After nearly five years living in Madrid, I’m often asked by newcomers which places are worth visiting. Today I’m sharing the spots I frequently visit or recommend to friends, hoping this helps you plan your trip.
Prado Museum
This is my go-to recommendation for friends. The museum houses an extensive collection of Spanish Golden Age paintings, featuring works by Goya and Velázquez. I strongly suggest buying tickets in advance on the official website, as queuing on-site wastes a lot of time, especially during peak season. Free admission is available daily from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, but arrive early to queue. Full-price tickets cost €15, student tickets €7.50. If you’re planning Madrid travel frequently, consider getting an annual pass.
Retiro Park
Located right next to the Prado Museum, you can head straight here after your museum visit. The park is expansive, with the Glass Palace and Crystal Palace being particularly photogenic. On weekends, street performers add to the vibrant atmosphere. I usually grab a bocadillo from a park vendor and enjoy it by the lake. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather. The park is free to enter, but if you want to go Madrid travel guide boating, it costs around €6 for half an hour.
Royal Palace of Madrid
One of Europe’s largest palaces, the interior decoration is truly magnificent. I initially thought it would be boring, but the actual visit was quite impressive. Palace tickets come in several types: basic admission is €12, guided tour packages are €17. Free entry is available on the first Sunday of each month and certain holidays, though it gets extremely crowded. The nearby Almudena Cathedral is also worth a visit for Madrid travel, and the cathedral offers free admission.
| Attraction | Ticket Price | Free Hours | Recommended Duration |
|---|
| Prado Museum | €15 | Daily 6:00 PM-8:00 PM | 2-3 hours |
| Retiro Park | Free | All day | 1-2 hours |
| Royal Palace | €12 | First Sunday of month | 1.5-2 hours |
| Reina Sofia Art Center | €12 | Mon-Sat 7:00 PM-9:00 PM | 2 hours |
Other Places Worth Visiting
Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are essentially tourist photo spots, but honestly, I find them just ordinary city squares - a quick photo stop suffices. Mercado de San Miguel is worth visiting for food, though prices are slightly higher than elsewhere, the variety is excellent and convenient if you want to sample various tapas.
The Reina Sofia Art Center houses Picasso’s “Guernica” - don’t miss it if you appreciate modern art. Tickets are €12, with free admission hours available. Overall, Madrid’s museums and parks are well-maintained, and security is decent - just keep an eye on your belongings. Feel free to leave questions in the comments.
