Things to do in Community of Madrid

Activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Gran Via

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.
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2. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol began its days as the site of one of Madrid's easternmost gates. The gate was adorned with a figure of the rising sun – hence the name Puerta del Sol, which translates as “Gate of the Sun”. Today, the square is the throbbing heart of the city and provides a backdrop for political marches and public celebrations, while also being a popular place for people to meet.
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A public square with a fountain, surrounded by lush greenery and historic buildings.

3. Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid is one of the most internationally recognized soccer teams and their Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is among the sport’s finest. Watching a match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a lifetime dream for both long-term Madridistas and soccer enthusiasts. Walk on the hallowed turf of the playing field, browse the clubs impressive trophy hall and relive historical moments via multimedia exhibits.
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4. Plaza Mayor

Once a marketplace, then a bull-ring and even an execution square, Plaza Mayor has transformed and evolved significantly through the ages. Felipe II commissioned a public square to be built here, which was completed according to the designs of the architect Juan Gómez de Mora in 1619. Having been destroyed by a series of enormous fires, it was finally rebuilt in 1790 and has managed to survive in this incarnation until the present day.
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5. El Retiro Park

El Retiro, or El Parque de Retiro, was once a place of retreat for the Spanish royal family who had a palace in its grounds. Although it was opened up to the public in the 1860s, many of the original features have been retained, making this a remarkable place to visit as a sightseer as well as a nice, quiet spot to relax in. There are all sorts of interesting sites dotted about the grounds here so you’re sure to find plenty to keep you occupied over its 140 hectares.
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6. Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid’s Royal Palace is no longer where the Spanish royal family resides but one peek inside is enough to tell you that this place has seen its share of royalty over the ages. The enormous palace was built in 1738 after its predecessor was destroyed by fire in 1734. It boasts some 3,400 rooms and is packed with extravagant ornamentation and an impressive collection of furniture, paintings, musical instruments, books and weapons.
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7. National Prado Museum

The Prado Museum has gained a reputation as one of the leading repositories of Western art in the world. It is an enormous space with an enormous collection, and you'd do well to devote at least a day of your stay in Madrid to the perusal of its many halls. The permanent collection here boasts some 20,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints, and of these there are roughly 1,300 on display in the halls at any given time. You'll see the best collection of Spanish art here that you're likely to ever come across, alongside works by French, Italian, Dutch and Flemish masters. There are also a handful of works from Germany and England.
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8. IFEMA

IFEMA is the benchmark in excellence for those travelling to Madrid for work. Its location in the Barajas district, just on the outskirts of the capital and a short distance from the airport, is ideal for enjoying a comfortable stay, with the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll have all the services you need at hand, as well as a metro station just a few minutes’ walk away, ready to take you off to the city centre. There, you can enjoy the culinary delights of the most fashionable restaurants, take in the latest musicals on the Gran Vía or admire one of the many interesting exhibitions at the Prado or the Reina Sofia Museum.
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What to do in Community of Madrid


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Where to stay in Community of Madrid

Find the best Community of Madrid areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Madrid Centro

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Salamanca

Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and Mercado de la Paz. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.

Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Ibiza

During your stop in Ibiza, check out the parks, and jump on the metro at Ibiza Station to see more of the surrounding area.

Chueca

If you're spending time in Chueca, you might enjoy attractions like Gran Via and Plaza de Chueca. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.


 

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