Madrid's Top Attractions 2026: Sol, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace
Often overlooked, Madrid is a vibrant city brimming with authentic Spanish charm, unique nightscapes, and walkable attractions. Discover why it's a must-visit destination!
Loading...
Often overlooked, Madrid is a vibrant city brimming with authentic Spanish charm, unique nightscapes, and walkable attractions. Discover why it's a must-visit destination!
Top Places to Explore on Your Madrid Trip in Spain!
Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España, Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor
Words & Photos © Hi Bubu
If you ask people about must-visit places in Spain,
many will tell you, 'You don't really need to go to Madrid.'
However, I found my trip to Madrid to be much more fascinating than I expected,
and it had quite a few interesting points.
Today, I'll be sharing what I believe are Madrid's unique charming points,
and the tourist spots where you can truly soak in the atmosphere!
1. Madrid's Charming Points
The first charming point I personally felt was
the sense of an authentic Spanish local atmosphere.
Unlike Barcelona, where English was widely spoken,
there were many restaurants and shops where only Spanish was spoken,
and the tapas bars felt even more authentically local.
The second point was the purple-hued nightscape.
After sunset, the lights reflecting off the city's buildings
cast a shimmering, almost purple glow, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
The third point was that there weren't too many tourists,
making it a much more pleasant place to shop.
While all the famous stores are here, just like in Barcelona,
the queues were much shorter, making it super easy to browse.
And finally, the fourth point is that there were actually many hidden gems to see.
Most of the city's tourist attractions are easily accessible on foot,
and each spot had its own unique charm.
Below, I'll continue by introducing some must-visit attractions
where you can truly soak in the local vibe!
2. Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol has a distinct atmosphere at dawn, during the day, and in the evening,
so no matter when you visit, you'll experience a unique charm.
Each moment, from the tranquil sunrise at dawn to the bustling daytime with tourists, and the vibrant evenings with local performances and stunning night views, held its own distinct allure.
Points of interest in the square include the statue of 'King Charles III' and
the 'Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree'.
Legend says that if you touch the bear's paw, you'll return to Madrid,
and if you touch its backside, you'll become wealthy.
It's definitely a spot worth touching for good luck and snapping some souvenir photos!
You'll also find the 0km marker, Spain's central point,
inlaid on the pavement of Puerta del Sol.
This is another must-have spot for a souvenir photo!
Puerta del Sol is also centrally located within the city,
making it convenient to get anywhere, and I loved feeling the ambiance of its winding side streets.
To enjoy Puerta del Sol right from my accommodation,
I stayed at Hotel Europa, which offers fantastic Puerta del Sol views.
You can check out my hotel review in the post linked above.
3. Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid, with its modern yet European exterior, is definitely a must-visit.
The 'Sabatini Gardens' next to it and 'Campo del Moro' behind it are also
great spots to combine for your tour.
On the day I visited, there was an event happening in front of the palace.
Seeing police officers truly patrolling on horseback was
truly impressive and quite fascinating!
On the first Wednesday of every month, there's also a Changing of the Guard ceremony inside.
So, if your schedule aligns, make sure to go inside and check it out!
For significant historical and meaningful attractions like the Royal Palace of Madrid,
I believe there's a big difference between exploring them on your own
and experiencing them with explanations from a guide.
That's why I personally recommend a guided tour.
You can check out tour information via the link below.
4. Plaza de España
The plazas you encounter during your trip to Spain
are mostly spacious and gathering places for many people.
Among them, Plaza de España was a distinctive plaza where various events are frequently held.
When I visited, there was a Latin American Countries'
Food Festival underway.
I had the chance to try dishes from several Latin American countries.
Since various events can take place depending on the season,
it's a place worth visiting at least once during your Madrid trip.
There's also a large statue in Plaza de España.
It's the monument commemorating the 300th anniversary of Cervantes' death.
Below it, you can also see a statue of Don Quixote.
If you're familiar with Don Quixote, it's a great spot for a photo!
5. Plaza Mayor
This is Madrid's Plaza Mayor, surrounded on all sides by four-story buildings.
It's a place with high foot traffic, home to countless restaurants and tapas bars,
and it's also used as a venue for various events.
When I visited, an event called 'San Isidro 2024' was
underway.
In Plaza Mayor, there's a certain charm created by the European-style buildings lining both sides of the alleyways,
making it an ideal spot for taking those European-style atmospheric photos.
6. City Tour
I highly recommend a guided day city tour or night tour of Madrid,
where you can visit key attractions while listening to your guide's explanations.
City tour information is available via the link below.
There are various types of tours, so compare them and choose what suits you best!
There's a popular belief that touching the bear statue's paw ensures your return to Madrid, and touching its backside brings wealth. It's also a great spot for commemorative photos.
You can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony inside the Royal Palace of Madrid on the first Wednesday of every month. If your schedule permits, we recommend entering to watch it.
In Plaza de España, there is a monument commemorating the 300th anniversary of the death of author Cervantes. Below the monument, you can also see statues of Don Quixote.
Plaza Mayor is surrounded on all four sides by four-story buildings and is bustling with people due to numerous restaurants and tapas bars. The European-style buildings lining the alleys also make it a suitable place for taking atmospheric European-themed photos.
Discover Meson del Champiñon, a beloved Madrid restaurant famous for its delicious mushroom dishes and lively live piano music. Find out why this popular spot near Plaza Mayor is a must-visit in 2026!
Planning a trip to Madrid? Dive into the world-renowned Prado Museum! Learn about free entry hours, fast-track options, and guided tours to maximize your visit.
Discover Madrid's stunning Royal Palace in 2026! Get essential tips on tickets, opening hours, and guided tours to make the most of your visit to this magnificent Spanish landmark.
Unwind in Madrid's stunning Retiro Park! Perfect for leisurely strolls, lakeside picnics, and even a relaxing boat ride on its expansive lake.
Shop Chanel in Madrid's Salamanca district! Get 2026 prices for WOCs and classic flap wallets, plus essential tips on store location, opening hours, and how to minimize your wait time.
Planning a shopping spree in Madrid? Explore COS in the upscale Salamanca district for minimalist fashion, trendy bags, and great prices. Get ready to update your wardrobe for 2026!