Asking the big questions: is Madrid, Spain worth visiting?
There are hundreds of reasons to visit Madrid, the Spanish capital and I hope that by the end of this article the uncertainty that led you to ask the question, “Is Madrid, Spain worth visiting?” has dissipated and you’re raring to explore the gorgeous city of Madrid.
📌 Madrid famously has a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving food scene. It’s the second leafiest city in the world and it also has a great queer scene. In my opinion, Madrid isn’t only “worth visiting”, it’s a clear “must visit”.
In this article we’ll consider the following while answering the question, “Is Madrid, Spain worth visiting?”
⭐️ Culture ⭐️ Architecture ⭐️ Nature ⭐️ Food ⭐️ Day trips
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Is Madrid, Spain worth visiting? – the basics
Getting around Madrid
🚌 Madrid is an extremely well connected city. Public transportation is good: there is a metro running through the city and buses are clean and comfortable. There are electric scooters and bikes for rent on the streets.
🚊 Madrid has two main train stations: Madrid Atocha and Charmartín. Around 110 million people pass through Atocha every year. We hope you won’t just pass through though. We hope you’ll stop to explore this amazing city.
→ Use Trainline to check train timetables and reserve your journeys
✈️ Madrid’s airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas, lies to the east of the city and is easily reached by metro and overland train.
🚕 Ubers and taxis are both frequently used in Madrid.
🚶🏽♂️ The city is pretty flat so it’s easy to walk everywhere.
Where to stay in Madrid
🛌 There are hotels, hostels and apartments for all tastes and budgets. It’s worth remembering when looking for your perfect hotel that the good public transportation system means it isn’t imperative to stay in the city center.
🏨 MexicoCassie luxury hotel recommendation: Relais Chateaux & Hotel Orfelia – located in the beautiful Chamberí district, this luxurious 5 ⭐️ hotel is set in a 19th century palace is the perfect spot for anyone looking for pure luxury in Madrid. Rooms are spacious and well equipped, the hotel atmosphere is one of relaxed opulence and the restaurant chef holds his own Michelin-star.
🏨 MexicoCassie boutique hotel recommendation: URSO Hotel & Spa -this small boutique hotel focuses on modern chic. Book a suite with a terrace for views over the city. The hotel has a pool, hamman, and a wonderful restaurant serving exceptional breakfasts.
🏨 MexicoCassie value-for-money hotel recommendation: JC Rooms, Chueca – located within walking distance of all the main attractions, this well priced hotel is comfortable, safe, clean and friendly. I stayed here last time I was in Madrid and it was just great.
🗺 If none of these work for you, why not use my interactive accommodation finder to pick your perfect hotel option in Madrid.
⛑ Safety in Madrid
Madrid is a pretty safe city as far as personal safety goes. There are people on the streets at all hours so you’re unlikely to ever find yourself properly alone. However, you should always be aware of the possibility of pickpockets, no matter how safe you feel: Madrid is still a big capital city.
Let’s move now to considering your question: “Is Madrid, Spain Worth Visiting?”
Culture in Madrid
Madrid is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city of 3 million people. You simply can’t miss the culture. From the world class, classical, museums and the different barrios with their distinct cultures to the foodie culture and huge sports teams, Madrid has something for everyone, especially the art lovers.
Museums and art in Madrid
The three most famous art museums in Madrid are The Prado Museum, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. If you are interested in art then Madrid is absolutely worth visiting as these three world-class museums alone will blow your socks off. People often refer to these three as the “Golden Triangle of Art”.
Museo Nacional del Prado
If you like art, this is unmissable but be warned, you need time and if your time is pressing, make a plan. I went in with limited time and no plan and I felt incredibly stressed inside this enormous art gallery. There’s just too much to see. This is one of the most comprehensive collections of the great masters there is. Think Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, El Greco and Bosch.
Like I said, I went in with no plan but after feeling lost for a while I decided finding the Bosch collection was what mattered most to me. It was worth the pain!
➡️ Buy skip-the-line Prado tickets now
⭐️ MexicoCassie recommended Prado tour – book yourself onto the early access exclusive Prado tour and spend 1hr40 in the galleries communing with masterpieces before anyone else is able to enter
➡️ Book your exclusive access tour now
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Smaller than El Prado, this is a more manageable museum if you go on a whim (as I did). Here you’ll follow European art from the middle ages to the modern day. Look out for Van Gogh, Picasso, Lichtenstein, Gauguin, Hopper, Dalí and more.
➡️ Buy skip-the-line and guided tour Thyssen tickets now
Focus on El Museo Reina Sofia
By DeWet from Museum of Wander
Madrid is an art lover’s paradise. If you have a love for modern Spanish art, cancel everything else and head straight to the Reina Sofia.
The Reina Sofia Museum is a cornerstone of Madrid’s modern art scene, housing an impressive collection that showcases the evolution of 20th-century art. The museum’s most famous piece, the iconic Guernica by Pablo Picasso, is an absolute must-see in Madrid. If one piece of art captures the essence of Spain, it must be the Guernica.
Beyond Picasso and Guernica, the museum boasts an eclectic array of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by other modern Spanish masters such as Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Juan Gris and many other influential artists.
The diverse exhibits span various movements, from surrealism to abstract expressionism, providing a colourful and thought-provoking journey through modern Spain’s political and socio-economic events.
But Madrid’s art scene is more than just museums, as you’ll see when walking around Madrid. The city’s quirky energy pulses through its streets, where art spills out into the open—it’s a city adorned with colourful murals, markets, and neighbourhoods like Malasana and Lavapies, where creativity thrives at every corner.
➡️ Buy skip-the-line Reina Sofia tickets now
📲 Delilah recommends using the audio guides when possible and making your way around to the specific artworks you are interested in. Picking up a sim card in Spain will allow you to use the audio guides and look up any artworks or artists you’re interested in.
Quirky Galleries to Visit in Madrid
If classical arts aren’t your thing then you’ll still find something to tickle your fancy.
Espacio Fundacíon Telefonica
I stumbled upon this space quite by accident as it’s well hidden in plain sight. Only a small sign offering free entry alerted me to its existence. Don’t be me, add this to your Madrid itinerary. Here you’ll find thought provoking exhibitions such as the two I saw: “Fake News” and “The World Between the Physical and the Virtual”. I actually went twice it was so impressive.
Museo Gran Vía 15
If this is open when you’re in Madrid, be sure to check it out as they host fascinating modern exhibitions.
Museo La Neomudéjar
This gallery is housed in an abandoned warehouse not far from Atocha Station and if you like your art truly avant garde and industrial, this is the place for you. (It also houses one of the best selections of books I’ve ever seen although it’s all in Spanish). In my opinion this is one of Madrid’s hidden gems.
Focus on Estación de Chamberí Anden 0 Metro Museum
By Becki from Meet Me In Departures
For an afternoon filled with history and nostalgia on your Madrid itinerary, head over to one of the capital’s most unique museums, the Estación de Chamberí Anden 0 Metro Museum.
This museum, located a short distance from Plaza Dos de Mayo, is a former metro station that served Line 1 from the early 20th century until the 1960s. After its closure, it was left untouched and forgotten for nearly half a century. Then came its rebirth. The station was meticulously restored. Many of the original fixtures and fittings have remained intact.
The train platform was opened to the public in 2008 with its interior frozen in time. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of historical artefacts and vintage tile advertisements on the walls and a projector showing footage of Madrid in a bygone era.
The museum has unusual operating hours so you may need to make plans around it. It’s open from 4–8 pm on Fridays, 10 am – 2 pm and 4 pm – 8 pm on Saturdays, and 10 am – 2 pm on Sundays.
Exploring the different barrios of Madrid – something for everyone
Madrid is home to 3 million people so it’s hardly surprising that the barrios (neighbourhoods) of Madrid have personalities and cultures all of their own. If we haven’t yet persuaded you that the answer to “is Madrid, Spain worth visiting” is a firm yes, then let’s dive into the various barrios to focus on the diversity of Madrid to whet your appetite.
Chueca
One of the most vibrant and trendy neighbourhoods, this is also known as the LGBTQ+ barrio. Here you’ll find bars, cafés, restaurants and theatres. While some do cater specifically to the queer community, most establishments are simply welcoming to all. Do expect plenty of joyfully queer flags and don’t be shocked by penis and vulva waffle stores.
🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ One of the world’s largest Pride parades takes place here each year.
Malasaña
Alternative and cool, in Malasaña you’ll find vintage clothes stores, laid back bars and local designers. It’s interesting to know that this was the centre of a cultural movement to return Spain to democracy after Franco’s death.
Barrio de las Letras
This has been the literary area of Madrid for centuries. Miguel de Cervantes lived here as did Ernest Hemingway. Today it’s good for second-hand book stores, and bars.
La Latina
Famous for its tapas bars, particularly along Calle de Cava Baja. This barrio tends to draw a younger crowd.
Lavapiés
If you’re looking for multicultural cuisine and art, this area is for you. Madrid’s biggest flea-market, El Rastro, is also held here every Sunday.
Salamanca
One of the most chic of all Madrid’s barrios, this is one of the best neighborhoods if shopping is your thing.
Focus on the football / Soccer culture in Madrid
By Jenny from TraveLynn Family
Madrid is home to not one, but two, world class football teams. If your visit to the city coincides with a match, be sure to grab a ticket and experience one of the city’s favourite pastimes.
Real Madrid play at the magnificent Santiago Bernabeu, located right in the heart of the city and, Atletico Madrid are based at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium.
Tickets for matches can be hard to come by. Try to book as far in advance as possible on the official websites and keep in mind some matches kick-off as late as 9pm. It’s worth the time and effort though as Spanish football fans are rightly considered some of the most passionate in the world. Ninety minutes inside one of these modern day coliseums, both of which hold over 70,000 screaming fans, is one of the great sporting occasions. If you’re travelling to Madrid with kids, it’s a safe and exhilarating experience for them, they’re sure to remember the sights and sounds of the full stadium, especially as one of the star players scores a spectacular goal!
Even if you’re not in town for a match, both clubs offer behind-the-scenes tours of their stadium, giving you the opportunity to access the pitch side, view the dressing rooms, browse the trophy rooms and even conduct your own post-match press conference. You can choose to book a tour guide or take a self-guided tour at your own pace. If you’re in the mood for a souvenir, you’ll find a well-stocked club shop at each stadium with replica kits, clothing, footballs and pictures available to purchase.
Tickets for matches start around €50 and the tours cost €25 per person.
➡️ Book a guided tour of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium
➡️ Book a guided tour of the Atletico de Madrid Cívitas stadium
Architecture in Madrid
Madrid, like any good European capital city, is full of imposing old buildings that will make you feel simultaneously teeeeeny weeeeny and full of awe. Once you’ve picked your chin up off the sidewalk you can get on with the mission of exploring and checking out the phenomenal buildings.
Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful architecture in Madrid. Anywhere you walk you’ll be astounded but I absolutely love strolling along Gran Vía.
The architecture is definitely one of the reasons that Madrid, Spain is worth visiting.
Palacio de Ciebeles / Centro de Comunicaciones / CentroCentro
For me this is the most incredible building in Madrid. It was built in 1904 and today is home to excellent exhibitions. It’s possible to climb the tower for panoramic views of the city. And yes, it really did used to be the post office.
This multi-named building is located on the crossroads of Calle de Alcalá and Paseo del Prado. In fact, this whole area is fabulous. Next door to CentroCentro is the Museo Naval, opposite is the Casa de America and in front is the Fuente de Cibeles.
Banco de España
An imposing building for sure and if you, like me, were a big fan of the Spanish Netflix series “Casa de Papel”, you will absolutely recognise this beauty of a building (🎶 Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao – sing it with me!)
Circulo de Bellas Artes
This cool building is a cultural center but the main reason to visit is to take the elevator all the way to the terrace for panoramic views over Madrid. I did this and loved it because it gave me a chance to really see CentroCentro in all its glory from above.
Edificio Metropolis
The winged goddess looking down from here is an iconic symbol of Madrid.
📌 There are really too many incredible buildings and sculptures to mention in an article that isn’t dedicated to architecture but take it from me you don’t want to miss the Canaeljas Center, the Palacio de Cristal, Atocha Station (yup, even the train station is magnificent) or the fabulous Brutalist building – Torre Blancas on Avenida de Americas.
Plaza Puerta del Sol
This plaza shouldn’t be missed. It’s home to three famous Madrileño landmarks:
- Kilometró 0 – from this point, 6 national highways are measured – see if you can find the plaque
- El Oso y el madroño – you’ll see this famous sculpture on bags, t-shirts and more as you explore Madrid but this is the original
- Tío Pepe sign – overlooking the plaza, this sign for a sherry is a popular local landmark
➕ On your adventures, the Plaza Mayor and Plaza de España are also worth checking out. I am not a huge fan of the Plaza Mayor but do enjoy the Plaza de España, particularly because it’s so close to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), which is another building you shouldn’t miss seeing, whatever your views on monarchies (mine, by the way are no secret! Emphatically NOT a fan).
Top Tip: In Madrid, always look up and as well as down. There’s always something amazing to see on the roof tops.
Nature in Madrid
You might not expect to find vast amounts of nature and green spaces in a city like Madrid but it’s there, trust me. From living walls to large parks, you can fulfil your nature needs in the capital of Spain and find plenty of outdoor activities. The nature and opportunity to explore and hug trees while in a capital city has to be a reason to answer yes to the question, “Is Madrid, Spain worth visiting?”. At least for me, it is.
🍃 55 percent of Madrid’s streets are lined with trees, making it the world’s second leafiest city after Tokyo.
🍃 Madrid is one of the highest capital cities in all of Europe. With an altitude of 650 m, Madrid is second only to Andorra la Vella.
🍃 Even Atocha, the central train station has a garden atrium to soothe travellers as they arrive and depart.
🍃 While Parque el Retiro (also known as El Retiro Park or Parque del Buen Retiro) might be Madrid’s most famous park, it isn’t the biggest. Casa de Campo is a 1,500 hectare park and forest within the city of Madrid. There’s also Madrid Río Park, the Botanical Gardens, and Parque del Oeste to visit.
⭐️ There are a myriad of excellent reasons to visit Spain, keep reading to learn more about this magnificent country ⭐️
Focus on Parque el Retiro
By Mark from Solo Travel Man
For me, Retiro Park in Madrid is arguably the best urban park in the world. Sure, Central Park in New York is special, and London has several awesome parks, but nothing quite compares to the Retiro.
Originally a royal garden, it was commissioned by the Kings of Spain in the 17th century and is full of lush fauna, monuments and lovely gardens. This huge park is unsurprisingly a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is over 118 hectares in size and is one of the most popular places in all of Madrid, visited by locals and tourists. It’s the perfect place to escape the hectic city for a while and enjoy the calm serenity and beauty of the park. It features a large lake where you can hire a rowing boat if you’re feeling romantic or energetic.
There are several cafes and snack bars throughout the park too, which are great spots to relax, grab a coffee or a beer and enjoy a bit of people watching. If you’re lucky you’ll see street performers as you explore the park.
The centrepiece of the Retiro is the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), a conservatory built in 1887, made entirely of glass with an iron framework. It hosts temporary art exhibitions inside and is a thing of real beauty.
Food in Madrid
🍽 Spaniards eat when they eat and although it is possible to find restaurants that are open all day long, most will be open for lunch (2 – 4 ish) and then close until 8 pm or so when they open again for the supper crowd.
🥗 Read up on kid-friendly (simple) tapas options so you’re not confused when confronted with a full menu
⭐️ MexicoCassie recommended Madrid food tours – if you’re interested in learning about the food scene in Madrid then you can’t get better than booking onto a Devour Tours tour. I haven’t taken one in Madrid but I did one in Sevilla and it not only fed me brilliantly but also taught me a lot about local cuisine, history & culture. 💯 recommended.
Madrid is something of a foodie haven so if you enjoy eating amazing food, then Madrid is absolutely worth your time even if you don’t care for anything else the city has to offer! Madrid, as you might expect from a capital city, has its fair share of Michelin restaurants. If you are more into trendy food markets than Michelin restaurants, worry not for there are plenty of these too! If you’re stuck for time or paralysed by choice, there are some excellent food tours in Madrid to help you out.
Interesting Madrid food facts
🍽 The world’s fourth largest fish market is in Madrid despite being hours from the sea.
🍽 Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is in Madrid. It was founded in 1725. Personally I’ve had beers in older pubs in the UK but it’s still pretty old. The artist, Goya worked here as a waiter.
⭐️ Book yourself onto a tour that includes a visit to the Prado & a full lunch at Botín – this way you get shown the best of the enormous Prado and have your hand held while navigating one of the city’s most interesting restaurants.
🍽 Because Madrid was a planned city (Felipe II moved the capital here from Toledo in 1561), people from across the country moved to Madrid and brought their cuisines with them meaning it’s possible to get excellent food from across the peninsula in Madrid.
🍽 There are literally thousands of restaurants in Madrid. I can’t tell you where to eat. However, I can recommend trying tapas, heading to a market and definitely picking up some churros and hot chocolate.
Tapas in Madrid
⭐️ Tapas can be confusing but they really are a mainstay of Spanish cuisine. First off, tapas is the plural of tapa – one plate is a tapa, many plates are tapas. Traditionally, you order a drink and a tapa or two come free but this is becoming less common.
If you’re not sure how it works, ask. No one will be annoyed at you for asking. I always ask if something is included when it’s brought to my table because I don’t want to pay for something I didn’t order. However, if it’s free, you bet I’ll gobble that bad boy right up.
Note: generally a tapa is a small plate and a racíon is a bigger plate.
You’ll find tapas restaurants everywhere. Order a drink and a few dishes at more than one to really get a feel for how Spain eats.
Focus on tapas on Calle Cava Baja
by Jess of SightSeekr
Something completely unique about Madrid, that you won’t find in other cities like Seville, Cádiz or Barcelona, is that it has a whole street dedicated to tapas bars. Calle Cava Baja is a stunning street with over 50 tiny tapas bars lining both sides.
Here, you’ll find some of the crispiest croquettes, meats that melt in the mouth and seafood cooked to perfection! Take your time wandering down this street, and enjoy a drink and one item from the menu in each bar until you simply can’t anymore.
Vermouth, a traditional Spanish drink, comes on tap in most of these bars, and is a cheap and delicious way to see some of the country’s culture. In Spain, they use Vermouth as an Aperitivo, having one or two before eating. We’d absolutely encourage you to do the same!
Food Markets / Food Halls
There are numerous food markets around Madrid. The most well known are:
📍Mercado de San Antón in Chueca. This market is popular with locals at lunch time.
📍Mercado de San Miguel next door to the Plaza Mayor (see below)
📍Mercado de San Idelfonso on Calle Fuencarral, one of Madrid’s most popular streets this is a street food market
📍Mercado de San Fernando on Calle de Embajadores in Lavapies barrio – not just food but still an excellent selection of places to sit and eat
📍Galería Canalejas Food Hall – find 13 restaurants and a gourmet zone here
Focus on Mercado de San Miguel
By Davinda of Goat Roti Chronicles
No visit to Madrid is complete without a visit to the world famous San Miguel Market. Whether you’re in Madrid for a romantic weekend getaway, or a family vacation, this market is a must visit. The market is situated in the centre of Madrid and its convenient location definitely contributes to its popularity. It’s within walking distance of some of the most popular tourist attractions in Madrid such as Plaza Mayor and The Royal Palace.
Mercado de San Miguel isn’t the biggest in Madrid but over ten million people walk through its doors every year! So while it’s not the biggest in terms of square footage, it is certainly the most visited in the whole of Spain.
It should be noted that Mercado de San Miguel isn’t a traditional market where folks go to purchase ingredients for their home cooked meals, but instead it’s a haven for food lovers to get their fill of delicious food and wine from all over Spain. There are 33 stalls in the market and visitors can get everything from olives to pintxos to vermouth to cheeses, and more, it’s the perfect place to eat your way through the country.
Not only is the market known for its food it’s also famous for its unique cast iron and glass architecture. Mercado de San Miguel was first opened in 1916 and operated as a local food market up till 2003 when it was purchased by a group of private investors. After six long years of renovations it reopened in 2009 as the city’s first gourmet market.
The market tends to be busiest around lunch time which means that there are usually long lines and seats are hard to find. It’s recommended to visit soon after it opens or mid afternoon after the lunch crowd has thinned out. Another thing to keep in mind is that prices are also a little higher than other markets around Madrid.
Mexico Cassie’s limited food conquests in Madrid include
⭐️ Fratelli d’Italia, Chueca – this must be one of the very best Italian meals I’ve had in my life. Including in Italy.
⭐️ Indian Accent Madrid, Chueca – an excellent Indian meal that was as good as anything I ever had at home in the UK (and remember, for Brits, curry is basically a national dish).
⭐️ Taquería Mi Ciudad, Checa – although we didn’t eat in this tiny Mexican restaurant, we did have excellent micheladas, shots of tequila and everything was absolutely as it would be in Mexico. For this Mexico-obsessed person it was perfection.
⭐️ Sushitokyo, Chueca – this is an all you can eat sushi buffet. It’s decent enough but beware that they charge for uneaten plates (unless you’re sneaky enough to hide bits in your pocket when you’re simply too full to eat the last few pieces).
⭐️ La Hogaza de Madrid, Chueca – this is a tiny bakery selling outstanding sourdough, some of the best we’ve had in Spain (and yes, I was there with a professional sourdough baker so this is a huge recommendation)
⭐️ I really wanted to eat at Sra Smith but we couldn’t get a table at any point on the day we tried to book – be aware and reserve in advance.
You’re right, that’s not a very Spanish selection but since I live in a small town in Andalucía I eat a lot of Spanish food. I want awesome international options when in Madrid.
Vegan in Madrid
Since moving to Spain I have basically given up on the almost-meat-free life I chose to live in Mexico. Down here in deepest Andalucía there’s just too much love of all things pig. Getting to Madrid and seeing the sheer array of choices for vegetarians and vegans was just fabulous.
Focus on Vegan Madrid
by Lynn of Brainy Backpackers
One of the best things about Madrid is the vegan food scene. It is hard to find any better place to be a vegan in Spain with plenty of vegan restaurants and vegan options in cafés and eateries. Whether you stay in Madrid or use the city as a base to explore the region, you will enjoy a variety of different vegan eats throughout the city.
Mad Mad Vegan has a ton of different vegan burgers as well as nuggets and more. It is the perfect place to grab a beer and eat some plant-based junk.
For vegan Italian pizza, two favorites are Pizzi & Dixie and Choose. The latter also offers a whole lot of other vegan Italian dishes, and everything is always delightful!
If you fancy a nice brunch, try the fully plant-based place, Frutas Prohibidas. They even serve vegan eggs benedict which are so incredibly good (the best I’ve had, and it was hard to tell they weren’t real eggs!) Besides, they have an array of tasty cakes and epic pancakes. This might be the best brunch place in Madrid and rightfully so, it is always jam-packed.
When looking for the best vegan doughnuts in town, make sure you stop by Bite Me Café. They make different types every day but usually have a good variety to choose from whether you like chocolate, caramel, or fruity flavors.
You can even go on a vegan food tour in Madrid, something quite unique for being in Spain.
Nightlife and drinks in Madrid
Note: Of course Madrid has an incredibly vibrant nightlife but I am not the person to write about that since my idea of a good night is tasting aaaalllll the delicious food with a beer or two and then strolling home to bed.
Focus on Rooftop Bars
By Samara of Spain Awaits
Madrid is a beautiful city, with stunning architecture, narrow streets, cobblestone squares, and ornate official buildings. One of the best ways to enjoy these views is indubitably from above. Luckily, there’s no shortage of cool rooftop bars to visit in Madrid, and there’s definitely been a boom in recent times as new locales are opening frequently, especially in summer.
Below are a few of my personal favourites.
Ginkgo Sky Bar: This is a fantastic restaurant and bar located in Plaza España. Open day and night, you can enjoy some delicious Spanish and international food inside the restaurant, dive into tapas at the bar, or eat outside and enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop terrace. It’s a good idea to book ahead!
Azotea del Circulo: Another classic, right in the center of the city, is this rooftop terrace with 360° views of Madrid. Located at the Circulo de Bellas Artes building, this is open year-round, and there’s also a small restaurant serving Spanish and Mediterranean food. It’s not far from the Reina Sofia and the Prado, making it the perfect spot to enjoy after visiting some of Madrid’s best museums.
La Terraza de Oscar: This rooftop terrace is located in a chic hotel right between one of the city’s main avenues, Gran Via, and Chueca neighbourhood. On the roof of Room Mate Oscar Hotel is a very cool cocktail lounge, the perfect place for sipping on a glass of sangria with skyline views. There’s also a pool that’s open in summer and a spectacular brunch on Saturdays.
Day trips from Madrid
Another excellent reason to visit Madrid, if you’re not yet entirely convinced is its location and situation as a transport hub.
🚗 Consider renting a car to help you explore the environs of Madrid more easily
🚌 Check bus prices and times here
🚊 Check train times and prices here
Toledo – the ancient city and Spanish capital of Toledo is just a short drive or train ride away
🚌 / 🚗 1 hour
🚊 30 minutes from Atocha
Avila – an ancient city with complete city walls and Spain’s first gothic cathedral
🚌 / 🚗 1 hr 20
🚊 1 hr 40 from Principe Pío Station
Segovia – UNESCO World Heritage Site and gorgeous old city with a world famous Roman aqueduct and incredible castle.
🚌 / 🚗 1 hr 15
🚊 1 hour from Charmartín
Monfragüe National Park
If you’re driving around Spain and want to see some astounding nature, you can’t beat Monfragüe National Park in Extremadura. It’s just a 2 hr 30 drive from Madrid.
A final thought on whether Madrid is worth visiting
I hope I’ve convinced you that Madrid is absolutely worth your time. It’s one of my personal favourite Spanish cities and I highly recommend a trip to Spain’s capital wether you’re a first-time visitor, love learning about Spanish history or simply want to gorge on all churros. I promise you’ll never be bored in the popular tourist destination that is Madrid.
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