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Madrid

Spain Travel Guide

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Spain, Madrid..A view of La Plaza Mayor square in Madrid where there were a group of tourists riding bicycles. The Plaza Mayor square is one of the most famous squares in the town and located in the city center. People walk and cycle through the streets.The Plaza Mayor (Main Square) was built during Philip III's reign (1598–1621).

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Overview

Madrid has excellent art museums, phenomenal food, enormous parks and Europe’s largest palace, but its inclusive atmosphere is what really makes the city soar.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Prado Museum facade and Cervantes statue in Madrid, Spain 188461775 ancient, architectural, architecture, building, capital, cervantes, city, cityscape, cloudy, columns, daylight, destination, entrance, europe, european, exterior, facade, famous, historic, historical, history, iberia, iberian, landmark, madrid, mediterranean, monument, museum, national, old, place, prado, spain, spanish, statue, street, symbol, tourism, tower, travel, urban, view

    Museo del Prado

    Madrid

    Welcome to one of the world's premier art galleries. More than 7000 paintings are held in the Museo del Prado’s collection (of which only around 1500 are…

  • MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 27: Reina Sofia Museum on October 27, 2010 in Madrid: This museum is dedicated to the exhibition of modern and contemporary art in Madrid, capital of Spain.; Shutterstock ID 155320763; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

    Madrid

    Home to Picasso’s Guernica, arguably Spain’s most famous artwork, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is Madrid’s premier collection of contemporary art.

  • Madrid, Spain 107758765

    Parque del Buen Retiro

    Madrid

    Spend a day exploring the vast grounds of Madrid’s emblematic park.

  • Visitors look at the pictures in the museum Thyssen-Bornemisza.

    Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

    Madrid

    The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is one of the three points composing Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art along the Paseo del Prado (Art Walk), together with the…

  • Basílica de San Francisco El Grande. The Royal Cathedral of St. Francis the Great (Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande), XVIII century. @Valery Rokhin/Shutterstock

    Basílica de San Francisco El Grande

    La Latina & Lavapiés

    Crowning Madrid’s oldest neighborhood of La Latina is an architectural and visual masterpiece that is the Basílica de San Francisco el Grande (Basilica of…

  • The exterior of Las Ventas Bullring 'Plaza de Toros' in Madrid.

    Plaza de Toros Las Ventas

    Salamanca

    One of Spain’s most atmospheric arenas, the Plaza de Toros Las Ventas has hosted everything from Beatles concerts to motocross competitions during its…

  • Templo de Debod at sunset

    Templo de Debod

    Madrid

    Few people would ever guess that a 2200-year-old Egyptian temple exists in the center of Madrid. Yet the Templo de Debod is in no way a Vegas-style…

  • Spain, Madrid, part of the exterior of the Museo Lazaro Galdiano.

    Museo Lázaro Galdiano

    Salamanca

    This imposing early-20th-century Italianate stone mansion, set discreetly back from the street, belonged to Don José Lázaro Galdiano (1862–1947), a…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Madrid's deep mix of cultural attractions, craveable cuisine and hopping nightlife could fill a dozen visits, so shape yours around these 12 experiences.

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Best Time to Visit

Madrid has a busy social calendar, but it isn't always as warm as you might think. Time your visit with this guide to the city’s festivals and climate.

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Things to Know

Plan your travels in Madrid, Spain's lively and welcoming capital city, with these local tips on health, safety and etiquette.

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Transportation

Commuter-friendly Madrid has a great public transportation network to get travelers around the city and its surrounding towns.

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Free Things to Do

The Spanish capital is a city of fine food and rich culture, but costs can mount up quickly. Here's our guide to the best free things to do in Madrid.

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Best Neighborhoods

Madrid's neighborhoods run the gamut, each offering residents and visitors a distinct slice of Spanish culture.

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Day Trips

After you've soaked up all Madrid offers, use it as a jumping-off point for some wonderful day trips, from Roman ruins to stunning Spanish villages.

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Money and Costs

Make the most of your trip to the Spanish capital with these savvy spending tips.

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Traveling with Kids

With amusement parks, playgrounds and a laid-back dining culture, Madrid is a family-friendly holiday destination.

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Spending Diaries

How to book accommodation, take in museums and eat very well in the Spanish capital for under €500.

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Plan with a local

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Madrid and beyond

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