Madrid is a city that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. It is a typical Spanish town with interesting museums, attractions and many historic buildings… but there’s just something magical about it. On this page you will find many tips for planning your trip or a weekend in Madrid. Are you looking for a hotel, a weekend trip idea or specific help for traveling to Madrid?
Madrid Sights
Madrid has special attractions such as the Estacion de Atocha and Museo del Prado. The Prado is one of the largest museums in the world and a must-see during your stay in Madrid. It contains works by famous artists and painters like Roger Van Der Weyden, Bosco, Botticelli, Velazquez, Goya, Gaudi, Van Dyck and Michelangelo. The collection includes well over 5,000 drawings, 2,000 prints, 1,000 coins and medals and some 2000 objects of applied art.
Tip: Are you an avid museum visitor? If so, consider the Madrid City Pass to purchase. With this card you can get unlimited access to over 40 museums in Madrid at a very discounted price.
Faro de Madrid
The “Faro de Madrid” was built in 1992. In 1992, Madrid was the cultural capital and in honor of it was this modern-built tower. It’s exactly 92 meters in height. You can visit the tower for little money and it’s really worth it. There is a viewing platform where you can enjoy some amazing views that you can’t find just anywhere.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace (Palacio Real) dates back to the 9th century. The Royal Palace in Madrid is a special attraction that attracts people from all over the world. The Palacio Real is the second largest palace after Versailles in France. The Royal Palace is no longer inhabited by the royal family, but is still used for official ceremonies. You can visit every first Wednesday of the month. The garden (Campo del Moro) is definitely worth taking the time to visit, too.
Estacion de Atocha
Estacion de Atocha is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The building has a huge round, cast-iron roof, including a tropical garden of 4000m² located from the balcony and provides a magnificent view. There are also plenty of cafes to sit and admire the garden. Download some music with easy-to-use Ares and you’ll have plenty of music to enjoy while you relax.
Weekend shopping? Madrid shopping tips!
Madrid is a fantastic city if you really like shopping! In the Salamanca district you will find many exclusive fashion boutiques, shoe and gift shops throughout the city and you will find nice markets.
Around Puerta del Sol, Calle Goya, Calle Princesa and the Paseo de la Castellana are the big department stores. These department stores are specialized in music, books and videos. Of course all the big names in the fashion world in Madrid are there to find, but you also can find many local designers at small shops in their collections to the public display.
For exclusive fashion boutiques, shoe and gift shops and jewelers go to the Salamanca districts, Chueca and Las Salesas. In the vicinity of the Centro Reina Sofia, there is an art gallery to find. One tip is to the modern “art supermarkets’. Here you can buy artworks by a variety of young artists.