El Pilar
Madrid
Popular places to visit
Gran Via
Madrid’s famous shopping strip has boutiques and international brands, an exciting nightlife and an impressive display of early 20th-century architecture.
Bernabéu Stadium
Cheer on the superstar players of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the colossal 81,000-capacity stadium.
Plaza Mayor
Make your way to Madrid's iconic cobbled square and stroll past artists' stalls, listen to local street musicians, or sit down in the porticos to enjoy a coffee.
Puerta del Sol
Serving as the capital's focal point, no visit to Madrid is complete without a trip to this central square.
National Prado Museum
A world-renowned art museum with some of Europe’s most important masterpieces on display, this is an essential part of any Madrid tourist itinerary.
El Retiro Park
Alongside games of football and couples in pedalos, the art galleries, buskers and 17th-century palace give El Retiro a different flavour to your average park.
Things to do
Madrid City Tour – Hop On Hop Off Bus
Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas
Essential Flamenco: Pure Flamenco Show in the Heart of Madrid
Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour with expert guide
Skip-the-Line Access and Guided Visit to Prado Museum
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace
Top hotels in El Pilar
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Excellent hotel. Room was very clean and comfortable. The doorman ( afternoon shifts) made our staying very pleasant and her daughter was very nice too. She worked at the 360 rooftop. Thank you
Reviewed on 8 Apr, 2026
Novotel Madrid Center
Great location and surrounding area. Easy to get around to. Great stay.
Reviewed on 8 Apr, 2026
Hotel Regina
Fabulous hotel that provides great service abd is in a perfect location. Akways a pkeasure to stay here.
Reviewed on 8 Apr, 2026
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
The experience was so memorable that I ended up staying here twice during my trip—that says it all. The location is fantastic: close to everything, just steps from Atocha, with multiple metro stations nearby (Embajadores and Estación del Arte are both within an 8-minute walk). If you’re planning ...
Reviewed on 8 Apr, 2026
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Amaing place to stay. Location is great, right next to Gran Via for great food and shopping as well as the Metro for easy travel.
Reviewed on 7 Apr, 2026
ibis Styles Madrid Airport Valdebebas
Room was clean and staff were pleasant. We appreciated the shuttle to & from the airport.
Reviewed on 8 Apr, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around El Pilar
Chamartín
Travellers choose Chamartín for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Colombia Station or Concha Espina Station and check out top sights like Bernabéu Stadium.
Chamberí
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Chamberí. If sightseeing is on the list, Calle de la Princesa is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Islas Filipinas Station or Quevedo Station to see more of the area.
Malasaña
Museums, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Malasaña. Make a stop by Gran Via or San Placido Monastery while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Noviciado Station or San Bernardo Station to get around town.
Salamanca
Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and Golden Mile. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.
Recoletos
Travellers choose Recoletos for its fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station and check out top sights like National Archaeological Museum.
Chueca
If you're spending time in Chueca, you might enjoy attractions like Gran Via and San Anton Market. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.
