There are 6 essential places in Madrid that any first-time visitor should definitely not miss. Although there are infinitely more than just these six in this city rich with tradition and beauty, these are the most significant and enthralling of all.
1) MUSEO DEL PRADO
First on the list is one of the preeminent art galleries worldwide, the Museo del Prado. It is the home to 7,000 plus paintings, but only approximately 1,500 of them are on display at this
time. The Prado contains a number of paintings by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, who leads the list of highly esteemed Spanish artists and other European masters featured there. Goya’s works are followed by those of Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez, José de Ribera, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Francisco de Zurbarán, El Greco, Rafael, Gainsborough, Dürer, Tiziano, Sorolla, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, and too many more to mention. You might want to schedule more than one visit to The Prado just to take it all in.
2) PLAZA MAYOR
The Plaza Mayor has been the focus of all life in Madrid since it was built in 1619 from a design by Juan Gómez de Mora. It is truly majestic with graceful Herrerian style architecture that has been the basis of history and drama in Spain for centuries. Just about everything highly controversial that happened in this country took place in this square, from royal births and weddings to executions and bullfights. Today, shops surround the square where food vendors once sold their wares. There is an equestrian statue of Felipe III in the middle of the Plaza Mayor that was moved from the Casa de Campo in 1848. There is also a festive Christmas market in the square during the month of December and the early part of January.
3) EL RETIRO PARK
El Retiro regally offers some of the most magnificent gardens in all of Europe. Resplendent with beautifully landscaped lawns and greenery, as well as marble monuments, it is indeed a pleasure to see at any time, but really becomes one of the most popular spots in Madrid on weekends. In 1868, this gorgeous park setting, complete with an artificial lake, became open to the public. On weekends, there are also Chinese masseurs, photo and art exhibitions, boat rides, and plenty of cold drinks. In addition, beautiful architectural structures, fountains, a famous statue of Lucifer called “The Fallen Angel”, playgrounds and puppet shows for the kids, and so much more await you when you visit El Retiro.
4) BASILICA DE SAN FRANCISCO EL GRANDE
If ancient churches fascinate you, then you’ll love the baroque basilica on La Latina’s southwestern corner in Madrid, Basílica de San Francisco El Grande. This church offers a frescoed dome that is quite extravagant and looms to dizzying heights of 56m with a massive diameter of 33m. It is actually considered to be the fourth biggest dome worldwide. The original chapel was erected in 1217 by St Francis of Assisi, according to local legend, and Francesco Sabatini designed the new basilica. Admission is free during morning mass times.
5) EL PALACIO REAL
The most exclusive piece of real estate in Madrid is the site of the Palacio Real, which was completed in 1764 on the spot where Felipe V’s alcazar burned down in 1734. It is a 2,800 room baroque compound sometimes used for state ceremonies. It is made up amazingly lavish structures like the Farmacia Real, full of stills and medicine jars indicating that the royals were either unwell or just paranoid, and the Armería Real, an armory containing a massive cache of weaponry and suits of armor from the 16th to the 17th centuries. From the Salón de Gasparini to the Sala de Porcelana, the Comedor de Gala, and the Royal Library, the Palacio Real is definitely a sight to see. One of the more colorful events there is the changing of the guard that occurs the first Wednesday of each month at noon, excluding August and September. There’s also a lesser changing of the guard event on Wednesdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
6) THE PLAZA SANTA ANA
The Plaza de Santa Ana was initially started in 1810 when Joseph Bonaparte was in power. Located in what was often considered by many to be a dreary Madrid barrio, it soon became the main focus of 18th century intellectual life. Artists, poets and writers often frequented the surrounding cafes. Statues of 17th century writers like Federíco García Lorca and Calderón de la Barca are a remembrance of those times. Bullfighting was also prominent there, although it has now disappeared from the scene. The Plaza de Santa Ana still offers an alluring energy along with elegant architecture to those who visit there.