The Spanish capital is full of lively streets, cultural activities, and leisure activities, depending on the season. It's an ideal city to explore on foot and sample its excellent cuisine. You can also spend a day visiting charming cities like Toledo, Segovia, or San Lorenzo El Escorial.
The most essential places to see in Madrid:
1. Puerta del Sol: The main square in the center of Madrid, where you'll find the "Bear and the Strawberry Tree" statue, the "Tío Pepe" advertising sign, and the statue of Charles III. You'll also see the plaque marking Spain's "kilometer 0," with a compass rose indicating its provincial capitals and autonomous cities.
2. Plaza Mayor: Rectangular plaza that is distinguished by its reddish color and the statue of Philip III in the center.
3. Mercado San Miguel: An excellent place to visit if you enjoy gastronomy. It's one of Madrid's most iconic markets, thanks to its iron architecture. It has more than 30 stalls where you can sample typical Spanish products and tapas.
4. Plaza de la Villa: This medieval-style square is one of the few in Madrid, surrounded by period buildings and home to the Mariblanca.
5. Almudena Cathedral: This Cathedral was built on the remains of an ancient mosque and was the first Cathedral consecrated by Pope John Paul II outside of Rome.
6. Royal Palace: Located opposite the Almudena Cathedral, it was the official residence of the King and Queen of Spain until they moved to the Zarzuela Palace. You can visit it with a tour guide or on your own. It's the largest in Western Europe and is closed for ceremonies and official events.
7. Sabatini Gardens: Located just across from the north façade of the Royal Palace, they're neoclassical in style, and you can walk through them at your leisure.
8. Plaza España: This is the starting point of Madrid's most famous avenue, the "Gran Vía." Here you'll find various historical monuments such as the Torre de Madrid and the monument to Miguel de Cervantes. You'll also find the "world's largest" Zara store and the RIU Hotel, where you can access its terrace for a fee.
9. Gran Vía: Madrid's most famous street. A stroll past buildings from the early 20th century, such as the Telefónica building, is also home to the iconic Metropolis. You can shop, visit the theaters that host musicals like "The Lion King," or, if you come in the summer, go up to a terrace for the best views of this grand avenue.
10. Plaza de Callao: You'll find the famous "Schweppes" sign and the Torre de Madrid building. You'll also find the former Galerías Preciados and the Callao de Madrid cinemas. You can go up to the gourmet section of El Corte Inglés on the 9th floor.
11. Plaza y Palacio de Cibeles: At the roundabout, you'll find a monument to the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by lions, with the imposing Palacio de Cibeles in the background, which has a terrace with incredible views. Real Madrid titles are celebrated here.
