Community of Madrid Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Community of Madrid

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Things to do

Madrid City Tour – Hop On Hop Off Bus

RM148

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

Toledo Half-Day Guided Tour with Cathedral included

RM237

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour with expert guide

RM175

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

Skip-the-Line with Madrid’s Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour

Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas

RM166

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Guided Tour in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

RM233

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace

RM181

per adult

82% of travellers recommend

Panoramic view of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Spain

Royal Monastery of El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen

RM312

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

From Madrid: Avila and Segovia Full-Day Tour

RM237

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

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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. 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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3. 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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4. 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.

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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A grand palace with a symmetrical garden and a central fountain.

7. 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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8. 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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What to do in Community of Madrid

Stay near popular Community of Madrid attractions

Gran Via

9.4/10 (23,455 reviews)

Madrid’s famous shopping strip has boutiques and international brands, an exciting nightlife and an impressive display of early 20th-century architecture.

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Where to stay in Community of Madrid

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

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Madrid Centro

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

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Sol

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

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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.

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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.