Things that make Madrid a unique city

27 reasons why Madrid is an incomparable city

Joie de vivre, art, nature, incredible cuisine, secrets hidden in plain sight.. We are sure that when you come to see us, you will want to add a few of your own to our list as well

1. We are a World Heritage Site

Landscape of Light: Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List; after all, Paseo del Prado was the first of Europe’s tree-lined urban promenades.

2. It is the city of Almodóvar

New York has Woody Allen and Madrid has Pedro Almodóvar. Discover his film locations in Madrid.

3. It is the capital of flamenco

Enjoy the best artists or take a class yourself. Don't miss the Teatro Flamenco Madrid, the world’s first flamenco theatre.

4. Enjoy a coffee where Garcia Lorca and Orson Welles​ once did

Great names from the worlds of literature and cinema once gathered around the marble tables of Café Gijon: Lorca, Welles, Capote, Galdós, Valle-Inclán...

5. You can have lunch (or dinner) at the oldest restaurant in the world

The restaurant Sobrino de Botin claims (and is confirmed) to be the oldest restaurant in the world. Almost 300 years of history!

6. No one has as many European Cup titles as Real Madrid

You can see for yourself at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and have your photograph taken with the team’s 14 European Cups as part of the Bernabeu Tour. 

7. We have the most important bullring in the world

With a seating capacity of almost 24,000 spectators, the Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas has welcomed the greatest bullfighters of all time and has a Bullfighting Museum that is open every day of the year from 10am to 6pm.

8. You'll be amazed by the Civil War bunkers in Parque del Oeste

This park is home to the material remains of the greatest tragedy the city has ever experienced: the Civil War. These claustrophobic constructions are truly impressive.

9. It hides a museum dedicated to a mouse

Yes, you read that right. There is a museum dedicated to Ratón Pérez, the little mouse that visits children in Spain and leaves them a gift for every tooth they lose (all without being seen of course).

10. You can walk through a ghost metro station

The Estación de Chamberí, which has been closed since 1966 and was designed by Antonio Palacios, can be seen with all its bright, colourful, luminous finishes

11. Pick up some of the city’s famous violet flavoured sweets at La Violeta

Visit this beautiful shop and buy these delicious sweets, a firm favourite of Queen Victoria Eugenia.

12. Cervantes lived and died in Madrid

Don Quixote, the most important novel in world literature, was printed here . Walk in the writer's footprints.

13. We have our own way of singing

Zarzuela is a light opera genre that is truly Spanish and very characteristic of Madrid. Find out more at the Teatro de la Zarzuela.

14. It is the second most treelined city in the world

As you walk around the city, you will find that it is full of parks and gardens. Don't miss El Retiro, the enormous Casa de Campo-ten times larger than Hyde Park-, or Madrid Rio, a new green space along the River Manzanares with more than ten kilometres of pedestrian footpaths that have changed the city.

15. No one has so much life on their rooftops

Madrid, especially Gran Via, is chocked full of hotels with bars and restaurants on its terraces: good views, good company, and the best tapas.

16. It is a city full of art

Seeing Las Meninas and Guernica in the flesh, so to speak, would be reason enough to come to Madrid, a city that in just over one kilometre houses the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia. Don't miss other charming museums such as the Sorolla, the Cerralbo and the Lazaro Galdiano.

17. Goya decorated the chapel of San Antonio de la Florida

And he left us, in the chapel where he is buried, some fantastic frescoes that you can visit for free

18. We have the most glamorous shopping arcade in the heart of Madrid

Fashion, luxury, and fine food can be found at Galeria Canalejas, next to Puerta del Sol.

19. There are still traces of the working-class Madrid of yesteryear

In Lavapiés you can see our traditional corrala or corridor housing, a remnant of Madrid from the late 19th century and early 20th century

20. We love going out

To bars, restaurants, theatres... Areas like Malasaña are known all over the world

21. We have the most famous LGTB neighbourhood in the world

Chueca is synonymous with freedom. Come and explore this area during our Pride celebrations!

22. We love showing off our traditions

During San Isidro and in the street festivities held in August you can discover all of our authentic traditions.

23. We celebrate the Chinese New Year in true style

In Usera we have a large Chinese community that has brought to Madrid this beautiful annual celebration

24. We are the capital of Spanish language musicals

The Lion King, We Will Rock You, La llamada... And many more coming soon!

25. We have the best opera house in the world (2019-2020)

Considered to be Spain’s premier institution for the performing and musical arts in Spain, it is the leading national opera house and one of Spain’s most important cultural institutions.

26. You can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets right by an Egyptian temple

Right by the Plaza de España is the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC donated to Spain by the Egyptian government to prevent it from being flooded after the construction of the Aswan dam. Visit at dusk and you'll be treated to a beautiful sunset!

27. Dabiz Muñoz and gastronomy in Madrid

Don’t forget that Madrid is home to Dabiz Muñoz, crowned the world’s best chef in 2021 and in 2022 at The Best Chef Awards. He currently has three restaurants in the city: DiverXO, StreetXO  and RavioXO. In addition, in Madrid you can enjoy cuisine from the five continents, and it’s the ideal European city to immerse yourself in Ibero-American gastronomy.