Where to Take the Best Photos in Madrid? Our 10 Must-See Spots

Spain's capital and most populous city, Madrid, is bright, artistic, and full of life. It is renowned for its attractive street scenes, historical buildings, and grand boulevards. It has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten locations for stunning photos while you are there.

We're sharing our top picks for breathtaking photo spots in Madrid in this guide. In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Royal Palace of Madrid

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The Royal Palace of Madrid is a magnificent, old palace with exquisite courtyards and sumptuous interiors. Although it is currently exclusively utilized for state functions, the Royal Palace of Madrid serves as the official residence of the Spanish royal family in the city. The palace includes 3,418 rooms and 135,000 square meters of floor space. In Europe, it is the biggest royal residence. The palace can be reached via the Ópera metro station and is located on Calle de Bailén in the western section of downtown Madrid, east of the Manzanares River.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One of Europe’s largest palaces, full of history, grandeur, and elegance.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning, before it gets busy.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot the palace with the front courtyard for a balanced frame.

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2. Plaza Mayor

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Once the main attraction of Old Madrid, the Plaza Mayor is a significant public area in the center. It was initially constructed between 1580 and 1619, under Philip III's rule. The Puerta del Sol, another well-known plaza, is just a few blocks away. A bustling, historic square with cafes and red-brick buildings all around. The Plaza Mayor is a popular tourist destination today, but Madrid residents also enjoy it and consider it to be a part of Spanish culture. The oldest restaurant in the world, Restaurante Botin, is located next to the Plaza Mayor at Arco de Cuchilleros Street.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A large, historic square surrounded by red buildings and archways.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon for warm light and lively vibes.
• Photography tip 📷
  Stand in the center to capture the full square and crowds.

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3. Gran Vía

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Madrid's main street is lined with historic buildings, theaters, stores, and lighting. It goes to Plaza de España from Calle de Alcalá, which is near Plaza de Cibeles. With several hotels and big movie theaters, the street—sometimes called the Spanish Broadway—is one of the city's most significant commercial districts. However, shopping malls have taken the place of many of these theaters since the late 2000s. With its architectural styles, the Gran Vía is a showcase for early 20th-century revival architecture.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Madrid’s most famous street, packed with lights, theaters, and people.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evening, when the lights come on.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the street from above, if possible, for full effect.

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4. Retiro Park

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One of Madrid's biggest city parks is Retiro Park, sometimes referred to as Buen Retiro Park or just El Retiro. A serene green park featuring the renowned Crystal Palace, sculptures, and a large lake. The park is situated close to the Museo del Prado and the Puerta de Alcalá on the outskirts of the city center. It features galleries, an artificial lake, gardens, monuments, and spaces for events. Together with Paseo del Prado, Buen Retiro Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A green escape in the city with a lake, sculptures, and peaceful paths.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Morning or golden hour.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot rowboats on the lake or sun through the trees.

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5. Puerta del Sol

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One of Madrid's most well-known and crowded public squares is the Puerta del Sol. Locals congregate here, and the street life is lively day and night in the center of the radial network of Spanish roadways. The well-known clock, whose chimes signal the start of a new year and the customary eating of the Twelve Grapes, is also located in the square. Since 1962, prominent television and radio networks, including RTVE and Atresmedia, have aired live broadcasts of the New Year's celebration.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A busy public square and the symbolic “center” of Spain.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning or evening.
• Photography tip 📷
  Get the famous clock and crowds in one wide shot.

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6. Prado Museum

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The main Spanish national art museum, the Museo del Prado, is situated in the center of the city. It contains the best collection of Spanish art and European art from the 12th century to the early 20th century, modeled after the former royal collection of Spain. Among the best art museums in the world, featuring pieces by Goya, Velázquez, and other artists. Established in 1819 as a painting and sculpture museum, it also houses significant collections of other kinds of art.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Home to some of Europe’s most famous paintings, in a stunning classical building.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning to avoid long lines.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot the elegant exterior—photography isn’t allowed inside.

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7. Temple of Debod

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Located near Madrid, the Temple of Debod is an old Nubian temple. The temple was first built 15 kilometers south of Aswan, Egypt, in the early 2nd century BC. A temple from ancient Egypt that offers reflection photos and sunset vistas. In 1968, in appreciation for Spain's involvement in the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia, the Egyptian government gave the temple to Spain. It is a unique example of ancient Egyptian architecture in Spain and one of the few that has been moved outside of Egypt.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  An ancient Egyptian temple right in the middle of Madrid.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset is perfect with reflections in the water.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use the water and sunset colors to frame your shot.

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8. Almudena Cathedral

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Adjacent to the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Royal of the Almudena, also called the Almudena Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral with a beautiful interior and a variety of architectural styles. The Archdiocese of Madrid has its seat there, was completed more than a century after construction started in 1883, and was dedicated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. It is situated across from the Royal Palace, and its regal setting greatly influenced its final design.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A mix of old and new architecture with amazing ceilings inside.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late morning for bright interior light.
• Photography tip 📷
  Focus on the dome and colorful details inside.

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9.  Mercado de San Miguel

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The most notable aspect of the privately owned San Miguel Market, which is situated in Madrid's square of the same name, adjacent to the Plaza Mayor, is that it still has its original early 20th-century iron construction. It is 1,200 square meters in size and has two levels. A lovely glass market with wine, tapas, and people having a good time. It began as a food market in May 1916 and changed its name to the first gastronomy market in May 2009. In 2018, the market went through a phase where a large portion of its culinary offerings were consolidated.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A stylish food market with local snacks, lights, and atmosphere.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Around lunch, when it’s busy but full of life.
• Photography tip 📷
  Zoom in on the food and people enjoying it.

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10. Lavapiés Neighborhood

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Situated southwest of the nearby neighborhood La Latina in the downtown Centro District's administrative ward (barrio) of Embajadores, Lavapiés is a historic neighborhood. Like other barrios in Madrid, such as Malasaña, La Latina, and Chueca, Lavapiés has very similar architecture, with comparable heights, windows, balconies, pastel colors, and shop/apartment layouts. But what makes Lavapiés special are the big trees that are exclusive to Madrid's center and the steep hills that give some streets a dramatic appearance.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A colorful, multicultural area full of street art, cafes, and dynamic culture.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon or evening, when the streets come alive.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture murals, local life, and narrow alleys for character.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Madrid. However, there is much more to see and enjoy, as the city offers endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Madrid.

Ready to explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, as you’ll be taking a lot of photos.

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