Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid.

Madrid

Spain's complex capital

Once little more than a Roman way station and Moorish fort, Madrid owes much of its existence to the fickle patronage of the kings of Spain. The city's transition from sleepy backwater to imperial capital and modern metropolis has been erratic, leaving Madrid with a complex personality. The crowded flea markets of the Rastro, the green spaces of the Retiro, the Habsburg pomp of Los Austrias and the bold vision of the new Reina Sofia museum are just some of the sides of this multi-faceted city.

Top Highlights in Madrid

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Bernabeu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabeu)
Attraction
Madrid's legendary football arena

Bernabeu Stadium (Estadio Santaigo Bernabeu) is the home of Real Madrid, one of the most...

Biblioteca Nacional
Entertainment
A superb library in architecture and content

Biblioteca Nacional is situated in an impressive neoclassical building to one side of...

Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol)
Attraction
A nocturnal shopping and nightlife spot

Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol) is a fascinating square which if visited by day, bears no...

La Fuente de Cibeles
Attraction
A fountain for Mother Earth

La Fuente de Cibeles is a fountain depicting Cybele - the Phrygian deification of the Earth...

View of Museo Arqueológico Nacional
Museum
Culture and history museum

One of Madrid's oldest museums, Museo Arqueológico Nacional dates back to 1867.

Museo Nacional del Prado
Museum
One of the most important art displays in the world

Museo Nacional del Prado reveals an impressive display of art to visitors. With over 7000...

Parque del Buen Retiro
Attraction
Park of the Pleasant Retreat

Parque del Buen Retiro (also known as the Jardines del Buen Retiro) is described by many as...

A view at Plaza Mayor
Attraction
The city's stately square

Once a simple market square outside the city walls, the Plaza Mayor was rebuilt between 1560...

Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid
Attraction
Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid

Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid was founded in 1755, by King Ferdinand VI. Initially, the...

Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)
Attraction
The former royal residence in Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is the former royal residence. The building...

Museum
A spellbinding treasure house of art

If you think the Prado has all the world's masterpieces, think again. Since 1992 the...

Torres KIO (Puerta de Europa)
Attraction
Twin office buildings

The twin towers known as Torres KIO (Puerta de Europa) or the Gates if Europe, were were...

Top Guides in Madrid

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Madrid GUIDE
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