15 iconic Madrid landmarks (and sights) you can't miss

It’s time to explore Madrid. Whether you’re coming for a winter weekend or a summer getaway, the capital of Spain is always ready to welcome you. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, to the iconic Plaza Mayor, a historic square that has witnessed centuries of events, Madrid is a treasure trove of historic landmarks. Among the best architectural landmarks in Madrid are art museums, royal residences, and sleek modern skyscrapers. You’ll even find a temple from the classical world. Put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore.

Madrid’s landmarks at a glance

Most-visited landmark: The Royal Palace

Oldest landmark: The Temple of Debod

Tallest building: Torre de Cristal

Largest green space: Retiro Park

1. The Royal Palace

Madrid’s Palacio Real has been home to the Spanish royal family since the 18th century. Today, King Felipe VI is in residence. You may not see the king, but you can explore lavishly decorated rooms like the banquet hall and throne room. To learn more about the colorful history of the royal family, take a Royal Palace tour. Don’t miss the armory, as some pieces date back to the 13th century, and the surprisingly interesting royal pharmacy.

Highlights

• Marvel at the lavish decor and intricate details in the Throne Room.
• The Royal Armory is one of the world's most important collections of its kind.
• Stroll through the picturesque Sabatini Gardens.

Address

Calle de Bailén, 28071 Madrid

Opening hours

Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

2. The Prado Museum

The city’s so-called Golden Triangle of Art comprises three incredible art museums in Madrid. Of the three, the Prado is also a landmark in its own right. Its galleries, showcasing the best of the Spanish masters, continue to attract thousands of visitors each year. You’ll discover works by brilliant painters like Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya.

Highlights

• “Las Meninas” by Velázquez: A masterpiece of Spanish Golden Age painting.
• “The Third of May 1808” by Goya: A powerful depiction of the Spanish resistance to Napoleon’s armies.
• “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch: A triptych that captivates with its intricate details and surreal imagery.

Address

Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón 23, 28014 Madrid

Opening hours

Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM

3. The Almudena Cathedral

One of the newest cathedrals in Spain, the Almudena Cathedral is a rich mixture of neo-Romanesque and Byzantine architecture making it feel far older and grander. For amazing views, climb to the top of its dome. It’s quite a workout, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramas across the city. You can easily spend hours exploring the cathedral, visiting the underground crypt, and admiring the unique carvings on each column. Look out for the column that is engraved with the bear and the strawberry tree, the symbol of Madrid.

Highlights

• Climb to the top for breathtaking views of Madrid.
• Visit the crypt, which predates the cathedral and showcases neo-Romanesque architecture.
• Explore the cathedral museum to learn about its history and see religious artifacts.

Address

Calle de Bailén 10, 28013 Madrid

Opening hours

Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-8:30 PM

4. The Plaza Mayor

The center of everyday life in Madrid for centuries, there’s always something going on in Plaza Mayor, from Christmas markets to open-air concerts. Take your time to admire the architecture, too. Some of the façades on the buildings here date back to the 16th century.

Highlights

• Admire the equestrian statue of Philip III at the center of the square.
• Visit the beautifully frescoed building that once housed the municipal bakery, Casa de la Panadería.
• Relax at one of the many terrace cafes and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Address

Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid

5. The Temple of Debod

This is one landmark that comes as a surprise to many visitors. The Temple of Debod is an authentic Egyptian temple built in the 2nd century BC. The Egyptian government presented it as a gift to Spain, and it was painstakingly transported and rebuilt right in the center of Madrid.

Highlights

• The temple is particularly enchanting at sunset, offering spectacular views over the city.
• Capture beautiful reflections of the temple in the surrounding pool.
• Learn about the temple’s history and significance in the small on-site exhibition.

Address

Calle de Ferraz 1, 28008 Madrid

Opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-7:30 PM

Closed on Mondays

6. The Puerta de Alcalá

The historic entrance to Madrid hundreds of years ago was the Alcalá Gate. One of Madrid's most iconic monuments and a prime example of neoclassical architecture, it was completed in 1778, it served as a grand gateway to the city. Located at the Plaza de la Independencia near Retiro Park, this famous landmark in Madrid is a must-see for its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Highlights

• Admire the intricate sculptures and carvings that adorn the gate.
• Visit at night when the monument is beautifully lit, creating a stunning visual.
• Explore the nearby Retiro Park and enjoy a leisurely stroll or boat ride.

Address

Plaza de la Independencia, 28001 Madrid

7. The Congreso de Diputados

There’s always something happening at the Congress of Deputies, where the Spanish parliament meets. Once a convent, today, it has traded saints for politicians. The exterior of the building, which dates back to the 19th century, features imposing Corinthian columns and lion statues. Hang around outside long enough, and you’ll be sure to spot some protesters, journalists, and even a politician or two.

Highlights

• The grand entrance features impressive columns and two bronze lion statues.
• Take a guided tour to see the hemicycle where parliamentary sessions are held.
• Located near the Prado Museum and other cultural landmarks.

Address

Carrera de San Jerónimo, 28071 Madrid

8. Puerta del Sol

One of Madrid’s central squares, Puerta del Sol is home to one of the city’s smallest but most famous landmarks, the statue of a bear and a strawberry tree. This is the symbol of Madrid and definitely deserves a photo. Known for its historical and cultural significance, this famous landmark in Madrid is home to the clock tower of the old Post Office, where New Year’s Eve celebrations are held.

Highlights

• Stand at the “Kilometer Zero” plaque marking the starting point of Spain’s six national roads.
• The statue of the bear and the strawberry tree symbolizes Madrid.
• Experience the lively atmosphere during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Address

Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid

9. The Faro de Moncloa

Madrid has several impressive modern skyscrapers, including the Torre de Cristal, the tallest building in Spain. Sadly, few are open to the public. For the best views of these mighty buildings, try the Faro de Moncloa. This former transmission tower is 110 meters tall and provides a unique perspective of Madrid’s skyline.

Highlights

• Enjoy 360-degree views of Madrid from the observation deck.
• Learn about the city’s landmarks and history through guided tours available at the tower.
• On a clear day, you can see all the way to the distant Guadarrama Mountains from the top.

Address

Faro de Moncloa, 28040 Madrid

Opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 AM-8:00 PM

Closed on Mondays

10. Retiro Park

When you’re craving some greenery, there’s no better place than the city center Retiro Park. This lush park has an artificial lake where you can rent a boat, ducks to feed, and plenty of trails for joggers or walkers. There’s a lot to explore in the park, but watch out for the Palacio de Cristal, a striking glass building.

Highlights

• Visit the stunning glass pavilion, often used for art exhibitions.
• Rent a rowboat and enjoy a peaceful ride on the park’s central lake.
• Stroll through the vibrant Rose Garden, especially beautiful in spring.

Address

Jardines del Retiro, 28009 Madrid

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday 6:00 AM-10:00 PM

11. Casa de Campo

The enormous Casa de Campo is five times bigger than New York’s Central Park. This park demands a full day of exploration. This extensive green space is a natural landmark in Madrid, featuring a lake, a zoo, an amusement park, and numerous trails for hiking and biking. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature within the city.

Highlights

• Rent a boat or enjoy a picnic by the scenic lake.
• Visit the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium, home to various animals.
• Experience thrilling rides at the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid.

Address

Casa de Campo, 28011 Madrid

12. River Manzanares

The Manzanares is Madrid’s main river, and the Madrid Río riverside area is a popular spot in summer. Cool off on the lawns overlooking the river with ice cream or a glass of sangria. The Madrid Río area has plenty to offer the whole family, with 17 separate children's playgrounds, cafés, and boardgame areas. When you need a break, this is the place to go.

Highlights

• Explore the extensive park with its beautiful gardens, bridges, and recreational areas.
• Visit Matadero Madrid, a cultural center along the river offering art exhibitions and events.
• Admire the modern and historic bridges that span the river, such as the Puente de Toledo.

Address

Paseo de la Ermita del Santo 14-16, 28011 Madrid

13. Sierra de Guadarrama

You can see the Guadarrama Mountains from the center of Madrid, creating an imposing backdrop to the city. This natural landmark in Madrid is part of the Central System of mountains and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities. The area is rich in biodiversity and offers spectacular views, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Explore numerous trails with varying difficulty levels, offering scenic views and fresh mountain air.
• Climb the highest peak in the range for panoramic vistas.
• Enjoy skiing and snowboarding during the winter months at the nearby resorts.

14. Royal Botanical Gardens

With over 5,000 species of plants, Madrid’s Royal Botanical Gardens are eclectic. Established in the 18th century, this historic landmark in Madrid features a diverse collection of plants worldwide, beautifully arranged in themed gardens. You'll see herbs, flowers, and exotic plants from all over the globe.

Highlights

• Check out the library with a catalog of almost 10,000 drawings of plants.
• Explore one of the largest and most important plant collections in Spain.
• Visit the greenhouses housing exotic plants and tropical species.

Address

Plaza Murillo 2, 28014 Madrid

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday 10:00 AM-8:30 PM

15. La Quinta de Molinos

One of Madrid’s lesser-known parks, La Quinta de los Molinos, contains examples of Mediterranean trees. The undisputed kings of the park are the almond trees, which bloom in February and March, filling this green space with beautiful blossoms.

Highlights

• Visit in late February to early March to see the park’s famous almond trees in full bloom.
• Explore the historic villa and its surrounding gardens.
• If you’re visiting Madrid with kids, enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many scenic spots.

Address

C. de Alcalá, 527, 28027 Madrid

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday 6:30 AM-10:00 PM

FAQs

What is the oldest historic landmark in Madrid?

The oldest landmark in Madrid is definitely the Temple of Debod, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. It has only stood in Spain since the 20th century, though.

What are some free landmarks to visit in Madrid?

Madrid’s parks are free. There are also several monuments that you can visit, like the statues in Puerta del Sol, the Cibeles Fountain, where Real Madrid fans celebrate victories, and the Puerta de Alcalá.

Are there any guided tours that focus on the architecture of Madrid’s landmarks?

Yes. Many guided walking tours emphasize the architecture of buildings like the Congreso de Diputados, the Almudena Cathedral, and the Palacio de Moncloa.

How can I get the best views of scenic landmarks in Madrid?

You can go up to a dedicated observation deck, like the Faro de Moncloa. The dome of the Almudena Cathedral also has great views. Locals also recommend going to the 9th floor of the Corte Inglés department store in Plaza del Callao, which has a great terrace with scenic views.

What are some natural landmarks near Madrid worth visiting?

As well as the parks around the city, you can head out to the Sierra de Guadarrama. You’ll be stunned to find such a great example of mountain wilderness so close to a big city.