Top 10 must-visit attractions in Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the largest tourist city. People can enjoy swimming here, so what are the good tourist attractions in Madrid? Let’s learn about it with me.

Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum

Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum was officially opened on September 10, 1992 and was named after Queen Sofia of Spain. It used to be a hospital and was expanded in 2005 by French designer Jean Nouvel. The Reina Sofía National Art Center Museum mainly collects Spanish art. Its highlights are the masterpieces of two Spanish masters of the 20th century: Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" and the works of Salvador Dali. Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" shows the horrors of World War II.

San Miguel Market

Located near Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market is a popular shopping destination where you can eat local delicacies. . Its steel and glass structure is an eye-catcher, and its delicacies include salted fish, oysters, fresh noodles and cakes. The market is open until two in the morning on weekends, so it is also a favorite night market for tourists and locals. The venue also hosts events such as concerts, cooking classes and private parties.

Ancient Egyptian Temple

The ancient Egyptian temple is located close to the Royal Palace and is one of the most special attractions in the Western Park. Temples dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis once stood on both sides of the Nile. The construction of Egypt's Aswan High Dam has put many historical sites at risk of being destroyed by floods. Spanish engineers helped the Egyptian government move the remains to a safe area. In 1968, the Egyptian government donated the ancient temple to Spain in return for the help Spain provided them.

Plaza Cibeles

Plaza Cibeles is one of the most beautiful squares in Madrid, surrounded by neoclassical buildings, marble sculptures and fountains. Architect Antonio Palacios designed the Palacio de Cibeles. The Fuente de la Cibeles statue in the center of the square is considered a symbol of the city. The magnificent fountain depicts the majestic goddess Sibeles on a lion mount. The statue was sculpted from purple marble by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michele in 1780. The fountain once stood nearby The source of domestic water for residents.

Puerta del Sol

The Puerta del Sol is located in the center of Madrid. Every New Year’s Eve, thousands of people gather here to celebrate the New Year. Now it is a place for tourists to take a walk and admire the architectural wonders. The bell at the center of the Puerta del Sol marks the beginning of the new year. The Kilometer Zero sign, located on the sidewalk in front of the Post Office Building, marks the beginning of the Spanish road network. The sculpture "Bear and Strawberry Tree" on the side of the Puerta del Sol is considered the emblem of Madrid.

Gran Via

Gran Via is called the Broadway of Madrid because it is the "city that never sleeps". Gran Via runs through the center of Madrid, connecting Plaza de Espa?a and Calle Alcalá. The Grand Via was completed in 1910 and has hundreds of shops, restaurants and businesses. The most famous building is the Telefonica Tower, the tallest building in Europe, completed in 1929. The clock on top of the Baroque American-style building is a local landmark.

Retiro Park

Retiro Park was founded in the 15th century and is located on the edge of the city center. It is the largest park in Madrid, with 350 acres, including gardens, Fountains and buildings. When Philip II moved the palace to Madrid in 1561, it was expanded into a royal park. It has been part of the public domain since 1868. Retiro Park is very popular for tourists and locals alike. The park has a large artificial pond where people can rent kayaks and canoes. There is a water pavilion-like building on the lakeside with a semicircular colonnade. On the central octagonal stone step base stands a monument to King Alfonso XII.

Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Madrid. Designed in the neoclassical style by architect Juan de Villanueva at the end of the 18th century, it houses the best collection of art in the world. The main collection is paintings by masters, with more than 7,000 historical works representing culture and history from the 12th to 19th centuries. However, one cannot appreciate them all in one visit. Visitors may prefer to admire the works of Spanish artists, including Goya, El Greco, da Ribera and Velázquez, whose works are recognized as the best collections of Spanish oil paintings in the world.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is the most famous of the many squares in Madrid. It dates back to 1619. It is located outside the city and is mainly used for bullfights. Many accused heretics died here during the Spanish Inquisition. Next to the triangular rectangular cobblestone square are neat rows of three-story apartments built in the late 18th century.

The building is decorated with frescoes, balconies with iron railings, and elegant slate spiers. In the center of the square is a statue of Philip III on horseback. The building opposite the square is the Bakery House, a tourist information center.

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the third largest palace in Europe after Versailles and the Royal Palace of Vienna, with more than 2,500 gorgeously decorated rooms. The palace was built in 1764 and has been the royal residence since Carlos III. The last people to live here were Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia. Although the palace is still used by the royal family, 50 elegantly structured rooms are open to the public, including an armory, a medicinal museum and the lavish nave known as the "Imperial Room", which was created by the Baroque artist Tiepolo in 1766 Complete ceiling mural. The murals in the hall depict scenes of Christopher Columbus giving gifts from the New World to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.