Advice

Let’s take a little break from your visit to highlight a few other points of interest that couldn’t be included into our main itinerary, as well as give you a few ideas on what to explore in the surrounding area. First, if you didn’t come to Madrid by train, I advise you to step inside the Atocha Station—it’s unlike any other train station you’ve seen, with its stunning glass roof and tropical garden making it a must-see in Madrid! In a totally different style, you should also check out the Las Ventas bullring, the largest in Spain, to admire its beautiful neo-Mudejar building.

For a more modern vibe, head to the former slaughterhouses, now transformed into a thriving cultural space called the Matadero. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the famous “Rastro” flea market, where hundreds of stalls fill the Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera Street—the perfect place to soak up local tradition and maybe find some unique treasures. If you have time to explore beyond the city, there are some incredible sites nearby that are well worth a visit.

Let’s start with the charming town of Alcalá de Henares, about 30 kilometers from Madrid. Known as the birthplace of Cervantes, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its impressive university and charming arcaded streets. Nicknamed the City of Knowledge, it invites you to visit Cervantes’ birthplace and museum; explore the stunning Mudejar-style ceiling in the San Ildefonso College, where the Spanish king and queen award each year the prestigious Cervantes Literature Prize; climb the tower of Santa Maria; or watch a play in one of the oldest comedy courtyards in Spain.

If there’s one place you must visit in the outskirts of Madrid, it’s the legendary Escorial monastery. Take half a day to explore this massive UNESCO World Heritage site. You can get to the village of San Lorenzo by bus from central Madrid—line 664 drops you off only 200 meters away from the site.

Built in the 16th century, El Escorial was once the heart of the world’s most powerful empire. It houses a museum, a royal palace, a grand basilica, a fascinating library, and a pantheon where nearly all of Spain’s monarchs—from Charles V to Alfonso XIII—are buried. Don’t miss the monks’ gardens, the children’s and queen’s pavilions, and the peaceful reflecting pond.

At the south of the capital lies the city of Aranjuez, made famous by Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto. The absolute must-see here is the Royal Palace and its splendid gardens, inspired by Versailles. Designed as a noble retreat, the old town is a listed historic-artistic site, featuring palaces, convents, balconies, villas, and patios set around wide streets and elegant plazas.

Something we often forget—Madrid, at 657 meters above sea level, is the second highest capital city in Europe after Andorra. If you love the great outdoors, don’t miss the Sierra de Guadarrama. Part of it is a national park filled with lakes, rivers, and peaks soaring above 2,000 meters—perfect for outdoor adventures.

One popular spot is the mountain village of Rascafría, located in the Lozoya Valley. With its 15th-century church and the nearby El Paular Monastery—where you can buy local honey, cheese, and liqueurs from the monks—it’s a postcard-perfect getaway. Just a short walk from the village, you’ll find the “Forgiveness Bridge” offering great views on the monastery, as well as the old Batán paper mill, which produced the paper used for the very first edition of Don Quixote in 1605.

While you’re there, don’t miss the enchanting Finnish Forest and its serene lake surrounded by pine trees. If you can venture a bit further from Madrid, don’t miss a trip to beautiful Segovia, about 100 kilometers northwest of the capital. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be wowed by its remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct and the warm tones of its UNESCO-listed old town.

You’ll find an impressive cathedral, a fairytale-like Alcázar, charming streets, local shops, and stunning views at over 1 000 meters above sea level. And of course, we can’t forget the breathtaking city of Toledo, perched on a rocky hill above the Tagus River. This former capital is packed with history, legends, and a rich architectural heritage.

Our dedicated tour will guide you through 25 key sites and help you discover the fascinating story and cultural depth within Spain. It’s an easy 30-minute train ride away from Madrid—and absolutely worth it! So there you have it: plenty to explore if you decide to stick around a little longer in the region!