Sights & Attractions in Madrid
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Madrid Sights
The real Madrid is not to be found along major arteries like the Gran Vía and the Paseo de la Castellana. To find the quiet, intimate streets and squares that give the city its true character, duck into the warren of villagelike byways in the downtown area that extends 2 km (1 mi) from the Royal Palace to the Parque del Buen Retiro and from Plaza de Lavapiés to the Glorieta de Bilbao. Broad avenidas, twisting medieval alleys, grand museums, stately gardens, and tiny, tile taverns are all jumbled together, creating an urban texture so rich that walking is really the only way to soak it in.
Petty street crime is a serious problem in Madrid, and tourists are frequent targets. Be on your guard, and try to blend in by keeping cameras concealed, avoiding obvious map reading, and securing bags and purses, especially on buses and subways and outside restaurants.
Browse Madrid Sights
By Category
- Archaeological Sites
- Architectural Sites
- Arts / Performance Venues
- Castles / Palaces
- Financial Institutions
- Fountains
- Gardens / Arboretums
Fodor's Choice
Madrid Fodor's Choice Sights
- Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Barrio de las Letras
- Museo del Prado
- Salamanca and Retiro
- Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
- Barrio de las Letras
- Palacio Real
- Old Madrid
- Parque del Buen Retiro
- Salamanca and Retiro
Browse Madrid Sights By Location
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Travel Deals in Madrid
- Enjoy Spain on a Budget! Flights to Madrid From 515 R/T ASAPTickets.com
- Special deal: 3-Star Egido Via Lusitana Fr $79+/Nt Expedia
- Eurostars Madrid Tower in May: $158 & Up Save with Expedia, $26/night less
- 4-Star Madrid Sale! 4 Nts + Air Fr $1148 Expedia
- Madrid Savings! Book at Hostal Puerta del Sol Fr $66+/Nt — $66 Expedia
