The Best Instagrammable Spots in Madrid

Kristin Espinar is a travel enthusiast, language expert, and passionate advocate for cultural exploration, sharing her love for Europe and its rich traditions through curated travel experiences and insightful writing.

Kristin Espinar

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Introduction

Madrid is one of the most Instagrammable cities in Europe with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and photogenic plazas and landmarks. As the capital and largest city in Spain, Madrid seamlessly blends historic sites with modern attractions. Around every corner is a new photo opportunity waiting to happen.

The city’s grand plazas showcase ornate facades and stately buildings, perfect for capturing in your Instagram feed. Majestic fountains, palaces, and museums also offer picture-perfect backdrops. In addition to the Instagram hotspots, experiencing Madrid’s food, art, and nightlife completes the social media-worthy experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Instagrammer or just looking to up your ‘gram game, Madrid has no shortage of stunning scenery. Keep reading for the top Instagrammable spots and tips for snapping and sharing your Madrid getaway.

Plaza Mayor

Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is a historic central square that has been the site of markets, bullfights, and public events since the 17th century. Impressive 3-story buildings with wrought-iron balconies, red roofs, and 237 balconies facing the square surround the rectangular plaza. A statue of Philip III on horseback, completed in 1616 by Giovanni Battista Crescenzi and Pietro Tacca, stands at the center. Granite slabs, laid in a herringbone pattern, pave the plaza, which has hosted everything from bullfights to soccer games over the years.

Today it remains a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafés with outdoor seating for prime people-watching. The plaza often hosts markets, festivals, and concerts, especially in the summer months. With its photogenic architecture and lively atmosphere, Plaza Mayor is undoubtedly one of Madrid’s most Instagrammable spots.

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s most famous and busiest squares located in the heart of the city center. People refer to it as Kilometer Zero, marking the center point from which all distances in Spain are measured.
The square is a major public transportation hub and popular meeting point for both locals and tourists. It is constantly buzzing with activity day and night. One of its most iconic landmarks is the famous Tío Pepe sign above the building on the eastern side of the square.

The main attraction is the Real Casa de Correos building on the north side, home to the office of the President of the Community of Madrid. On the facade of the building is the famous clock that rings in the New Year. Madrileños use it to countdown until midnight on New Year’s Eve. Thousands gather in the square each year for the famous tradition.

With its central location, historic landmarks, and constant energy, Puerta del Sol is undoubtedly one of the top squares to visit in Madrid. It offers an authentic taste of local culture and the lively spirit of the city.

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Gran Via

Gran Via is one of Madrid’s most famous and lively streets, known for its mix of early 20th century architecture, elegant shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This iconic street, known for its mix of early 20th-century architecture, elegant shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, cuts through central Madrid on a northwest-southeast diagonal and is sometimes called the “Spanish Broadway

The beautiful, ornate buildings that line Gran Via reflect a variety of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Spanish Baroque Revival. Some of the most impressive structures include the Metropolis Building with its French-inspired Beaux-Arts facade and domed tower, and the ornate Edificio Grassy with a stepped pyramid shape. The sumptuous interiors of these buildings match their exteriors, featuring lavish lobbies, marble staircases, stained glass windows, and more.

In addition to admiring the architecture, visitors can browse the upscale shops carrying luxury brands, dine at restaurants ranging from tapas bars to haute cuisine, or take in a show at one of the grand theaters along Gran Via. Whether you go to the majestic Gran Via for shopping, dining, or entertainment, prepare to be awed by the sheer grandeur and beauty of this iconic Madrid street.

Temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain in the late 1960s. This historic temple provides one of the best Instagrammable spots in Madrid to capture sunset views.

The temple dates back to the 2nd century BC and was originally located in southern Egypt. In the late 1960s, workers rebuilt the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod in Madrid, Spain. This historic temple offers one of the best Instagrammable spots in Madrid to capture sunset views.

Originally located in southern Egypt, the temple dates back to the 2nd century BC. In the 1960s, Egypt donated the temple to Spain as a gesture of gratitude for Spain’s assistance in saving ancient Egyptian temples from rising waters during the construction of the Aswan Dam. Crews carefully dismantled, transported, and reconstructed the temple in Parque del Oeste, a park near the Royal Palace.

Today, the Temple of Debod stands on a hill overlooking the city of Madrid. Its ancient Egyptian architecture, with grand entrance columns and hieroglyphic carvings, makes for an impressive backdrop. But it’s especially popular at sunset, when its west-facing orientation provides breathtaking views, making it one of the best instagrammable spots in Madrid.

As the sun begins to set over the Madrid skyline, the temple is illuminated in golden light. Visitors line up on the steps and terrace to capture stunning photos of the temple against colorful dusk skies. It’s one of the best spots in the city to take Instagram-worthy sunset photos.

The ancient Egyptian architecture combined with the dynamic Madrid cityscape creates an unforgettable scene. Visitors love posing for photos in front of the temple columns and cartouches as the sky transforms into a canvas of pinks, oranges, and purples. The Temple of Debod should be on every Instagrammer’s list for unique and iconic sunset photos in Madrid.

Cibeles Fountain

The Cibeles Fountain is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the bustling Plaza de Cibeles, this stunning marble and granite fountain features a monumental sculpture of the Roman goddess Cybele riding a chariot pulled by lions.

The fountain was originally designed in the late 18th century by architect Ventura Rodríguez, and the Cybele statue was added in the early 19th century. Today, the Cibeles Fountain is a popular tourist attraction, as well as a gathering point for celebrations. Fans of Real Madrid football club famously congregate here after victories to revel in the team’s glory.

With its imposing white marble architecture and imposing mythical goddess statue, the Cibeles Fountain is truly an Instagram-worthy spot. The fountain makes for an unforgettable backdrop for photos during the day or night. Try to time your visit on an hour when the fountain is active and spurting water for even more visual interest. Sit on the fountain’s edge or find a good vantage point across the plaza to capture the perfect shot of Madrid’s beloved goddess watching over the city, making is one of the the best instagrammable spots in Madrid.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of Madrid’s most impressive and luxurious landmarks. This elegant palace was built in the 18th century and served as the official residence of Spanish royalty until 1931. Today, it remains one of the city’s top attractions for its lavish interiors and grand architecture.

The palace’s exterior features a harmonious blend of Baroque and Classicist styles. Visitors are often struck by the sheer size of the palace, with over 3,000 rooms spread across 135,000 square meters. The facade stretches for more than 500 meters and overlooks the lovely Sabatini Gardens.

However, it’s the interior that really steals the show. The rooms are decorated with the finest materials like marble, porcelain, gold leaf, silk, and crystal chandeliers. Some of the standout rooms include the Throne Room with its red velvet wall coverings, the Royal Chapel with its dome painted by Goya, and the Porcelain Room containing over 2,700 pieces of porcelain.

Visitors can take a guided tour to see many of the lavish staterooms and halls. The rooms contain extravagant furnishings, paintings by great masters, frescoed ceilings, and ornate moldings. It’s easy to imagine the royal receptions, banquets, and events that once took place here. Even today, the palace is still used for state ceremonies and events.

For those who appreciate opulent architecture and interior design, the Royal Palace is a must-see when visiting Madrid. Wandering through its grand halls offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Spanish royalty throughout history. It’s a striking example of lavish palace life.

Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is considered one of the greatest art museums in the world, housing an impressive collection of European art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. Located in central Madrid, the Prado is a must-see for art lovers visiting Spain’s capital.

The museum’s collection includes many iconic masterpieces such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Third of May 1808 by Goya, and a large number of paintings by El Greco, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Bosch, and more. Some of the most famous works are found in the museum’s Golden Triangle of masterpieces, featuring Las Meninas, The Garden of Earthly Delights, and more.

Beyond the paintings, the Prado contains a remarkable collection of sculpture and decorative arts. The building itself is an artistic gem, designed in neoclassical style by Juan de Villanueva. The Prado also frequently hosts special exhibitions featuring works on loan from other institutions around the world.

With such an extensive and important collection, it’s easy to spend hours wandering the Prado’s halls. Visitors are recommended to focus on the highlights and masterpieces during a first visit, then return to explore lesser-known sections of the museum. Advance tickets are recommended to skip the ticket line. The Prado is a must-see destination for understanding and appreciating European art history.

Retiro Park

Retiro Park is a vast and beautiful green space located right in the heart of Madrid’s city center. Spread across 118 hectares, it’s one of the largest parks in the Spanish capital.

Retiro Park originated in 1631 when King Philip IV acquired it to serve as the gardens of the nearby Buen Retiro Palace. At that time, only members of the royal family and courtiers could access the park. Thankfully, in 1868, officials opened Retiro Park to the public, and it has remained a popular spot for Madrileños and tourists ever since.

When strolling through Retiro Park today, visitors can enjoy landscaped gardens, shady trees, grand monuments, a peaceful artificial lake, and more. One of the most famous landmarks is the monument to King Alfonso XII, featuring a large equestrian statue overlooking the serene lake. Other highlights include the Fountain of the Fallen Angel statue and the glass Crystal Palace built in 1887 to house exotic plants.

For those looking to relax, there are plenty of green lawns and shaded benches throughout Retiro Park. Rowboats can also be rented at the lake. On weekends, the park often hosts special events, musicians, and street performers. With so much natural beauty and artistic interest packed into one place, it’s no wonder Retiro Park is considered one of the best instagrammable spots in Madrid

Why Hiring a Local Photographer is the Key to Capturing Perfect Instagrammable Moments

Hiring a local photographer can be a game-changer when it comes to capturing Instagram-worthy photos during your travels. Local photographers know all the hidden gems and iconic spots that aren’t in typical travel guides, allowing you to discover unique angles and lesser-known locations that showcase the true essence of a city. They’re familiar with the best times of day for ideal lighting and can guide you to locations that avoid the usual tourist crowds. Beyond that, they know how to incorporate local culture and landmarks into your shots, making your photos stand out and feel authentic. A local photographer also knows how to position and direct you to get the most flattering and creative compositions. So, instead of relying on selfies or asking a passerby, investing in a local photographer ensures you return home with high-quality, memorable photos that truly capture the spirit of your journey.

Conclusion

Madrid is full of diverse, Instagram-worthy spots that should be on any traveler’s list when visiting this amazing city. From historic plazas and world-famous museums to lush parks and lively city streets, Madrid has something for every Instagrammer’s feed.

The grand Plaza Mayor provides a stately backdrop for photos with its three-story arcaded buildings. The iconic Puerta del Sol is another lively plaza and major city hub perfect for capturing Madrid’s energy. For architecture lovers, the elegant Gran Via boulevard and its ornate building facades offer endless photo ops.

Several more unique Instagram hot spots covered included the recreated Egyptian Temple of Debod, the magnificent Cibeles Fountain, and the opulent Royal Palace. Art aficionados can’t miss snapping pics at Madrid’s renowned Prado Museum. And for nature shots, Retiro Park’s green spaces, fountains, and Crystal Palace provide a peaceful urban oasis.

With this great variety of photogenic locations, Madrid truly satisfies an Instagrammer’s dream destination. The city’s blend of history, culture, architecture, and nature provide backdrops to feed anyone’s social media obsession.

FAQs: Photography Spots in Madrid

Where to take pics in Madrid?

Madrid offers countless picturesque spots for photography enthusiasts. Some popular photo-worthy locations in Madrid include:

Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro): Capture the beauty of the park’s lush gardens, scenic lake, and iconic landmarks such as the Crystal Palace and the Monument to Alfonso XII.
Plaza Mayor: Explore the grandeur of Madrid’s main square, with its elegant architecture, bustling atmosphere, and street performers.
Gran Vía: Snap photos of Madrid’s famous shopping street, lined with historic buildings, theaters, and vibrant signs.
Temple of Debod: Capture stunning sunset views and panoramic shots of the ancient Egyptian temple and the Madrid skyline.
Puerta de Alcalá: Photograph this iconic neoclassical monument, situated at the entrance to Retiro Park, against the backdrop of bustling traffic and city life.
These are some of the best instagrammable spots in Madrid

Is Madrid a beautiful place?

Yes, Madrid is widely regarded as a beautiful and vibrant city, with its historic architecture, charming neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. From majestic palaces and elegant boulevards to lively plazas and verdant parks, Madrid offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity that appeals to visitors from around the world. Whether you’re exploring its iconic landmarks, savoring its culinary delights, or simply strolling through its picturesque streets, Madrid’s beauty and charm are sure to leave a lasting impression.

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