When you have only a little time to visit a city as large as Madrid, you have to make sure that you use that time well, to visit the main sites and places to take photos and to really enjoy some of the most incredible architecture in the world. Madrid has everything. Here are a few ideas sorted out in terms of my own personal preference and I have enclosed a video of most of the things to see listed below, please feel free to give me some feedback.

1 - Puerta del Sol

The Puerta del Sol, or "Door of the Sun", located in the center of Madrid, is just one minute's walk from The Plaza Mayor and also very close to Gran Via. Sol is a great place to start if you want to see and feel the vibrancy of Madrid, full of shops. Bars, restaurants and history, with many well-known shop trademarks, such as El Corte Inglés, Zara, FNAC, H&M and many more, you will also have a chance to savor some of the most famous pastries from Madrid in the cake shop and cafe La Mallorquina which has been in business since 1894. In Sol you can also see the Casa de Correos, listed in the video, which is very important for the celebration of New Year for the whole of Spain.

2 - Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the king of Spain, used mainly for official ceremonies. The palace is the largest in Western Europe in terms of area, with 3,418 rooms. It houses a valuable historical and artistic heritage, many Stradivarius violins and very important collections of other artistic disciplines such as paintings and sculptures. The Palace was built on the ruins of the Real Alcazar, which was destroyed by fire in 1734. Notable also for its wealth of art and the use of many luxurious materials in its construction and the decoration of its rooms with artwork of all kinds, of artists such as Caravaggio, Velázquez, Francisco de Goya y fresh Corrado Giaquinto, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Anton Raphael Mengs.

3 - Almudena Cathedral

Constructed of mainly granite and marble the work on the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena was started in 1883 but was not completed until 1993 in time for the consecration of Pope John Paul II and his statue can be seen as you enter through the gates of the building, you can see this in the enclosed video. The Cathedral is truly a beautiful building which is right next to the Royal Palace. On May 22, 2004, the marriage of Felipe, Prince of Asturias to Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano took place in this cathedral.

4 - Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor, (The Old Square), is one of the most visited areas in the center of Madrid With its beautiful Renaissance architecture, bordered internally with Shops, Cafes, Restaurants and Bars, the Plaza Mayor is a sun trap and a perfect place to have a coffee in one of the many covered terraced areas surrounding the inner walls of square, you will be amazed at the atmosphere and the incredible architecture, whilst watching many acts such as musicians and buskers as well as acrobats and all kind of entertainers ply their trade to the visiting public from all over the world.

5 - Fountain of Cibeles

Situated very near to El Parque del Retiro, the Puerta de Alcalà, Gran Via and Sol, the monument is made of more than 10,000 KG of marble depicting Cybele the Greek goddess of fertility, on a chariot being pulled by two lions, the goddess and chariot.

As well as celebrations of Real Madrid, the area is fairly often closed off to traffic to allow for other celebrations such as concerts, shows and visits from high level VIP's. This is a great place for taking photos.

6 - Retiro Park

Retiro Park is the perfect place for a stroll. Very pleasing to the eye, you will see many sculptures, monuments, and a boating lake, it also presents an annual book fair, and there are free concerts and plenty of shows also for kids.

Being the largest park in Madrid, the park belonged to the Spanish Monarchy until the late 19th century, when it was handed over for the public to use.

7 - El Escorial (World Heritage Monument)

El Escorial, world heritage monument, was the political center of the empire of Philip II, he organized his palace and library as well as his tomb, and those of his parents, Charles I and Isabella of Portugal, and their families and successors. Definitely worth a visit as these are incredible buildings with beautiful scenery and containing much history.

8 – Toledo

Toledo used to be the capital of Spain for hundreds of years and has been held in the past by Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians. The city was designed for defense purposes and therefore received a great deal of attention as a valued icon in terms of taking control of the Spain. Rich in culture and art, with tremendous scenery, it’s approximately one hour drive from the center of Madrid and a great day out for photos and relaxing at one of the many nice terrace bars or restaurants.  

9 - Museo del Prado

The Prado Museum is the largest art gallery in the world. It also exhibits sculptures, drawings, coins and other works of arts, but it is its large collection of paintings which has brought it worldwide fame. The Museum houses more than 8,600 paintings, of which less than 2,000 are actually exhibited because of lack of space available.

The museum features major masterpieces of European art such as The Annunciation by Fra Angelico, Christ washing the Disciples’ Feet by Tintoretto, The Descent from the Cross by Rogier van der Weyden, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymous Bosch, and The Three Graces by Rubens. They also include key works of Spanish art such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, Jacob’s Dream by Ribera and the Executions on Príncipe Pío by Goya.

10 - Gran Via

A terrific place to visit if you want to see beautiful buildings, go shopping, people watch and really capture the heart and soul of Madrid in terms of atmosphere as well as the modern culture side of Madrid. Take a look at the giant Telefonica Flagship store in the center of Gran Via, 28, right next to the Metro Gran Via station; the store is a stunning example of modern technology mixing with a historic building, you will have plenty to see by way of all kinds of high quality shops and fantastic architecture, so book out half a day to enjoy.

That’s my top ten, but everyone is different, let me know what you think when you go there, what would be your Top 10 things to see?

Have fun.