Madrid walking route: Plaza Mayor and 5 things to see
Explore central Madrid, Spain with this 6.4 km route covering the city's main attractions. Starting at Plaza Mayor, the historic main square, this route guides you through Madrid's cultural and architectural highlights accessible by public transport.
- Distance
- 6.4 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Plaza Mayor
- End
- Things You Will Love & Hate
- Stops
- 2
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Plaza Mayor — The main historic square in central Madrid, a major tourist destination and cultural landmark surrounded by arcaded buildings.
- Things You Will Love & Hate — A conceptual waypoint highlighting Madrid's contrasting attractions, from vibrant cultural institutions and culinary excellence to crowded tourist areas and high costs that define…
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Learn some basic Spanish before visiting Madrid, as not everyone in the tourist industry speaks English. This is especially important when buying train or subway tickets, or at banks.
- Transport
- When taking day trips from Madrid, clarify which train station to use: Atocha or Chamartín. There are two main stations and confusion can arise about which one serves your destination.
- Transport
- If flying into Madrid, Terminal 4 is modern and good. Older terminals used by budget airlines have poor conditions. Check which terminal your flight arrives at in advance.
- Transport
- Madrid Metro cars are small. If traveling with lots of luggage or in a large group, consider alternatives to the metro instead of taking it from your hotel to the airport.
- Avoid
- Avoid eating paella in central Madrid tourist areas—it's often microwaved. Travel outside the center or to small towns for authentic, better-quality paella.
- Save money
- Go a few blocks off the main tourist areas to find tapas bars and restaurants with much better prices. You can buy a drink and get 10 free tapas, compared to €8 raciones in touristy spots.
- Timing
- Avoid visiting Madrid in August when temperatures reach 40°C (100°F) and the city empties as locals leave. Winter gets cold and can snow, especially in nearby towns like Ávila.
- Transport
- Madrid's public transport is cheap and extensive. A week ticket costs around €30 and covers buses, trams, and trains throughout the city.
- Tip
- Consider day trips from Madrid to Segovia (Alcázar castle), Toledo (historic Catholic Church city center), and Ávila. These are close, cheap, and historically significant alternatives to distant cities.
- Food
- Visit local tapas bars away from tourist areas. The servers are friendly, generous with portions, and the experience is authentic. Don't limit yourself to restaurants near major squares.
- Tip
- Madrid has extensive cultural attractions including the Prado Museum, Reina Sofía Museum, Palacio Real, and historic churches and plazas like Plaza Mayor.
Video on this route
Visit Madrid - 5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Madrid, Spain