Curator’s statement
If you’re a fan of grand architecture, Madrid has a bit of it all—Art Nouveau, Baroque, Neo-classical, Modernist, and much more. When in Madrid, I like to just meander around the city, taking in the sights and seeing what architectural gems I happen across. (Sometimes the most striking buildings aren’t mentioned on travel shows or in guidebooks.) If you want to have a more organized approach to exploring the grandeur of Madrid, here’s are eight buildings not to miss.
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Instagrammable spots in Madrid
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Palacio de Cibeles
Many years ago, I came across this stunning Modernismo building completely by accident. It stopped me in my tracks and I was frantically trying to figure out what it was. I asked passersby, in my broken Spanish, and all I could deduce from their answers was something about “telecommunications.” Telecommunications? Like, THAT’S where Spanish AT&T is headquartered? Apparently, it once was exactly that, but now it’s the seat of the Madrid City Council. Whatever goes on in there, it’s a magnificent thing to behold.
Museo Cerralbo
This is housed in a 19th-century mansion. Definitely, definitely, definitely go inside for Neo-Baroque and Rococo decorative elements that’ll boggle the mind.
Plaza Mayor
I love a city with a big, proper plaza. Madrid’s central plaza is world-class. A big wide open space, the surrounding buildings covered in paintings, and plenty of outdoor cafés where you can sit and take it all in. I could happily sit there and sip on a cortado and people-watch for hours.
Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena
Madrid has no shortage of stunning churches and cathedrals, but this one, a mix of Neoclassical and Gothic, is truly breathtaking.
Palacio Real (Royal Palace)
Be sure to take in this masterpiece of French Baroque architecture from every angle outside. Don’t miss going inside for a tour or the exquisite Neoclassical gardens in the back.
Palacio de Cristal in the Parque del Retiro
In the center of Madrid is a gorgeous park called Parque del Retiro, and in the center of the park is the romantic glass-and-iron Palacio de Cristal, a popular spot for wedding day photography.
The Prado
Of course, Madrid’s major art museum is a piece of art in its own right. The neoclassical building, opened in 1819, houses a superb collection of European art. Beautiful on the outside and the inside.
Museo de Historia de Madrid
I admit I think I just love this one because it’s pink. Excellent stop if you want to add some Spanish history to your architecture and art tour.
Need to know
I love a good old-timey pub. In Madrid, the old taverns are called tabernas and they’re like stepping into a time machine. My favorite of these is Taberna de Angel Sierra.
For street food, don’t miss the Mercado de San Miguel, where you’ll find all the Spanish staples: churros and hot chocolate, cortado, manchego, jamon, and, of course, lots of tapas.
Travel Advisor
Eva Dilmanian
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Madrid page.