Sightseeing in Madrid
With Funbooker, discover the most beautiful places to visit in Madrid. Royal Palace, museums, food tours or excursions to Toledo are available to book. Best Price Guaranteed - Free Cancellation
20,000 activities
to choose from
20,000 activities
to choose from
Free
cancellations
Free
cancellations
Rated 4.8/5
(+100k reviews)
Rated 4.8/5
(+100k reviews)
Same price
as buying direct
Same price
as buying direct
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book my tour in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially in high season, as popular sites and tours can sell out quickly. Many activities offer instant confirmation, which is shown on each listing.
How long does a tour last?
The duration depends on the activity, from a short walking tour to a longer excursion. The exact duration is shown on each listing page.
Are tours suitable for children?
It depends on the activity. The minimum age and any specific requirements, for example for bike or Segway tours, are indicated on each listing before you book.
Can I cancel my booking?
The cancellation conditions are shown on each listing before you book. Check them for the activity you choose, as they can vary from one activity to another.
In which languages are guided tours available?
It depends on the tour. The languages offered by the guide are indicated on each listing, so check them before booking.
How do I pay and receive my booking details?
You pay online when you book. Once your booking is made, you receive the practical information for your activity, such as the meeting point and the time.
Summary
Summary
The 10 must-see places to visit in Madrid
A capital that stays up late and walks a lot, Madrid saves its best surprises for those who take the time to stroll between museums, palaces and lively squares. Here is where to start your visit.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Built in the 18th century on the site of the old Alcázar, destroyed by fire, this palace has more than 3,000 rooms. The royal family no longer lives there, but it still hosts official ceremonies.
The tour goes through the Throne Room, the Royal Pharmacy and the Royal Armory, whose collection of armor is famous across Europe. The Sabatini Gardens, right next door, offer a shady break.
Almudena Cathedral
Facing the Royal Palace, the cathedral took more than a century to build. Begun in the late 19th century, it was only consecrated in 1993, by Pope John Paul II.
Its neoclassical façade hides a neo-Gothic interior with colorful stained glass and ceilings, a surprising mix. Entry is free, which makes it easy to combine with a visit to the palace.
Prado Museum
Velázquez's Las Meninas, Goya's Black Paintings, Hieronymus Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights: the Prado gathers centuries of European painting in an 18th-century neoclassical building.
The galleries are numerous and it is easy to get lost. A guided tour helps you get to the essentials; otherwise, the audio guide lets you keep track at your own pace.
Reina Sofía Museum
Housed in a former 18th-century hospital flanked by glass elevators, the Reina Sofía is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Picasso's Guernica draws a crowd of curious visitors every day.
Floor after floor, Dalí and Miró complete the tour. The museum is a stone's throw from Atocha station and about ten minutes on foot from the Prado, so the two combine well.
Plaza Mayor
Completed in 1619 under Philip III, whose equestrian statue stands in the center, the Plaza Mayor has seen markets, bullfights and royal festivities. Its arcaded façades frame a vast rectangle.
The Casa de la Panadería and its painted façade draw every eye. The terraces fill up quickly, so it is best to sit down early in the morning, before the groups arrive.
Mercado de San Miguel
Two minutes from the Plaza Mayor, this iron and glass hall opened in 1916 has swapped its fresh produce stalls for tasting counters. People come to nibble tapas standing up, glass in hand.
Ham, cheese, seafood, croquettes or wines by the glass, everything is tasted in small portions. Prices are rather high and the crowd dense at mealtimes, so aim for mid-afternoon.
Puerta del Sol
A small plaque on the ground marks kilometer zero of Spain's roads, and many people walk over it without noticing. The square remains a very lively meeting point in the center.
The clock of the Real Casa de Correos strikes the twelve chimes of New Year, broadcast across the country. Don't miss the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the city's emblem.
Retiro Park
A former royal garden opened to the public in the 19th century, the Retiro covers about 125 hectares in the heart of the city. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021.
A rowboat ride on the large pond, facing the Alfonso XII monument, is one of the classics. Made entirely of glass and metal, the Crystal Palace regularly hosts free exhibitions.
Temple of Debod
An Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid, yes, it is possible. Dating from the 2nd century BC, it was given by Egypt to thank Spain for its help in saving the monuments of Nubia.
Rebuilt stone by stone in the Parque del Oeste, it is reflected in a pool. Madrileños gather there at sunset, when the light disappears behind the Casa de Campo.
Gran Vía
Opened in the early 20th century, the Gran Vía lines up theaters, cinemas and department stores. It is often nicknamed the Madrid Broadway for the musicals on show.
Look up at the Metrópolis building and its dome, or at the Telefónica building, one of Europe's first skyscrapers. Several rooftops offer a clear view of the avenue.
Our ideas for visiting Madrid differently
To discover the city through its food, the food tours in our catalog string together tapas, Iberian ham, wines or craft beers with a local guide. A good introduction from the very first evening.
History lovers can follow the Spanish Civil War tour or the secrets of old Madrid, in groups of 8 people maximum. And for a day out of the city, an excursion leads to Toledo and Don Quixote's windmills.
