L' Palacio Real de Madrid is the largest operational royal palace by floor area in Europe. Although the current Spanish royal family does not live there for political and personal reasons, this Baroque palace is still the official residence of the Spanish monarchy and holds great significance for the people of Spain and the culture of Madrid. Constructed on the site of a Moorish Alcázar, the original palace, which had stood since the 14th century, was extensively damaged by a fire in 1734. It was subsequently replaced by the magnificent building and surrounding complex that exists today.

Culture and museum enthusiasts should certainly set aside an entire day to explore this area. The Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofía National Art Center are all within a 10-15 minute walk of each other and together offer one of Europe’s most impressive and diverse art collections. The Prado focuses on Renaissance-era Spanish, Italian, and Flemish art, the Thyssen-Bornemisza features an incredibly varied collection from numerous global movements, and the Reina Sofia showcases some of Spain’s finest contemporary artworks, including Pablo Picasso’s Guernica.

The 125 hectares of green space are prominent when you look at a map of Madrid. However, what isn’t immediately noticeable is the variety of intriguing sculptures, monuments, venues, and buildings nestled among the 15,000 trees, commonly referred to as the lungs of the city. El Retiro Park is immensely popular with both locals and visitors, offering striking photography spots in front of the Alfonso XII monument, leisurely summer strolls near the Palacio de Velázquez, or casual sporting activities along its numerous pathways.

There is no more central location in Madrid, or indeed all of Spain, than “Kilometre Zero“. This spot is constantly bustling with locals of all ages, and it marks the starting point of all Spain’s radial roads. In the semi-circular Puerta del Sol, you will find one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks: the “Oso y Madroño” statue, depicting a bear nibbling at the fruits of a strawberry tree. On New Year’s Eve, as the clock ticks, thousands of Madrileños gather in the square to partake in one of Spain’s most beloved traditions: eating 12 grapes as the clock on the iconic Casa de Correos building chimes 12 times.

One of Madrid’s most intriguing landmarks is the Le Temple de Debod. This impressive stone structure was given to the city by the Egyptian government in 1972, but its origins are much older. Originally built in Upper Egypt in the 2nd century BC, the temple was dedicated to the god Amun and the goddess Isis. In the mid-20th century, the Egyptian government decided to relocate the temple to protect it from the construction of a nearby dam. The temple was carefully transported and reconstructed piece by piece in central Madrid, where it has become a highly popular attraction, especially in the early evening.