Madrid is a vibrant city, full of tourists and green spaces, that offers a rich cultural history, as well as its cosmopolitan side, with hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world living and working in the Spanish capital. This makes it a must-see destination for any traveler. It also has one of the busiest airports in the world, Barajas - Adolfo Suárez. From the Bernabéu to the parks, including the most famous paintings in the world, Madrid offers a wide variety of activities that would be difficult to cover in a single article. Today we'll introduce you to what you have to see if you visit the Spanish capital for the first time (or if you want to rediscover it).
The Reconditioned Stadium of Real Madrid: Santiago Bernabéu
One of the most iconic symbols of Madrid is undoubtedly the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, home of Real Madrid, the team with the most Champions League titles in history. Recently revamped, the Santiago Bernabéu is much more than just a soccer stadium, it's now also the largest entertainment center in Europe. The good news is that it's possible to visit it, but we recommend booking the tour on Hellotickets.es in advance because demand is very high, especially on match days.
The stadium's renovation has turned the Bernabéu into an architectural gem. With a futuristic design that includes a retractable roof and a wraparound steel façade, the stadium is a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. The Santiago Bernabéu tour will allow you to learn about the history of the multi-European champion club, see the locker room where Mbappe get ready before each match, walk around the field and, of course, admire the trophies won by the team over the years, including the 2024 Champions League.
Plus, the recent renovation has added new interactive experiences that are perfect for the whole family. A must-see for any football fan, even if you're not a fan.
Puerta del Sol, the Heart of Madrid
Puerta del Sol is the beating heart of Madrid and the place where society gathers for its biggest gatherings. This iconic meeting point is a true nerve center from which you can begin your tour of the capital.
At Puerta del Sol you will find some of Madrid's most well-known symbols, such as the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, which represents the city's coat of arms, and the famous Kilometer Zero, the point from which all of Spain's radial roads are measured. Sol is also a great place to soak up the Madrid atmosphere, surrounded by shops, cafés and the ever-vibrant urban life.
Every December 31st, thousands of people gather in this square to welcome the New Year to the sound of the clock chimes at the Casa de Correos. If you are in Madrid in December, you should definitely celebrate the arrival of the New Year at Puerta del Sol.
A visit to the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the most important art museums in the world and a must-see for any art lover. First opened in 1819, Prado houses one of the most comprehensive collections of European art, with works dating from the 12th to the 19th century.
Among the jewels to be found in the Prado are masterpieces by artists such as Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Goya, El Greco and Rubens. The permanent collection includes iconic pieces such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch and The Third of May 1808 by Goya, among many others.
Visit Pablo Picasso's most important work at the Reina Sofía Museum
Another of Madrid's must-see museums is the Reina Sofía Museum, dedicated to contemporary art. Its star piece is, without a doubt, Pablo Picasso's Guernica, one of the most important and moving works of the 20th century.
Guernica is a striking depiction of the bombing of the Basque city of the same name during the Spanish Civil War, and has become a universal symbol of the horror of war. Seeing this work in person is an overwhelming experience, as the sheer size and emotional power of the painting completely envelops you.
In addition to Guernica, the Reina Sofía Museum houses a vast collection of contemporary art with works by artists such as Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.
A Walk through the Retiro Park
Retiro Park is Madrid's green lung and a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This park, which was originally a royal retreat, has become a public space where locals and tourists gather to enjoy nature, exercise or simply relax.
Among the many attractions of the Retiro, the Palacio de Cristal stands out, a magnificent example of iron and glass architecture that often hosts temporary exhibitions, and the Estanque Grande, where you can rent a boat and enjoy a ride on the water.