Guidebook for Madrid
Arts & Culture
The Prado Museum is one of the most prestigious art museums in the world. Storing over 8,000 master pieces, the Prado Museum offers an expansive survey of Western painting. Velazquez, Goya and Murillo
2515 locals recommend
Museo Nacional del Prado
23 C. de Ruiz de AlarcónThe Prado Museum is one of the most prestigious art museums in the world. Storing over 8,000 master pieces, the Prado Museum offers an expansive survey of Western painting. Velazquez, Goya and Murillo
The Reina Sofía is Spain’s national museum of 20th century art. The central building of the museum was once an 18th-century hospital. Located near Atocha train and metro stations, it is worth a visit
1837 locals recommend
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
52 C. de Sta. IsabelThe Reina Sofía is Spain’s national museum of 20th century art. The central building of the museum was once an 18th-century hospital. Located near Atocha train and metro stations, it is worth a visit
Named after its founder, it is an art museum located at Paseo del Prado, one of the city’s main boulevards. It is part of the Golden Triangle of Art, Dürer, Caravaggio, Rubens, Gauguin, Van Gogh, ...
1498 locals recommend
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
8 P.º del PradoNamed after its founder, it is an art museum located at Paseo del Prado, one of the city’s main boulevards. It is part of the Golden Triangle of Art, Dürer, Caravaggio, Rubens, Gauguin, Van Gogh, ...
This new centre is conceived as a 21st century sociocultural centre. CaixaForum emerges as a live space, opening its doors to old, modern and contemporary art, to music and poetry festivals, to ...
452 locals recommend
CaixaForum Madrid
36 P.º del PradoThis new centre is conceived as a 21st century sociocultural centre. CaixaForum emerges as a live space, opening its doors to old, modern and contemporary art, to music and poetry festivals, to ...
The Naval Museum presently forms part of the Spanish Naval Headquarters in Madrid and is one of the most important naval museums in the world. It shows the history of the Spanish Navy until now.
108 locals recommend
Naval Museum of Madrid
3 P.º del PradoThe Naval Museum presently forms part of the Spanish Naval Headquarters in Madrid and is one of the most important naval museums in the world. It shows the history of the Spanish Navy until now.
The House of America is located in the Linares Palace (1884), an exquisite palace that can be seen by the public, although it is open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays.
24 locals recommend
House of America
s/n Plaza CibelesThe House of America is located in the Linares Palace (1884), an exquisite palace that can be seen by the public, although it is open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays.
The National Library of Spain is a major public library, the largest in Spain. It is located on the Paseo de Recoletos and has a very interesting history. The library was founded by Philip V in 1712
89 locals recommend
National Library of Spain
20-22 P.º de RecoletosThe National Library of Spain is a major public library, the largest in Spain. It is located on the Paseo de Recoletos and has a very interesting history. The library was founded by Philip V in 1712
The National Archaeological Museum of Spain was founded in 1867 by Isabella II, and its purpose was to be a depository for numismatic, archaeological, ethno-graphical and decorative art collection
294 locals recommend
National Archaeological Museum
13 Calle de SerranoThe National Archaeological Museum of Spain was founded in 1867 by Isabella II, and its purpose was to be a depository for numismatic, archaeological, ethno-graphical and decorative art collection
The Institute of Culture and History run by Fundación Mapfre is a very recommended place. Not only it is free but also always hosts popular and interesting exhibitions
41 locals recommend
Mapfre Foundation
23 P.º de RecoletosThe Institute of Culture and History run by Fundación Mapfre is a very recommended place. Not only it is free but also always hosts popular and interesting exhibitions
The Cervantes Institute is a worldwide non-profit organization named after Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), author of Don Quixote and perhaps the most important figure in the history of Spanish lit
6 locals recommend
Instituto Cervantes
49 C. de AlcaláThe Cervantes Institute is a worldwide non-profit organization named after Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), author of Don Quixote and perhaps the most important figure in the history of Spanish lit
In 2012 opened in Madrid the new Espacio Fundación Telefónica. Located in the historic headquarters of the company, in the Gran Vía, these new galleries were born to host the 21st century new culture
57 locals recommend
Telefónica Building
3 C/ Gran VíaIn 2012 opened in Madrid the new Espacio Fundación Telefónica. Located in the historic headquarters of the company, in the Gran Vía, these new galleries were born to host the 21st century new culture
The Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, located on the Calle de Alcalá, currently functions as a museum and gallery. Most Spanish art masters have studied or taught here.
35 locals recommend
Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
13 C. de AlcaláThe Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, located on the Calle de Alcalá, currently functions as a museum and gallery. Most Spanish art masters have studied or taught here.
El Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales is the former palace of King Charles I of Spain and Isabel of Portugal in the 16th century. Created in 1559 by Joanna of Austria, it still hosts cloistered nuns!!
48 locals recommend
Royal Convent of the Incarnation
3 Plaza de las DescalzasEl Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales is the former palace of King Charles I of Spain and Isabel of Portugal in the 16th century. Created in 1559 by Joanna of Austria, it still hosts cloistered nuns!!
The Palace, built between 1883 and 1893, was conceived as a museum to house and host the works of art collected by the Marquis of Cerralbo. Its decoration reminds VillaJardines.
87 locals recommend
Museo Cerralbo
17 C. de Ventura RodríguezThe Palace, built between 1883 and 1893, was conceived as a museum to house and host the works of art collected by the Marquis of Cerralbo. Its decoration reminds VillaJardines.
Royal Theater
s/n Pl. de Isabel IIThe home of Opera in Madrid :-)
Home to the Kings of Spain from Carlos III to Alfonso XIII, Madrid’s Royal Palace is no longer the royal family’s home, though it continues to be their official residence. Now it is a museum
1110 locals recommend
The Royal Armoury of Madrid
s/n Calle de BailénHome to the Kings of Spain from Carlos III to Alfonso XIII, Madrid’s Royal Palace is no longer the royal family’s home, though it continues to be their official residence. Now it is a museum
Madrid’s La Almudena Cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. It houses works of great artistic value, and the dome which crowns the building offers a spectacular view over the city.
559 locals recommend
Almudena Cathedral
10 C. de BailénMadrid’s La Almudena Cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. It houses works of great artistic value, and the dome which crowns the building offers a spectacular view over the city.
Founded in 1882 it is one of the most important private cultural centres in Europe and is characterised by its open attitude towards outstanding innovative artistic trends. A multidisciplinary centre.
323 locals recommend
Círculo de Bellas Artes
42 C. de AlcaláFounded in 1882 it is one of the most important private cultural centres in Europe and is characterised by its open attitude towards outstanding innovative artistic trends. A multidisciplinary centre.
Located in the former palace of the Marquis of Matallana, built in 1776, it accommodates an interesting collection of 19th century painting, furniture and decorative arts
173 locals recommend
Romanticism Museum
13 C. de San MateoLocated in the former palace of the Marquis of Matallana, built in 1776, it accommodates an interesting collection of 19th century painting, furniture and decorative arts
Sightseeing
The Royal Botanical Gardens were founded in 1755 by the King of Spain Ferdinand VI and is one of the oldest in the world. It is Madrid’s best museum of plants and flowers. Located on Paseo del Prado
390 locals recommend
Royal Botanical Garden
2 Plaza de MurilloThe Royal Botanical Gardens were founded in 1755 by the King of Spain Ferdinand VI and is one of the oldest in the world. It is Madrid’s best museum of plants and flowers. Located on Paseo del Prado
Cibeles Culture and Citizenship Centro Centro, colloquially “5Cs”, is a space for reflection in the areas of culture, citizenship and creative management of public spaces. Good views!!
60 locals recommend
CentroCentro
1 Plaza CibelesCibeles Culture and Citizenship Centro Centro, colloquially “5Cs”, is a space for reflection in the areas of culture, citizenship and creative management of public spaces. Good views!!
In 1924 the Telefónica building was one of the first skyscrapers built in Europe and the first built in Spain.
Calle Gran Vía, 28
28 Calle Gran VíaIn 1924 the Telefónica building was one of the first skyscrapers built in Europe and the first built in Spain.
Shopping
Pedestrian street and a cool style for a younger audience. There are brands like Calvin Klein, Adidas, Custo, Levi’s, Quicksilver, Diesel, Burberry, Michael Kors, Mac or Swarovski but most are retail
438 locals recommend
Calle de Fuencarral
Calle de FuencarralPedestrian street and a cool style for a younger audience. There are brands like Calvin Klein, Adidas, Custo, Levi’s, Quicksilver, Diesel, Burberry, Michael Kors, Mac or Swarovski but most are retail
Preciados is a street with many shops. Ranked fifth in the streets of the world where the rent is more expensive. It is famous for the presence of El Corte Ingles and other international franchises.
171 locals recommend
Calle de Preciados
Calle de PreciadosPreciados is a street with many shops. Ranked fifth in the streets of the world where the rent is more expensive. It is famous for the presence of El Corte Ingles and other international franchises.
There are also fine antique dealers. Get into an antique shop and let yourself go with the wonders of the past. This neighborhood is perfect for walking, watching, buying, relaxing, or simply enjoying
171 locals recommend
Calle de Preciados
Calle de PreciadosThere are also fine antique dealers. Get into an antique shop and let yourself go with the wonders of the past. This neighborhood is perfect for walking, watching, buying, relaxing, or simply enjoying
This is one of the most upscale neighborhoods of the city centers in Europe, where you can find cool restaurants, fashion bars and expensive shops. The main avenues are Serrano and Velázquez
Calle de Jorge Juan
Calle de Jorge JuanThis is one of the most upscale neighborhoods of the city centers in Europe, where you can find cool restaurants, fashion bars and expensive shops. The main avenues are Serrano and Velázquez
Loewe is a Spanish luxury fashion house based in Madrid, though it is owned by LVMH. It is an “Official Supplier to the Spanish Royal Crown“.
Loewe’s story goes back to 1846
Calle Gran Vía, 3
3 Calle Gran VíaLoewe is a Spanish luxury fashion house based in Madrid, though it is owned by LVMH. It is an “Official Supplier to the Spanish Royal Crown“.
Loewe’s story goes back to 1846
Zara is a Spanish clothing and accessories retailer. It is the flagship chain store of the Inditex group; the fashion group also owns brands such as Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear, Uterqüe, Stradivarius
Calle Gran Vía, 40
40 Calle Gran VíaZara is a Spanish clothing and accessories retailer. It is the flagship chain store of the Inditex group; the fashion group also owns brands such as Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear, Uterqüe, Stradivarius
H&M has two big stores in Gran Via and both are located in very interesting buildings. One in number 32 and the other in 37
Calle Gran Vía, 37
37 Calle Gran VíaH&M has two big stores in Gran Via and both are located in very interesting buildings. One in number 32 and the other in 37
H&M has two big stores in Gran Via and both are located in very interesting buildings.
Calle Gran Vía, 32
H&M has two big stores in Gran Via and both are located in very interesting buildings.
This five-storey megastore has a terrific range of musical offer, ranging from flamenco and world music to classical, as well as electronic equipment and books in several languages.
152 locals recommend
Callao station
This five-storey megastore has a terrific range of musical offer, ranging from flamenco and world music to classical, as well as electronic equipment and books in several languages.
Puerta del Sol, 1
1 Puerta del SolThe Apple world in a 1812 building.
El Rastro is the most popular open air flea market in Madrid. For more than 250 years, it is held every Sunday during the year. It is located just south of La Latina metro station.
40 locals recommend
Plaza de Cascorro
Plaza de CascorroEl Rastro is the most popular open air flea market in Madrid. For more than 250 years, it is held every Sunday during the year. It is located just south of La Latina metro station.
Known among neighbors by the enthusiasm they put into their work, as well as for the careful treatment of flowers. Not a fancy flower shop, just where locals regularly buy at reasonable prices.
Calle de Víctor Hugo
Calle de Víctor HugoKnown among neighbors by the enthusiasm they put into their work, as well as for the careful treatment of flowers. Not a fancy flower shop, just where locals regularly buy at reasonable prices.
This cute book shop sells amazing editions on photography, design, advertising, illustration, fashion, urban art, architecture, music, crafts, fascinating comics, interesting books of poetry and essay
Calle Hernán Cortés, 7
This cute book shop sells amazing editions on photography, design, advertising, illustration, fashion, urban art, architecture, music, crafts, fascinating comics, interesting books of poetry and essay
Food Scene
Very lively, with many street cafes and boutique shops. Lonely Planet describes it as “extravagantly gay, lively young, and always inclusive regardless of your sexual orientation”.
381 locals recommend
Chueca station
Very lively, with many street cafes and boutique shops. Lonely Planet describes it as “extravagantly gay, lively young, and always inclusive regardless of your sexual orientation”.
San Miguel Market
s/n Pl. de San MiguelPopular. Until midnight!!
The Letras is also known as the neighborhood of the writers, the muses and the arts, named after the intense literary activity developed here from the 15th to 17th centuries.
115 locals recommend
Calle de las Huertas
Calle de las HuertasThe Letras is also known as the neighborhood of the writers, the muses and the arts, named after the intense literary activity developed here from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Letras is also known as the neighborhood of the writers, the muses and the arts, named after the intense literary activity developed here from the 15th to 17th centuries.
342 locals recommend
Plaza de Santa Ana
2 Plaza de Sta. AnaThe Letras is also known as the neighborhood of the writers, the muses and the arts, named after the intense literary activity developed here from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Essentials
El Corte Inglés is the biggest department store group in Europe and ranks fourth worldwide. Great supermarket!!
600 locals recommend
Sol station
El Corte Inglés is the biggest department store group in Europe and ranks fourth worldwide. Great supermarket!!
In the neighborhood since 1972, this bakery is also a very popular pastry shop. Their tiny cupcakes are delicate and delicious.
Calle de Hortaleza, 9
9 Calle de HortalezaIn the neighborhood since 1972, this bakery is also a very popular pastry shop. Their tiny cupcakes are delicate and delicious.
If you are in the center of Madrid wishing you could find a little healthy snack, you can go to this gluten-free bakery. Celicioso offers beautiful gluten-free cupcakes, pastries...
Calle Hortaleza, 3
If you are in the center of Madrid wishing you could find a little healthy snack, you can go to this gluten-free bakery. Celicioso offers beautiful gluten-free cupcakes, pastries...
Small and cozy, Pomme Sucre bakery can turn you into a chocoholic with coulants, brownies, cakes, chocolates and cookies.
Calle del Barquillo, 10
10 Calle del BarquilloSmall and cozy, Pomme Sucre bakery can turn you into a chocoholic with coulants, brownies, cakes, chocolates and cookies.
Here you will find pork derivates like specific hams and sausages, plus cheese, wines & cavas and different types of oils for cooking. Some of the pork derivatives are not at all expensive and are ok
Calle de los Jardines, 23
23 Calle de los JardinesHere you will find pork derivates like specific hams and sausages, plus cheese, wines & cavas and different types of oils for cooking. Some of the pork derivatives are not at all expensive and are ok
The Mercado de San Anton is a popular gourmet food market located in the Chueca area.
12 locals recommend
Calle Augusto Figueroa
Calle de Augusto FigueroaThe Mercado de San Anton is a popular gourmet food market located in the Chueca area.
Everything Else
On a centenary well in the old neighborhood of Almudaina, the Arab baths in Madrid are a great option to combat daily stress while getting to know the millenary essence of Arab-Andalusian culture.
Calle de Atocha, 14
14 Calle de AtochaOn a centenary well in the old neighborhood of Almudaina, the Arab baths in Madrid are a great option to combat daily stress while getting to know the millenary essence of Arab-Andalusian culture.
A Health Centre in Madrid (Centro de Salud) is basically a Public Primary Care center (or simply family doctors) and aims to cure minor injuries or divert patients to a specialist.
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 32
A Health Centre in Madrid (Centro de Salud) is basically a Public Primary Care center (or simply family doctors) and aims to cure minor injuries or divert patients to a specialist.
Comercial Amparo was founded in 1861 and is very popular among locals in search of specific cotton threads, strange buttons, laces, ribbons, trimmings, needles, threads, specific scissors for sewing,
Calle Marqués Viudo de Pontejos, 5
Comercial Amparo was founded in 1861 and is very popular among locals in search of specific cotton threads, strange buttons, laces, ribbons, trimmings, needles, threads, specific scissors for sewing,
The Palacio de Santa Ana is a place to feel great in an emblematic area of Madrid, located next to the Hotel Me. This sports and wellness center in Madrid downtown has a small fitness room
13 locals recommend
Plaza del Ángel
1 Pl. del ÁngelThe Palacio de Santa Ana is a place to feel great in an emblematic area of Madrid, located next to the Hotel Me. This sports and wellness center in Madrid downtown has a small fitness room
The Town Hall Police is located in Montera Street. It is available to citizens who wish to make suggestions, ask for information or file complaints about safety, for assessment or intervention of law
Calle de la Montera, 16
16 Calle de la MonteraThe Town Hall Police is located in Montera Street. It is available to citizens who wish to make suggestions, ask for information or file complaints about safety, for assessment or intervention of law
If you suffer a robbery or an attack you should report the incident as soon as possible to the Police Station (in Spanish, Comisaría) in Leganitos St, and make an official statement (denuncia)
C. de Leganitos, 19
19 Calle de LeganitosIf you suffer a robbery or an attack you should report the incident as soon as possible to the Police Station (in Spanish, Comisaría) in Leganitos St, and make an official statement (denuncia)