Local Guides World
Top Tourist attractions in Madrid, Spain
Top Rated Tourist attractions in Madrid
Top Reviewed Tourist attractions in Madrid
Real Botanical Garden Alfonso XIII
Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions
Vaguada Park
Teatro Real
Church of Saint Joseph
Church of Saint Sebastian
Church of St Mark
Las Ventas Bullring
National Museum of Romanticism
Ahuehuete de El Parterre
Segovia Bridge
Athens Park
Reviews
The Segovia bridge was created back in 1574 by Juan de Herrera and is also right next to the ‘King bridge/bridge of the King’ which is right next to the Madrid River park (which is great for biking, walking, or walking with a pet/friend) which is quite long and connects to both bridges and is nicely designed and not a super long bridge so it’s quick to cross.
Once you cross you can also walk up towards the north (on the map) to the Door of San Vicente, Mall of Principe Pio then towards the east to the Gardens of Sabatini.
Once you cross you can also walk up towards the north (on the map) to the Door of San Vicente, Mall of Principe Pio then towards the east to the Gardens of Sabatini.
The venue has a vintage feel and hasn't changed from the time it was built. A lot of energy from the crowds. My own opinion is bullfighting is hard to watch, but I wanted to see what it was like. Aside from the ethics of it, the bullring is a cool place
The ~17 euro tour is not worth it. It's just the inside of the stadium 🏟 as you can see from the pictures. And if you are a true bullfighting afficionado, I am sure you would buy tickets to see a real performance. There are scalpers outside selling tickets for 60 euros.
But let me describe the tour experience in case it appeals to you. You get an audio guide, the type where you press numbered buttons at each point of interest. At one station they actually make you wait to take photos in front of a green screen. Then they photoshop some traditional costumes on your photo and attempt to sell it to you. This was annoying because we were already short on time and they only do one group at a time and the photos need time to process.
There's another station where you can put on some VR glasses to tour the stadium inside the stadium. Very meta. There's also a VR game you can play where you do bullfighting. There's only one of those but luckily there was no line when I went.
We waited in line for 20 minutes to get in. The line moves slowly because it's the same line whether you purchased tickets ahead of time or are paying on the spot. Then! they explain to each group how to use the audio guide and ask what language you want.
That's why we opted to buy on the spot. But we had our bills ready and weren't responsible for the hold up at all. If you buy online, you have to pick a time slot. It is 1-2 euros cheaper if you reserve in advance though.
But let me describe the tour experience in case it appeals to you. You get an audio guide, the type where you press numbered buttons at each point of interest. At one station they actually make you wait to take photos in front of a green screen. Then they photoshop some traditional costumes on your photo and attempt to sell it to you. This was annoying because we were already short on time and they only do one group at a time and the photos need time to process.
There's another station where you can put on some VR glasses to tour the stadium inside the stadium. Very meta. There's also a VR game you can play where you do bullfighting. There's only one of those but luckily there was no line when I went.
We waited in line for 20 minutes to get in. The line moves slowly because it's the same line whether you purchased tickets ahead of time or are paying on the spot. Then! they explain to each group how to use the audio guide and ask what language you want.
That's why we opted to buy on the spot. But we had our bills ready and weren't responsible for the hold up at all. If you buy online, you have to pick a time slot. It is 1-2 euros cheaper if you reserve in advance though.
I actually intended to go to Museo de Cerralbo but it was a thursday, I have limited time in Madrid and there was a queue due to entrance being free on Thursday afternoon. So I visited this museum and it went beyond my expectations. It was beautiful inside with classic demonstrations of Romantic Period. It is rather smaller but it is definitely worth your time.
Imposing Opera House over looking large landscapes and piazzas. The Bayerisches Staatsballet production of La Bayadera by Ludwig Minkus was delightful. Dancing by Jinhao Zhang and Laurretta Summerscales, also Shale Wagman as Idolo Dorato, all inspired. Music conducted supremely by Kevin Rhodes was an utter delight. Comfortable seat - certainly not the most expensive, had good acoustics. Pre order online a drink and nibble for the interval and you are sitting in an elegant room on the second floor. Online ticket purchase and seat selection was so easy.
Bueno pues a mí me gustó mucho la visita nos acompañaba un guía que nos explicó todo muy bien primero nos puso un vídeo con imágenes y té comentaba la historia de cada una de ellas gracias saludos
Mooie arena. Dit moet je eens meegemaakt hebben. De traditie van Madrid. Let wel op het kan warm zijn op die plaatsen. En je zit dicht op elkaar. Je kan er wel drinken krijgen geen probleem. Wij zaten helemaal van boven was 20 💶. We zaten dus niet in de volle zon. Best uw tickets thuis al bestellen. Wat het is regelmatig uitverkocht. Veel plezier.
DISCLAIMER: this review is for the rather beautiful mujedar building and the audio tour, not any actual bull fighting, which in my opinion is barbaric. I enjoyed the tour, which takes you all around the ring, although with two reservations. Firstly, it uses quite a few terms I didn't understand, without explanation, so if you are interested in what goes on you might want to Wikipedia bull fighting before you go. Secondly, amid the helpful factual information and descriptions there is a lot of, quite frankly, nonsense about bravery, nobility, honouring the bulls, you can only understand Spain if you understand the bullfight etc. I guess no-one made me go though... FYI the tour includes a couple of VR experiences, one of which let's you wave a cape at a bull for a bit - it seems pretty easy to br honest. The staff are all very nice (unless you are a bull).
It's a fantastic museum and a lovely indoor terrace as well! And most importantly, free ticket 🎫 😄
Tolles Brückenbauwerk mit Parkanlagen und viel Schatten bei heißen Tagen.
I have toured many opera houses in my travels. This was wasn't as I had hoped. I bought my ticket online and made use of the audio guide on my phone. It was easy to get started. However, after 2 stops I lost service so had to read the digital paragraphs instead of getting audio. It came back towards the end. Some rooms were very nice but the theatre itself wasn't that impressive. Grateful for the human guides along the way as a few times I got turned around and they assisted me beautifully. I suggest to only do if you have time. It took me under 1 hr.
On Saturday morning, I visited this museum that represents aristocratic families. I saw old cameras, beautiful pistols, different clocks, very delicate carvings. The 19th century was a noisy time for the whole world. China was experiencing the Opium War and Europe was experiencing the Industrial Revolution. But here we see beautiful and exquisite home furnishings. The beautiful and small courtyard and the many romantic art paintings in the house bring us back to a small corner of history. The villa is not big, but it is a happy and comfortable paradise for children. Of course, the old-fashioned high heels are also very interesting...
Always a great experience here. Only thing that could be improved is adding railings for people with mobility issues to walk up the stairs. We had someone in our group who’s 84 and it took a bit to help him up to his seat.
Visiting the Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid offered a unique and distinctly Spanish experience. The facility itself was impressive—getting in and out was a breeze, thanks to the well-organized layout and clear signage, which is always a relief at large events.
As someone accustomed to attending sports events like baseball, soccer, and basketball in Canada, I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything ran here. Additionally, the drink prices were quite reasonable, especially when compared to what I'm used to in Toronto.
However, I must admit that bullfighting itself was not to my taste. While I appreciate the cultural significance of this traditional Spanish spectacle, it didn't quite resonate with me personally. Nonetheless, the experience of visiting such a historic and well-maintained venue was certainly a must-do!
As someone accustomed to attending sports events like baseball, soccer, and basketball in Canada, I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything ran here. Additionally, the drink prices were quite reasonable, especially when compared to what I'm used to in Toronto.
However, I must admit that bullfighting itself was not to my taste. While I appreciate the cultural significance of this traditional Spanish spectacle, it didn't quite resonate with me personally. Nonetheless, the experience of visiting such a historic and well-maintained venue was certainly a must-do!
Great to picnics into the city
Recommended for relaxation.
A nice Church located in the heart of Gran Via area.
Big and have many statutes.
Old but well maintained and always open for people.
Big and have many statutes.
Old but well maintained and always open for people.
Para mi ha sido una sorpresa porque he pasado muchas veces por fuera sin atreverme a entrar. Su fachada es sencilla y no llama la atención como otras iglesias de Madrid. Entré un día que la iglesia estaba vacía, es gratuita y su interior me sorprendió gratamente. Es obra de Ventura Rodríguez y su estilo pertenece al Barroco español del siglo XVIII.
Recomiendo totalmente su visita.
Recomiendo totalmente su visita.
Aunque su fachada parece bastante sencilla, al momento de entrar, cualquiera queda impresionado por la belleza del interior de esta iglesia, que es todo un monumento artístico en sí misma. Está ubicada muy cerquita de la plaza de España. Totalmente recomendada su visita. Además no se paga entrada, pero si desean pueden dar un donativo.
It was nice but if you don’t have much time in Madrid you can definitely skip it.
Great place, everything you need here.
Museo pequeño y accesible, gratuito, reciben bien al visitante, en el corazón del "Rastro" madrileño, ubicado en una antigua y esplendida "Corrala", de dudosa rehabilitación, con una colección un tanto dispersa que aglutina diferentes oficios y vestuario de diferentes regiones, le falta algo mas de lo netamente madrileño si caer en el casticismo, pero es muy agradable y entretenido de ver y recorrer, con exposiciones temporales como la actual de artesania textil rumana, muy interesante y bien presentada. Pasé un buen rato y suele estar tranquilo.
Old and beautiful ❤️
As an opera fan I had big expectations and been looking forward to the guided visit in English. It was really terrible. Our guide could hardly speak English, spoke very quietly and he it wasn't interesting at all. I almost fainted when he was informing us about the displays of sandwiches "here you can read what to eat and buy in the interval".
There was no "behind the scene" in the tour. Mostly visits in all the rooms where food and drinks are served. They are beautiful and grand but the guide didn't have the ability to tell a good story.
It also surprised me that the opera salon itself was quite plain and not at all as grand as I had expected. No decorations of interest.
We left before the tour was finished - it was really a great waste of time.
There was no "behind the scene" in the tour. Mostly visits in all the rooms where food and drinks are served. They are beautiful and grand but the guide didn't have the ability to tell a good story.
It also surprised me that the opera salon itself was quite plain and not at all as grand as I had expected. No decorations of interest.
We left before the tour was finished - it was really a great waste of time.
Wonderful looking church with a lot of history. I love the statues, the paintings, and the work that has gone into this building. Yes, there is an opportunity to repair some of it. It's very close to the Gran Via in Madrid and is definitely worth a look. Be aware that church services are still taking place, so be careful not to disturb people who may be going for worship.
Fantastic place! Wery interesting!!
Beautiful theatre, with a visit to the opera even with an inexpensive ticket.
Hat heute zu, obwohl in Google Maps als Geöffnet gekennzeichnet. Grund: der Feiertag eines katholischen Heiligen. Man konnte aber sehen, dass Gärtnerinnen arbeiteten, also nur ein Feiertag für die Verwaltung.
VISIBILITY!!!!!
OJO! ATTENTION PEOPLE, if you are going to purchase a seat that is marked 'REDUCED VISIBILITY' it is very lightly that there is no visibility! I purchased 2 seats for 'Rigeletto)' December 2023 that was marked reduced visability. When we took our seats, to my 'horror' I realised that we had no view of the stage. Non what so ever. The top of the curtains was our view and to add to misery my view if the the screen from the opposite side of the Teatro was blocked by the spotlights! We left the theatre because there was no point in staying in darkness.
On writing to the theatre to complain they replied that they have notified clients that some seats had reduced visability but also mean NO visibility!!! Is this lawful? Or honest to your clients? 118€ each for seats that has 'NO VISIBILITY'. By writing a few lines of disclaimer makes it ok?to take money from clients to SEE an opera performed on stage knowing that there is 'NO VISIBILITY' in certain seats.
I purchased the tickets assuming that such a theatre (REAL) would not have sold me seats without visibility.
I am complaining here not because I want the refund but for the Teatro Real to reconsider there policy of selling seats without visibility of the stage and scenery to the public.
Pauline Williams
A very Dissatisfied Client
OJO! ATTENTION PEOPLE, if you are going to purchase a seat that is marked 'REDUCED VISIBILITY' it is very lightly that there is no visibility! I purchased 2 seats for 'Rigeletto)' December 2023 that was marked reduced visability. When we took our seats, to my 'horror' I realised that we had no view of the stage. Non what so ever. The top of the curtains was our view and to add to misery my view if the the screen from the opposite side of the Teatro was blocked by the spotlights! We left the theatre because there was no point in staying in darkness.
On writing to the theatre to complain they replied that they have notified clients that some seats had reduced visability but also mean NO visibility!!! Is this lawful? Or honest to your clients? 118€ each for seats that has 'NO VISIBILITY'. By writing a few lines of disclaimer makes it ok?to take money from clients to SEE an opera performed on stage knowing that there is 'NO VISIBILITY' in certain seats.
I purchased the tickets assuming that such a theatre (REAL) would not have sold me seats without visibility.
I am complaining here not because I want the refund but for the Teatro Real to reconsider there policy of selling seats without visibility of the stage and scenery to the public.
Pauline Williams
A very Dissatisfied Client
Just saw Rigoletto. It was amazing. I really enjoyed it. I was worried I wouldn't understand anything but the gave subtitles in Spanish and English - it helped alot and the performance was wonderful.
It looks beautiful but is so dark before and after a mass. So many people wanting to visit but it's sad
Nice place where enjoy the sunset
Churches are all so unique. Smoker's create a health hazard. Even inside it smells of cigarettes.
New sma Park with a small artificial lake, kids playground, a few walking areas and benches. It's green and relatively calm, has a shopping center nearby
I love to go for walks here! Perfect views, fresh air and also I’ve seen people dancing bachata together there, which makes it more fun.
An incredible venue for the summer concert series. A handful of stands set up for food and lots of bars throughout the gardens as well. Plenty of options to sit at a table, or relax in lounge chairs. Highly recommend going and planning to get there when they open at 19:30 to enjoy before the concert starts.
Beautiful tree worth stopping by if you’re walking through.
great open-air concerts @ Noches del Botánico... beautiful setting, with good sound & everything well organized!
Such a marvelous place to be for a concert! Love LP ❤️
you don't need tickets,and fewer people, not very big,but you can see many things, I spent longer time because I needed Google translate.
Nothing special. Yes the building is beautiful sure. But if you are looking for nature and animals and peace… this is nothing. Very boring and not impressive at all.
Long history but destroyed by the fascist aviation during the Spanish civil war. Later on during Franco regime was restored but not in a sublime way.
It's a pleasant respite amidst the hustle and bustle of Barrio del Pilar and very closely located to the mall. However, it is not very clean as there could be trash strewn on the ground and some graffiti, too. It needs ground management and some cleanliness.
One of the most beautiful churches… but it’s falling apart! It requires urgent attention to repair and repaint several parts of it
The art collection is impressive, as well as its historical importance
The art collection is impressive, as well as its historical importance
There are kid parks, soccer and basketball courts, table tennis, and a strengthening area with different functions made for fitness. Also a bathroom, but no water fountain so bring your own.
Konnichiwa! I will return to this place next year! 🌸🌸🌸 #mia029
This tree is beautiful. Even in its natural winter browness. She is related to the Bald Cypresses of North America and in cold climates their needles will turn brown in the winter. She is not dead and very much alive. What a joy it was to stand in her splendor.
It’s really protected. Having a geotagged tree for tourists who would have thought of that. Love a bit of natural history.
Enjoyed my visit there. Very few other people so it was easy to just slowly enjoy the Museum
We attended the theater to watch L'Orfeo. That is a beautiful work with a great message of loss, love, and living. The venue is beautiful and regal. The seating area has a grand chandelier hovering over the audience. The theater seats were comfortable and enough for a big guy like myself. The balconies are gilded and beautifully detailed. The royal box balcony is front and center. It's majestic quality makes for a perfectly romantic and exquisite night out. You can reserve a table to sit during intermission in a gorgeous room with spectacular paintings of the royal family. The venue is accessible to those with wheelchair use. The taxi hub is conveniently located behind the theater. I purchased the tickets online and felt the process was easy and convenient. The problem is here: I purchased the tickets based on its recommendation of best seats at the time. When we took our seats, we noticed jumbo screens placed around the theater for patrons to watch. Unfortunately, even though we purchased front row balcony seats to the left of the stage, we could not see the theater actors. We relied on the screens to see what was going on below us, which was a huge disappointment. If we wanted to view the stage actors, we had to lean over the balcony. The people behind us had to stand to catch a glimpse over us. That was the case all around the theater. Unless you purchase seats that are directly facing the theater stage, straight on, and within the middle third, you will not have a visible position. The jumbo screens show video but they do not capture the essence or the detail that the human eye can capture from the seats. I spent 80% of the time reclined in my seat, watching the screens and wishing the theater had disclosed the limited visibility when tickets were being purchased. I would recommend this venue, but be conscious of the limited visibility issue when purchasing tickets. It's better to buy the less expensive tickets up high that are centrally located than the closer, side balcony seats.
Ambience being an old, dark and tired church. But there are some lovely artefacts to admire.
Church of Saint Sebastian, Madrid
The park is very large and has lots of different things to see, including this tree.
We were serenaded by a trumpet player while we sat there reading.
We were serenaded by a trumpet player while we sat there reading.
The best place for over 40's to enjoy a gig. Very civilized indeed!
Highly recommend this park. There's tons of beautiful statues, flowers, and other things to check out and it's all free.
My oh my!!!! What a GREAT place in this already amazing city!!!! Cool people around, good music everywhere, superb mood specially after midnight (you can feel it in the air), food trucks which cook and serve a serious well craft-made and old fashion way burger, many spots offering you so many different kind of spirits, beers, wines…
For me was a paradise tuff to leave
For me was a paradise tuff to leave
It’s a tree, as advertised. The trunk was unique, but that’s about it. I probably wouldn’t have come if I wasn’t in the park already.
The church dates back to the 16th century. It’s not very imposing but it’s a nice little piece of Madrid’s history. The church is free to enter and looking inside you can see what a typical church from the era would have looked like. During Christmas, they have a nice Belen or Nativity scene, a very common Christmas decoration in Spain given it’s catholic heritage.
What a night listening to the Gipsy Kings!
I expected to attend a great concert with the Gipsy Kings, what I didn't expect was such an incredible place. The whole site surrounding the concert arena is filled with lawns, lounge chairs, and little booths offering tapas, drinks, arts and crafts, etc. There's music everywhere, and the whole vibe is festive and happy. I think this is a good place to go even if you're not attending a concert.
I expected to attend a great concert with the Gipsy Kings, what I didn't expect was such an incredible place. The whole site surrounding the concert arena is filled with lawns, lounge chairs, and little booths offering tapas, drinks, arts and crafts, etc. There's music everywhere, and the whole vibe is festive and happy. I think this is a good place to go even if you're not attending a concert.
In case you feel old, just remember that this tree is thought to be planted in 1632
Cool old tree. Dead tho? Leaves looking very orange. Worried. Hope all is well and this is just a phase. Xoxo Ben
I went here on a weekday and attended the Mass at 12 noon. Very solemn and the priest gave a good homily.
Beautiful bright, is near cafes and Madrids largest park. Must see
Built in the second half of the sixteenth century, Segovia Bridge must have had a much wider river flowing underneath when inaugurated. My main surprise when I saw the bridge was how little water there was running under it. The bridge now sits on top of an urban park with reflecting pools and spouting water fountains.
Lot's of shade and very close kiosk. Clean. Just 4 stars bc is kind of small
Nice park in the city, perfect place to have a picnic and spend a few hours.
You have playground for kids and nice green areas for dogs.
The only con is that the street are too close.
You have playground for kids and nice green areas for dogs.
The only con is that the street are too close.
They have almost everything for you to buy and eat. You could enjoy their variety as a good shopping mall.
Coyly set just off Gran Vía, the most famous promenade in Madrid, is the Church of San José, an ancient church with a pink façade, a classical pediment, a coat of Spanish Baroque expression, and a central niche portraying the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen created by the leading French sculptor Roberto Michel. Constructed in 1730 in its present shape, the original structure dates back to 1586, when King Felipe II founded the Convent of San Hermenegildo, home to the Order of the Discalced Carmelites, at the same place. Besides being a unique place of worship, the church also holds a rare honor of ordaining the worthy contemporary of William Shakespeare and the outstanding dramatist of the Spanish Golden Era, Lope De Vega (1562-1635), as a priest.
Great running route in the heart of Madrid. Was seriously impressed by the bridge and the ability to run (6K and more) alongside the river on a well taken care of pavement. If you are into sports go check it out, otherwise the bridge itself is worth the sights.
Another Jewel in the heart of Madrid, this Local Parish church boost arquitectural beauty and masterpieces from different decades XVI, XVII...
Cool too bad mostly no photos allowed but they have books in the gift shop full of photos
On tour with the New York Youth Symphony in Madrid and while there I got to see and meet the roots at the Real Botanical Garden Alfonso XIII. The show was incredible... but also so we’re the staff at this venue. I really enjoyed myself and wish to come back in the future! Much love from a flutist in America! 🧡🎶🙏🏾
Found peace and purpouse here
Beautiful
Rather beautiful though lesser known park, in the neighbourhood of Puerta de Toledo, though close enough to the river and working class areas to the south of Madrid.
Lots of things to do around it, including some nice outdoor bar with ambient music.
Lots of things to do around it, including some nice outdoor bar with ambient music.
Beautiful objects
I was really surprised to see how beautiful and clean looking the water was. The plants are so lush in the middle of summer too. We scooted around for a while up and down the river and the bridge was a nice highlight.
HOT TIP - I would be careful which scooter or bike you choose and some companies will limit the speed you can do. Mine went for 20km to 5km and it was not worth using.
HOT TIP - I would be careful which scooter or bike you choose and some companies will limit the speed you can do. Mine went for 20km to 5km and it was not worth using.
A really lovely place to walk and chill out.
I stayed in this park for around 2 hours, just sitting, walking and laying on the grass. It is really a beautiful escape from the city and noise.
I stayed in this park for around 2 hours, just sitting, walking and laying on the grass. It is really a beautiful escape from the city and noise.
Located at the intersection of two major avenues in Madrid Alcata and Gran Via. It is a medium sized church with standard decorations. Impressive but not exceptionally so.
Big tree but famous one from Balencia is bigger ;)
Small nice church. Very good acustic for concerts.
Small, but quite ineteresting museum.
Just another Park where parents take their kids for a bit of fun or just waking around, dog owners do the same to their dogs. It's not particularly well taken care of, but also nor is it totally run down. It has been renewed slightly for the opening of the new restaurant which appears to be quite nice and has a nice covered terrace.
Iglesia de San Jose (Church of San Jose) is located along Calle de Alcala at the junction with Gran Via. This is a Catholic church that is situated upon the grounds that once held a large Carmelite Convent.
The present day church was mostly constructed in the first half of the 18th century in Baroque style. The facade is attractive with its three arched entrance and statue figure of the Virgin of Carmen.
The interior of the Church of San Jose is enjoyable to see. I liked the Baroque style chapels and their nice artworks. The front alter is also quite decorative and well worth having a look. Note that It is a dimly lit so photography is a bit challenging inside the church.
Overall, we enjoyed stopped by Church of San Jose for a quick look around. It is a convenient attraction for those walking down Gran Via or along Calle de Alcala in Central Madrid.
The present day church was mostly constructed in the first half of the 18th century in Baroque style. The facade is attractive with its three arched entrance and statue figure of the Virgin of Carmen.
The interior of the Church of San Jose is enjoyable to see. I liked the Baroque style chapels and their nice artworks. The front alter is also quite decorative and well worth having a look. Note that It is a dimly lit so photography is a bit challenging inside the church.
Overall, we enjoyed stopped by Church of San Jose for a quick look around. It is a convenient attraction for those walking down Gran Via or along Calle de Alcala in Central Madrid.
Beautiful decorations but too dark to be able to take any decent photos for posting. Updates from December 5th. Was actually able to take photos this time. Worth going back
Magnificent Church !
So like I didn't visit the museum itself, but they give talks here every once in a while and they're pretty solid.
Crowded with party people on Sundays and relaxed during Summer days, I love both vibes.
nice