The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain.
But what if you’re looking for things to do in the area besides visiting the palace?
Here are a few ideas for 9 things to do near the Royal Palace of Madrid
Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)
| Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles) from Madrid Palace Cheapest way to get there: by bus (one-way 1.50 Euros) Hours: 10 am to 8 pm Best time to visit: Early morning as soon as the Museum opens Location: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions |
Founded in 1819 by Juan de Villanueva, The Prado Museum is one of the world’s finest art museums, located in central Madrid, Spain.
It houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of Spanish paintings, as well as masterpieces from other European painting schools, particularly Italian and Flemish art.
This Neoclassical building houses over 8,600 paintings, over 700 sculptures, and a large collection of drawings and prints.
If you’re someone who is interested in art, history, and Spanish culture, then the Prado Museum should definitely be on your bucket list.
Retiro Park
| Distance: 3 km (1.8 miles) from Madrid Palace The cheapest way to get there: By subway (2 Euros) Hours: 6 am to 12 am Best time to visit: Early mornings and late afternoons Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions |
It was established by Philip IV of Spain in the 1630s and is one of Madrid’s biggest parks, covering an area of 118 hectares (292 acres).
It is home to a variety of gardens, statues, and monuments, including the Crystal Palace, the Monument to Alfonso XII, and the Rosaleda rose garden.
Originally intended as a retreat for the Spanish Royal Family, the Retiro Park opened to the public in the 19th century.
If you are looking for a beautiful and relaxing place in Madrid, you simply can’t miss this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you want to explore Spain’s major attractions, the Retiro Park and Madrid’s Royal Palace in one go, we have got you covered with this combo ticket.
Reina Sofia Museum
| Distance: 2.4 km (1.5 miles) from Madrid Palace The cheapest way to get there: By Line 41 bus (2 Euros) Hours: 10 am to 9 pmBest time to visit: Early mornings Location: Calle Santa Isabel 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions |
This modern art museum, established in 1992 by Queen Sofia of Spain, is a gem in the center of Madrid.
Originally designed as a hospital building by architects Francisco Sabatini and José de Hermosilla, it houses collections of the Spanish state, the Spanish Parliament, and the Banco de España.
It is home to 21, 000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, and artworks, including notable works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miro.
The Reina Sofia Museum underwent several expansions, including the recent addition of the Nouvel building in 2005.
This Spanish pearl attracts more than 3 million visitors each year and is an amazing place to learn about Spain’s culture and history.
If history and art are your interests, the Reina Sofia Museum is a must-see for you.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
| Distance: 1.6 km (1 mile) from Madrid Palace The cheapest way to get there: By Line 2 subway (1.6 Euros) Hours: 10 am to 7 pm Best time to visit: Early mornings on weekdays Location: Paseo del Prado, 8 · 28014 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions |
Thyssen Museum was established in 1992 by Carmen Cervera, Countess of Thyssen-Bornemisza.
It is an essential component of Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art,” along with the Prado and Reina Sofa museums.
Its collection was originally curated by industrialist and art collector, Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza and was later acquired by the Spanish government in 1993.
The Museum is home to more than 1,600 Western European paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts from the 13th to the 20th centuries.
It attracts over 1 million visitors each year, thanks to artworks such as Johannes Vermeer’s The Girl with the Pearl Earring, Francisco Goya’s The Third of May 1808, and Claude Monet’s Grainstacks.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is an essential visit for all enthusiasts of western-european art forms.
At just 85 Euros, you can explore the “Golden Triangle of art” in one go.
Gran Via
| Distance: 2.9 km (1.8 miles) from Madrid Palace The cheapest way to get there: By Line 5 subway (1.9 Euros) Hours: 9 am to 10 pm Best time to visit: Afternoons and Evenings Location: Gran Via, 28013 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions |
Gran Vía Street in Madrid was built to connect the old city of Madrid with the new developments to the north in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A group of architects worked on it, including José de Yarnoz y Madrazo, Pedro Muguruza Olagibel, and Luis Moya.
It is home to a number of notable buildings, including the Edificio Metrópolis, the Edificio España, and the Teatro Real.
Gran Via Street is famous for its shops, eateries, shows, and nightlife and is an essential visit if you seek entertainment.
Royal Botanical Garden
| Distance: 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from Madrid Palace The cheapest way to get there: By Line 1 subway (1.6 Euros) Hours: 10 am to 8.30 pm Best time to visit: Early mornings and late afternoons Location: Plaza Murillo, 2, 28014 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions |
The Royal Botanical Garden was founded in 1755 as a scientific research facility by King Ferdinand VI, but it was not open to the public until 1781.
The Garden is home to over 5,000 species of plants from around the world and features various gardens, greenhouses, and sculptures.
It is an amazing spot to relax and learn about plants and nature.
They charge nominal admission fees, with discounts for students and pensioners.
Plaza De Espana
| Distance: 2.6 km (1.6 miles) from Madrid Palace The cheapest way to get there: By Line 2 subway (1.8 Euros) Hours: 8 am to 10 pm Best time to visit: Early mornings Location: Plaza Espana, 20, 28008 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions |
Designed by Anibal Gonzalez, The Plaza De Espana was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.
This Semicircular plaza, with a moat and four bridges, features 52 alcoves with azulejo tiles depicting the provinces of Spain.
The bridges spanning the moat are named after Spain’s four ancient kingdoms: Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre.
The Plaza De Espana is a popular spot for events, concerts, festivals, and magical views.
If you are interested in snapping some instagram worthy photos whilst enjoying the views at Plaza De Espana.
You even book an exclusive photoshoot tour, it just cost 35 Euros per participants.
Mercado de San Anton
| Distance: 4.9 km (3 miles) from Madrid Palace The cheapest way to get there: By Metro (2 Euros) Hours: 9.30 am to 1 am Best time to visit: Night Location: Chueca de Augusto Figueroa, 24, 28004 Madrid, Spain. Get Directions |
This traditional market in San Anton was originally built in 1870 to provide fresh produce and meat to the local residents.
It was renovated in 2011 and converted into a gourmet food market.
It is home to various food stalls, restaurants, food shops, and a spectacular rooftop bar with magical views of Madrid.
It is a popular spot to enjoy delicious food, shop therapy, and the atmosphere.
This vibrant food market will surely please all the foodies and shopaholics looking for a unique experience.
Sabatini Garden
| Distance: less than 0.5 km from Madrid Palace The cheapest way to get there: By Walk Hours: 9 am to 10 pm Best time to visit: Late Afternoon Location: Calle Bailen.Plaza Mayor, Opera & Sol, 28013 Madrid Spain. Get Directions |
Francesco Sabatini, an Italian architect who also created the Royal Palace of Madrid, was the designer of the Sabatini Gardens.
Originally intended to be used as a riding school for the Spanish royal family, they were opened to the public after the Spanish Civil War in 1978.
The Sabatini Gardens, located in front of the Royal Palace, feature a rectangular pond, fountains, and statues.
They’re a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a day and to learn about Spanish history and culture.
Featured Image: Museoreinasofia.es, Wikipedia.org, Yoav Aziz on Unsplash