Madrid, mola, y mola muchísimo. Or like locals would say: “De Madrid al cielo”, and guess what, they are not lying when they say that. This article is a very general, and pretty much a 101 guide to Spain’s capital city.
Go check my article on Eurovision Fam about the Eurovision 2023 pre-party celebrated there last month, which was the main reason why I saved up, got my visa and traveled all the way to Spain from the Dominican Republic.
Regardless of the pre-party and a canceled concert (Delta Goodrem, I love you queen and I can’t wait to finally see you live in concert sometime) that I really wanted to go to, I took time out of my 9-day trip to explore such a beautiful city. Thanks to a couple of amazing friends that I have living in Madrid, and could count on them for my journey.
Here’s a recap of the major attractions in Madrid that I had the chance to visit while in the city. My experience overall will be detailed in a following post. Let’s do this!
Templo de Debod
The Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple located in Madrid, Spain. It is considered one of the most unique and interesting tourist attractions in the city.
The temple dates back to the 2nd century BC and was originally located in the village of Debod, which is now in modern-day Egypt. The temple was dedicated to the gods Amun and Isis, and it was used for religious ceremonies and rituals.
In the 20th century, the Egyptian government donated the temple to Spain as a sign of gratitude for its help in saving some of Egypt’s historical treasures during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temple was dismantled and transported to Madrid, where it was reconstructed in Parque del Oeste in 1972.
Today, the Templo de Debod is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the cultural exchange between Spain and Egypt. Visitors can explore the temple and its surroundings, including a beautiful garden with a pond and a stunning view of the city.
Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo Park is the largest public park in Madrid, Spain. It spans over 1,700 hectares of land, making it even larger than New York City’s Central Park. Located just west of the city center, Casa de Campo is a popular recreational area that offers a wide range of activities and attractions.
The park has a rich history, dating back to the 16th century when it was originally a royal hunting ground. Over the years, it has transformed into a vast green space with diverse landscapes, including meadows, woodlands, and a large lake called Lago de Casa de Campo. The park is a favorite spot for Madrileños to enjoy outdoor activities and escape the bustling city.
Casa de Campo offers various recreational opportunities for visitors. It has numerous walking and cycling paths, providing ample space for strolling, jogging, and biking. The lake is a great place for boating and rowing, with boats available for rent. There are also facilities for horseback riding, tennis, and golf, as well as several playgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
Aside from its natural beauty, Casa de Campo is home to several notable attractions. The Madrid Zoo and Aquarium, located within the park, is a popular destination for families. It houses a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and dolphins. The Teleférico de Madrid, a cable car, provides breathtaking views of the park and the city as it takes visitors on a scenic ride across the park.
Casa de Campo also hosts cultural and entertainment events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. It offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to connect with nature and enjoy leisurely activities.
Access to Casa de Campo Park is free, and it is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the metro. With its expansive green spaces, recreational opportunities, and attractions, Casa de Campo is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor enjoyment in Madrid.
Madrid Río
Madrid Río is a large urban park located in the city that stretches along the Manzanares River, hence the name. It covers an area of over 10 kilometers and is one of the city’s newest and most popular parks. It was created as part of a large-scale urban regeneration project that aimed to revitalize the city’s southern district and connect it to the city center. The park was officially opened in 2011 and has since become a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
The park offers a wide range of recreational activities and facilities, including cycling and walking paths, sports areas, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It features several pedestrian and bicycle bridges that connect the two banks of the river, providing easy access to the different areas of the park.
One of the park’s most impressive features is the wide range of public art installations and sculptures that dot the landscape. There are also several notable landmarks within the park, including the Puente de Segovia, a historic bridge that dates back to the 16th century, and the Matadero Madrid, a cultural center that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
Madrid Rio is also known for its sustainable design and commitment to environmental conservation. The park has over 30,000 trees, including several native species, and features a state-of-the-art irrigation system that uses recycled water. There are also several educational and ecological programs offered within the park to promote awareness and encourage sustainable practices.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, but it is only used for state ceremonies. The palace is located in the center of Madrid, near the Plaza de la Armería, and is one of the most important historical and artistic sites in the city.
The construction of the palace began in 1738, under the reign of Philip V, and was completed in 1764, during the reign of Charles III. The palace was built on the site of the old Alcázar, a fortress that had been destroyed by a fire in 1734.
The palace has over 3,000 rooms and covers an area of 135,000 square meters. It is considered one of the largest palaces in Europe, and its architecture is characterized by its grandeur and elegance, combining different styles such as Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical.
Inside the palace, you can see an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and other decorative arts from different periods, including works by famous Spanish artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Visitors can also admire the Throne Room, the Royal Chapel, the Hall of Columns, and other majestic rooms that are used for official events and ceremonies.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is one of the most iconic landmarks and popular tourist destinations in the city. It is a large rectangular square located in the heart of Madrid’s historic center, and it has been a central meeting place for locals and visitors alike for centuries.
The plaza was originally built in the early 17th century during the reign of Philip III, and it has since been the site of many important events, including bullfights, markets, public executions, and royal proclamations. Today, it is a bustling pedestrian zone lined with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and street performers.
The Plaza Mayor is surrounded by beautiful buildings with balconies overlooking the square. The most notable of these is the Casa de la Panadería, which features a beautiful fresco painted on its facade. Other notable buildings include the Arco de Cuchilleros, a beautiful archway leading to a picturesque street of the same name, and the Casa de la Carnicería, which was once a meat market but now serves as a cultural center.
One of the most popular things to do in Plaza Mayor is to enjoy a meal or a drink in one of the many outdoor cafes and restaurants that line the square. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, and it’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the local culture. Another popular activity is to attend one of the many events and festivals that take place in the plaza throughout the year, such as the Christmas market or the San Isidro festival.
Overall, the Plaza Mayor is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Madrid. Its beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, and rich history make it a true gem of the city.
Prado Museum
Is one of the most important and well-known art museums in the world. It is located in the heart of Madrid, near El Retiro Park, and it houses a vast collection of artworks from Spanish, European, and international artists. Founded in 1819 by King Ferdinand VII, who wanted to create a space to showcase the Spanish royal family’s art collection. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection through donations, acquisitions, and other means, and it now boasts over 35,000 works of art.
The Prado Museum‘s collection is particularly rich in works from the Spanish Golden Age, with masterpieces by famous artists such as Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Goya, and El Greco. The museum also has an impressive collection of Italian, Flemish, and Dutch paintings, with works by artists such as Titian, Rubens, and Rembrandt.
Some of the most famous works on display at the Prado Museum include Velázquez’s “Las Meninas,” Goya’s “The Third of May 1808,” and Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights.” The museum also features sculptures, decorative arts, and other objects from different periods and cultures.
The Prado Museum is open to visitors every day of the week, except for certain holidays. The museum is quite large, so it’s recommended to plan ahead and allocate a few hours to explore it fully. Audio guides and guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the artworks and their history.
Reina Sofía Museum
Also known as Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, is another famous art museum located in the city. It is dedicated to contemporary and modern art, and it features a vast collection of artworks from Spanish and international artists. Founded in 1986, is housed in a former hospital that was renovated and expanded to accommodate the museum’s growing collection. The Reina Sofía Museum’s collection includes works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Eduardo Chillida, among others.
One of the museum’s most famous works is Picasso’s “Guernica,” a large-scale painting that depicts the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The museum also features works by Dalí, including his surrealist masterpiece “The Persistence of Memory,” as well as works by Miró, Chillida, and other modern and contemporary artists.
The Reina Sofía Museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as a variety of cultural events, including concerts, performances, and lectures. The museum also has a library, a bookstore, and a restaurant.
The Reina Sofía Museum is open to visitors every day of the week, except for Tuesdays and certain holidays. Audio guides and guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the artworks and their history.
Mercado de San Miguel
This is dedicated to my foodie peeps and my regular drinkers. Madrid has THEE perfect spot to satisfy your needs. Mercado de San Miguel is a famous food market located in the heart of Madrid, just a few steps away from the Plaza Mayor. It is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic markets, and it has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike for over a century.
The market building itself dates back to 1916 and was renovated in 2009 to become a culinary hotspot. The Mercado de San Miguel features a large central area surrounded by over 30 vendors selling a wide variety of food and drink, including fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and wine.
Visitors can wander through the market, sampling and purchasing different foods and drinks from different vendors. The market’s stalls offer a variety of Spanish specialties, such as Iberian ham, croquettes, paella, and churros. There are also several bars within the market where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer.
The atmosphere in the Mercado de San Miguel is lively and vibrant, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to enjoy the food, drink, and company. The market is open every day of the week, from early morning until late at night, making it a great destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is one of the most important art museums in the city. I strongly recommend it and it is located in the Villahermosa Palace, an 18th-century building in the center of Madrid, and it features a vast collection of artworks from different periods and cultures. Opened in 1992, when the Spanish government acquired a private collection of artworks from the Thyssen-Bornemisza family. The collection includes over 1,600 paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, ranging from medieval to contemporary art.
The Thyssen Museum’s collection is particularly strong in Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Expressionist art, with works by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Kandinsky. The museum also features works by Old Masters, such as Titian, Rembrandt, and Rubens, as well as modern and contemporary artists, including Hopper, Rothko, and Lichtenstein.
Some of the most famous works on display at the Thyssen Museum include Van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear,” Degas’ “La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans,” and Edward Hopper’s “Hotel Room.” The museum also has a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as a variety of cultural events, including concerts and lectures.
The Thyssen Museum is open to visitors every day of the week, except for Mondays and certain holidays. Audio guides and guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the artworks and their history.
Chueca
Madrid’s gay neighborhood and located in the center of the city just blocks away from Gran Vía. It is a lively and colorful area that has become a popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with streets lined with bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood is particularly popular at night when people come out to enjoy the nightlife and socialize with friends.
One of the highlights of Chueca is the annual Madrid Gay Pride Parade, which takes place in late June and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. The parade starts in the neighborhood and winds its way through the city, culminating in a massive party at the Puerta del Sol.
Chueca is also home to several LGBTQ+ cultural centers and organizations, such as the COGAM LGBT Community Center, which offers support, resources, and social activities for LGBTQ+ people in Madrid.
Puerta de Alcalá & El Retiro Park
These are two of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, located in the heart of the city. Sadly, when I visited them a few weeks ago (early April 2023), Puerta de Alcalá was on renovation work and not open to the public. The park, however, was open with no issues.
El Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s largest and most popular parks, covering over 125 hectares of land. It was originally created as a royal garden in the 17th century and was opened to the public in the 19th century. Today, the park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, who come to enjoy its beautiful gardens, sculptures, fountains, and lakes.
Some of the highlights of El Retiro Park include the Crystal Palace, a beautiful glass and metal pavilion that hosts temporary art exhibitions; the Rose Garden, which features over 4,000 roses of different varieties; and the Retiro Lake, where visitors can rent rowboats and paddle around the lake. The park is also a popular spot for outdoor activities, such as jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
The Puerta de Alcalá, located at the entrance of the Retiro Park, is one of Madrid’s most famous landmarks. It is a neoclassical triumphal arch that was built in the 18th century to celebrate the arrival of King Charles III to Madrid. The arch features six columns on each side and is adorned with sculptures and reliefs that depict scenes from Spanish history.
Today, the Puerta de Alcalá is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and admire the architecture. It is also a popular meeting place for locals and a landmark for various events and celebrations, including concerts and parades.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
To wrap up this extensive article, here are some recommendations I have about this city, and some final thoughts on my visit.
- I strongly encourage you to use the public transportation system. Madrid is very well connected by bus & train, and the service is very decent.
- Tourists should focus on the Madrid Centro area, that’s where most of the attractions are and it’s where you will feel the most safe.
- Parks are used during the day and during the night. Most of them are of a nice size. Flowers, trees, grass, statues, and more can be seen everywhere in the city in its many parks and public spaces.
- Madrid remains a very queer-friendly city, and the gayborhood is legit and very nice.
The city has a vibe that I don’t know how to describe it. But like, when you are there, you feel it in you. It’s just amazing.
The sacrifice was truly worth the wait. This trip was everything that I needed and much more. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, my own personal experience will be detailed on a following post. To close up, enjoy the Spanish entry for Eurovision 2022, “SloMo” by Chanel.
Until next time!