Madrid is calling, and no, it’s not just for the 20-something backpackers. In fact, it’s especially for those of us who prefer a bit of culture with our cocktails, tapas with a side of flamenco, and a generous afternoon siesta.
Now, I don’t pretend to be a complete expert on Madrid. I think you’d really have to live there to know ALL the ins and outs. But I have been there enough to tell you about the places that I, as a tourist, have enjoyed and think you might too.
There is something going on from the time the sun comes up to way after it goes down and although it’s a big city, it never feels generic like some cities. In Madrid, you’ll always know you’re in Madrid. Around every single corner of this city is a quintessentially Spanish sight from the tiled restaurants of The Calle Baja to the pond at Retiro Park.
So go ahead, savor every bite, take in the sights, sneak in a cheeky afternoon nap, and raise a glass to this timeless city. Trust me, once you’ve experienced Madrid, you’ll be just as smitten as I am.
WHAT TO SEE IN MADRID
Madrid is broken up into neighborhoods and each one has a certain feel to it. From the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in the west to Retiro Park in the east, it’s about 2 miles with the Sol area right in the middle.
I’ve organized the sights into west of Sol, Sol, and east of Sol so you can spend one day seeing the sights to the west and another day seeing the sights east.
>>If you have trouble with mobility, Big Bus Tours can take you around to all the sights without you having to walk your legs off or figure out directions.
Just hop on & off wherever you want to!
West of Sol
The two must-sees on this end of town are the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor- don’t miss them.
Royal Palace
Built by Felipe V in the mid-1700s in a grand Italianate Baroque style, this palace is so big it’s hard to take it all in (but I highly suggest you do). If you’re lucky, you’ll be there when the king’s flag flutters proudly which is the royal signal that he’s in residence. In 1931, the family downsized to the cozier Zarzuela Palace—because, really, who needs more than 2,800 rooms?
On your tour, you’ll wander through fifty of these rooms, marveling at Goya’s masterpieces and Stradivarius violins (yes, those Stradivarius violins). Don’t miss the throne room or the ornate dining room, where the table is so long it might have required a megaphone. But if there’s one room that truly steals the show, it’s the porcelain room with its walls covered completely with plates.
Plaza de Oriente
Nestled right between the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real, the tree-lined Plaza de Oriente is a place where history, culture, and royalty come together and create a beautiful place to unwind. The plaza is lined with statues of Spanish kings, who seem to keep watch over the goings-on, and boasts perfectly manicured gardens. It’s a great spot to relax, people-watch, or snap a photo with the majestic palace in the background.
On the other side of the palace is the more expansive garden of Campo de Moro which was styled after the ones at Versailles.
The La Latina Area
Less a sight and more an area to wander through, La Latina is known for its bohemian vibe and lively atmosphere. By day, the area is a maze of charming squares, traditional taverns, and quirky boutiques, perfect for strolling. By night, La Latina comes alive with its bustling tapas bars and vibrant terraces, making it the ideal spot for grabbing a glass of wine or sampling some of the city’s best bites.
Its famous Cava Baja (and Cava Alta) streets, are the heartbeat of the area. These charming streets are a bustling maze of cobblestones, lined with cozy bars and traditional taverns. Whether you’re nibbling on a plate of jamón, sipping a glass of wine, or just soaking in the lively atmosphere, Calle de Cava Baja (and Alta) are the quintessential spots to experience Madrid’s culinary culture.
With its relaxed vibe, Plaza de Paja (Straw Plaza) is a perfect spot to take a quiet pause from the city’s hustle. The plaza is dotted with traditional cafes for a bite to eat or head down to the walled 18th century garden at the bottom of the plaza for a stroll. The nearby San Andrés Church adds a touch of grandeur to this quiet pocket of town.
Go on a little treasure hunt at the El Rastro flea market (Sundays and holidays) an 8 minute walk south of Plaza Mayor. As you wander the narrow alleys, you might stumble upon unique handmade jewelry, retro furniture, or a forgotten piece of history to bring home as a souvenir. Or take a look at the antique stores in the area.
Plaza de la Villa
Surrounded by some of the oldest buildings in Madrid, this charming square has history practically oozing from the stone walls. The standout feature here is the striking Casa de la Villa, a grand Renaissance-style building that used to serve as the city’s town hall. As you stroll through the plaza, you’ll also notice the beautiful Torre de Lujanes, a medieval tower that looks like it stepped straight out of a fairytale. The square has a cozy, almost secretive feel, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle.
Mercado de San Miguel
Located just a stone’s throw from Plaza Mayor, this more than 100 year old market is a culinary adventure. Vendors line the aisles, offering everything from fresh seafood to gourmet meats and cheeses, sizzling paellas, and decadent pastries. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with the enticing smells and the endless array of tapas, makes San Miguel a must-visit for anyone looking to eat like a local.
Plaza Mayor
Framed by elegant, arcaded buildings and a series of charming cafes, it’s the kind of place where you can sip a coffee, people-watch, and imagine what Madrid must have looked like centuries ago.
Originally a market and a site for bullfights and “trials” during the Spanish Inquisition, today it’s a lively hub for locals and tourists alike, bustling with street performers, artists, and musicians.
>>If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday, there’s a small market in Plaza Mayor in addition to the El Rastro market nearby.
The central statue of King Philip III adds a royal touch, and the square’s vibrant red buildings, with the 237 iron balconies, give it a warm, welcoming vibe. Especially beautiful are the frescos on the bakery building that now houses the tourist information office.
Around Sol
Sol is the central point of the city where you’ll find many restaurants, hotels, and shopping.
Puerta del Sol
Once the eastern gate of the city, Puerta del Sol is the beating heart of Madrid. This lively, bustling square (actually, semi-circle) radiates energy 24/7 and is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.
>> Come on New Year’s Eve and you can join in the tradition of eating one grape at each chime of the clock for good luck in the coming year.
The central statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño) and the Tio Pepe sign add a quirky touch.
Flamenco at Torres Bermejas
Just an 8 minute walk north of Sol, this house of flamenco offers dinner and a show that rivals the best I’ve seen in southern Spain (which is, of course, the heart of flamenco). It’s not just the gorgeous tiled interior strung with lights or the surprisingly delicious dinner, but the quality of the exceptional quality of the performers. I kept trying to remember to take photos but I couldn’t look away from the stage. Put this place on your must-see list.
Plaza de Santa Ana
Tightly packed streets open up onto this plaza that pays tribute to the artists and writers of the area. Here you can find restaurants and shops where writers, artists, and poets who lived in the charming Barrio de Las Letras used to gather to discuss their craft- and still do.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Teatro Español, one of Madrid’s oldest and most renowned theaters, giving the area a cultural and artistic flair. The cobbled streets and outdoor terraces of cafés and restaurants make it a perfect place to enjoy a coffee, tapas, or a drink while watching the world go by.
East of Sol
The east part of town is where you’ll find museums and Retiro Park- a must-see in my book.
Retiro Park
Originally reserved for the royal family and opened to the public in 1869, this beautiful park is a must-visit, especially on a sunny day. While the iconic pond with its impressive monument to Alfonso XII is a highlight, there’s so much more to discover.
At the pond, you can rent a rowboat and glide across the water or wander along the walkway lined with vendor stalls.
Feeling hungry? Head to the cozy café near the Velázquez Palace for a shaded spot and some light snacks, or pack a picnic to enjoy under the chestnut trees.
Don’t miss the Palacio de Cristal (Glass Palace) and the Palacio de Velázquez, both built in the late 19th century and now part of the Reina Sofia Museum, showcasing contemporary art. Although they were under renovation during my visit, their architecture alone is worth admiring—be sure to check their status before your trip.
If you love roses, explore the impressive rose garden in the southeast corner. For a quieter escape, head to the area south of the sports courts, where I found a peaceful spot with just one couple enjoying a picnic on the grass- it felt like my own secret oasis.
If you’re traveling solo, joining a tour is a great way to meet people. Check out all the options at Get Your Guide.
Art Museums
If art is what you’re after, this part of town is a treasure trove.
Start with the world-famous Prado Museum, a sprawling collection where you could spend days. It showcases masterpieces from the 12th to 19th centuries by renowned artists like Goya, Velázquez, and Bosch- one of King Philip II’s personal favorites.
If contemporary art is more your style (it’s definitely mine!), head to the Reina Sofia Museum. Here, you’ll find Picasso’s Guernica (room #206), and it’s every bit as incredible as you’d expect. The sheer scale of this iconic piece is awe-inspiring. Beyond Guernica, you can immerse yourself in other works by Picasso, as well as pieces by Dalí, Miró (two of my personal favorites), and a range of other contemporary Spanish artists.
Another museum in this area is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza which houses a mix of works from the 13th to 20th century including masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Caravaggio, and Hopper.
Atocha Station
Built in the mid-1800s, Atocha Station is a bustling transportation hub that blends historic charm with modern design. Its standout feature is the indoor tropical garden, a serene oasis filled with lush greenery and ponds, providing a striking contrast to the station’s busy atmosphere.
Towns Near Madrid
Cuenca (1 hour southeast) is known for having houses that hang over the sides of the cliffs that the town is built on in the La Mancha area.
Cáceres (3 hours southwest) has you thinking you’ve time-travelled back to the Renaissance in this perfectly preserved old city in Extremadura.
Salamanca (2 hours northwest) is a lively university town with a beautiful Plaza Mayor and plenty to keep you busy.
Segovia (only 30 minutes northwest by train) is a great option for a day trip to visit the truly impressive Roman Aqueduct and a castle straight out of a Disney movie.
>> You can visit these places on your own or as a day trip from Madrid using Get Your Guide.
HOTELS IN MADRID
For me, staying in a large city solo, I want to make sure that I’m located near where I’ll be once it gets dark. So the perfect place for me was in the Sol area because it’s surrounded by restaurants. That way, I’m not walking home alone in the dark after having a couple cocktails. For me, it’s worth the extra cost to feel safe.
And Sol is also in the middle of everything you want to see so it’s super convenient. From Sol, it’s about 1 mile west to the Royal Palace and 1 mile east to Retiro Park. I went one direction the 1st day and the other direction the 2nd. But you do you! There are lots of amazing places to stay in Madrid.
🏨 For lots more hotel options at all different price points, check out Booking.com
Pestana Plaza Mayor 4✩
This stylish hotel, located on the Plaza Mayor, has friendly staff, an excellent breakfast buffet, and not one but 2 swimming pools which have people coming back again and again.
Petite Palace Posada del Peine 4✩
In a great location at Plaza Santa Ana. They have free bicycles to borrow and there’s even room service if you’re just too tired to go out.
Petite Palace Arenal 3✩
Located in the Sol district near the Metro station, you can open your French windows onto a pedestrian street. Free bicycle use and discounted parking nearby.
THC Bergantin Hostel 3✩
This is where I stayed and it should read hostal (with an A) because that’s what it was. Just a no-frills little inn on the fourth floor of a building in an excellent location. No breakfast or anything but very helpful staff and a clean room right in the heart of all the great restaurants.
THC Gan Via Hostel 2✩
A sister location to the one where I stayed, this offers much of the same in a different location near Chueca and Malasaña which are known for their nightlife.
FOOD IN MADRID
Madrid, being a big city, has pretty much any food you’d want. There are, however, a few things that it’s known for and one of those is the Cocido Madrileño.
Cocido is a stew of meats like chorizo and pork (and sometimes morcilla), vegetables, and chickpeas. Usually the broth is served as a first course with little noodles in it and second course is the meats and vegetables from the stew. It’s a great option on a cold day.
Some other things you might want to try are a Bocadillo de Calamares (calamari sandwich), Juevos Rotos (fried eggs over potatoes), and the famous Churros con Chocolate (churros and chocolate). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the Callos a la Madrileño (tripe stew) that is beloved here. Yes, I’ve eaten it and I’ll just say that while the flavor was amazing, but wasn’t a fan of tripe. But hey, you should try everything once, right?
Finding the best places to eat isn’t too hard. Just look for the places that are full of people. If a restaurant is empty during a mealtime, believe me, there’s a reason. Keep in mind that mealtimes in Spain are different from other countries. They take siesta seriously here- especially in the smaller towns- and if you want to eat lunch at noon, you’ll be outta luck.
If you want to plan ahead for some delicious food in Madrid, here are some suggestions…
West of Sol
After touring the Palace or perusing the wares in Plaza Mayor, here are some places to get a bite to eat.
If you’re looking for something near the Palace, try Arbonaida Bar or Restaurante Gloria Bendita Madrid for some traditional tapas.
Nearby Calle de La Cava Baja and Calle de La Cava Alta are two streets known for their excellent tapas bars. You pretty much can’t go wrong here so either pick one and settle in or do some bar hopping in this lively area.
Below Plaza Mayor, check out Calle de Chuchilleros which is lined with atmospheric restaurants. Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas is a favorite for its outstanding food, service, and cozy feel.
And of course there are a ton of restaurants actually in the Plaza if you want to eat outdoors. Take a leisurely stroll around and check out the menus then sit and enjoy the people watching.
Sol Area
The Sol area is known for its restaurants and you can wander the streets and find plenty of great options but here are some where I have gotten a bite to eat.
Fatigas del Querer in Sol- I went to this pretty restaurant around the corner from where I stayed and had the Menu del Dia for lunch. I got a caña of beer which came with sausages and crunchy breadsticks. Then I had the Sopa de Cocido, the Cocido Madrileño which was a literal platter of food, and the Flan for dessert. It was definitely too much food for me but I’m glad I ordered it.
Heladería Puerto Real in Sol has delicious ice cream for a little merienda (afternoon treat). I especially liked the Leche Merengada flavor (cinnamon and orange) and the Tarte de Abluela (grandma cake). There are several of these ice cream places across Spain.
Taberna La Carmela I just wanted a little something for 1st breakfast before I headed out one morning and it was perfect. A café con leche and a pastry is the “French Breakfast” but there are lots of other options. They also have dinner and flamenco in the evenings.
East of Sol
After a morning of art or strolling in the park, you’ll need some kind of sustenance. Here are some places I suggest.
Near Retiro, Plenti is an excellent choice for lunch. Tiny, with just a few tables outside, you’ll be lucky if you find a place here for lunch between park and museum visits. You might need to stand in line but it’ll be worth it, I promise.
After a couple weeks of eating only Spanish food I took a break and chose the Creamy Baked Eggs which was cream, spinach, Emmentaler cheese, a runny egg, with toasted walnuts on top. Not Spanish, but it was excellent.
Azoteo del Círculo, also near Retiro, is known not just for its amazing rooftop views but also for the innovative Spanish food they serve. Stop by for a tapa and check out the beautiful city views at night.
La Malontina in the Barrio de las Letras offers seasonal Spanish-global fusion cuisine in a small bistro setting. Try one of their tasting menus to experience a variety of foods on offer.
TRANSPORTATION IN MADRID
Being in the center of Spain makes Madrid a hub of transportation so it’s inevitable that you’ll end up here at some point traveling around Spain.
Getting to Madrid
International flights fly into Bajaras. A 25 minute taxi ride or 50 minutes via public transport will get you into the heart of the city.
If you’re arriving by a long distance train, you will likely come into Chamartin which is about a 25 minute taxi from the city center. Or you can travel using Metro which is cheaper any only about 20 minutes.
If you’re coming from another town in Spain, you will likely arrive in the Atocha station which is very near Retiro Park. Keep in mind, there are two parts to it and one is for only mid-distance trains. Don’t freak out if your train’s not on the board, just go to the other part of the station. From Atocha, it’s 12 minutes by taxi or 9 by Metro into the city center.
Getting around Madrid
It’s about 2 miles from the pond at Retiro Park all the way to the Royal Palace. If you stay somewhere in the middle like I do (in Sol), it’s easy to walk and see the sights in one direction the first day and the other direction on the second. With the exception of some hilly parts in the La Latina area, the rest of Madrid is pretty flat.
There is also the option to use Metro if you’re not up to walking. The Metro website even has a tourist map of the lines to use to see all the sights, and special tourist tickets that allow travel within a certain zone for the number of days you choose.
And of course, you can always grab a cab. A good place to find one is outside any fancy hotels or at Metro stops where there might be a few waiting.
And don’t forget about the Big Bus Tours hop-on/hop-off buses that can take you right to all the sights! Board anywhere you want on the route and get off at the places you want to see.
Madrid is a bustling city full of beautiful buildings, art, and parks with an endless list of activities. Come to watch a flamenco show, try amazing food, or just to immerse yourself in a different culture. With a trip to Madrid, you can’t go wrong.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MADRID
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
I love autumn in Spain it’s the perfect time in my opinion. Spring is also a good option. There will be more tourists in Summer and it gets quite hot- but that’s what siesta is for, right?
Is Madrid safe?
Just like any big city, you will need to take the usual precautions. Pickpocketing is the big worry- mostly in crowds and on the Metro. But overall, I feel very safe in Madrid and think it’s a great place for a solo trip to Spain.
How much does a trip to Madrid, Spain cost?
Big cities are more expensive than the smaller ones but travel in Spain is cheaper overall than other places in Europe. See my post on my Low-Cost Trip to Spain for a detailed breakdown of how much my 12 day trip to Spain cost (not much at all!).
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