Often regarded as less impressive than other European capitals, Madrid is sure to steal your hearts with its vibrant and open-minded ambience that render it a completely irresistible destination.
Visit the Prado Museum
One of the main reasons why you should visit Madrid is the city’s wide selection of exquisite museums and galleries. However, if you only have time for one museum during your trip to Madrid, make sure you visit the Prado Museum. The latter is home to superb pieces of art that are best enjoyed during a private audio tour.
Watch the Sunset at the Temple of Debod
The Temple of Debod is an ancient construction that was originally built in Egypt. When the temple was under threat of being destroyed by floods in the 1960s, the Egyptian state decided to donate it to Spain. It now dominates the Parque del Oeste, a park that is the best place to enjoy a stunning sunset in Madrid.
Walk Along the Splendid Gran Via
Few streets in Europe share Gran Via’s grandeur. This splendid boulevard in the heart of Madrid is definitely worthy of its nickname the Spanish Broadway. The beautiful street is lined with shopping centers, restaurants, B&Bs, cinemas, and theatres. Many of the buildings along the Gran Via are excellent examples of 20th-century architecture. The most famous among them are the Metropolis Building, the Telefonica Building, and the Grassy Building.
Spend a Day at El Retiro Park
El Retiro is one of the largest and most gorgeous public parks in Madrid and a real locals’ favorite at weekends. This magnificent park is adorned with beautiful sculptures and monuments and boasts a wonderful lake and some fantastic buildings such as the Crystal Palace. El Retiro can keep you busy for an entire day as you can wander around, rent a rowboat, and paddle in the lake or attend various events held there.
Take a Day Trip to Toledo
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo Old Town is one of the most captivating medieval towns in Europe. The historic center of Toledo is very compact so it is ideal to visit on a day trip from Madrid. You can easily plan your own itinerary and get to Toledo by public transport but, if you’re running short on time, perhaps it’s best to visit with a guided tour.
And it’s the time you say…
“Wait… why don’t we start photo shooting?”
With mild winters and sunny summers, Madrid is a European capital that is ideal to visit all year long. We’ve compiled a list of the best Instagram spots in Madrid for your eyes only. Check them out now!
Plaza Mayor
The very heart of Madrid is no other than the iconic Plaza Mayor, the city’s main square. The magnificent red buildings with the fine arches that surround the square are the perfect backdrop for the most amazing Instagram shots.
Palacio de Cristal
As its name suggests, the Crystal Palace is an incredible construction made of glass. It was built in the late 19th century inside Madrid’s most splendid park, El Retiro. Few sites in the city can claim to be more impressive than the gorgeous Palacio de Cristal which is set in the midst of lush greenery. Whether you’re standing within its glass walls or you’re looking at the palace from the outside, you’re sure to snap the most Instagram-perfect shots of your entire trip there!
Templo de Debod
The 2nd century BC temple was initially built in Egypt but it now adorns a magnificent spot in Madrid from where you will also catch the best sunset in the city. And you know how much Instagram loves a good sunset, right?
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Whether you are a Real Madrid fan or not has nothing to do with the fact that Santiago Bernabeu is one of the largest and most impressive stadiums in the world. This is why your Instagram followers will absolutely love it if you snap a selfie inside Madrid’s iconic stadium.
Catedral de la Almudena
Madrid’s Cathedral is definitely the most imposing church in the city. The pastel-colored Almudena Cathedral is a sight to behold and to photograph and it will most definitely add extra charm to your Instagram feed.
We always say that the best way to get to know a city and its secrets is by joining a walking tour with a knowledgeable local. The same is true for Madrid and during this audio tour, you’ll get to visit many of the best Instagram spots on our list alongside other monuments and landmarks in the city.
Live the city through these unforgettable choices!
It might not have the fame of Rome or the elegance of Paris, but the capital of Spain is so full of life and culture. From an incredible food scene, historical attractions, and world-class museums, Madrid can surely captivate the spirit and mind of any visitor.
Visit famous pieces of art in the Prado Museum
Immerse yourself in some of the greatest pieces of art, including works by Goya, El Greco, and Velasquez while there are also some by Titian, Caravaggio, and Botticelli. Some of the must–see paintings that should not be missed are Earthly Delights’ Bosch’s Garden and Caravaggio’s David with Head of Goliath.
Enter inside the Palacio Real
As the largest royal palace in Western Europe, with a mix of baroque and neoclassical influence, Palacio Real was once the royal residence of the king of Spain nowadays used only for state ceremonies. An entertaining tour could be a good idea to get interesting information with ease about the history of the Royal Palace and the life lived inside the walls. An emblematic building that today is home to the royal collections of watches and silverware as well as to the magnificent displays with works by Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio
Live the football thrill in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
It might not be everyone’s favorite football club, but anyone will agree with the fact that Real Madrid is among the most successful football teams in Europe. A tour inside the enormous 85,000-seater stadium will leave you in awe, as you may wander in the trophy collection, dressing rooms, and field. That’s where some of the most successful football players played critical matches.
Taste the most important parts of Spanish culture
You can’t say that you have experienced the Spanish idiosyncrasy without tasting its culinary heritage. Tapas are parts of the Spanish traditional way of eating. Along with their drinks, they order a few small plates, tapas that fit best with their choices. Complement your experience with some tapas, a passionate flamenco show, and a bar crawl to get to know Madrid’s nightlife as it should be.
See the city from above on a hot air balloon
It might be an extravagant choice, but nothing can beat a breathtaking and superb view of Madrid’s skyline. It might be scary for some; however, it can be an unforgettable experience reserved exclusively for the most adventurous spirits. Fly over the mountains of Madrid and feel free like a bird in the sky!
