After spending two days in Madrid for a company trip, I can confidently say that the city is one of those European capitals that grabs you with its energy from the very first moment! With limited time available, I decided to dive into its atmosphere, focusing on relaxed city walks that took me around the most iconic sights and allowed me to feel the true pulse of the city!
More about Madrid
The history of Madrid began as a modest Moorish fortress in the 9th century, but it was conquered by the Kingdom of Castile as early as 1085, marking the beginning of its Christian period. For centuries, it remained just a small settlement, overshadowed by the old capital, Toledo. Its true rise occurred in 1561, when King Philip II decided to move his court from Toledo to Madrid.
This decision transformed the city from a provincial town into the political center of the vast Spanish Empire. It is precisely because of this “late start” that Madrid lacks the medieval feel of many other European capitals, and instead is distinguished by a more rectilinear, lavish, and monumental Habsburg architecture. This is also why you feel the city is so multifaceted – it’s a blend of Moorish roots, Habsburg grandeur, and a modern, unceasing rhythm of life.
Prepare for a walk through Madrid’s most beautiful corners, where royal palaces, exquisite parks, and modern streets intertwine in a captivating way!
Where is located and how to get there
Madrid is located right in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula and is one of the highest-altitude capitals in Europe, at about 667 meters above sea level. This central location makes it easily accessible from any point in Spain and the world.
The city is served by the large and modern Barajas Airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport – MAD), which is one of the busiest in Europe. Travel to and from it is convenient, as you have the metro, buses, and taxis available. Keep in mind, however, that the airport is very large and has four terminals, with Terminal 4 being particularly massive. To avoid confusion, always check in advance from which terminal you are departing or arriving, as the distance between them is significant. It took us about 40 minutes to walk from check-in to the gate!
Despite its scale, Madrid’s airport is extremely well-connected to the city center. You have several convenient options to reach the main sights. If you are looking for the fastest and most efficient way, the metro is the best choice. Line 8 (the pink one) directly connects all terminals to the Nuevos Ministerios metro station, from where you can easily transfer to other parts of the city.
If you prefer to see the suburbs, the express bus (Exprés Aeropuerto) is an excellent option – it runs 24/7, and detailed information about the schedule, stops, and prices can be found HERE. Both options offer a fast and seamless transfer, allowing you to start your Madrid adventure right away!
See car rental options in Spain
Where to stay
Central Madrid offers many excellent neighborhoods for a stay. For first-time visitors who want to be close to the main attractions, the Centro district is the best choice. Here, you’ll be within walking distance of the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. If you are looking for a more bohemian and lively atmosphere, Malasaña is the right place – with its trendy bars and vintage shops.
Our hotel was in the quiet and authentic neighborhood of La Guindalera, specifically at Hotel NH Madrid Ventas. The location turned out to be excellent, with a metro station right next to the hotel, providing quick and easy access to the city center. The rooms were comfortable and relatively spacious for a city hotel, and the breakfast was very plentiful with a huge variety of fresh products.
See more places to stay in Madrid
The Royal Palace
We start with the Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid) – one of the largest royal residences in Europe! If you decide to go inside, you will find over 3 000 glittering rooms (ticket information can be found HERE)! But even just from the outside, its scale and neoclassical architecture manage to recreate an atmosphere of royal splendor and imperial grandeur. Nowadays, it is mainly used for state ceremonies and events, as the royal family lives elsewhere.
Today’s building was erected on the site of the former Moorish fortress (Alcázar), which was completely destroyed by fire in 1734. Its construction lasted three decades, and the design used was inspired by the sketches of the famous Italian architect Bernini for the reconstruction of the Louvre in Paris, which were never implemented. The end result is one of the most majestic buildings in Europe, combining elements of French Baroque and Italian Neoclassicism.
The area around the Palace
The entire area around the palace is filled with majestic serenity! In front of the eastern entrance is Plaza de Oriente – an elegant garden that is an ideal place for rest and a walk. The equestrian statue of Philip IV proudly stands in the center of the square. It is claimed that the help of the famous scientist Galileo Galilei was needed to achieve the technically impossible posture of the horse rearing up on its hind legs at the time.
If you head to the palace’s main entrance, you will find yourself in the enormous Plaza de la Armería. It is nestled between the palace and the cathedral, and from it, a breathtaking view opens up towards the Campo del Moro gardens and the western parts of the city. You can often see colorful street musicians contributing to the wonderful atmosphere.
Right across from the palace rises the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena). With the relocation of the capital from Toledo to Madrid in 1561, the city was left without a cathedral, and the need to build such an impressive temple became pressing. Nevertheless, the impressive building was only completed in 1993, making it one of the newest cathedrals in Europe. Its interior is simple but with a modern design that creates an interesting contrast with the classic churches we are used to seeing. Visiting it is free, only the museum and the dome require a fee.
Plaza de la Villa
We head towards the heart of the city along Calle Mayor – one of Madrid’s most important historical streets. Accompanied by its colorful facades, we reach the charming Plaza de la Villa. This small historical square, often underestimated by tourists, is a true architectural gem and home to some of the oldest buildings in the city. Here you’ll find the House and Tower of the Lujanes (Casa y Torre de los Lujanes), built in the 15th century in a mix of Gothic and Mudéjar styles, and is the oldest surviving civil building in the capital. The feeling of medieval Madrid is enhanced by the former City Hall (Casa de La Villa) and its stone passage to the former palace Casa de Cisneros.
To San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel)
The next stop is the iconic San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel). Around noon, the market is buzzing with people, and the air is filled with the aromas of fresh food. Dozens of ham hocks hang above visitors’ heads, and every display case offers a colorful and irresistible mix of tapas offerings.
I admit that one of my favorite activities while traveling is visiting local markets to feel the authentic rhythm of life.
However, San Miguel Market is not exactly that. Located in a beautiful building of wrought iron and glass, it has been transformed more into a tourist attraction and an exquisite gourmet center than a traditional market for daily shopping. Nevertheless, it offers an incredible variety of tapas, seafood, ham, wines, and other delicacies that are worth trying.
Around Plaza Mayor
Before heading to the lavish Plaza Mayor – the center of all city life, let’s immerse ourselves in the labyrinth of streets that surround it. We walk along the picturesque Cava de San Miguel, which smoothly transitions into Cava de Cuchilleros and leads us to the oldest operating restaurant in the world (according to the Guinness Book of Records) – Botín. It occupies all four floors of the brick building and has preserved its authentic interior, where Hemingway, Goya, and other famous personalities have dined.
On the sidewalk, right in front of the neighboring barbershop, you will notice a bronze plaque. Founded in 1900, it has been open continuously for more than a century! These plaques are an initiative of the city council, marking centuries-old traditions of specific commercial establishments that are part of the city’s historical and cultural heritage, and you can spot them in other places throughout Madrid.
To escape the crowds of tourists, you can slip away to the small and quiet squares nearby. Plaza del Conde de Barajas impresses with its well-preserved medieval palace residences, and Plaza del Conde de Miranda is a pleasantly secluded space.
In the opposite direction lies a true hidden treasure – the small chocolatier for artisan chocolate Yam Yam Cacao / Chocolala Belga. I went in to buy chocolate as a gift and left having tasted several great flavors and with a full bag of treats… A real delight for the senses! I highly recommend making it a must-stop on your trip to Madrid!
Plaza Mayor itself
Plaza Mayor is the heart of Madrid and perhaps one of the most magnificent squares in all of Spain! The majestic rectangular square is surrounded by buildings of uniform architecture and numerous arches that lead to the surrounding streets. Also impressive is the House of the Baker (Casa de la Panadería), whose facade is decorated with colorful frescoes that instantly draw the eye. It is there that civil marriages take place, as happened right in front of us – the newlyweds came out onto the balcony, and everyone in the square loudly applauded them!
Although today it is filled with crowds of tourists, smiling locals, and hurried passersby, this square also hides a darker past – it was the scene of royal ceremonies, coronations, bullfights, and even executions during the Spanish Inquisition. The equestrian statue of Philip III proudly stands in the center of the square. Around it, you will find many souvenir shops and restaurants, but be warned, as most of them are standard “tourist traps”.
The Sunny Puerta del Sol
Another iconic and lively square is Puerta del Sol, known for its crescent shape. I knew that as a cultural and transport hub, it was busy at all times of the day, but I truly didn‘t expect to see so many people… Before reaching it, we walked along Cava de Postas, where the facade of Petit Palace Posada del Peine – Madrid’s oldest hotel, which opened its doors in 1610 – attracts attention.
In the square itself, you will see the city’s emblematic symbol—the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño). This statue is actually part of the coat of arms of Madrid. Its origin is linked to the ancient Roman name of the city – Ursalia, which translates from Latin as “land of the bears“. The strawberry tree (madroño), which is different from the strawberries we know, was very typical of the area, and people even believed it cured the plague! The coat of arms officially appeared in the 13th century on a document by King Alfonso VIII. With it, he settled disputes over ownership between the city council and the church, distributing the trees and forests to the municipality and the animals and pastures to the clergy.
Here is also Kilometer Zero (Kilómetro Cero), from where all major Spanish roads are measured. The Royal Post Office Building (Real Casa de Correos) with its emblematic clock dominates the square. This clock is the center of attention every New Year’s Eve, as millions of Spaniards follow its strikes at midnight to eat their 12 grapes – one with each strike of the bell – for luck during the next 12 months.
Starting from Puerta del Sol are some of the most elegant commercial streets in the city – Calle del Arenal, Calle de Alcalá, and Carrera de S. Jerónimo, which are surrounded by beautiful buildings and luxury shops.
The green Plaza de España
The excellent Madrid metro quickly transfers us to Plaza de España! This enormous and recently renovated square is impressive with its spaciousness and the buildings that surround it. It is dominated by two iconic skyscrapers – Torre de Madrid and the imposing Edificio España, which has been converted into the luxury hotel RIU Plaza España. The square serves as a green space for recreation and as a natural gateway to Gran Vía and the Royal Palace.
A majestic monument dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes, the greatest Spanish writer, rises in the center of the square. In front of it, in the lower part, you can see the bronze statues of his most famous heroes—Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza, riding their horses.
After exploring the square, we advise you to head to the nearby hill. Just a short walk away, nestled in a park, is the Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod) – an authentic Egyptian temple from the 4th century BC, donated to Spain. This is one of the best places in Madrid to watch stunning sunsets…
Along Gran Vía
We dive directly into the flow of people on Gran Vía – Madrid’s most famous and lively street, often called the “Spanish Broadway” because of the numerous theaters, cinemas, and comedy clubs that line it. This street is a true architectural textbook, where every corner hides impressive buildings.
Walking along it towards Plaza de Cibeles, the gaze constantly moves upwards, drawn by styles ranging from Beaux-Arts to Art Deco. Among the most iconic buildings that attract attention are the futuristic Edificio Carrión with the famous Schweppes neon sign, the imposing Edificio de la Compañía Telefónica (once the tallest building in Europe), as well as, of course, the Metropolis Building, with its golden dome, but perfectly wrapped in restoration panels…
Along the way is also Plaza del Callao – the Madrid equivalent of Times Square. Life here buzzes around the clock, and the huge screens, advertisements, and constant chatter make the area a center of modern urban culture.
The elegant Plaza de Cibeles
Plaza de Cibeles is perhaps the most elegant square in Madrid and serves as a crossroads of history, culture, and football passion. In its center is the namesake fountain, dedicated to the goddess of fertility, Cybele, who is depicted on a chariot pulled by lions. This fountain is particularly important for all Real Madrid fans, as it is the traditional place for celebrating every title won.
The square is surrounded by four monumental buildings. The most impressive is the Palacio de Cibeles, which was formerly the Central Post Office and today is home to the City Hall. If you have a little more time, there is a café on its top floor with a panoramic terrace that offers one of the best views of the city and the fountain from above.
💡 During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, the fountain was completely covered with sandbags and hidden under a brick structure to protect it from bombings.
Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)
Retiro Park is the green oasis and the lungs of Madrid! Before diving into it, it’s worth noting the imposing Puerta de Alcalá – a neoclassical arch that was once one of the five main gates of the city.
The park is ideal for a walk and its biggest attraction is the large lake, where you can rent a boat and enjoy the sunny day. The lake is dominated by the majestic Monument to Alfonso XII. Another must-see spot is the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) – an exquisite glass structure inspired by the London Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, which is used today for exhibitions and is a favorite spot for photos.
If you are looking for quieter corners, I recommend walking along Paseo de la Argentina, known as the Alley of Statues, which leads to the lake. Don‘t miss the romantic gardens of La Rosaleda with thousands of roses, as well as the more secluded gardens of Cecilio Rodríguez. Retiro is the ideal place to stop for a short rest, and locals love to have picnics on its green lawns on weekends…
Atocha Station
Atocha Station – Spain’s largest railway hub and an important transport center that connects the capital with the whole country via high-speed trains. The building itself is an architectural jewel that combines old design with modern elements. The central part of the old terminal has been turned into a huge tropical garden, where you can see hundreds of species of palms and water lilies under a glass roof. This is an unexpected and beautiful place for rest and photos.
Unfortunately, the name Atocha is also forever linked to the terrorist attacks of March 11, 2004, when a series of bomb explosions took the lives of 193 people. A Memorial in memory of the victims has been built next to the station, which serves as a reminder of the tragedy and the strength of the people of Madrid to move forward.
Morning around Las Ventas Bullring
Due to the location of our hotel, I had the opportunity to start my morning walk around Las Ventas Bullring! This is the largest and most important bullfighting arena in Spain and is often called the “Cathedral of Bullfighting”. The arena is truly impressive, built in the exceptionally beautiful Neo-Mudéjar style – a Spanish architectural school that uses bricks and decorative ceramic tiles inspired by Moorish art. Even if you are not a fan of bullfighting, it is worth seeing it from the outside. You can also visit the Bullfighting Museum (Museo Taurino de Madrid) to learn more about this centuries-old, albeit controversial, Spanish tradition.
The literary quarter Barrio de Las Letras
The Bohemian and intellectual spirit of Madrid is felt most keenly in Barrio de Las Letras! The neighborhood was home to the greatest Spanish writers of the Golden Age, including Lope de Vega, Quevedo, and Miguel de Cervantes. You can start your walk from the imposing Neptune Fountain (Fuente de Neptuno), which is popular because it is the traditional celebration spot for fans of the other local football club—Atlético Madrid.
Walking along the emblematic Calle de Las Huertas, you will notice verses and quotes from literary classics on the sidewalks. The neighborhood is also home to the Miguel de Cervantes House-Museum (Casa Miguel de Cervantes), where the great author lived and died.
Nearby, you will find the statue of Cervantes in front of the facade of the Congress of Deputies (Congreso de los Diputados). The heart of the neighborhood, however, beats in two main squares—the lively Plaza de Santa Ana, full of theaters and tapas bars, and the more intimate Plaza del Ángel.
For lovers of perfect cappuccino, I highly recommend visiting FELIZ COFFEE – a small place that you will definitely like. If you come for lunch, you can sit at the exquisite Restaurante Ginger. Everything there was superb, but the oxtail (rabo de toro) was truly incredible – it’s a dish you must try in Madrid!
The colorful La Latina Neighborhood
To discover the true, non-touristy pulse of Madrid, head to La Latina. This historic neighborhood is famous for the El Rastro market, whose heart is Plaza de Cascorro – the place where vendors and buyers gather for the largest and oldest flea market in the city. On Sunday, the entire area was bustling with people, street musicians and stalls.
Your walk should definitely pass through Calle de la Cava Baja – a picturesque street known for its tapas bars. In the past, the street served as an entry point for merchants, mule drivers, and carriage drivers who transported goods to the San Miguel and Cebada markets. This is how the first inns were born, where travelers would stay. Today, over 50 bars and taverns along Cava Baja are a direct legacy of these original inns, which explains their authenticity.
It’s worth seeing the colorful squares like Plaza de la Cebada, the charming Plaza de los Carros, which leads to the slightly sloping Plaza Paja. The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Michael is also located in La Latina. Its interior is impressive with its Baroque forms and lavish decoration, making it a small architectural masterpiece.
To conclude the walk through the neighborhood, we headed to El Viajero bar and its open-air terrace on the top floor – from there, an excellent view opens up towards Plaza de Puerta de Moros. It’s the perfect place for rest and observing the neighborhood life from above with a beer in hand!
Flamenco – The passion of Madrid
Perhaps the most affecting and memorable thing from my trip to Madrid was the flamenco performance I attended! Flamenco is not just a dance – it’s a cultural art that combines passionate music, singing (cante), and dance (baile). The tradition, which originated in Andalusia, is full of contradictory emotions and can be both deeply sad and melancholic, but also fun and joyful.
For an authentic experience, we visited Tablao Flamenco Los Porches! A Tablao is the name for the traditional venues where flamenco is performed, often combined with dinner. The place is elegant and cozy, and the proximity to the stage allows you to feel every emotion and vibration. Besides the captivating show, you can enjoy great food here. The steak was impressive and cooked to perfection!
But the real magic was in the performance itself. The artists’ performances were amazing, especially their facial expressions… Every step, every glance, and gesture told a story of passion, pain, and pride, making flamenco a memorable experience!
For a final
After all these walks, from the splendor of the Royal Palace and the historical gravity of Plaza Mayor, through the modern hustle of Gran Vía and the emotional depth of flamenco, we can say one thing – Madrid is a city that lives at high speed! It is simultaneously majestic and bohemian, noisy and quiet, old-fashioned and modern. History is everywhere here, but it is always mixed with the contemporary, joyful energy of the people of Madrid.
Of course, there is still one good reason to return… The Museums in Madrid—and specifically the “Golden Triangle of Art,” including the Prado (Museo Nacional del Prado), Reina Sofía (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía), and Thyssen-Bornemisza (Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum) – are a treasure trove that deserves special attention. If you are looking for a European capital that offers you culture, endless sun, food you will remember for a long time and passion, then Madrid is your next destination!
Additional tips
How to use the Metro
The procedure for buying a metro ticket is a little more specific because you first need to buy a card – the Tarjeta Multi. Then you load it with a ticket, indicating the starting and ending stops. Prices vary due to zoning. There is an additional fee for travel to and from the airport—about 3 euro. If you plan frequent travel by metro, it will be more cost-effective to load several trips.
Is the Madrid City Card worth it
If you plan frequent use of public transport and visits to several tourist sites, the Madrid City Card can save you money and time. The card offers discounts and fast access to iconic landmarks. You can find the different options and prices, as well as all included sites, on the website – HERE.
Must-try food in Madrid
To get the true taste of Madrid, there are three emblematic specialties you must try. The essential is, of course, ham (Jamon), which you can find quickly and affordably at the Museo del Jamón. For classic churros with thick chocolate, you can head to Chocolatería San Ginés. And despite the distance from the coast, a typical dish for the city is the fried calamari sandwich (Bocadillo de Calamares) – the best one is made at Bar La Campana near Plaza Mayor.
How many days do we need
Without going into museums, two days was enough to see the main sights. But if you want leisurely and slow walks, afternoon tapas breaks, and visiting museums, I would recommend at least three or four days.
Weather and when to visit
Madrid is most pleasant to visit during spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October). During these months, temperatures are ideal for long walks (around 20−25∘C) and the parks are especially beautiful. Summer is extremely hot (often over 35∘C), which makes daytime walks difficult. Winters are cool but sunny, which is also a good option if you prefer fewer tourists. Which may be a bit arbitrary, because on the February weekend of my visit, there were quite a few people…
