View of Monte Abantos from the gardens of El Escorial Monastery

Madrid (Province)

Madrid is synonymous with culture and street life. The capital city is home to some of the most frequently visited museums in Spain, and its surroundings offer the chance to visit several outstanding monumental sites.

The city of Madrid is open and welcoming, modern yet traditional, stately yet popular, lively yet peaceful... But more than anything else it is a cultural paradise. It is home to what is known as the Triangle of Art, which contains within a limited area the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Art Centre and the Thyssen-Bornesmiza Museum.

You'll also be able to visit such impressive monuments as the Royal Palace, places with their own particular charm like the Plaza Mayor square or the grand avenue known as the Gran Vía, or enjoy what is considered by some to be possibly the most exciting nightlife in Spain… as well as wander in large green spaces such as the Retiro Park, and drop into typical bars and taverns to sample a range of delicious tapas. But you’ll find the Madrid Region offers much, much more. For example, the cities of Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares and San Lorenzo del Escorial, all of which have been declared World Heritage Sites. Or small picturesque towns such as Chinchón, and the charming villages in the mountains.

Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

The Monastery of El Escorial was the first example of the…

University of Alcalá de Henares, or College of San Ildefonso

It was created by Cardinal Cisneros and given the name of College…

Royal Palace in Aranjuez

Work on this palace, along with the adjoining monuments, was…

Royal Palace

Madrid's Royal Palace was built in the 18th century by order of…

Plaza Mayor square in Madrid

Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is a symbol of the city and a must-see.…

Sucesión Pablo Picasso, VEGAP, Madrid, 2023

Reina Sofía National Art Centre

The Reina Sofía National Art Centre opened its doors to the…

Plaza de Cibeles square

This is one of the liveliest, best-known and most beautiful…

Buen Retiro Park

Located in the heart of Madrid, its origins date from the reign…

Prado Museum

This gallery in Madrid has the most complete collection of…

What to do

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