Key attractions
The Museum Triangle is a highly recommended area to visit. You will find here the Prado for some of the finest Spanish artworks in history, the Reina Sofia for modern art, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza for classic art. Landmarks abound, too, and perhaps the first one that should be visited is the Puerta del Sol, the literal hub of the city and where many major streets begin. Another main gathering point is Plaza Mayor, around which you will find shops, restaurants, and cafés. The ceremonial palace of Spanish nobility is the ostentatious Palacio Real, which can be visited daily.
Having fun
The siesta helps Madrilenians recharge their batteries for the rest of the day. Thus, a night in Madrid is never boring. The Circulo de Bellas Artes is known for the diversity of acts staged here: from theater to music, to dance. As you are in the birth country of the flamenco dance style, make sure to catch a flamenco performance. Corral de la Moreria in the city center is an easy choice. You can go tapas bar-hopping as well. This involves going from one tapas bar to the next, stopping at each one for small samples of their specialties. Huertas, Chueca, and Alonso Martínez are three areas which are known for their nightlife.
Shopping
The serious shopper will find navigating Madrid's retail world simple. Well-known international clothing brands, such as Zara, Mango, and H&M, are found all around town. Close to the city center, you will find an El Corte Ingles shopping mall. To find the most modern and the hippest clothing stores in the Spanish capital, you will need to head to Chueca, Madrid's thriving gay district. As in many European cities, flea markets are popular in Madrid. The busiest is El Rastro, which opens on Sunday.
Nearby
A number of UNESCO World Heritage sites are within close proximity to Madrid. One is Aranjuez, just an hour by car to the south. The most prominent landmark here is the Aranjuez Royal Palace, the summer residence of Spanish kings. Aranjuez is a beautiful town and walking here is advised. Another heritage city close to Madrid is Alcalá de Henares. Aside from the city's grand, beautiful structures, Alcalá is the birthplace of Spain's most famous literary figure: Miguel de Cervantes, the author of one of the most important novels in Western literature, Don Quixote.
Our recommendations in Madrid
NH Collection Madrid Colón
In the city center, NH Collection Madrid Colón is in Madrid's Salamanca neighborhood, an area with great shopping. Paseo de la Castellana and Gran Via Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore El Retiro Park and Plaza de España. Madrid Zoo Aquarium and Madrid Amusement Park are not to be missed.
Hotel Praga
Located in Madrid's Atocha neighborhood, Hotel Praga is in the entertainment district and near the boardwalk. Paseo del Prado and Plaza Mayor are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Principe Pio and Gran Via Street. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at The Magic Box or WiZink Center.
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Located in Madrid, Hotel Atlantico Madrid is in the city center. Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are notable landmarks, and some of the area's popular attractions include Madrid Amusement Park and Madrid Zoo Aquarium. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or WiZink Center.
Madrid Retiro
Located in Madrid's Retiro neighborhood, Ayre Gran Hotel Colon is in the city center and near a metro station. Paseo del Prado and Puerta del Sol are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Gran Via Street and Avenida America. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at WiZink Center or Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid
Located in Madrid's Malasana neighborhood, Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid is in the historical district and near a metro station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Plaza de España and Madrid Rio, while Royal Palace and Prado Museum are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and consider making time for Madrid Zoo Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's location for the sightseeing.
Petit Palace Arenal
Located in Madrid, Petit Palace Arenal is in the city center and near a metro station. Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are notable landmarks, and some of the area's popular attractions include Madrid Amusement Park and Madrid Zoo Aquarium. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or WiZink Center. Our guests love the hotel's location for the sightseeing. It's also convenient to public transportation: Sol Station is 3 minutes by foot and Opera Station is 4 minutes.
Hotel Nuevo Boston
Located in Madrid's San Blas-Canillejas neighborhood, Hotel Nuevo Boston is in the business district and near the airport. Plenilunio Shopping Mall and Gran Via Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore El Retiro Park and Madrid Rio. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano or Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Novotel Madrid City Las Ventas
Located in Madrid's Ciudad Lineal neighborhood, Novotel Madrid City Las Ventas is in the business district and near the airport. The area's natural beauty can be seen at El Retiro Park and Madrid Rio, while Nuevo Teatro Alcala and National Library are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or WiZink Center. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Barrio de la Concepcion Station is 8 minutes by foot and Parque de las Avenidas Station is 9 minutes.