Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital. Bursting with energy, culture and timeless charm, this dynamic city captivates visitors from the very first moment. From grand boulevards and world-class museums to elegant cafés and lively plazas, Madrid offers an irresistible blend of history, sophistication and contemporary flair.
by Lisa Ditzlmüller
From breathtaking architecture and world-renowned art to a vibrant nightlife, Madrid is a true paradise for curious travellers. Often overlooked in favour of more obvious tourist destinations, the Spanish capital offers countless opportunities to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage. After all, this is the very heart of Spain. Unlike the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, with its modern character and strong international influences, Madrid embraces a more traditional spirit, where historic grandeur and authentic Spanish culture remain at the heart of everyday life.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, located in the heart of the historic city centre. At its centre stands the impressive equestrian statue of King Philip III, while the surrounding arcaded buildings are home to a wealth of traditional restaurants and cafés. It is the perfect place to savour local favourites such as authentic paella and a refreshing glass of sangria while watching the lively atmosphere unfold. Street performers, musicians and the square’s striking architecture combine to create one of Madrid’s most enchanting and quintessentially Spanish settings.
Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of Europe’s most magnificent architectural landmarks and serves as the official residence of the Spanish monarch for state ceremonies. Its opulent state rooms, lavish banqueting halls and beautifully landscaped gardens offer a fascinating glimpse into Spain’s royal heritage. This majestic Baroque masterpiece is almost twice the size of both Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Versailles, making it the largest royal palace in Western Europe.
Prado Museum
Art lovers will feel right at home in Madrid. The Prado Museum is home to one of the world’s most important collections of European art, featuring masterpieces by celebrated artists including Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Goya and El Greco. As one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, the Prado forms part of Madrid’s renowned Golden Triangle of Art, alongside the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. In 2021, this exceptional cultural district was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Faro de Moncloa
For those wishing to experience Madrid from above, the Faro de Moncloa is an unmissable stop. Standing 110 metres tall in Plaza de Moncloa, the communications tower features an observation deck at a height of 90 metres. From here, visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across the Spanish capital, stretching all the way to the distant peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Retiro Park
Located on the eastern edge of the city, Retiro Park is Madrid’s green oasis and one of its most beloved landmarks. With its expansive gardens, tree-lined avenues and beautifully landscaped surroundings, it offers a welcome escape from the city’s vibrant pace. At the heart of the park lies a picturesque lake, where both locals and visitors can hire rowing boats and enjoy one of Madrid’s most tranquil and scenic experiences.
Money Heist Filming Locations
Fans of Netflix’s global hit Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) can follow in the footsteps of Tokyo, Rio and the Professor throughout Madrid. Many of the series’ most memorable scenes were filmed in and around the Spanish capital, particularly during the first two seasons.
The secluded estate where the Professor (Álvaro Morte) first unveiled his ambitious plan to carry out Spain’s biggest heist was filmed at Finca El Gasco in Torrelodones, just outside Madrid. It is here that the iconic story begins, as the team gathers to prepare for the robbery that would captivate audiences around the world.
Although the series centres on Spain’s Royal Mint, security restrictions meant that filming did not take place inside the real Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre. Instead, several locations were used to recreate the famous setting.
For the exterior shots of the Royal Mint, the production chose the striking façade of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) on Calle Serrano in Madrid. While the building itself is not open to visitors, fans can still admire its impressive exterior through the entrance gates and recognise one of the series’ most iconic filming locations.
The interior scenes were filmed in a studio, with the design inspired by the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris.
The iconic banknote printing press featured in the series was supplied by the Spanish newspaper ABC. Naturally, the money produced for filming was printed on newspaper stock rather than genuine banknote paper.
One of the series’ most memorable moments — the spectacular money shower in Season Three — was filmed at Plaza del Callao. Located in the heart of Madrid, the bustling square is surrounded by illuminated advertising screens and grand façades, earning it the nickname of Madrid’s very own version of New York’s Times Square.
Photos: Shutterstock