Madrid is a big city, and the best way to begin is from the sky, where you can view the city in its whole. One place to start is at Cibeles Palace, which is the current city hall located in the Paseo de Art street where several museums are. I recommend getting tickets online to the Mirador Madrid Observation deck here mirador deck. To get there, take the lift to floor 6E, and then walk up the 88 step stairs to the top. If it is not open, which happens, or even if it is, make plans to take a lunch at the Azotea Cibeles restaurant with great views from the sixth floor.

Cityscape view showing a busy street with cars, historical buildings, green trees, and a roundabout with a fountain, taken from a high vantage point on a balcony.
Cityscape view of Madrid, Spain, with historic buildings, green trees, and a busy street filled with cars.
Federal Reserve building with classical architecture, flanked by statues, with an American flag on top, under a blue sky.
Exterior of a modern building with glass elevators on each side and banners. In front, a sculpture and people walking.
A large historic building with classical architecture, a triangular pediment, and a statue on top, surrounded by landscaped grass and palm trees, under a blue sky with some clouds.

Take a walk down the 1.2 mile Paseo del Arte. This stretch includes three museums, the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. Each museum is world renowned for the art works and exhibits. I highly recommend buying the pass to all three which can be used anytime, at any or all three of the museums for up to one year! Get it here Three Museum pass. Each museum offers something different, from the Pardo’s modern classics of Van Gogh and Gauguin, the works of Picasso, Miro and Dali at the Reina to the Spanish greats of Goya, Rubens and Titian at the Thyssen. Plus, you need the exercise.

While in this area, known as the landscape of light by some, you should visit El Retiro Park. The park covers 300 acres and includes several gardens and a multitude of monuments, walks, fountains and exhibits. You can rent a row boat on the lake, visit and Velazquez Palace or the Glass Palace. Make sure to grab a bite at the Florida Park or better yet, I recommend renting a bike from one of the bike rentals. You’ll find several outdoor cafes and kiosks to stop and refresh yourself.

Entryway through ornate white stone gates into a park with walking paths, statues, and trees with autumn leaves.
Glass greenhouse surrounded by trees with fall foliage, beside a pond with fountain in foreground.
Aerial view of a large lush green park with winding pathways, a sports field, and surrounding city streets.
People walking along a park path lined with trees and benches, with lampposts and hanging flower baskets.
Historic stone gate with iron bars, trees in the background, and people walking inside.
A historic ornate fountain with sculptures, water jets, and greenery in a park.

Known as Europe’s first tree-lined urban promenade, the Paseo del Prado has provided a serene city environ dating back to the 15th century. It includes the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Royal Observatory. You’ll pass several historical fountains including the Cibeles, Neptune and Apollo fountains commissioned by King Charles in the 18th century! With all of this so close by, it’s a miracle anyone gets any work done.

What’s a visit to Europe without checking out a palace or two. And the mother of them all is the Madrid Royal Palace. Although the current Royals only stop by to polish all the gold, it has been the formal residence since the 14th century. A nasty kitchen fire burnt the original to the ground, but they built it anew in 1738 based on sketches of the Paris Louvre. With over 3000 rooms, why didn’t they make it into a hotel? I’m not a big tour person, but for this beast it may be worthwhile. We got lost after 5 minutes and had to call for help! No one came…

Aerial view of the Palace of Westminster and surrounding cityscape in London during sunset.
Elegant living room with ornate gold and blue decor, large mirrors, chandeliers, and classical sculptures.
Historic European-style building during sunset with ornate architecture, street lamps, and a clear sky.
Cityscape at sunset with mountains in the background, buildings, and a foreground of trees with autumn foliage.
The Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas during sunset with dramatic clouds in the sky.
Modern dining area with a long breakfast bar by large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a cityscape with blue sky and clouds, decorated with plants and framed artwork.
People dining and socializing on a rooftop terrace with a city skyline in the background, featuring a modern lounging area with pink lighting accents, tables, chairs, and a decorative tree.

I know you’re tired now, but there’s just a bit more. Actually a lot more so I will combine a few similar things so you mouse hand doesn’t freeze over. Lets take a grand view of it all, by giving you the best viewpoints in Madrid. Start with the Mirador de la Cornisa observation deck which is just outside the Royal Palace. For those wanting to raise their culinary experience to new heights, book a table at the Hotel Rui Plaza de Espana El Eden Gastrobar on the 26th floor, or the bar above it. And for those that hate heights, wet your pants while taking the lift up to the Faro de Moncloa Observation Deck. You’ll be higher than at a college all nighter. And lastly, but not leastly, is the Círculo de Bellas Artes building where the Gran Via and Calle de Alcala meet. The rooftop terrace has some really sick views!