Madrid's guide to a great visit

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Madrid guide to a great visit

by Jaime Garín, Spanish Market Manager

Published October 17, 2023

It is true that this Summer has been incredible, and that we enjoyed great weather in cities like Barcelona or Lisbon. With the arrival of Autumn, inland cities like Madrid are some of the most visited destinations in Spain at a national and international level. For this reason, and by taking advantage of our recent opening in the city, we have prepared this essential guide for your next trip to the Spanish capital.

Parque del Retiro

Since July 2021, El Parque del Buen Retiro has been a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. We are not surprised at all since its 125 hectares and more than 15,000 trees make it a very beneficial green and environmental space for Madrid while also having a tremendously wide cultural and leisure offer. Among them, it houses palaces such as El Palacio de Cristal or El Palacio de Velázquez, historical monuments, gardens like El Estanque Grande (where you can rent a rowing boat), the Jardín de Cecilio Rodríguez or La Rosaleda, alongside many others.

Its opening hour's change with the onset of Autumn and from October to March, it remains open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Photos by Diego Allen (left) and Jordi Moncasi (right) on Unsplash

Puerta del Sol

One of the most iconic places in Madrid is La Plaza de la Puerta del Sol. Every day, it brings together hundreds of citizens and tourists, who come together to immerse themselves in the great hustle and bustle that characterises it. Puerta del Sol is the common point of numerous streets and avenues in Madrid, containing several tourist attractions such as the Plaza del Kilómetro Cero, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, or the famous Casa de Correos Clock in which thousands of people celebrate the beginning of the New Year every Christmas.

Photo by Jorge Franganillo on Flickr

Museo del Prado

The Prado Museum is considered one of the most important museums in the world in the history of European painting. It has a large collection that you can check on its official website, among which are works by such valued authors as Velázquez, El Greco, Goya, Rubens, Titian and Bosch.

An interesting fact to keep in mind when planning your visit is that the Prado Museum has free visiting hours - Monday to Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays and holidays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - which means that all art lovers (regardless of their economic status) can enjoy it.

Photos by Spain's official tourism website

Gran Via

This mythical Madrid avenue began to be created in 1910 and ended in 1931. Today, it is one of the most visited points by those who want to take a souvenir photo, go shopping, enjoy the panoramic views on one of its terraces, or even attend one of the many theatres along the entire walk.

Photos by Alberto Robledano (left) and Quique Olivar (right) on Unsplash

Templo de Debod

This building is of Egyptian origin from the 2nd century BC. Close to the Plaza de España, it offers beautiful views and colours at sunset. We recommend that you visit it at this time of day.

It was donated to Spain by Egypt in 1968 to prevent it from being flooded after the construction of the Aswan Dam, which regulates the flow during the flooding of the Nile River.

Photo by vicente perez olivares on Unsplash

Palacio Real

Another of the most famous tourist buildings in Madrid is the Royal Palace. It has more than 135,000 square meters and 3,418 rooms, making it the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world.

Official residences of Heads of State are usually not open to the public. In the case of the Royal Palace, visits are allowed. Free visits are from Monday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Photo by Eduardo Rodriguez on Unsplash

Plaza Mayor

Built between 1580 and 1619, the Plaza Mayor of Madrid is part of the historic centre and is a clear symbol of the Madrid of the Austrias. It is a large square (120.9 meters long by 93.06 meters wide) where you can currently enjoy bars, cafes and terraces while taking a break during the day.

Photos by Kristijan Arsov (left and right) and Janette Speyer (center) on Unsplash

Mercado de San Miguel

If you want to immerse yourself in Spanish gastronomy in the centre of Madrid, El Mercado de San Miguel is a must-see.

Opened in 1916 as a food market and converted into a gastronomic market in 2009, more than 7 million annual visitors are enjoying its stalls with drinks, coffee, food and sweets distributed on its two available floors.

Photo on Eurodicas website

Santiago Bernabéu Experience

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a reference point in the city and, even more so if we account for the remodelling that Real Madrid is doing in its “temple”. The retractable roof gives it a different appearance from the previous one and represents a new architectural work in the capital. In addition to the improvements related to football, the remodelling will include attractions such as leisure areas, a 360º terrace, restaurants and entertainment.

You can take the Bernabéu Tour by booking on the official website while also enjoying the Paseo de La Castellana, close to its surroundings.

Photo by Vienna Reyes on Unsplash

Other options

If you prefer other options on the outskirts of Madrid, you can visit Parque Warner Madrid, where you will enjoy multiple attractions and shows. Or if you are looking to go shopping, the best brands at incredible prices are in Las Rozas Village. Another plan for the little ones could be the Zoo Aquarium.

So that you can visit all these and more options in Madrid without stress, LUGGit helps you deal with your luggage in the best possible way.
We collect, store and deliver your suitcases wherever and whenever you want so that you only have to worry about what is important, enjoying your trip 100%.