Location: Spain
Great for: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups, and Honeymoons
It’s no secret that Spain holds an expansive collection of attractions full of history and excitement just waiting to be discovered. And what better way to dive deep into the cultural richness of Spain than exploring the capital, Madrid, which also serves as the country’s art and financial center. If you’re in need of some inspiration, here are several top-rated attractions to visit in Madrid!
The Royal Palace
Be ready to be walking for quite some time, as this highly-rated attraction is enormous in size! Commissioned by Philip V back in the late 18th century, this palace has long been used as a resting spot for the monarch of Spain. Part of the palace is used as a museum similar to that of Versailles in France. However, the monarch still occasionally uses the palace as a temporary residence and some official events are even held here.
Plaza Mayor
Madrid is home to dozens of plazas spread all across the city. They are used for various activities and events, social gatherings, shopping, and eating. Ask any local (or passionate tourist) about which one is their favorite visit and they’ll probably recommend Plaza Mayor. This plaza dates back to the 1600s, where it was used outside of official city walls to host bullfights and executions during the Spanish inquisition.
Prado Museum
The Prado Museum, officially known as Museo Nacional del Prado, is the main Spanish national art museum. It is widely considered to house one of the world's finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century, based on the former Spanish Royal Collection, and the single best collection of Spanish art. The Prado Museum is one of the most visited sites in the world and is considered one of the greatest art museums in the world. The numerous works by Francisco Goya, the single most extensively represented artist, as well as by Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, and Diego Velázquez, are some of the highlights of the collection.
Pro tip: visit the museum on your second day in town so that jet lag will not prevent you from enjoying this wonderful museum.
Museo Arqueológico Nacional
If there’s one thing you can’t leave Madrid without visiting, it has to be at least one of the spectacular museums. While there are many to visit, Museo Arqueológico Nacional should definitely be on your list! Within this museum, you’ll find a large collection of art, artifacts, and historical items. Some hold very important historical significance, such as the Lady of Elche bust.
Almudena Cathedral
Originally planned to be built in the 14th century, this famous cathedral would not see the light of day until 1879 and was not completed until 1993. Aside from its long-awaited debut, the cathedral boasts a vast history and controversy, mainly because of the royal families that lived there. Regardless, the cathedral is a beautiful sight to see with its gothic-style exterior and multiple bells. It also houses the largest crypt in all of Spain.
Puerta del Sol
Another popular gathering spot, Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s prettiest highlights. The name Puerta del Sol translates to “gate of the sun", and is a destination where flocks of people go on New Year’s Eve to welcome in the new year. A wonderful tradition on New Year's Eve is to eat 12 gigantic grapes, one with each chime of the clock, to ensure you have a wonderful year to come. Be sure to take pictures of the Strawberry Tree and the great Bear statue when you go to Puerta del Sol.
Temple of Debod
Temple of Debod is a unique sight. It rests in el Parque del Oeste which is just a few minutes away from the Royal Palace. The Temple is the only one of its kind in Spain, in that it’s an Egyptian temple dedicated to the Egyptian princess, Isis. Originally, the temple was placed on the banks of the Nile River, but with Egypt building the Great Dam of Aswan, the temple (and other monuments) had to be moved. Spain offered their help with the process and was rewarded with the temple back in the 1960s.
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
What’s one thing you think of when you hear about Spain? Probably fútbol, what we call soccer, right? Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is the home stadium of the city’s world-famous team, Real Madrid. A visit here will allow you to take tours throughout the stadium, where you can see dozens of trophies, artifacts, and marvelous views. If you’re lucky, you might even grab a spot to watch El Clasico, an annual match hosted at the stadium!
Basílica de San Francisco el Grande
Designed by Francisco Cabezas, the same designer of the great Church of Santa Maria in Rome, the Basílica de San Francisco el Grande is an enormous church with paintings lining almost every wall of the entire building. The church stands over 55 meters tall and within the walls, you’ll find a myriad of paintings and religious artifacts.
Mercado de San Miguel
Need a break from history? Head over to el Mercado de San Miguel near the Royal Plaza. Here, you’ll see dozens of stalls selling an assortment of fruit, vegetables, antiques, and more. If you’re a night owl, don’t shy away from visiting the market late in the evening. The entire market stays open until around 2:00 AM, and has slowly become a hotspot for nightlife activities including concerts, late-night munchie runs, and private parties.
Gran Via
Gran Via is what some refer to as a New York City equivalent, Spanish-style. The city is practically erupting with an array of multi-colored neon lights. See the first image for that view. The streets are lined with different shops, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Much like NYC, Gran Via is also known as the ‘city that never sleeps.’ Which ones will you visit on your trip to Madrid?
So next time you visit Madrid, make sure to stop by these wonderful places and maybe find some interesting places of your own.
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