Vibrant Madrid calls out to those who are looking for an active city getaway.

This energetic city is the largest in Spain, and is also the country’s capital. With beautiful landscapes and modern architecture, storied neighborhoods, friendly people, and a very active nightlife, Madrid is sure to keep any visitor busy.

Take a walking tour of our favorite places to visit in Madrid through our photos below.

Begin your tour at the Madrid Puerta de Atocha, the city’s largest train station. Although it was rebuilt due to a fire, the station is located on the grounds of the first railway station in Madrid.

The next stop on the tour is Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, or the Queen Sofía Museum. The famous museum includes large collections from Salvador Dalí and Picasso, including Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica.”

Museo del Prado – one of Spain’s most important art libraries – will also be found along the tour. With mostly paintings and sculpture, the museum most notably houses “Las Meninas” by Diego Velázquez.

While in Madrid, you must not miss the Parque del Buen Retiro, the city’s most famous park. With rose gardens, peacocks, and even a glass castle, Retiro Park is one of our favorite places in all of Spain.

Gardens at Parque del Buen Retiro.

Exiting the park at Puerta de Alcala will bring you down to the Cibeles Palace. Once the headquarters of the Spanish Post Office and Telegraph Company, the landmark is now a cultural center.

Continuing down the road from Cibeles Palace, you will find Edificio Metrópolis, located on the corner of Gran Via and Calle Alcala. Although just an office buildling, this architectural wonder is one of the most famous buildings in the city.

By this point in the tour, you are sure to be hungry. Stop in the Cheuca neighborhood to El Tigre for cañas and tapas before heading on to your next destination.

The most central point of the city, Puerta del Sol, is the next stop on the tour. While visiting Puerta del Sol, you can step directly on the marking for Kilometre Zero, which connects six of Spain’s national roads.

Blocks away from Puerta del Sol, you end your tour in another one of Madrid’s central plazas: Plaza Mayor.

Whether you get a churro at Chocolatería San Ginés, explore the Royal Palace of Madrid, or party on Calle de las Huertas, the end of our tour will leave you with plenty of options!

For more of our recommendations in Madrid, check out the interactive map below.

Have you traveled to Madrid and think we missed something? Want more information about planning your next getaway? Leave a comment below with your tips and ideas and a wanderlust consultant will get in touch with you! #YourWorldBetter