وبلاگ سپهران | Attractions | Madrid Attraction
Madrid Attraction, A world full of excitement, art and fun
A world where excitement, art, and entertainment blend together, let’s explore the attractions of Madrid, the capital of Spain. With an annual more of six million tourists from around the globe, Madrid has an extensive list of top tourist attractions.
For art enthusiasts, Madrid is recognized as a special place in the Golden Triangle of Art. Here, you can visit top art museums, delight in a zoo visit, take advantage of hiking opportunities, and enjoy leisure in large parks. In this article from Sepahan Blog, join us to discover other must-visit places in Madrid!
The Crystal Palace, with its origins dating back to 1887, was once considered one of the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in all of Spain. This structure, constructed to showcase native plants and other objects collected from the Philippines during the time when the country was still a Spanish colony, is a historical landmark in Retiro Park that you should not miss!
Today, this structure serves as a cultural pavilion within the park, hosting various temporary exhibitions, making it worth stepping inside for a stroll.
El Retiro Park, located in the heart of Madrid, boasts over 125 hectares of green space and a 4.1-kilometer circular path for leisurely strolls and sightseeing within the park, making it the best place for relaxation in the city. Along the pedestrian paths in these circular routes, you will encounter the Crystal Palace, as well as large fountains, historical statues, libraries, and cultural centers. You’ll also discover several beautiful gardens inspired by Andalusia and rose gardens.
In this park, you’ll see locals, children running and playing in the open spaces, and people enjoying a delightful picnic. To enhance your recreational experience in this park, consider renting a boat for a leisurely row around the park’s lake!
Plaza Mayor de Madrid is another must-visit place in Madrid that you should add to your itinerary.
This area, which dates back to its inauguration in 1620, was originally a social space where local markets were held and it hosted various bullfights, coronation ceremonies, and even public executions.
Today, this square has been reconstructed and features buildings with orange/red facades and balconies in Spanish style. You can also spot a bronze statue of King Philip III in its center.
Plaza Mayor is always bustling, whether with street artists in the summer or the city’s Christmas market in winter, and the lively cafes around the edges of the square are open year-round.
Prado Museum, known as the National Art Museum of Spain, primarily houses historic Spanish paintings by artists like El Greco, Velázquez, Francisco Goya, and other important Spanish painters. In the Prado Museum, you can embark on a journey through Spain’s history through art, showcasing everything from religious art to sculptures and paintings, while also highlighting the artistic evolution.
You can explore the stories of some of the most significant events from the past, including Goya’s “Saturn Devouring His Son,” Diego Velázquez’s “Las Meninas,” and Goya’s “The Third of May 1808 in Madrid,” in this museum.
Within a 1-kilometer radius of this museum, you can also wander through other famous museums like the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Royal Palace of Spain is situated in the heart of Madrid and offers insights into Spain’s history and royal life.
The Royal Palace of Madrid, dating back to 1735, is a symbol of Spain’s royal history. This palace features 3,418 rooms, and as you ascend the entry staircase, you’ll pass by statues representing the kings of Spain. As you navigate through the palace from room to room, you can appreciate the luxurious style of the chambers, from high ceilings to intricate golden and red details.
While the royal family no longer resides in the Royal Palace, it is still used for official government events.
Visit the famous football stadium of Madrid, known as the Wanda Metropolitano. This stadium, with a capacity of over 68,000 people, was inaugurated in 2017! The Metropolitano Stadium has previously hosted major football events, including the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, as well as numerous concerts for various artists on a grand scale.
Experience one of Spain’s largest bullfighting rings, known as Las Ventas or officially, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Las Ventas has an impressive capacity of 23,798 people and holds the title of one of the world’s largest bullfighting rings!
Inside this complex, you can explore the bullfighting museum, which delves into the deep history of this controversial sport, with roots dating back to Roman times and prevalent in Spain.
Visit one of Madrid’s most iconic historical buildings, the Temple of Debod. When Spain assisted Egypt during a severe flood after the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the Temple of Debod was donated to Madrid by Egypt. The origins of this Egyptian temple date back to the 2nd century BCE and were transferred to Madrid in 1968. This site was officially inaugurated in 1972.
Today, this temple is a popular tourist destination, especially during sunset, offering a beautiful space to watch the radiant sunset in one of the city’s prime spots.
If you’re into street food, don’t miss a stroll through the delicious San Miguel Market. This famous food market, located right outside Plaza Mayor, offers a variety of classic Spanish dishes to try!
This beautiful market, originally opened in 1916, with its outer frame and broad glass panels, allows passersby to catch a glimpse of the marvelous market and step inside to enjoy all kinds of regional Spanish cuisine. From paella to sangria, Iberian ham (jamón ibérico) to cheeses and fresh produce, the stunning San Miguel Market is a great culinary stop for visitors looking to indulge in a range of Spanish flavors.
If you want to delve deeper into Madrid’s food scene, consider signing up for a food tour in Madrid that includes a stop here!
Located opposite the Royal Palace, you’ll find La Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena), an important church with a long history of service to the royal family.
The cathedral’s beautiful high ceilings, stained glass windows, ornate altar, and classical style make it quite captivating. You can explore sections that depict important events that have taken place inside the church, as well as religious art. Admire the impressive dome, adorned with more than 400 columns displaying various scenes from the Bible and nature, some of which are resting places for certain members of the royal family.
Tickets for both the museum and the dome start at 6 euros for adults and 4 euros for students. Entrance to the church itself is free.
At Warner Park, located 30 minutes from the center of Madrid, take a break and have some fun!
This park is packed with attractions, shows, excellent dining options, and more. Warner Park is an ideal place to spend time, especially if you are traveling with children.
In various themed areas of the park, from Hollywood Boulevard to Cartoon Village, Old West Territory, take a stroll to see more entertaining games. If you’re looking for other kinds of entertainment, watch shows ranging from musicals to performances by cartoon characters.
In October, see the park transformed into a zombie-themed amusement park, adding a layer of fear to your amusement!
Teatro Real, located in the center of Madrid near the Royal Palace, hosts several amazing and high-quality performances that are among the best in Europe. This theater accommodates 1,748 spectators in its royal space, built in 1748.
In the circular lobby, admire beautiful artworks, some of which were previously housed in the Prado Museum. Take a look at the shops to purchase unique souvenirs! In this theater, you can easily become acquainted.
In this article, we’ve tried to list a variety of attractions in Madrid so that you can become familiar with some of the special places to visit in Spain when traveling to the country. If you’ve experienced a trip to Madrid, please comment for us.