Attractions of Europe

All attractions in one place

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • HOTELS
  • RENTAL CARS
  • CITY BLOG
  • CONTACT US

Top 10 Madrid, Spain Tourist Attractions

October 23, 2016 by candice

Purchase attraction tickets

puerta_del_sol1: Puerta del Sol

La Puerta del Sol is the most centrally located square in the entire city of Madrid. So, when we talk about seeing and experiencing the heart of a city, this is it! Since 1962 this has been the location for the live broadcasting of the New Year celebration, comparable to Times Square in New York. This is also the place where you can see the clock famous for signaling the beginning of the new year and the eating of the twelve grapes. This square truly has it all- modern significance for the locals, history (it was at one time around the 15th century one of the gates that surrounded and protected the city), sight-seeing (plenty of statues, famous buildings, and landmarks), and food and shopping areas!

Website: www.gomadrid.com

Map this attraction……

royal_palace2: Royal Palace (Palacio Real)

This palace was home to King Carlos III until King Alfonso XIII, and is now open to the public. It remains their official residence even though it is no longer where the royal family calls home. Every Wednesday people are welcome to gather and watch the changing of the guard outside of the palace doors. It is a beautifully designed, large, white building whose appearance demands instant awe and admiration. It’s a must-see if you’re into architecture and the histories involving the royal families of Spain!

Website: www.esmadrid.com

Map this attraction……

prado_museum3: Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)

This is Spain’s main national art museum, one of the world’s most impressive collections of art, and a perfect example of Spanish art and heritage. It has everything from painting and sculpture to decorative arts and drawings. There are three main routes available to visitors that have been organized so that people may best see the masterpieces it offers. What better way to understand Spanish culture and history through the ages than by an informative walk through hallways and exhibitions of some of the best art on the planet?

Website: www.museodelprado.es

Map this attraction……

retiro_park4: Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)

Parque del Retiro certainly lives up to its name, which in English means “Park of the Pleasant Retreat.” The park is now open to the public, but until the 19th century belonged to the Spanish monarchy and is one of the biggest parks in Madrid. Its history of belonging to the royalties is evident in its grandeur and romantic appearance. It boasts unbelievable gardens lined with white statues, a large monument to Alfonso XII that overlooks a large pond where people are encouraged to take out small boats, as well as the Crystal Palace. Here is where you’ll find serenity (even as the park is surrounded by the current city of Madrid) and an unforgettable, relaxing afternoon.

Website: www.retiropark.com

Map this attraction……

plaza_mayor5: Plaza Mayor (Centro de Turismo Plaza Mayor)

Built in the late 1500s, this is one of the larger, central plazas in the city. When you arrive, you’ll find yourself in an open rectangular area surrounded by old, lovely buildings. Many times the plaza is where big events are held, so perhaps you will be lucky enough to see markets, futbol games, or public exhibitions! At the plaza’s center sits a bronze, equestrian statue of Philip III, constructed in 1616. This is a great place to spend the afternoon picture-taking, perusing shops, and visiting the popular Bakery House on the square.

Website: www.aviewoncities.com

Map this attraction……

gran_via6: Gran Via

Madrid’s “Great Way” is many things: a high-end shopping street, a great example of early 20th century architecture, and one of the city’s liveliest areas. Here is where you’ll find movie theaters, hotels, shopping malls, and all the ornate, well-designed buildings you could ever hope for. The Metropolis Building, the Telefonica headquarters, and the Edificio Grassy are some of the big attractions in architecture that can be seen here. This is a street that bustles perpetually with activity and an exciting half-day experience!

Website: www.gomadrid.com

Map this attraction……

plaza_de_cibeles7: Cibeles Square (Plaza de Cibeles)

This area has become what many envision when Madrid is mentioned. At the center of the plaza is the Cibeles Fountain, made and named for the Phrygian goddess, Cybele. The goddess sits in a chariot while two lions pull her. Other large, impressive works of architecture fill the plaza: Banco de España (Bank of Spain), the Palacio de Linares and of course the Palacio de Cibeles. Plaza de Cibeles has for visitors plenty of grandiose but lovely architecture and monuments very symbolic to the city of Madrid. Don’t miss out on seeing this area before you leave!

Website: www.aviewoncities.com

Map this attraction……

museo_reina_-sofia8: Reina Sofia National Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía)

Here is Spain’s best collection of 20th century art. Most of the art is also Spanish. The museum houses three main collections which are divided by theme and year, splitting the 20th century into three artistic eras: The Irruption of the 20th Century: Utopias and Conflicts (1900-1945); Is the War Over? Art in a Divided World (1945-1968); From Revolt to Postmodernity (1962-1982). In addition to its excellent collection, it also offers national and international exhibitions, taking place temporarily throughout the year.

Website: www.museoreinasofia.es

Map this attraction……

almudena9: Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de Nuestra Señora la Almudena)

The turbulent and frustrating history involving the construction of this cathedral dates back to the reign of King Philip. After declaring Madrid the capital of Spain he wanted a cathedral in the city, but opposition from the archdiocese in Toledo postponed its creation. Over the centuries, civil war and fuss over the originally intended style it was to be built in would further complicate the process. Finally, the cathedral was officially considered finished in the year 1993. To stand in front of this cathedral is to see the final product of centuries of struggle, and it is a unique experience indeed!

Website: www.catedraldelaalmudena.es

Map this attraction……

puerta_de_alcala10: Alcala Gate (Puerta de Alcalá)

This neo-classical monument stands proudly in the city center, adjacent to the entrance to El Parque del Buen Retiro and in the Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square). Originally this was to be a gate, which King Charles hoped would be a passage to the road to the city of Alcala. Over the years there have been songs written about it, events held because of it, and important cultural traditions performed through it.

Website: www.madridtourist.info

Map this attraction……

Save

Save

Purchase attraction tickets

Filed Under: Spain Tagged With: Madrid

Top 10 Barcelona, Spain Tourist Attractions

October 21, 2016 by candice

Purchase Attraction Tickets

sagrada_familia1: La Sagrada Familia (Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família)

Work began on this church in 1882, and by 1883 the famous Gaudi was brought in to finish it. Unfortunately his untimely death halted the process, but the mystery surrounding what Antoni Gaudi had envisioned for this church is half of the allure of the Sagrada Familia. Many different architects have been hired to do their best to complete this building in the style he would have wanted, and those who are able to travel and see in person this stunning, artistic masterpiece of a UNESCO World Heritage Site are lucky indeed! If you’re in Barcelona, this masterpiece, completed or not, is a must-see!

Website: www.sagradafamilia.cat

la_-pedrera2: Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Another fantastic and famous work by the brilliant Antoni Gaudi, this modernist building was the last civil work that he completed. The stone walls appear to undulate and a twisted and twirled wrought iron design frames the windows and balconies. This unique appearance in a building was incredibly controversial for its time, and is worth the visit to appreciate the significance of a work so modern completed in the year 1910.

Website: www.lapedrera.com

la_-ramblas3: La Rambla (Las Ramblas)

Here is where you’ll see some of the most picturesque sites often associated with the city of Barcelona. This promenade cuts through the center of the city and is a gateway to plenty of day and nighttime action for you during your trip. It derives its beauty partly from its tree lined streets and car-free character, and partly from the quaint kiosks and cafes and street performers.

Website: www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com

guell4: Park Güell

From 1900 to 1914, one of the biggest architectural works in Southern Europe, again designed by Gaudi, was constructed in Barcelona atop a site called Bare Mountain. Not only are the architectural works colorful, uniquely built, and breathtaking, but the location makes this attraction absolutely perfect. Take the outdoor escalator up to the site and don’t forget to snap plenty of pictures of the aerial view of the city as you go up as well as once you’re in the park.

Website: www.parkguell.es

magic_-fountain_show5: Magic Fountain Show (Font Màgica)

Constructed in the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, this fountain show was made to be sure not to disappoint. Music has since been incorporated into the lights show with the fountain, so onlookers are moved by the colors and the music as the show progresses. The fountain show is a perfect way to end a perfect day in the city.

Website: www.aviewoncities.com

casa_batllo6: Casa Batlló (Batlló House)

The interior and exterior of Casa Batlló are worth a visit in order to peruse and to take pictures in awe of their detail and remarkable modernist style. Antoni Gaudi designed the building and if it is any tribute to the its unique appearance, the building has been nicknamed “House of Bones” by the locals. Do yourself a favor and tour the irregularly sculpted, yet gorgeous rooms and windows of the house.

Website: www.casabatllo.es

7: FC Barcelona Museum

This multi-faceted museum offers three sections: a 3D cinema, a section on the history of the futbol club, and an audio-visual touch screen. This is Barcelona’s home team, one of the best teams Spain has, and a great example of where part of the peoples’ heart lies. Visiting this museum you’ll be able to understand locals’ undying love for FC Barcelona.

Website: www.fcbarcelona.com

picasso_museum_barcelona8: Picasso Museum Barcelona

This museum is home to one of the most impressive collections of Spain’s very own Pablo Picasso. Something unique about the museum is its tribute to Picasso’s relationship with the city of Barcelona, and a visit allows you to understand this history, which began in his youth and continues even after his death. His works are organized into three sections: paintings and drawings, ceramics, and engravings. Between its superb information, collection, history, and organization, you’re in for a treat at Museu Picasso!

Website: www.museupicasso.bcn

barcelona_cathedral9: Barcelona Cathedral

Here is where you will find the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It is also a grandiose and stunning example of the gothic style, being constructed between the 13th to the 15th centuries. The interior boasts high arches and ceiling, a beautiful hall church vaulted over fie aisles and a high altar, which allows a perfect view into the crypt.

Website: www.catedralbcn.org

barcelona_-fc_-museum10: Mercat de la Boquería (La Boqueria)

This is the best showcase of fresh food and goods, flowers, and ingredients that the city of Barcelona has to offer. The vendors in the market provide a sound amount of the food that local restaurants and cafes use to serve locals and visitors alike. The diverse selection of goods available here paired with the freshness and quality of said goods is one of the main reasons this public market is so popular, and it’s a great way to understand part of how the city functions- they even offer tours of La Boqueria!

Website: www.boqueria.info

Filed Under: Spain Tagged With: Barcelona

Country List

Love travel deals and ideas?

Don't miss an update on European Attractions and travel deals.

* indicates required

© 2023 · Designed by Circletown Marketing · Powered by Purrfecthost.com