Madrid Travel Guidebook Chapter

This final district-centered chapter showcases the heart of Madrid by offering you information on a mixture of gorgeous historical sights like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Parque de Retiro in Central Madrid, or Moratalaz's Pavones Metro Park, and other hidden gems and curiosities.

Consisting of neighborhoods of Sol, Palacio, Universidad, Justicia, Cortes, and Embajadores, Madrid's Central District (known as Centro locally) is the oldest of all Madrid’s districts. It is a culturally enriched area, where less than 80% of the population is a true Madrileno, while the rest are foreigners working, studying, or visiting the area. The Central District's multicultural state dates back to the times when Madrid was first recognized as a crucial connection between the north and south of the Iberian Peninsula, and Philip II relocated his court to this city. As the city grew, his grandson, Philip IV, erected a wall known as the Real Cerca of Philip IV around the old town. While the wall has since been removed, its former place continues to demarcate the oldest parts of Madrid, which became known as the Centro.

As many of Madrid's neighborhoods are now punctuated with modern buildings and landmarks, those who want to immerse themselves in the true medieval city spirit will visit the Centro to see the irregular-shaped blocks and narrow streets that preserve the authentic look of the old city. There is little wonder the Central District continues to serve as the main tourist attraction in the city.

Gran Vía, the vital pulse also known as Madrid’s Broadway, is mostly known for its immense number of theaters and cinemas. However, it acts as a natural barrier between the north and south sides of Centro. The neighborhoods, Justicia and Universidad, lie toward the north, while Cortes, Embajadores, and Sol are located in the south. The Cortes neighborhood is also known as Huertas, which houses the Congreso de los Diputados and is adorned by statues of famous writers of Spain's Golden Era, like Cervantes and Calderón de la Barca. Cortes is also punctuated by museums like the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, the Museo Reina Sofía, and the Museo del Prado, the trio that forms Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art.

The neighborhood of Universidad is known as Malasaña, while the neighborhood of Justicia is also called Chueca — you'll read about both in the chapters ahead. The same applies to Embajadores, or Lavapiés, the former Jewish Quarter of Madrid. The neighborhoods of Palacios and Sol are commonly called Madrid de los Austrias or the Madrid of Habsburgs, in reference to the royal family, which played a prominent role in European history.

Sol is Madrid’s tourist, cultural, and entertainment center, with the cinemas, theaters, and flamenco halls punctuating the Gran Vía, not to mention the shopping galore of Calle de Preciados, which is also located on this street. As its name implies, Palacio houses the Royal Palace, along with Plaza de Oriente, with the world-renowned Teatro Real as a unique attraction. This historical area stands in stark contrast to the commercial atmosphere of the Calle del Arenal next to it, which is full of shops, restaurants, and traditional cafés.

Moratalaz District is a good example of how social life in Madrid can be combined with natural and historical settings. The district epicenter is a huge park where Madrilenos often socialize, surrounded by a small lake and canal, not to mention the well-preserved Iron Age sculptures.

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is located in Central Madrid and is the city's most famous square. Moreover, it's the symbolic center of Spain, as all crucial roads start at its outskirts. However, one of its most visited (and undoubtedly photographed) landmarks is the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño) statue.

Did You Know?

El Oso y el Madroño is the logo for one of Madrid’s two most prominent football clubs, Atlético de Madrid, and the official crest of the city. This is often confusing to visitors who learn that neither bears nor strawberry trees are commonplace in Madrid.

The story of how this unusual statue became Madrid's central landmark is quite curious. Bears have been present on Madrid's coat of arms since the early 13th century, when warriors were first recorded carrying flags depicting a bear, along with the seven stars of the Ursa Major (Larger Bear or the Big Dipper, as it's known in North America) constellation. Madrid was also called Ursalia during the Roman occupation and was presumably surrounded by lots of forests where bears lived in abundance. The addition of the strawberry tree (Madroño) to Madrid's coat of arms happened after a dispute arose between the city council and the church, both of which wanted to claim the surrounding fields and forests for themselves to secure vital resources. The king decided to split the resources, awarding the animals to the church and the plants to the city, making both groups responsible for the upkeep of both the fields and the forests. To show its commitment to this responsibility, the city altered its flag to include a tree, while slightly shifting the bear to a standing position to better fit the space. Just like the bears, strawberry trees are no longer present in or near the city. However, the people of Madrid still buy and use imported Madroños (the fruit of the strawberry tree) for jams and alcoholic beverages.

Nowadays, el Oso y el Madroño, along with the seven stars of the Ursa Major (which also represent the seven administrative areas of the city), are on the official city emblem and the flag of the Community of Madrid.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor in Central Madrid is known for its picturesque architecture and lively atmosphere. This square is a hub for cultural events and street performances, appealing to those interested in arts and local culture.

Did You Know?

One of Madrid's central squares, Plaza Mayor, used to be a major bullfighting hub, not to mention the numerous executions that took place in its center. Fortunately, nowadays, onlookers can enjoy more civilized and humane events from the plaza, one of 437 balconies.

You can't visit the city without grabbing a picture in Plaza Mayor, one of the most iconic places in Spain. Once upon a time, when the city was much smaller, the plaza housed Madrid's largest open-air markets, with vendors offering fresh produce, arts and crafts, and more. The market-turned-square is now home to numerous restaurants and a grand hotel. One can't help but admire the square's stunning architecture, which incorporates nine arches with massive lamps illuminating the entrance and the statue of King Philip III in the square's center.

Gran Vía

Gran Vía is Madrid's main shopping and entertainment artery, famous for its stunning early 20th-century architecture and Broadway-like theaters. Ideal for taking stock of Madrid's vibrant urban life and architectural grandeur.

A short walk from Retiro Park, the Gran Via showcases some of the most beautiful architectural gems in Madrid and is also the city’s main shopping hub. Though there aren’t a ton of traditional landmarks to go in and see, the buildings and shops are well worth strolling down, especially if this is your first time in Madrid.

Starting from close to the Puerta de Acalá, you can walk along the Gran Via and end up in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood. Besides exploration, you will also be able to find something delicious to eat while strolling on the Gran Vía.

Parque del Retiro

Another must-see sight in Central Madrid is El Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro). A massive and beautiful park that offers a peaceful retreat with gardens, lakes, and cultural activities. It has an immense appeal for leisure and cultural experiences, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.

For example, after strolling the grounds of the gorgeous Royal Palace, you can head over to the park and relax and have a few relaxing moments in one of the Spanish capital's most zen attractions.

Parque del Retiro was originally a royal garden strictly closed to the public. However, this changed at the tail end of the 17th century. The largest park in Madrid, this wonderful patch of nature, is only a short walk away from the palace (you can also take the metro if the weather is unpleasant). With its gorgeous preserved sights and landmarks, the park has a distinct royal feeling to it, making it not only an excellent place to unwind but also to experience how the European monarchs used to relax in their own gardens. Some of the most recommended areas to check out within the park are the Estanque del Retiro (Retiro Pond) and the Paseo de la Argentina, where you'll find a line of cozy benches waiting for tired visitors.

And, of course, you can't miss checking out the Palacio Cristal (Crystal Palace) while visiting Parque del Retiro. This greenhouse-turned-museum was also built in the 19th century and now serves as a branch of the Museo Reina Sofia, showcasing art exhibitions worth seeing. There is no entrance fee, and besides the exhibitions, you can admire the building's distinct traditional Spanish-style architecture.

Moratalaz's Parks

This local park in Moratalaz blends greenery, sports facilities, and community spaces. Besides being a stunning natural sight in an urban setting, the park also offers plenty of recreational activities. Likewise, extending over 50,0,00 square feet, the Moratalaz Z park offers a great sight with its several sculptures resembling the Guisando Bulls (the set of sculptures from the Iron Age located in El Tiemblo, Ávila.

Since the city is well-connected in terms of public transportation, you won't have trouble getting around in the Central District, whether you choose the metro, bus, or train. If you opt for public transportation, make sure you purchase a Tourist Travel Pass, which enables you to travel around the city any number of times with just one contactless card with one contactless card and have unlimited use of public transport.

Taxis are also easy to find and can be a comfortable solution when the weather is unfavorable or when you do not want to carry bags after a long day of shopping lag around your bounty after a long day of shopping.

However, as everything is relatively close together in the Central District, the best way to explore this area is by hopping on a bike or simply walking around. By renting a bike (even an electric one), you can explore the city in a healthy, sustainable way. Through the Madrid 360 initiative, the city reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and improving environmental protection. Still, you'll see the most if you walk around, as you can carry on at your own pace and stop anywhere and anytime you want for a little respite, taking photos, shopping, or grabbing snacks and drinks.

Due to the popularity of the area, there are numerous free walking tours organized in Madrid Centro every day. Most of them start at the Plaza Mayor or the Puerta del Sol at regular intervals. These tours last about 2.5-3 hours with a 15-minute break and let you see every popular landmark in the area. The local guide takes you to the main sites in Madrid, helping you understand the long and fascinating history of Madrid and Spain in general. While the tour itself is free, it's customary to tip your guide if you think the tour was worth it.

Besides admiring the stunning greenery in El Retiro Park, you can also rent a rowboat and have a romantic vibe, enjoying sliding across the water.

Another highly recommended yet incredibly budget-friendly way to have a great experience is to catch the sunset at Plaza de Cibeles. Situated in the heart of Madrid at the end of the Gran Vía, Plaza de Cibeles features a fountain with a statue of Cybele, the Roman goddess of fertility and Great Mother of the gods, riding on a chariot pulled by two lions, as the main attraction. The main building at the plaza is the Cybele Palace, also known as the Palace of Communication, and serves as the headquarters of the Madrid City Council. The Paseo del Arte starts here and encompasses attractions like the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, the Royal Botanical Garden, and other remarkable art institutions that are worth exploring.

Central Madrid has tons of great places to eat, ranging from local to international cuisine. Naturally, when in Madrid, you'll want to stay with the local delicacies, but you can't go wrong with Latin dishes either, not to mention the seafood the Spanish capital is widely known for. Still, as in all large cities, it's best to be aware of tourist traps, as not all restaurants will offer authentic meals or be worth your money.

If you are in the Puerta del Sol area and are looking to try some great tapas, check out Casa Toni. This humble-looking restaurant might not seem too promising, but its meals speak for themselves.

Mercado de la Reina 12 is a true haven for foodies who like to immerse themselves in the tastes and smells of culinary delicacies. Visiting this place in downtown Madrid will not only be an enjoyable experience but will also make eating out a pleasure. While enjoying your meal, you'll be surrounded by classical Spanish aesthetics, with just a touch of the Mediterranean in the form of the olive trees. To add to the experience, the restaurant has an open kitchen policy, which you can tour, just like you do with the local winery. The place is ideal for large group celebrations, too, as it has three super long tables across the middle of the restaurant, making it perfect for mingling while wining and dining. On top of that, if you are just looking for a quick bite to grab and hit the streets right after, Mercado de la Reina 12 is a great choice has a solution for this too. You can enjoy breakfast or get an aperitif and dive into the ever-popular menu of tapas and other homemade dishes at the bar-cafe for lunch.

Torres Bermejas offers traditional Spanish dishes, along with trendy, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. To add to the allure of this restaurant, there are regular flamenco shows in a beautiful setting. Similarly, El Albéniz is one of the trendiest restaurants in Madrid, with innovations in classic local dishes, regular specials, and much more.

Los Galayos is a beautiful Spanish restaurant near Plaza Mayor. Besides its classical ambiance, it also features a unique winter terrace, which makes it perfect for groups, large families, and even small celebrations.

La Burbujería is a fusion restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere, great dishes, and wine bar. The place is also dog-friendly in case you're traveling with your canine companion.

Besides offering the best Spanish delicacies, Madrid has some of the best Mexican food outside of Mexico. If you crave Mexican dishes, check out Cutzmala Mex Food in the Antón Martín. Their street tacos are particularly recommended, and you can always wash them down with an authentic Mexican beer if you wish. If you're on a tighter budget, check out the restaurant's happy hour deal.

The best way to satisfy your sweet tooth in Madrid is by visiting Chocolotería San Ginés. Situated just a short walk away from the Plaza Mayor, the place offers the most mouthwatering chocolate-covered churros you'll ever try. It's open 24/7, so you can easily fit your visit into your Madrid itinerary.

El Rastro Market is a flea market that takes over the streets south of the Plaza Mayor every Sunday morning (it’s concentrated on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores and the Plaza de Cascorro, south of the La Latina metro). Besides the regular vendors, some local artists and artisans also come to display their paintings and crafts.

Mercado San Miguel is a unique shopping market held in a tall steel-and-glass building built in 1916. While the market was renovated a few years ago, the building structure still features its original traditional century-old design. The vendors of fresh produce, wine bars, fishmongers, local artisans, and gourmet bakeries make this market the chicest place to shop for food in central Madrid.

If you're looking for a uniquely entertaining experience, have a meal at the oldest continuously operated restaurant in the world, Restaurante Botín.

Did You Know?

The Guinness Book of World Records has officially recognized Restaurante Botín as the oldest operating restaurant in the world.

Located in the city center of Madrid, the restaurant has been serving traditional Castilian dishes, like roast lamb or pig, or cocido madrileño, since 1725.

Besides the great dishes, you'll also be able to admire the stunning early 18th-century architecture and learn more about Madrid's history from the locals.

Besides the numerous festivals, flamenco events, and open-air concerts from spring to autumn (not to mention Madrid's fabulous nightlife), another highly praised entertainment option in Madrid Centro is the Teatro Real. Being the most prestigious opera house in the country, Teatro Real is one of the country's most prominent cultural landmarks.

Housing three orchestras and stages that see over 100 performances a year, visiting this theater will provide you with an experience of a lifetime. Whether you see dance recitals, operas, musicians, or a flamenco show, you'll be witnessing the hard work of some of the world's most famed artists and admire the magical setting that the theater's unique architectural design provides.

Wherever you stay in the city center, you'll be a short metro ride or a short walk from everything you might want to explore in Central Madrid. That said, below are some recommendations on where to stay in this district based on your needs, preferences, and last but not least, budget.

Only YOU Boutique Hotel is the ideal place for those looking for a relaxing stay in the city. This inviting lodging in the busy Chueca neighborhood is just a stone's throw away from the city's top attractions and has a luxurious restaurant and bar on site — not to mention the broad range of plush rooms you can choose from.

The top recommendation for budget or solo travelers is The Hat Madrid. This hostel is one of the highest-rated ones in Madrid, mainly due to the generous selection of room types and the added amenities included in the booking price.

Ii Castillas Madrid is a fabulous mid-range option for staying in central Madrid. Situated close to the Plaza Callao, the hotel offers an optional breakfast service, making it perfect for sleeping in after a night in the famous Spanish nightlife.

Hostal Foster is another budget-friendly contender in central Madrid. It's just a little off the Gran Via but still close to everything you might want to see. This hotel is the best option if you want to cut down on your travel costs without sacrificing comfort.