Discover Centro’s 200 best spots for your trip in Madrid

Mercado de San Miguel

★ 4.4 · 165,633 reviews

Step inside Mercado de San Miguel, a 1916 wrought-iron market hall in central Madrid. Graze across stalls of local delicacies and drinks, soaking up the elegant atmosphere even when the aisles are packed.

Royal Palace of Madrid

★ 4.7 · 134,456 reviews

Step inside the Royal Palace of Madrid, the ceremonial heart of the Spanish monarchy. Wander through opulent state rooms filled with art and antiques, either on your own or with a guide.

Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

★ 4.7 · 48,468 reviews

Discover the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, where 700 years of European art unfold in one central Madrid building. Move room by room from Old Masters and Dutch painting through to modern art and Pop Art.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

★ 4.5 · 72,263 reviews

Spend an afternoon at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid's home of modern Spanish art. Walk its multi-floor galleries past Picasso, Dalí and Miró, and follow the movements that shaped the 20th century.

Gran Vía

★ 4.8 · 11,021 reviews

Stroll Gran Vía, the avenue that defines central Madrid. Look up at the early-1900s facades, dip into the shops and bars, and watch the street change as the lights come on.

Plaza Mayor

★ 4.6 · 205,108 reviews

Wander into Plaza Mayor, the arcaded square at the heart of old Madrid. Walk beneath the arches, take in the Philip III statue and linger at a terrace in one of the city's defining public spaces.

Puerta del Sol

Pass through Puerta del Sol, the busy square at the centre of Madrid. Take in the statues and historic buildings and spot the clock famous for ringing in the New Year.

Cibeles Fountain

★ 4.7 · 57,583 reviews

Pause at the Cibeles Fountain, the white marble centrepiece of one of Madrid's grandest intersections. Take in the sculpted Cybele and her lion-drawn chariot, then photograph it beside the neighbouring Palacio de las Comunicaciones.

Chocolatería San Ginés

★ 4.3 · 73,503 reviews

Visit Chocolatería San Ginés, a Madrid institution serving churros and chocolate since 1894. Dunk your churros into thick hot chocolate inside its traditional dining room, at almost any hour of the day or night.

Restaurant La Campana

★ 4.5 · 20,516 reviews

Join the line at La Campana, the no-frills Centro tavern behind Madrid's famous calamari sandwich. Order it with a sangria or a tapa and judge whether the hype is deserved.

Tablao Flamenco Corral de la Morería

★ 4.4 · 4,538 reviews

Reserve an evening at Tablao Flamenco Corral de la Morería, a well-known Madrid restaurant with nightly flamenco. Dine on inventive Spanish dishes, then watch dancers, a singer and a guitarist perform up close.

Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena

★ 4.6 · 33,357 reviews

Visit the Almudena Cathedral, Madrid's grand church beside the Royal Palace. Wander its colourful chapels, then descend to the Romanesque crypt and the museum.

Sabatini Garden

★ 4.6 · 10,272 reviews

Step into Sabatini Garden, the formal neoclassical terraces beside Madrid's Royal Palace. Walk among fountains and statues, then pause on a bench for views of the palace facade.

Casa Labra

★ 4.3 · 15,903 reviews

Drop into Casa Labra, the old-school Centro bar that has made fried cod a Madrid ritual. Queue briefly, then enjoy golden fritters, croquettes and a glass of vermouth straight from the tap.

Metropolis Building

★ 4.7 · 6,373 reviews

Admire the Metropolis Building, the ornate landmark marking the start of Gran Vía. Study the golden dome and winged statue from the street, then continue along the avenue.

Kapital

★ 3.7 · 10,105 reviews

Discover Kapital, Madrid's seven-storey nightclub packed with bars, a rooftop and music on every level. Move between floors, from the dance floor to karaoke, and keep the night going until morning.

LA BOLA

★ 4.2 · 8,041 reviews

Step into La Bola, a historic wood-paneled dining room in central Madrid. Settle in for a traditional cocido madrileño, accompanied by vermouth, olives, wine and dessert on the set menu.

Casa Revuelta

★ 4.4 · 6,746 reviews

Stop by Casa Revuelta, the classic Centro tapas bar known for its fried cod. Squeeze in at the bar for a golden tajada de bacalao, a gilda and a cold drink alongside Madrid regulars.

Casa Alberto

★ 4.4 · 5,378 reviews

Step into Casa Alberto, the Centro tavern that has been pouring drinks and serving tapas since 1827. Settle beneath old paintings with house vermouth, garlic langoustines and classic Madrid plates.

La Casa del Abuelo

★ 3.9 · 6,689 reviews

Pull up at La Casa del Abuelo, a Madrid tapas institution in the centre. Dip bread into sizzling gambas al ajillo and sip sangria or small glasses of local wine at the crowded bar.

Frutas Prohibidas – Brunch y Café de Especialidad en Madrid

★ 4.8 · 12,507 reviews

Book a table at Frutas Prohibidas, the Centro brunch address that made plant-based eggs Benedict a talking point. Sit down to a vegan brunch with specialty coffee and see how convincing the poached eggs are.

Museo Chicote - Coctelería desde 1931

★ 4.2 · 2,984 reviews

Discover Museo Chicote, the 1931 cocktail bar where Hemingway was a regular. Order a signature drink, browse the old photographs on the walls, and enjoy the live music in one of Madrid's most storied rooms.

Salmon Guru - A CONTRACORRIENTE

★ 4.6 · 4,977 reviews

Discover Salmon Guru, the playful Madrid bar famed for cocktails unlike any others. Settle into the dark, retro-styled room, share a few international plates, and let the staff steer you through the creative menu.

Azotea del Círculo

★ 4.2 · 11,331 reviews

Discover Azotea del Círculo, a rooftop terrace high above Centro with a sweeping Madrid skyline. Sink into a lounge sofa with a cocktail or a glass of red wine and watch the city's light change.

Galería de las Colecciones Reales

★ 4.6 · 6,003 reviews

Step into the Galería de las Colecciones Reales, the museum beside Madrid's Royal Palace. Spend about ninety minutes among royal treasures that deepen the story you see next door.

Campo del Moro

★ 4.6 · 9,316 reviews

Slip into Campo del Moro, the terraced royal gardens spread beneath the Royal Palace. Follow shaded paths past monumental fountains, hedge mazes and rose beds, pausing for views up toward the palace facade.

Pez Tortilla

★ 4.5 · 11,163 reviews

Pop into Pez Tortilla, the Centro bar that turns the humble tortilla into a Madrid essential. Order a creamy pincho with onion, add ham croquetas and a vermut, and join the lively crowd.

Taberna Antonio Sánchez - 1787 - La Taberna más antigua de Madrid

★ 4.3 · 2,789 reviews

Pull up a seat at Taberna Antonio Sánchez, a Centro tavern open since 1787. Work through traditional tapas, tortilla and cocido in a snug, historic room that feels pleasantly unchanged.

Ojalá

★ 4.5 · 11,344 reviews

Pull up a seat at Ojalá, a Centro favourite that keeps going from breakfast until after midnight. Order a burger or a fresh lemonade and take in the decor and the buzz.

Zenith Brunch & Cocktails

★ 4.6 · 9,097 reviews

Linger over a long brunch at Zenith Brunch & Cocktails, a brick-walled Centro hangout built for slow mornings. Choose from all-day brunch plates, a superfood latte or a cocktail in its calm, aesthetic dining room.