Quick Facts
Setting: Urban
Population (core): 3.4M
Population (metro): 6.7M
Best time to visit: Year-round
Top Sights
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park in Madrid, originally a royal retreat, is a vast 350-acre oasis featuring the glass Palacio de Cristal, a boating lake, rose gardens, and historical ruins. Highlights include the Alfonso XII monument, tranquil Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez, and the poignant Forest of the Departed memorial.
FREE
Museo Nacional del Prado
The Prado Museum in Madrid, housed in an 18th-century Neoclassical building by Juan de Villanueva, opened in 1819. It features the largest collection of Spanish art, including works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco, and is one of the world's most visited museums, showcasing European masterpieces.
€15.0
/ Adult
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen Museum in Madrid, part of the "Golden Triangle of Art," showcases over 1,000 masterpieces from the 13th to 20th centuries. It features works from Northern and Southern Europe and the Americas, including Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and avant-garde movements, thanks to the contributions of Hans and Carmen Thyssen.
€13.0
/ Adult
Palacio de Cristal
The Palacio de Cristal in Madrid's Retiro Park is a stunning 18th-century crystal conservatory, showcasing Victorian charm. Built in 1887 for the Philippine Islands exhibition, its iron and glass structure, shaped like a Greek cross, features domed roofs and an artificial lake. It hosts art exhibitions by the Reina Sofía Museum.
€12.0
/ Adult
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
The Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, once a historic hospital, is a vast cultural hub showcasing modern and contemporary art. It features masterpieces by Picasso, Dalí, and Miró, among others. With its rich history and diverse exhibitions, it attracts art enthusiasts worldwide.
€12.0
/ Adult
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More Sights
Real Jardín Botánico
Botanical garden with outdoor gardens & greenhouses, plus walking trails & monthly activities.
€4.0
/ Adult
CaixaForum Madrid
Herzog & de Meuron–designed arts center in former power station, hosting exhibitions & performances.
€6.0
/ Adult
Railway Museum
Museum of railway history in grand former station, with carriages & locomotives, library & archives.
€7.0
/ Adult
Naval Museum
Displays on nautical science & the Spanish navy from the reign of Isabella & Ferdinand onward.
FREE
Monument to Alfonso XII
Built in 1922, this monument in Buen Retiro Park features a colonnade with an equestrian statue.
FREE
Velázquez Palace
Built 1881–1883, this restored neoclassical building houses rotating exhibits of contemporary art.
€12.0
/ Adult
National Museum of Anthropology
Long-founded ethnographic & anthropological museum depicting global cultures with themed exhibits.
€3.0
/ Adult
Museo La Neomudéjar
Underground, industrial gallery of video art, avant-garde installations & paintings, plus workshops.
€6.0
/ Adult
Plaza de Cibeles
Neo-classical marble sculptures & fountains mark this square out as a symbol for the entire city.
FREE
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The traveller's pocket guide
