The autonomous region of Madrid has plenty to do and see and within an hour´s drive you will find some of the greatest cities in Spain. About 45 kms north-west of Madrid in the Sierra de Madrid is one of Spain's most popular monuments, Felipe II´s grand monastery/palace of El Escorial. Built between 1563 and 1584 it´s both a monastery and mausoleum the most interesting part of which is Felipe´s simple rooms including his chair and bed from which he could look across to the church.
Not far from El Escorial but just as dramatic is El Valle de los Caídos (The Valley of the Fallen), a giant monument to General Franco to the dead from the Civil War but more like a memorial to the Generalísimo. Aranjuez is an oasis of green in a hot and arid region famous for its asparagus, strawberries, and grand Baroque palace, and 18th-century Versailles-style gardens. Still looking for places to visit in Madrid? Chinchón, the home of anis liqueur, has a nice 15th-century castle and elegant Plaza Mayor. Alcalá de Henares is famous for its 16th-century university. For the outdoors type visit the Sierra of Guadarrama which offers relief from the Madrid heat.
Top places to visit in Madrid capital
Madrid is the capital of the region and although it has fewer historic monuments it's a fascinating city with its own style and quirky identity. But are the inhabitants of the city themselves, the madrileños, that are the main attraction. A renowned football city thanks to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid football teams.
This is a place to enjoy Spain´s gastronomy and nightlife like the locals, for example with a food and wine tour of Madrid. Head for the streets around the Puerta del Sol where there´s an incredible concentration of places to eat and drink. Madrid is an amazing thriving and fun city that no other city in Spain can match. Highlights include Palacio de Oriente, usually called the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), Plaza Mayor (Main Square), Puerta del Sol (Gateway to the Sun), and of course the Prado Museum with collections of art from Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco inter alia!
What to do in Madrid and surroundings?
Although not in the region of Madrid, a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Toledo is also essential. It used to be the capital made famous by El Greco, who lived and worked there during the later part of his career. Segovia has an incredible Roman viaduct and Disney-style castle. Then there’s the beautiful, fortified city of Ávila, birthplace of Saint Teresa and Cervantes' hometown. Last but not least is the Sierra de Gredos mountains with peaks that rise to over 2500 metres. As you can see, there are thousands of plans in Madrid!
Population: 3,142 million (2016)
Area: 604.3 km²
Elevation: 646 m
We have a wide selection of hand-picked Tours to Madrid & Historic or Modern Hotels in Madrid. In our Madrid travel guide you will find the full list of Madrid Tours & Hotels.