This tourist map of Madrid includes everything you’ll need to plan the perfect Spanish vacation! Including the top Madrid attractions, recommended restaurants, and insider tips from travel bloggers.

Tourist Map of Madrid Attractions

Madrid is Spain’s vibrant capital, as well as its artistic and financial heart. Madrid is located in the center of Spain. Must-see Madrid tourist attractions include the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Madrid is a historic city. Some of the top places to visit in Madrid are museums. The best museums in Madrid are included on our map. They include the Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the National Archeological Museum. 

The easiest way to get around Madrid is by downloading offline google maps. Madrid is well-connected by public transportation. Most locals rely on busses and subways when it’s too far to walk. 

Find the perfect place to stay in Madrid.

The best time to enjoy Madrid activities is Spring and Autumn, specifically May and October. This is a great time to enjoy Madrid main attractions if you want to ditch the crowds and enjoy milder temperatures. 

Check out this top-rated Madrid walking tour.

Summers in Madrid are dry and hot (exceeding 100°F). Tourist sites in Madrid Spain will be the most congested during June through August. During August, many locals take holiday and some shops and restaurants close down. Winters can be cold and windy (but usually don’t dip below the 50°F).

Tourist Map of Madrid Attractions

This Madrid tourist map includes top-rated attractions, well-known restaurants, and lively nightlife spots. On this map of Madrid attractions, you’ll find the restaurants marked by green pins and bars marked by purple pins. The blue pins indicate tourist attractions. 

If you love this map, check out our tourist map of Valencia.

Reina Sofia

By De Wet & Jin from Museum of Wander

Culture vultures and lovers of art will find much to love on our Madrid landmarks map. The city hosts some of the most famous art museums in the world. If you’re looking for modern Spanish art, then you should head straight to the Reina Sofia.

Tour the Reina Sofia with an experienced guide.

Officially known as Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, this incredible collection of modern art traces the history and socio-economic events of Spain from the 20th century until today. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madrid.

The site of this Madrid museum was also the city’s first general hospital. It was cleverly revamped to house the city’s modern art treasures. All the big names in modern Spanish art are there, with Picasso, Dali, and Miro amongst others. 

Picasso’s Guernica is arguably the most important piece of Spanish art today. This enormous canvas in tones of blacks and whites depicts the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica, ordered by Franco. There is a whole room dedicated to the Guernica and how Picasso planned and changed the painting during its making. It’s fascinating. Photography is not allowed in the Guernica room.

Other than the big names of Spanish art, the mammoth collection within this Madrid history museum also features quirky contemporary exhibits. The beauty of Reina Sofia is that there is something for everyone. Unlike the Prado (magnificent as it is) with its often dark and religious subject matter, the art in the Reina Sofia explodes with color and social commentary. 

The Reina Sofia is located in the Golden Triangle of Art near Atocha station, and an unmissable stop on our tourist map of Madrid centre. 

Prado Museum

By Sam from My flying Leap

The Prado Museum, or “the Prado” as it’s often called, is the most popular Madrid attractions. It is considered to be one of the best art museums in the entire world, and it’s one of the most visited as well. Millions go every year to view the extensive artwork on display in the most famous museum in Madrid.

The Prado, along with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum, are known as the “Golden Triangle of Art” in Madrid. All three can be found on this tourist map of Madrid Spain. Each is worth seeing, but if you only have time for one of these incredible museums, most would recommend the Prado.

The Prado Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Madrid. It was built in the late 1700s, initially to house the royal art collection. Later, it was opened to the public in 1819. This structure is quite grand and it was built to impress. It houses one of the world’s finest collections of European art and the best collection of Spanish art anywhere in the world. 

Take a private tour of the Prado. 

Of all of the incredible art museums in Europe, the Prado Museum takes its place near the top. Madrid is a fun city to visit, filled with amazing museums, parks, and bustling plazas. The Prado Museum is one of the must-see tourist sites in Madrid and one of the most popular places in this amazing city.

Find out how you can spend 3 perfect days in Madrid.

Royal Palace of Madrid 

By Elena from Passion for Hospitality 

No words can describe the sheer grandeur of the Royal Palace of Madrid. It’s massive and beautiful. This is one of the important spots on our tourist map of Madrid city centre. 

This palace was built in the 18th century by the order of Philip V. He was one of the former Spanish Kings who brought many important reforms in Spain including the centralization of power by monarchy and the abolition of regional privileges.

Tour Madrid’s highlights by bike. 

King Philip V’s castle was built on the site of the old Alcázar fortress, a former Moorish castle. The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal family in the city of Madrid. Although, it is only used for ceremonial purposes. It is one of the important sites to see in Madrid, as it is open to the public. 

This palace is the largest functioning palace in Europe, and it features over 3000 rooms (yes, you read that right), stunning interiors, vivid gardens, and a large collection of historical artifacts. 

Expect to admire painting by artists such as Velazquez and Francisco de Goya. Gawk at frescoes by Anton Raphael Mengs and Corrado Gianquinto. You’ll also discover porcelains from every corner of the world as well as silverware, dazzling jewelry, and a unique Stradivarius string quintet. These are some of the top things to see in Madrid for history lovers.

Undoubtedly the best attraction in the Spanish capital, a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid, should not be missed. Try to visit the Palace on a Wednesday or a Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. This is when the changing of the guards takes place, an unforgettable experience. 

Mercado de Motores

By Helen from Helen on her Holidays

You might want to check that your travel dates coincide with one of the most memorable tourist attractions in Madrid Spain – the Mercado de Motores. The Mercado de Motores is a monthly craft, flea, and food market that takes place in Spain’s National Railway Museum. With everything on offer, it’s easy to spend a full afternoon there – and you should.

There’s a lot to love about Mercado de Motores. It’s hosted in the Railway Museum, a beautiful old train station. Throughout history, this was a famous filming location for Doctor Zhivago and more than 30 other films and TV shows. You’ll find the Railway Museum on our map of Madrid Spain. The exhibits stay in place during Mercado de Motores and the stalls are set up along the old platforms – so you can browse for unique finds among old steam locomotives and other relics of Spain’s railway history.

Check out the ultimate tapas experience in Madrid. 

Mercado de Motores is one of the famous Madrid Spain attractions because of the history and the food. Inside the station, Mercado de Motores hosts stalls from artisan food producers, while outside you’ll find a range of food trucks – and of course there are beer and cocktails on offer to wash it all down.

Take a Spanish cooking class in Madrid.

The other element that makes Mercado de Motores one of the famous landmarks in Madrid is the entertainment, which is really varied and makes the experience special. When you visit, you might get the chance to dance to local DJs, listen to a jazz band or watch open-air movies.

Plaza Mayor

By Daniel from Layer Culture

When exploring tourist places in Madrid, Plaza Mayor is a place you really can’t afford to miss out on. It’s the perfect place to eat, shop, and marvel at the quirkiness of some of Madrid’s finest street performers (think fire breathers, jugglers, and robot people, etc.).  

You’ll find Plaza Mayor only a few blocks from Puerta del Sol, another one of the must-sees in Madrid. You can pass through this square which is surrounded by a perfectly shaped building and spend time taking in the sights, sounds, and sun that lights up this space. 

Plaza Mayor was home to the main market of Madrid in the 16th century, it’s a historic treasure. Today, it is also the meeting place for many executions and walking tours. If you are lucky enough to visit around Christmas time, you’ll see a square lit up by a huge Christmas tree and many dazzling lights. 

See a Flamenco show in Madrid. 

Visiting the Plaza Mayor is one of the epic things to do in Madrid. Although the square is kind of hidden, you’ll likely find yourself walking through it on more than one occasion to get to other attractions in Madrid. 

If you pass through the square during the afternoon, look out for the Menu del día. You can find a great deal on Paella or some of the finest Spanish Tapas offered at one of the restaurants lining the square. Eating in Plaza Mayor is one of the recommended activities in Madrid. Take note of these Spanish language tips if you are feeling rusty when it comes to conversing with waiters and locals. 

Mercado de San Miguel

By Milijana of World Travel Connector 

Mercado de San Miguel is the most popular food market in Madrid and one of the leading gastronomic markets in the world. It’s an important spot on our Madrid sightseeing map.

San Miguel’s market is not a classic food market that offers local grocery products. It is a top gourmand market and one of the best sites in Madrid to dine and wine. Spain is an important vinicultural country in Europe, and drinking wine is one of the best things to do in Madrid.

Buzzing Mercado de San Miguel offers the finest Spanish food and amazing Spanish wines and drinks. More than 20 deluxe stands sell the best of Spanish cuisine. Including traditional Spanish tapas like paella and gazpacho. You can also try classic Spanish drinks like sangria and sparkling cava wines. 

Food delicacies like fresh Galician seafood and delicious Basque cheeses are the best part of the offer. Vibrant Mercado de San Miguel is a true feast for the senses, and it’s one of the best Madrid tourist spots for a casual lunch. 

Locals and tourists love it equally. Therefore, you can expect crowds and somewhat inflated prices. However, everyone agrees that tasting food at the unique Mercado de San Miguel is unparalleled in Madrid!

Amazing Mercado de San Miguel market is set in a renovated historical building made of iron and glass in 1916 — it’s one of the best things to see in Madrid, located on the Plaza San Miguel (only a short walk from Plaza Major, in the heart of Madrid).

Mercado de San Miguel is a must-visit for all foodie enthusiasts who are up for the ultimate culinary experience in Madrid!

Calle Gran Via

By Dymphe from Dymabroad

One of the best attractions in Madrid is Calle Gran Via. This is an esplanade that you can find in the city center of Madrid. You can easily walk here from many of the other famous attractions in Madrid. The street is one of the most famous streets in Madrid.

You will find many shops here. This makes it one of the best places on our tourist map of central Madrid to go shopping. You’ll find popular European labels like Pull & Bear, Mango, Stradivarius, Zara and Primark. One Spanish chain that I loved was Sfera. They have locations all over Madrid, but you can also find a store in Sol’s shopping district. Another cool Spanish chain is El Corte Ingles.

See Madrid’s highlights by Segway. 

This makes it a very fun place to visit. Besides that, the architecture of the buildings that you find here is amazing. It features early 20th-century revival architecture. This includes Art Deco, Plateresque, and more styles. This is one of the cool things to see in Madrid because the street appears in many movies.

The idea for the street started in the middle of the 19th century. During that time, the city wanted to create a new street that would connect the famous Plaza de España and the Calle de Alcalá. The building of the street started in 1910 and was finished in the year 1929. Also, the street is one of the most instagrammable places in Madrid.

Temple de Debod

By Becky from It’s Just Becks

Close to the Royal Palace of Madrid, Parque del Oeste is home to an Egyptian temple. Just a short walk from the palace and Plaza de España takes you to Temple de Debod, a piece of Egypt that has called Madrid home since 1968. 

It’s one of the most unique spots on this Madrid tourist Map. For a quick visit, one of the interesting things to do in Madrid is to take an easy walk around the temple’s exterior. Admiring the modest temple and surrounding columns. History buffs might enjoy taking a look inside the temple to see the small exhibition. 

The history of Temple de Debod is fascinating. It started life in Egypt, dating back to 2BC, and was used until 6AD when religion changed from worshipping Egyptian gods to Christianity. It was sealed and forgotten about until the Aswan High Dam was built in the 1960s.

Construction of the dam meant that many temples were at risk of being flooded. UNESCO assisted to save these historical relics. As a thank you to countries that helped, they were gifted temples. It is for this reason that Spain was given Temple de Debod. It has since become one of the top sites in Madrid. 

Temple de Debod is the only Egyptian temple in Spain. It’s also a fantastic sunset spot. Watching the sunset here is a must-do in Madrid for first-timers! Time a visit around sunset so you can see the temple in daylight, but also lit up as the sun sets over the mountains in the distance. It’s one of the most memorable Madrid top attractions. 

El Retiro 

By Mal from Raw Mal Roams 

Parque del Buen Retiro, which translates to Park of the Pleasant Retreat, is one of the most prominent parks and one of the best places to visit in Madrid. You can find it on the edge of the city center close to Puerta de Alcala. 

The park was owned by the Spanish Monarchy up to the 19th century, so it is also one of the Madrid historical sites. Later, it became public for everyone to enjoy. It stretches over 125 hectares of land and is home to over 15,000 trees, many interesting statues, and fountains such as Galapagos Fountain built for princess Isabella II. 

Walking around El Retiro is one of the excellent Madrid activities. It’s the place for a romantic picnic to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the busy city centre. Inside the park, there is a 19th century Glass Palace that is an exquisite example of cast-iron architecture in Spain. It was modeled on London’s Crystal Palace, and today it serves as an exhibition place. This is one of the famous Madrid points of interest.

Segway through El Retiro. 

The park also has a large artificial lake surrounded by an imposing monument dedicated to Alfonso XII raised in 2018. Today visitors can rent a rowing boat and spend an afternoon on the lake. Other places worth visiting in El Retiro include Valazquez Palace and Teatro de Titeres that holds weekly puppet shows for children and families. 

Real Jardin Botanico

by Alexander and Cynthia of Travel your Memories

Real Jardin Botanico is another hot spot on our city map of Madrid Spain. This is a public park where locals come together to enjoy their free time. Many tourists visit El Retiro to do the same. 

The beautiful botanical garden was founded in 1755 by King Ferdinand VI and was initially located in the north at Puerta de Hierro. In 1774, King Charles III ordered that the garden be moved where it stands today, next to the Prado Museum. Therefore, this botanic garden is one of the important Madrid landmarks. 

The botanical garden was designed to promote expeditions aimed at discovering new plant species. Also, it was intended to display and research plants. Today you can see 90,000 different plants and flowers here. You’ll enjoy learning about each species along the way. There are interesting medicinal and ornamental species to view. There are also 5 greenhouses to walk through. This is one of the important natural attractions in Madrid.

Go horseback riding through the mountains outside Madrid. 

If you love plants and flowers, this is one of the Madrid landmarks and monuments you shouldn’t miss. It is recommended to visit the garden before or after the Museum del Prado. You don’t need to make a reservation because it isn’t typically crowded. A regular ticket costs a few euros per person. Students or the elderly pay discounted rates. 

Escape the hectic pace of Madrid and enjoy nature and its diversity. You will need about 1 to 2 hours for this activity. It’s one of the recommended Madrid attractions for families. 

Sorolla Museum

ByTristina from Love at First Adventure 

Although Madrid is celebrated most for the Golden Triangle of Art Museums, there are many more wonderful museums to discover on this Madrid Sights Map. One such museum is the Sorolla Museum. It’s located at the former home of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (Valencia, 1863 – Cercedilla, 1923).

 

This is one of the popular tourist spots in Madrid. It’s located in the Chamberlí neighborhood just off the busy Castellana Avenue. The Sorolla Museum houses the largest collection of Sorolla’s works. It contains over 1200 paintings and drawings! Unassuming from the outside, you will not be disappointed as you enter the gate. Instantly, you are transported back in time as you step into the garden oasis, designed by Sorolla himself. Take a moment to pause and reflect in the garden before heading inside.

This is one of the hidden Madrid city attractions. Pass through one of the best-preserved museum homes in Europe. Ogle at the sculptures, traditional clothes, and photographs in addition to paintings. The artist’s studio is impressive with high ceilings and wall-to-wall paintings. Surely, you’ll be inspired to try your hand at painting after a visit!

Sorolla is one of the best examples of Spanish Impressionism. Walkthrough the remaining rooms of the home. Enjoy the light, bright paintings filled with stunning figures and pastel landscapes. It’s one of the unforgettable Madrid sights.

Exiting the gate is just as disconcerting as entering. Within seconds, you are wandering once again on the modern-day streets of Madrid to continue your tour.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

By Dzangir from Dzangir Travels

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is a football stadium in Spain’s capital. It is home to the football club Real Madrid. It’s one of the significant cultural spaces on this Madrid region map.

The impressive stadium was built in 1947 (renovated in 1982, 2001, and 2020) and it has a capacity of 81,044. It was named after the player, manager, and long-time president of the club Real Madrid, Bernabeu. Among other things he initiated the building of the stadium and was one of the proponents of what today became the Champions League. 

Tour the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. 

The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is one of the must-see Madrid City Centre attractions. At this venue, many important football competitions were held. Most notable are the FIFA World cup in 1982, the UEFA Euro of 1964, and the European Cup Final in 1957, 1969, and 1980. Also, the Champions League finals in 2010. 

When you visit, have a tour of the stadium and see the tunnel, locker rooms, the bench, the pitch, and even the presidential box. You’ll also see the Exhibition of Trophies and a panoramic view of the stadium from the west side viewpoint and shop. This is one of the top attractions in Madrid Spain. 

But the best experience would be to see a live game at this place. If you are lucky to get tickets for the El Clasico against FC Barcelona that would be unforgettable! You can pay less than 50 € for some games, or as much as a few hundred €s for El Clasico games. Sitting anywhere in a stadium when more than 80,000 fans are cheering will leave you with an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

Faro de Moncloa

By Paulina from Paulina on the Road

The Faro de Moncloa is the lighthouse of Moncloa. It was designed by Salvador Perez Arroyo. This amazing tower was built in 1992 when Madrid was announced as the European capital of culture. It is the eleventh highest building in the city and is famous because of the spectacular view it offers of the city. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Madrid and the illumination of Victory Gate Avenue. 

Tourists can find Faro de Moncloa standing along the busy avenue of Arco de la Memoria. It is a 110-meter tall building, and it is recognized as one of the important landmarks of its neighborhood. You will be stunned by its magnificent structure.

It’s worth climbing to the top for unforgettable views. You can check out various spots from the top of the city. Plus the tower features a panoramic elevator that goes straight to the highest possible spot of the district.

It is one of the significant places in Madrid because of its architecture and views. It is one of the recommended stops for tourists.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum 

By Kenny from Knycx Journeying 

You may have heard that the Prado, Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza form the Golden Triangle of Art on our Madrid attractions map. Each of these museums must be on your Madrid to-do list!

The Prado has a focus on classical European art and the Reina Sofía on contemporary art. The Thyssen-Bornemisza name comes from a famous family in Spain’s history. This family was originally the second-largest private art collector, after the British Royal Collection. With the family’s extensive coverage and interests, the museum today showcases Western Art from classical to modern. This bridges the gap between the other two art museums and completes the art spectrum to treat all art lovers. 

Artworks in Thyssen-Bornemisza are arranged in chronological order, from the medieval, renaissance, then baroque works of art. There are also important side galleries dedicated to Flemish, German, French and Spanish works. It’s no wonder this is one of the popular tourist spots in Madrid.

There are approximately 800 works in the museum including some must-see paintings like the Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni by Ghirlandaio (148​8)​, Grand Canal, Looking East from the Campo San Vio by Canaletto (1723-24), and ​Les Vessenots in Auvers, Van Gogh (1890). A surprising moment includes discovering Pop-Arts at the end. 

National Archaeological Museum

By Sinjana from Backpack & Explore

The National Archeological Museum is one of the most underrated destinations on our map of Madrid Spain. Situated at Calle de Serrano, it is an easy walk from the Retiro park and the iconic Alcala Gate of Madrid. 

The National Archeological Museum is a massive four-storied building where each floor is dedicated to one era of history – Prehistoric, Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History. It has an entry fee of only a few Euros, which is valid throughout the day for multiple entries. 

This is one of the famous museums in Madrid because it showcases the crucial role of Spain in the development of human civilization. On display are the original fossils and remains excavated from sites of Spain and North Africa, explained by written and audio-visual content.

You may encounter many beautiful art museums while sightseeing in Madrid, but this one is refreshingly different. This is a great place to visit with a young family due to the interactive exhibits offered. It’s one of the must-see attractions in Madrid. 

Is Valencia next on your Spain itinerary? Check out these beautiful places in Valencia.