10 Classic Madrid Tourist Attractions (with a map!)

There are so many things to see and do in Madrid, but if you only have limited time and want to carve out time to eat (see my top food picks here), I recommend these 9 stops. For general tips on travelling to Madrid, check out my post here.

1. Almudena Cathedral

Overview: Madrid’s only cathedral joining different styles, such as Neoclassic, Neogothic, Neoromanesque. It was consecrated by the Pope John Paul II, during his fourth visit to Spain, the 15th June 1993 (so is fairly ‘modern’)

Time required: 20 mins - 1 hour depending on how long you’d like to sit and soak it in

Tips: Go for a walk to the end of the plaza (Mirador de la Cornisa del Palacio Real) for a lovely lookout

2. Royal Palace

Overview: Madrid's Royal Palace was built in the 18th century by order of Philip V on the site of the old Alcázar fortress, a former Moorish castle

Time required: 10 - 20 minutes for the outside; >1 hour to go inside

Tips: the changing of the guards can be seen from Calle de Bailen (not Plaza de la Armeria)

3. Temple of Debod

Overview: an Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC, donated to Spain by the Egyptian government to save it from floods following the construction of the great Aswan Dam. It was deconstructed in Egypt and reconstructed in Spain.

Time required: 5 minutes for the outside; 30 minutes to go in (you may need to wait in a line)

Tips: Walk to the end of the park to reach Mirador de la Montana de Principe Pio to get a beautiful view of the city

4. Plaza de Espana

Overview: One of the largest squares in Spain, popular with both tourists and locals. In the centre of the plaza is a monument to Spanish novelist, poet and playwright Miguel de Cervantes (author of Don Quijote). Flanking the Plaza de España are two emblematic buildings of the city: the Madrid Tower and the Edificio España.

Time required: 5 minutes to admire

Tips: This is a lovely place to stop and people watch

5. Plaza Mayor

Overview: The building of this enormous square began in the 17th century by King Philip III, whose bronze equestrian statue stands in the square. It was erected on the former Plaza del Arrabal, where Madrid’s most popular market was held till the late 16th century

Time required: 5 minutes to admire; >1 hour to eat in the plaza

Tips: Avoid eating here, most restaurants are tourist traps

6. Retiro

Overview: A large park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with beautiful sculptures and monuments, galleries, a peaceful lake, and a host to a variety of events

Time required: It’s really up to you - a quick walk through can take 10 minutes while you can entertain yourself for hours here

Tips: If you’re coming from Sol or the west, walk down Calle Gran Via (Madrid’s high street) to get to Retiro

7. La Latina (especially El Rastro on Sunday)

Overview: La Latein is one of Madrid’s oldest and most traditional areas. El Rastro is Spain’s most popular flea market held every Sunday - it’s huge with over 700 stalls and thousands of visitors.

Time required: Again, depends on how much you’d like to shop

Tips: It’s crowded so keep your valuables close

8. Flamenco

Overview: The classic Andalusian art form bringing together song and dance

Time required: 1 hour

Tips: I know the title of this post is 'classic Madrid tourist attractions' and I will be the first to admit that Flamenco is most certainly not this. Flamenco in Southern Spain, far from Madrid. If, however, Andalusia isn't on your travel plans I recommend going along to the Table Torres Bermejas Flamenco show which dates from 1960. The room is decorated with Arabic motifs, tiles and wooden covered ceilings and transports you directly to Granada. It's beautiful. Book on GetYourGuide for well priced tickets (I recommend the show only, and you can buy a drink when you get there)

9. Museo Nacional de Prado

Overview: Spain’s national art museum

Time required: Up to 4 hours

Tips: I didn’t visit because my husband and I are complete and utter philistines. In all seriousness, we respect art and artists but decided we wanted to spend our limited time in Madrid in a different way. We may visit on our next trip

10. Other art museums

Including: Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Museo Lazaro Golden