The Museo Nacional del Prado is a museum of the highest caliber, housing about 8,000 artworks and 700 sculptures. Many classics, including acclaimed paintings that stand up to the most well-known pieces at the Louvre Museum in Paris, are included in its wide range of artworks.

Over 100 rooms on three floors and about 2,300 artworks are on show at the Prado Museum. It can be intimidating to try to see everything in one visit, but it is feasible to concentrate on a certain itinerary of masterpieces. The Prado offers "routes" for independent tours of particular artworks.

The majority of the collection is made up of Spanish paintings from the early 19th century. A astounding 140 paintings by Francisco de Goya are included in the collection. Las Meninas, a 1656 painting by Velázquez portraying Felipe IV's Spanish royal family, is another must-see.

The Annunciation by El Greco, Jacob's Dream by José de Ribera, The Third of May by Goya, The Virgin and Child by Luis de Morales, Christ Holding Saint Bernard by Francisco Ribalta, and The Immaculate Conception by Murillo are a few other must-see pieces in the Spanish Painting collection.

In addition to a modern structure, the San Jerónimo el Real monastery's restored 16th-century cloister forms a portion of the Prado Museum's exhibition area. A notable collection of Spanish religious paintings from the 17th century is on display in these galleries.

• Join a Skip the Line: Prado Museum Tour in Madrid to make the most of your time there by skipping the lengthy queues and heading straight to the most fascinating galleries. Your professional guide gives you an overview of the must-see treasures in the museum throughout the 90-minute tour while also offering historical background to help you appreciate the artworks.

Visitors can unwind at the Real Jardn Botánico (Royal Botanical Garden), which is close to the Prado Museum, after viewing the art collection. A kitchen garden filled with vegetables, benches, sculptures, greenhouses, and a rose garden that blooms in early May and late May can all be found in this magnificent green spot. The Museum of Natural History is likewise located inside the Real Jardn Botánico.

The well-known Restaurante TriCiclo (28 Calle Santa Mara), which offers lunch and dinner in a modern-style dining room with a relaxed ambiance, is about a 10-minute walk from the Real Jardn Botánico. The restaurant focuses in foreign cuisine that is produced with gastronomic flair from seasonal market items.

Address: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34913302800
Rating: 4.7/5.0, Google reviews
Website: https://www.museodelprado.es/

BIn the center of Madrid, the Buen Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro) is a tranquil haven. This verdant, immaculately kept park provides a respite from the bustle of the city. Over 15,000 trees provide shade for the park's more than 125 hectares.

The ancient park, which was built in the 17th century for the Count-Duke of Olivares, offers a refined ambiance thanks to its assortment of gardens and tree-lined pathways. Prior to the 19th century, the Spanish royal family held the Parque del Retiro; ever since, it has belonged to the general public.

Visitors arrive at the pool in the middle of the park from the main entrance at the Plaza de Independencia. Paths from here lead to the romantic La Rosaleda (Rose Garden), the formal Jardn de Don Cecilio in French, and the Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez in Andalusian design.

The Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a magnificent cast-iron and glass pavilion that hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, was constructed in 1887. A beautiful fountain and reflecting pool may be seen from the Crystal Palace. Other fascinating fountains that may be seen by visitors at Buen Retiro Park include La Alcachofa, El Cado, and Los Galápagos (The Turtles) (The Artichoke).

Both locals and visitors take pleasure in boating on the park's serene lake. Other popular activities include strolling along the lovely tree-lined trails, taking the kids to puppet plays at the Teatro de Teres, and enjoying the sun or the shade at one of the park's outdoor cafés. The park features an observatory for stargazers that was constructed in 1790.

Address: P.º de Cuba, 4, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34917741000
Rating: 4.6/5.0, 71525 Google reviews
Website: https://www.museoreinasofia.es/

The Spanish equivalent of Versailles, this opulent mansion is a royal court built to dazzle. The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid), in contrast to Versailles, which is now only a museum, is still the official residence of a monarch (the King of Spain), and it is still used for formal State occasions.

Philip V ordered the mansion in the eighteenth century. Granite and the white Colmenar stone make up the entirety of the magnificent Neoclassical facade. Ionic columns and Doric pillars on the front are replicas of sculptures that Bernini created for the Paris Louvre. Kings of Spain are represented by statues on the balustrade.

In the beginning, Bernini planned to build the Louvre in Paris. Kings of Spain are represented by statues on the balustrade. The magnificent staircase that leads to the main floor and features a fresco of The Triumph of Religion and the Church is the most prominent feature of the interior. The walls of the palace are covered with works of art, including paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco, and Caravaggio, as well as beautiful tapestries from France and Belgium.

The King Charles III suites are among the Royal Palace's most exquisite spaces. These rooms are decorated with elegant Enlightenment-era furnishings. The Salón del Trono (Throne Room), a masterwork of Rococo art, is decorated with murals by Tiepolo, including one of his works titled The Greatness of the Spanish Monarchy.

Visitors should set aside some time to tour the Campo del Moro Gardens. These lovely old gardens were built under Philip II's rule, and their formal French-style landscaping includes fountains and avenues. The 20-hectare green area offers a calm retreat in the heart of Madrid. It's a great location for leisurely strolls across beautiful scenery.

Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34914548700
Rating: 4.6/5.0, Google reviews
Website: https://www.patrimonionacional.es/real-sitio/palacio-real-de-madrid

During the time of Philip III, this opulent plaza was constructed. It served as a hub for trade, civic activity, and ceremonial occasions like the coronation of saints and the proclamation of new kings. Bullfights, dramatic performances, and knightly competitions were also held in the square.

After a fire in 1790, when the corners were covered and the nine entry arches were built, connecting it to Calle de Toledo, Calle Mayor, Calle de Postas, and other streets, the Plaza Mayor took on its current shape.

The Plaza Mayor is still a significant gathering spot in Madrid today. The sizable pedestrian-only cobblestone square is flanked with evocative eateries and outdoor cafés that are protected from the sun by its arcades. The square is a bustling gathering place for locals and tourists in the evenings.

The Chocolatera San Ginés (5 Pasadizo San Ginés) is close to the Plaza Mayor and is well-known for its chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with deep-fried pastries), which has been a specialty since 1894. This welcoming chocolate shop and café has elegant furnishings, including marble tables. The Chocolatera San Ginés is open till late every day, as is customary for a café in Madrid.

Address: Pl. Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Phone: N/A
Rating: 4.6/5.0 Google reviews
Website: https://www.madrid.es/portales/munimadrid/es/Inicio/Direcciones-y-telefonos/Resultados-busqueda/Plaza-Mayor

The sun emblem on the old city gate, which once stood here, inspired the name "Puerta del Sol." The expansive town square faces the rising light. The Puerta del Sol serves as both a public transportation hub (with several bus stops and Metro entrances) and the "Kilometer Zero" location from which all distances on the national road network of Spain are calculated.

The Spanish uprising against Napoleon on May 2nd, 1808, and the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931 both took place at the Puerta del Sol. The square is becoming a popular spot for people to gather and unwind. The Puerta del Sol is still one of Madrid's busiest squares, lined with stores and coffee cafes.

There are several restaurants and shops close to the Puerta del Sol. La Violeta (6 Plaza de Canalejas) is the destination for travellers looking for unique souvenirs to take home. The Puerta del Sol is a short distance from the store. This family-run shop, which was established in 1915, sells chocolate bonbons, as well as other vintage sweets and violet candies, a hallmark of Madrid.

Address: Plaza de la Puerta del Sol, s/n, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Phone: N/A
Rating: 4.6/5.0, Google reviews
Website: N/A

Madrid's avant-garde center for contemporary art, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofa, was founded by Queen Sofia in 1986. The three glass towers that house the building's outside elevators atop the sleek, contemporary structure designed by architect Antonio Fernández Alba are reminiscent of the Pompidou Center in Paris.

The delightful garden in the inside courtyard, which is filled with inventive sculptures, is another wonderful surprise for guests. Over 23,000 works of art are included in the Museo Reina Sofa's holdings. The collection features outstanding masterpieces by artists including Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dal, and Alexander Calder in its comprehensive display of Spanish modern and contemporary art.

The artworks are shown in a variety of rooms that make up a sizable exhibition space measuring 39,000 square meters. Audioguides, a gift shop, and a bookstore are available as visitor amenities. Additionally, the museum offers a hip café-restaurant called NuBel that is open for brunch, lunch, afternoon snacks, tapas, and dinner. The atmosphere for evening meals is boisterous, and DJ music sets are played every night.

Address: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34917741000
Rating: 4.5/5.0, Google reviews
Website: https://www.museoreinasofia.es/

The Fuente de Cibeles (Cybele's Fountain), one of Madrid's most famous structures, is situated at a busy intersection. Roman Goddess Cybele is portrayed in lifelike statues driving a chariot driven by lions. With the intended intention of providing water for public use, Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel built the fountain in 1782.

The CentroCentro cultural center, which includes art exhibitions and seminars, conferences, and concerts, is located in the Palacio de Cibeles, which is behind the fountain. The Colección Cibeles café and the Restaurante Palacio de Cibeles, an upscale eatery with breathtaking city views, are both located in the Centro Palacio de Cibeles. The eighth-floor Mirador observation platform offers magnificent views for guests to take in.

The Gran Va, one of Madrid's busiest retail avenues, is close by (via Calle de Alcala). On this busy boulevard, tourists will discover a wide variety of eateries, lodging options, and theaters. The famed Teatro de la Zarzuela, located on Calle de Jovellanos just off the Gran Va, offers ballet performances, classical music concerts, and renowned zarzuela performances, a distinct genre of humorous opera with songs accompanied by traditional Spanish guitar music.

Address: Plaza Cibeles, S/N, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Phone: N/A
Rating: 4.7/5.0, Google reviews
Website: http://www.esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/fuente-de-la-cibeles

An old Egyptian temple can be seen in La Montaa Park, adjacent to the Plaza de Espaa. The Temple of Debod was presented to Madrid in 1968 as a gift from Egypt as recognition for Spain's assistance in preserving the Abu Simbel temples during the construction of the Aswan Dam.

The temple, which was erected in the second century BC for King Adikhalamani, was devoted to the Egyptian deities Amun and Isis. Inside the temple are original embellishments that have been maintained well, which is unusual for an archaeological site. Peaceful grounds with a fountain and mirrored pools surround the monument, giving it a wonderful appearance.

Address: C. de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34913667415
Rating: 4.4/5.0, Google reviews
Website: https://www.madrid.es/portales/munimadrid/es/Inicio/Cultura-ocio-y-deporte/Cultura-y-ocio/Templo-de-Debod

The beautiful murals by Francesco Goya that adorn the vaults and ceiling of the chapel at the Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida are among Madrid's most important works of art, yet they are arguably the least frequently viewed.

On June 13th each year, the tiny chapel from the 18th century that is located behind the Royal Palace conducts a festival in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, but it is the inside that has drawn visitors from all over the world who come to see it.

The frescoes, which rank among Goya's best creations, represent scenes from daily life in Madrid while simultaneously illustrating the theme of Saint Anthony's miraculous. The frescoes exhibit Goya's audacious aesthetic flair and ground-breaking painting methods. These paintings were created at a pivotal time in Goya's career and are regarded as early examples of modern art. To safeguard the frescoes, the chapel was proclaimed a national monument and is no longer used for worship.

Address: Gta. de San Antonio de la Florida, 5, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Phone: N/A
Rating: 4.6/5.0, Google reviews
Website: https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/ermita-de-san-antonio-de-la-florida

An overview of European art from the 17th century to the late 20th century can be found in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Nearly 1,000 paintings are on exhibit in the collection, which includes works from several periods and genres, including Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism, Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, modern art, and Pop Art. The museum also houses a superb collection of American art from the 19th century.

Christ and the Samaritan Woman by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Venus and Cupid by Peter Paul Rubens, The Annunciation by El Greco, Young Knight in a Landscape by Vittore Carpaccio, Jesus among the Doctors by Albrecht Dürer, The See-Saw by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Dancer in Green by Edward Degas, Solitude by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Route. Due to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum's proximity to the Prado, art enthusiasts may easily visit both institutions on the same day.

Address: P.º del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34917911370
Rating: 4.6/5.0, Google reviews
Website: https://www.museothyssen.org/