Madrid Travel Itinerary: 8 Must-Visit Madrid Landmarks

Introduction

Planning your first trip to Madrid? This ultimate Madrid travel itinerary covers Madrid 8 must-visit landmarks, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and iconic attractions in the heart of Spain’s capital.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, this Madrid travel guide will help you experience the best sights in just 2 days.

Madrid is a city built for exploration, and most of its famous landmarks in the city center are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to cover them in a day. However, for a more relaxed pace, I recommend spreading the sights of the 8 Must-Visit Madrid Landmarks over two days to fully soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Important Tools

When traveling to any location, having the right tools is essential for smooth navigation. Your top two must-have travel tools are a reliable navigation map (Google Maps is highly recommended) and a stable internet connection. After all, what good is a map without a data connection?

For seamless internet access, the Holafly Travel eSim has been a game-changer for me. It is the perfect solution for staying connected with unlimited data connection, unlike the other providers that charge by the gigabytes.

Relevant Read – Unlock Train Travel Magic with GoogleMaps: Guide

Relevant Read – Limitless connectivity with Travel eSim

Moving Around Madrid

Madrid’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to use. The train network serves most areas, and stations are equipped with ticket machines, so there is no need to buy train tickets in advance unless you’re traveling regionally.

For short distances within the city center, buses and taxis are ideal.

If you are a first-time visitor in Madrid, I recommend starting your exploration from Puerta del Sol, located near Atocha Train Station. Simply use your navigation map to plot your route, and you will receive detailed directions on which train lines to take.

Once you exit Sol Station, you will be welcomed by the bustling Puerta del Sol Square, the perfect place to begin your Madrid adventure.

8 Must-Visit Madrid Landmarks to Visit

No matter what kind of traveler you are, Madrid’s rich history and stunning landmarks offer an unforgettable experience. My advise, start your day at around 10am, that is when the city starts to bubble and from Puerta del Sol square.

Here are the top 8 Must-Visit Madrid Landmarks to visit in Madrid:

1. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s most iconic squares and the symbolic heart of the city. It is known for its famous clock tower where the New Year’s Eve celebrations take place, and the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue, Madrid’s emblem.

This square is a must-see. Take in the city’s energy, enjoy free performances, and explore the surrounding shops and restaurants. Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here to fully appreciate the square’s beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

From Puerta del Sol, take a 5mins walk to Chocolatería San Ginés, a famous spot for churros and hot chocolate.

2. Most famous Cafe in Madrid – Chocolatería San Ginés

A visit to Chocolatería San Ginés is a must for anyone craving Madrid’s traditional churros and hot chocolate. Churros is Spain’s traditional snack fritters made from a simple batter consisting of flour, baking powder and oil. They can be enjoyed plain or served with chocolate sauce for dipping.

This beloved cafe has served locals and tourists for years and has become an icon in Madrid’s culinary scene. Famous figures like Tina Turner and Pelé have visited, and their photos are proudly displayed on the cafe’s walls.

After indulging in this delicious treat, take a short walk to Plaza Mayor.

3. Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is a stunning 17th-century square and one of Madrid’s best-preserved landmarks. The statue of King Philip III is the focal point of the square and a popular photo spot.

This grand square is steeped in history and was once the center of Old Madrid. It is surrounded by picturesque buildings and is a great spot to people-watch, enjoy snacks at a sidewalk café, or explore the traditional market stalls.

Spend around an hour here to explore the local shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere. You’ll find many cafes and restaurants for a great meal.

From the Plaza Mayor, take a short walk (~15 minutes) to the Royal Palace of Madrid.

4. Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)

The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the largest palaces in Europe, boasting over 3,000 rooms and serves as the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, although they do not actually live there.

Entry to the palace is free, although the queue to get in is very scrutinized and slow. When you enter, do not miss the highlight of the palace, the Royal Armoury and Throne Room, which showcase the palace’s regal history. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and be sure to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Just directly adjacent to the Royal Palace is the Alumenda cathedral.

5. Almudena Cathedral

Adjacent to the Royal Palace is the Almudena Cathedral. It is a relatively modern cathedral with stunning architecture. Its interior and rooftop views of the city make it a beautiful spot for photos. Be sure to walk around the side of the cathedral to the fence for breathtaking arial views of Madrid city.

6. Gran Vía

Gran Vía is Madrid’s most famous street, and is referred to as Madrid’s Broadway due to its theaters, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. This bustling street is lined with beautiful early 20th-century buildings, making it a prime location for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

You’ll need a few hours to explore this lively street, but if you are shopping, plan to spend half or a full day here.

If you want to catch a panoramic views of Madrid from Grand Via, visit the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes. You can also pop into some shops or just enjoy the street’s lively atmosphere. Night life here is also a bubble with various casinos and hotels on the street.

Highlights on Gran Vía

Edificio Metrópolis – A landmark building at the beginning of Gran Vía.
Edificio Telefónica – One of the first skyscrapers in Europe.

Tip: For a panoramic view of the city, visit the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes building.

7. Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)

If you are all for art, make your way to the Prado Museum. It is one of the world’s premier finest art museums, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, and offering an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the early 20th century.

There is usually a long queue to enter this museum so you need at least a half day to see this place. if you are short on time however, you can enjoy the highlights in the surrounding environment, they are gorgeous.

Tip: Entry to the museum is free during the last two hours of operation, but it can be crowded, so plan accordingly if this is your way of seeing it.

8. Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)

The El Retiro Park is just a 10 mins stroll from Prado Museum.

Retiro Park is one of my favourite places in Madrid. It is a vast and beautiful green space in the heart of Madrid, perfect for relaxation and a leisurely stroll. You can rent a rowboat on the park’s central lake, visit the stunning Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), or simply enjoy the park’s peaceful gardens and sculptures.

The park is free entrance for everyone now. It was originally built exclusively for the royal family, it’s no wonder it is quite stunning, and is now even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is massive, so if you are visiting for the first time, plan to spend a couple of hours to explore its beauty.

If I were a student in Madrid, this park will be my library for studying. Thats how peaceful and inspiring it is, despite it’s busy outlook.

The park is in the center of the city and is easily accessible by train or bus. There is in fact a train station ‘Retiro’ that runs right inside the park.

A good Dinner Choice

Madrid is a vibrant city with a wide range of restaurants and bars offering great dining options. One of the places I have had dinner and would highly recommend is El Gaucho.

El Gaucho is a casual dining spot located near Puerta del Sol. It boasts a cozy ambiance with low noise levels and smooth jazz filling the air. Their menu features mouthwatering steaks and fish dishes at surprisingly affordable prices.

You have the option to sit at high tables where you can watch the chef cook over charcoal or opt for an outdoor table to enjoy a 3-course meal with a refreshing drink.

Regardless of where you choose to sit, one thing is certain, you are in for a delicious and affordable dining experience at El Gaucho.