Landmarks and squares
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Royal Palace | One of Europe's largest royal palaces, with its grand halls and the Royal Armoury. | From 10 am; sometimes closed for state events |
| Plaza Mayor | A historic arcaded square with cafés in the heart of the old town. | Central Madrid |
| Puerta del Sol | Madrid's beating heart and kilometre zero of Spain's roads. | Central Madrid |
| The Temple of Debod | An ancient Egyptian temple given to Spain by Egypt, and Madrid's best sunset spot. | Parque del Oeste |
Museums and parks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Prado Museum | One of the world's great art museums, with Velázquez and Goya. | Free 6–8 pm Monday to Saturday and 5–7 pm on Sunday |
| The Reina Sofía Museum | Modern art, including Picasso's famous Guernica. | Near Atocha station |
| Retiro Park | A vast park with a rowing lake and a glass palace. | Central Madrid; free |
Football and shopping
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Santiago Bernabéu | Real Madrid's renovated stadium, with the museum and stadium tour. | Daily; tickets from about €35 |
| Gran Vía | Madrid's best-known avenue of shops and grand buildings. | Central Madrid |
| Las Rozas Village | An outlet of international brands at reduced prices. | About 30 minutes |
A day trip
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Toledo | A hilltop city wrapped by the Tagus, with Muslim, Christian and Jewish heritage, on the World Heritage list. | About 33 minutes by high-speed train |
| Segovia | A giant Roman aqueduct and a fairy-tale castle. | About 30 minutes by high-speed train |
Tips before you go
- You need a Schengen visa, applied for through BLS centres in Riyadh and Jeddah.
- Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Madrid.
- Madrid summers are very hot; spring and autumn are the loveliest times.
Hotels in Madrid
Flights to Madrid
More places nearby
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Madrid?
The Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, the Temple of Debod, the Prado, Retiro Park, the Santiago Bernabéu and Gran Vía.
When is the Prado free?
From 6 to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and 5 to 7 pm on Sunday.
How far is Toledo from Madrid?
About 33 minutes by high-speed train.
Planning your trip to Spain? Read Travel to Spain from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.