Madrid walking tour & city guide
Grand avenues, world-class art and late, lively nights.
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Spain's capital is a city of grand boulevards, royal palaces and three of the world's finest art museums. But Madrid's true character is in its streets and squares, where locals stay out late eating tapas and talking until well past midnight.
The historic center
Puerta del Sol is the bustling heart of Madrid and the official center of Spain, marked by the Kilometer Zero plaque from which national roads are measured. A short walk away, the arcaded Plaza Mayor has hosted markets, bullfights and festivals since the 17th century.
Head west to the Royal Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe, with the Almudena Cathedral facing it across a square. The Gran Vía, Madrid's grand avenue of early 20th-century buildings, theaters and shops, is especially impressive at night.
Art and parks
The 'Golden Triangle of Art' lies along the Paseo del Prado: the Prado Museum, with masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya, the Reina Sofía, home of Picasso's Guernica, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Behind the Prado, Retiro Park offers a lake with rowing boats and the beautiful glass Crystal Palace.
Neighborhoods and nightlife
La Latina is the place for a Sunday walk, when the huge El Rastro flea market takes over its streets, followed by tapas on Cava Baja. Malasaña and Chueca are lively, creative districts full of bars and vintage shops, and the Barrio de las Letras was home to Cervantes and other great writers.
Madrid eats late: lunch is often around 2 pm and dinner after 9 pm. The city sits high on a plateau, so summers are hot and dry while winters are cold but sunny.
Top sights in Madrid
- 1
Prado Museum
One of the world's great art museums.
- 2
Royal Palace of Madrid
The official residence of the Spanish royal family, open to visitors.
- 3
Plaza Mayor
A grand arcaded square in the heart of old Madrid.
- 4
Retiro Park
Madrid's green lung, with a boating lake and the Crystal Palace.
- 5
Gran Vía
The city's showpiece avenue of theaters and grand buildings.
- 6
Reina Sofía Museum
Modern art including Picasso's Guernica.
Food markets & where to eat in Madrid
Mercado de San Miguel
A glass and iron market hall near Plaza Mayor, full of tapas stalls.
Cava Baja, La Latina
A street lined with traditional tapas bars.
Plaza Mayor area
Traditional taverns and churros and chocolate cafés.
Malasaña
A lively neighborhood of bars, cafés and modern restaurants.
Mercado de San Fernando
A local market in Lavapiés with affordable food stalls.
Food to try in Madrid
Bocadillo de calamares
A fried squid sandwich, a Madrid classic near Plaza Mayor.
Churros con chocolate
Fried dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate.
Cocido madrileño
A hearty chickpea and meat stew.
Huevos rotos
Fried eggs broken over fried potatoes, often with ham.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Madrid
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in MadridCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Madrid.
- eSIM for SpainStay online from the moment you land.
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