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What to see in Madrid Centro district
Madrid is one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant and cultural cities in Europe. In 2022, more than 6 million international tourists visited the city, making it the most visited city in Spain.
The district of Madrid Centro is the one that attracts the most tourism and it is not surprising, because it is an area full of life and charm, with many interesting places to discover.
In this post we make a tour of what we consider 5 essential visits to Madrid, will you join us?
The 5 essential visits
Puerta del Sol
No one who comes to Madrid can miss the emblematic Puerta del Sol. Since 2020 it is completely pedestrianized and hosts the famous clock of the Casa Correos that every December 31 rings the chimes to welcome the new year. Here we will also find the Km 0 plaque, which marks the beginning of the country's radial roads that start from Madrid, as well as the mythical Bear and the strawberry tree, symbol of the city. From the square run the historical and busiest streets of the capital as Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá or Preciados.
Plaza Mayor
A short walk from the Puerta del Sol we find the Plaza Mayor, a must-see place in Madrid. Felipe II had it built at the end of the 16th century and today it is one of the most visited places in the city. Highlights include what was the Casa de la Panadería, now converted into the Centro de Turismo de Madrid or the Arco de Cuchilleros, one of the ten most photographed entrances to the Plaza Mayor for its humble and peculiar access through a stone staircase. In the center of the square is the equestrian sculpture of Philip II, one of the most valuable works of art located in the streets of Madrid. During the Christmas season in the Plaza Mayor is installed the largest Christmas market in the city, with plenty of craft exhibits, typical sweets, as well as figures and accessories to assemble the traditional Bethlehem.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace, also known as Palacio de Oriente, is another must-see in Madrid. Former residence of the monarchs, today they do not live here, although it is the official residence of the Spanish Royal family and it is here where receptions, ceremonies and official acts of state are held.
At present a part of the palace is open to the public and can be visited. Highlights include the Plaza de la Armería, the painting gallery and the Royal Kitchen.
From the Royal Palace you can also access the Mirador dela Cornisa, with spectacular views of the Jardines del Moro and the Casa de Campo.
Next to the Royal Palace stands the spectacular and imposing Almudena Cathedral.
The Art Triangle
Located on the Paseo del Arte and formed by the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia National Museum, the Art Triangle is the most important group of museums in the country. In a walk of just over a kilometer, art lovers will find one of the largest concentrations of art in the world.
The Prado Museum houses one of the best and most extensive collections of paintings from the XVI to XIX centuries, with masterpieces of the stature of great artists such as Velázquez, El Greco, Rubens, El Bosco and Goya.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza has an extensive art gallery that offers the possibility of a journey through the history of art, starting from the thirteenth century until the end of the twentieth century. The sections of Impressionism, German Expressionism, Russian Constructivism and other avant-garde movements stand out.
The Reina Sofia National Museum offers the possibility of enjoying great 20th century works as well as contemporary art pieces by Spanish artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, the most famous painting in the museum being Picasso's Guernica.
Cibeles Fountain
The Fountain of the Goddess Cibeles is one of the most emblematic and representative monuments of Madrid. It was conceived to supply water to the people of Madrid and a century later, in 1895, it became a decorative element and symbol of the city. Surrounded by imposing buildings such as the Palacio de Cibeles (former Palacio de las Comunicaciones), the Palacio de Buenavista, the headquarters of the Bank of Spain or the Casa América (former Palacio de Linares) make it one of the most beautiful and visited squares in Madrid.
Do you want to know more about Madrid Centro? Don't miss the following posts:
Madrid Centro (I): From historic center to fashionable district
Madrid Centro (IV): Markets and gastronomy
* Credit to: Turismo Madrid
** Credit to: Kristijan Arsov
*** Credit to: Libertad Digital
**** Credit to: Madrid Film Office