

    Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat Sun and holidays 10:00-20:00; Sat Sun in Aug 10:00-15:00·€7 (adults), €3.50 (students/children 4-16), free (seniors/children under 4)

24. SeeRetiro-Paseo del Arte

    Museo Naval de Madrid

    Naval Museum of Madrid

    A beautiful museum with a large interesting collection about Spanish naval history, from the efforts of kingdoms of Aragon and Castilia, the many successes and few failures (what's known in English as the defeat of the Spanish Armarda has a section) in the 15th-17th centuries, the drastic decline in the 19th century and its consequences in terms of losing the country's empire, the division of the navy into opposing sides in the 1930s Civil War, to today. It's almost all labelled in English as well as Spanish. A temporary exhibition traces today's Spanish flag from its origin as the navy's attempt to have one that contrasted well with other navy's flags, and the museum has the very large flag flown by the Spanish flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar (the loss is blamed on the French admiral for insisting on sailing out of Cadiz to fight it!)

    Sep- Jul: Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00; Aug: Tue-Sun 10:00-15:00·Free (donations requested)

25. SeeChamberí-Castellana

    Museo Sorolla

    This museum is in what was the impressionist painter's house and features fine furniture and porcelain as well as his paintings.

    Tue-Sat 09:30-20:00, Sun and holidays 10:00-15:00·€3 (adults), €1.50 (concessions); free admission Sa after 14:00 and all day Su

26. SeeRetiro-Paseo del Arte

    Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

    Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

    Contains a large art collection including masterpieces by Monet, Goya, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, Mondrian, Bacon and Lichtenstein.

    Permanent collection and Francisco Bores: Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00, Mon 12:00-16:00; Bulgari and Rome collections: Tue-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-19:00·€13 (adults), €9 (concessions), free (children under 12) and all at certain times (see website)

27. SeeMoncloa

    Museo de América

    An excellent museum that many tourists miss. Houses thousands of artifacts from the Americas. The exhibit displays objects from many native cultures from before European conquest to colonial times and beyond. Don't miss the Tesoro (Treasure) de los Químbayas, a collection of gold objects that was given as a gift by the Colombian government. Also of interest is the Tudela Codex, an Aztec law book from the 1500s. Beware: most explanations to the objects on display are in Spanish only.

    Tue-Sat 09:30-15:00, Thu 09:30-19:00, Sun and holidays 10:30-18:00; closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 24, 25, 31·€3 (adults), €1.50 (concessions), free (seniors/children under 18); free on Su

28. SeeArganzuela

    Museo de Ferrocarril de Madrid

    Railway Museum of Madrid

    Museum with four railway tracks, exhibiting a large number of steam, diesel and electric locomotives used in Spain in the 19th and 20th century. Also on display are several model railways. Exhibits are described in Spanish only.

    Oct-May: Mon-Thu 09:30-15:00, Fri and holidays 10:00-18:00, Sat Sun 10:00-20:00; Jun-Sep: Tue-Sun 10:00-15:00·M-Th F before 14:00, holidays: €6 adult, €4 concession, free child under 4; F after 14:00, Sa Su €2.50

29. SeeMalasaña-Chueca

    Museo de Historia de Madrid

    Museum of History of Madrid

    This museum is dedicated to the history of Madrid from 1561 to present. Much of the history is explained by referencing exhibited paintings depicting people or events from the time, so it is also an art museum. Several maps and models (including two large ones in the basement) show how Madrid grew since the 16th century. All exhibits are explained in both English and Spanish.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00·Free

30. SeeLa Latina-Austrias

    Museo de San Isidro

    Los Orígenes de Madrid / San Isidro Museum

    This is a museum of two parts. One part is dedicated to Saint Isidore the Laborer, while the other part is dedicated to the paleontology and archaeology of the region of Madrid from prehistory to 1561 (when Philip II made Madrid the seat of the court). Most of the exhibits are explained in both Spanish and English.

    Mid-Sep - Jun: Tue-Sun and holidays 09:30-20:00; Jul - mid-Sep: Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00, closed Jan 1 and 6, May 1 and Dec 24, 25 and 31.·Free

31. SeeRetiro-Paseo del Arte

    Museo del Prado

    Prado Museum

    One of the finest art collections in the world and the best collection of classical art in Madrid. It includes many different collections: the Spanish (El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya), the Flemish and Dutch (Rubens, van Dyck, and Brueghel), Italian (Botticelli, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio, and Veronese) and German (Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach, and Baldung Grien). Some highlights not to miss at the Prado include the Bosch masterpiece The Garden of Earthly Delights, Velázquez's masterpiece Las Meninas, the Black Paintings, The Third of May 1808, and a pair of paintings known as The Clothed Maja and The Naked Maja by Goya, Adoration of the Shepards by El Greco, and David with the Head of Goliath by Caravaggio. Be sure to walk along Paseo del Prado, a pedestrian walkway full of fountains and trees near the museum. Visitors can bypass the often extremely long queues by purchasing tickets beforehand by phone or online, for an additional €.90 fee per ticket. Tickets purchased online can be printed or downloaded onto a smart phone; all pre-purchased tickets can be picked up (with a reference number) or presented at the main (Jerónimos) entrance in the northeast corner of the building. If you are planning to spend a full day at the museum, it is possible to leave (e.g. for lunch) and reenter by getting your ticket stamped at the 'Educación' counter just inside the main entrance. An affordable café and cafeteria-style restaurant are on the ground floor, along with a gift shop. No food, drinks, backpacks or umbrellas are permitted (a bag check is just inside the main entrance). Photography not permitted.

    Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-19:00; closed/shortened hrs on some holidays; extended hrs for special exhibits; last admission 30 min before closing·€15 (adults), €7.50 (seniors 65+), free (children/students under 25); free admission within 2 hours of closure; additional obligatory fee for special exhibits

32. SeeMoncloa

    Museo del Traje

    The Costume Museum

    Offers a wide selection of historical and more temporary costumes (from the early 1200s to now) which shows the aspects of different cultures and Spain. The museum also organizes many activities and events. The building itself won some architectural awards in the 1970s. The restaurant underneath the museum is fairly good. The museum is surrounded by sprawling gardens, replete with well maintained lawns and fountains, are a pleasant place to relax.

    Tue-Sat 09:30-19:00, Sun and holidays 10:00-15:00; closed 1 and 6 Jan, 1 and 15 May, 24-25 and 31 Dec·€3 (adults), €1.50 (concessions), free (students/children/seniors); free on Sa after 14:30, all day Su, and national holidays

33. SeeChamberí-Castellana

    Nuevos Ministerios

    New Ministries

    The modern government complex had already been planned by the republican government before the Civil War, but it was only completed in 1942 under the Francoist rule. Its architectural style is Neoclassical. The ministries of public works and labour are seated here.

34. SeeMalasaña-Chueca

    Palacio Longoria

    Longoria Palace

    Exceptionally ornamental art nouveau building, erected 1902–03 for the banker and politician Javier González Longoria. It was designed by the Catalan architect Jose Grasses Riera and is considered to be one of the most important and beautiful examples of Spanish modernismo. Today, it houses the Spanish society of authors and editors. It can only be visited from the outside, but you may cast a glance at the entrance hall and staircase.

35. SeeLa Latina-Austrias

    Palacio Real

    Royal Palace

    The Palacio Real is an enormous palace, one of the biggest in Europe, with scorching plains of concrete around it. Though it is the official residence of the King of Spain, the royal family does not actually reside here and it is generally used only for state ceremonies. The Royal Palace is considered to be one of the most emblematic and beautiful buildings in Madrid, not only for its location on a bluff overlooking the river valley but also for its architecture and the artistic treasures to be found in its rooms. A simple one-way tour of the palace (both self-guided and guided are available) takes you up the grand stairway and through the lavishly decorated state rooms with their elegant tapestries, frescoes, porcelain, carvings and added decor like china, silverware, medals, etc. From the courtyard you can access the Farmacia (Pharmacy), which contains hundreds of bottles of early medicines and a reconstructed laboratory, and the Real Armorial (Royal Armory), a two-story collection of medieval weapons and armor. Explanations in the armory are in Spanish only, so do not expect to understand much unless your know the Spanish names for all that medieval weaponry. The lines to get in are very long, especially on weekday evenings when the place is free – try to go early. Photography inside the palace is not allowed, but is permitted in the foyer and courtyard. Free storage lockers are available behind the ticket office. The Palace was built on the site of an Alcazar (a Muslim fortress) which had been used as a palace but burned down. It was one of the first major buildings by the new Bourbon dynasty and shows a departure from the earlier styles and tastes of the Habsburgs in evidence in other royal buildings in the area.

    Oct-Mar daily 10:00-18:00, Apr-Sep daily 10:00-20:00; last admission 1 hr before closing; closed occasionally for official ceremonies·Entry €11; guided tour additional €4; students and children €6; free (disabled/teachers/children under 5); free M-Th 16:00-18:00 (Oct-Mar) and 18:00-20:00 (Apr-Sep) for EU citizens, legal residents, and citizens of Latin American countries (valid ID/passport required)

36. SeeNorthern Suburbs

    Palacio Real de El Pardo

    Royal Palace of El Pardo

    It was built as a hunting lodge for the Spanish royal family, and was commandeered by Francisco Franco to serve as his residence. Today it serves as the official guest house for foreign dignitaries visiting Madrid, and is also open to the public when not in use. Check out the vast collection of tapestries hanging from the palace walls, some of which were even designed by the painter Francisco Goya.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00 (last admission at 18:00)·€9 (adults), €4 (reduced); free W and Su 15:00-19:00

37. SeeMoncloa

    Palacio de la Moncloa

    A rather nondescript complex of buildings on the outskirts of Madrid, since 1977 it has served as the official residence and workplace of the Prime Minister of Spain. Its name has since become synonymous with the Spanish government as a whole. Off-limits to the public for many years, in 2018 it was opened to guided visits during the summer only for Spanish citizens and foreigners resident in Spain. Registration is required to participate, and while the Prime Minister's Office announces available tour dates in advance on its website, slots are limited and run out very quickly.

    Free

38. SeeArganzuela

    Parque Madrid Río

    The motorway that used to carve into the city and blight the banks of Río Manzanares, was banished into a tunnel, in a superlative urban landscaping project that cost some €4 billion. Nowadays, a unique 6-km-long landscape garden accompanies the river on both banks. For this project, 33 bridges were dedicated, which allow you to cross from one side to another whenever you want, as well as 5500 benches installed and 33,000 trees planted. The park is multifaceted, including flowerbeds, Baroque-style boxwood broderies, pine, cypress or bamboo groves, playgrounds, climbing garden, skatepark etc. Asphalted paths are ideal for cyclists and roller skaters, while pedestrians enjoy priority rights. Cafés, "beach bars" and kiosks provide sustenance.

39. SeeSalamanca

    Parque de El Capricho

    One of the most beautiful parks in Madrid. Built in 1797-1839, it has a strong Romanticism influence. Declared as an Historic Garden, its lakes with swans and ducks, labyrinths, palaces, squares and fountains makes this a lovely place.

    Oct-Mar: Sat Sun and holidays 09:00-18:30 (last admission at 18:00); Apr-Sep: Sat Sun and holidays 09:00-21:00 (last admission at 20:30)

40. SeeNorthern Suburbs

    Parque de El Capricho

    One of the most beautiful parks in Madrid. Built in 1797-1839, it has a strong Romanticism influence. Declared as an Historic Garden, its lakes with swans and ducks, labyrinths, palaces, squares and fountains makes this a lovely place.

    Oct-Mar: Sat Sun and holidays 09:00-18:30 (last admission at 18:00); Apr-Sep: Sat Sun and holidays 09:00-21:00 (last admission at 20:30)

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Madrid (CC BY-SA 4.0).