What to see in Madrid (a summary of the most important monuments and squares in Madrid)
Madrid is an absolutely incredible city. Its blend of tradition, history and modernity make it one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. If you too are thinking of seeing the grandeur of Spain's capital with your own eyes, here is a small guide to its main monuments and squares.
The Puerta del Sol
This is undoubtedly the best-known square in Madrid and probably in the whole of Spain. It is home to the famous Kilometre Zero, that is, the point from which all the Spanish radial roads start and which tourists never miss the opportunity to photograph, and the emblematic sculpture of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. There is also a magnificent atmosphere here all year round.
The Plaza Mayor
Probably the second most important square in the city. Built between the 16th and 17th centuries by Juan Gómez de Juan de Herrera, it is one of the oldest in Spain. It is full of restaurants and often hosts live shows of all kinds.
The Retiro Park
It is one of the oldest and most spectacular urban parks in the world. Although it was opened to the public in the 19th century, its origins are much older as it belonged to royalty for centuries. Due to the wide variety of activities that can be done in it, it is an essential place to visit with children and couples.
The Art Walk
Madrid is probably one of the few cities in the world that can boast of having three museums of the stature of the Prado, the Thyssen and the Reina Sofía in the same walk. Without a doubt, these are three absolutely essential stops for all those who consider themselves art lovers.
The Royal Palace
It was, and still is, although it is no longer used for this purpose, the royal residence of all the Spanish monarchs. For this reason, a stroll through its halls, which are open to the public, is a real treat. It also houses absolutely fantastic collections of arms and armour and offers incredible views of the capital.
The Almudena Cathedral
Located just a few metres from the Royal Palace, this is another essential visit in Madrid. Inaugurated in 1993 by John Paul II, it is one of the most modern architectural wonders of the city.
The Puerta de Alcalá
“Mírala, mírala, mírala, mírala...” said the song by Ana Belén and Víctor Manuel. The emblematic Puerta de Alcalá is one of the most representative symbols of the city and one of those that attract the greatest number of tourists. It was built in the 18th century by Francisco Sabatini at the request of King Carlos III.
The Gran Via
This is the most famous street in Madrid. And the fact is that, in itself, it offers a much more varied range of leisure activities than some cities as a whole. Specifically, it is home to an infinite number of shops, cafés, restaurants, cinemas and theatres of great importance. The people of Madrid themselves say, when referring to it, that it is the ‘street that never sleeps’.
From the Plaza de Cibeles...
The Plaza de Cibeles has become another key point in Madrid's geography. The reason? Beyond its privileged location and its undeniable aesthetic beauty, it is the place where Real Madrid and the Spanish national football team celebrate their official titles.
... to Neptune's
Following the same avenue it is possible to reach the Plaza de Neptuno. As with Cibeles, its beauty is absolutely unquestionable. It is also the place chosen by Real Madrid's eternal rival, Atlético de Madrid, to celebrate its sporting successes.
The Temple of Debod
No visitor to Madrid should miss the opportunity to see a sunset from the Templo de Debod viewpoint. It is literally a delight for the senses to see how the sun disappears over the city's horizon, leaving its golden trail in its wake. Moreover, in itself, this construction, which was a gift from Egypt to Spain in recognition of the country's efforts to save the Nubian temples from destruction, is one of the capital's great treasures.
The Plaza de España
Plaza de España is located between Calle Princesa and Gran Vía. It is undoubtedly one of the nerve centres of the city and, due to its excellent range of leisure and entertainment, an unmissable place for anyone visiting Madrid.
These are the 12 most important places in Madrid. However, there are many more. This city has so much to offer that it is impossible to sum it all up in a single article.
