Visit Madrid, what you must see

A trip to Madrid offers you a wide range of possibilities, but it’s important to know what you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting this city for the first time. Whether you want to explore the city’s cultural activities or prefer a more relaxed visit, we will present what you absolutely must not miss.

The heart of Madrid

La Puerta Del Sol means “Gate of the Sun” but it is mainly known as the most famous park in Spain. There you will find Kilometer Zero, where all roads in Spain begin, as well as the famous statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the symbol of Madrid.

Not far away, you will find another important park in Madrid, “La Plaza Mayor,” or the main square. It was built in the 1590s and is now one of the main meeting points in the city. There are often markets selling souvenirs and handicrafts.

In the city center, you can also stroll along the “Gran Via,” the street of lights, cinemas, and theaters, which are always popular with passersby and visitors.

Getting to know the city in detail

During your trip to Madrid, we recommend visiting two of the city’s most famous monuments. When people think of Madrid, they start with the “Puerta de Alcalá” (Alcalá Gate) or the Cibeles Fountain. The first monument was built under the orders of King Charles III and inaugurated in 1778. It is so famous that there are even songs about it.

The Cibeles Fountain represents the goddess Cibeles on a chariot pulled by two lions. The fountain is located in the center of Cibeles Park where you can always visit other important monuments, such as the Palace of Communications (you can access the rooftops and admire the view of Madrid’s rooftops) or the Bank of Spain.

The Retiro Park, with its ponds and secret spots, is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. You can also visit the Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace, or the Temple of Debod to complete your walk.

Activities, art, and culture

However, Madrid is not only interesting for its monuments; it is also a center of art and culture. Among the many cultural activities the city offers, there is the Prado Museum, where you can discover many artworks created by European masters of the 16th to 19th centuries, the Queen Sofia Museum, the contemporary art museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. These three museums should be mandatory for your first visit to Madrid.

So don’t forget to visit these representative monuments of Madrid.

For more information on your visit to Madrid:

• Additional information on car rentals in Madrid
• Car rental at Madrid airport