The Most Instagrammable Buildings and Monuments in Madrid

Cathedral Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena in Madrid, Spain
Cathedral Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena in Madrid, Spain | © Catarina Belova/Shutterstock
Lori Zaino

Madrid’s architecture is simply stunning. Neoclassical facades, magnificent palaces and towering monuments, appear on every corner. There’s no shortage of Instagrammable spots in Madrid, so bring your phone and head to the following locations to snap some perfect shots.

1. Edificio Metrópolis

Architectural Landmark, Building

Situated on the corner of the famous Calle Gran Vía and Calle de Alcala, this may be the most famous building to Instagram in Madrid. Inaugurated back in 1911, the dome of the building is gilded with 24 karat gold, as is part of the statue at the very top.

2. Plaza de Toros

Cathedral, Building, Museum, Historical Landmark

Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid
©imagea.org/Flickr
Controversial though it is, bullfighting continues to be an art form in Madrid, and the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, or ‘Las Ventas’ as the locals call it, is a beautiful circular building that you’ll never tire of admiring (whether you enjoy bullfighting or not). The building can seat 25,000, and also has an infirmary and a chapel inside.

5. Palacio de Cristal

One of the many beautiful monuments in Madrid’s Parque del Buen Retiro, the Palacio de Cristal is exactly as it sounds: a palace made of glass. It’s gorgeous in any season, especially on a sunny day when the sunshine streams in.

Palacio de Cristal, Paseo República de Cuba, 4, 28009 Madrid

6. Templo de Debod

Cathedral, Park

The Templo de Debod was a gift from Egypt to Spain and is one of the best spots in Madrid from which to enjoy the sunset. The reflections in the pond surrounding the temple are unlike any other, and the temple itself is pretty amazing, considering it dates back to the 2nd century BC.

Templo de Debod, Calle Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid
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7. Palacio de Cibeles

Building, Architectural Landmark

The Palacio de Cibeles, which was once Madrid’s post office headquarters, is now a palace open to the public, featuring a restaurant, outdoor terrace, art exhibitions and also the mayor’s office. Stop inside or simply snap photo after photo of the outside, which is magnificent in itself.

8. Palacio Real

Building, Historical Landmark

Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain.
© Adwo / Alamy Stock Photo

One of the largest palaces in Europe, Spanish Royalty no longer live here. Instead, the historical space is open to visitors. Check out paintings by Goya and Velázquez, frescoes by Mengs and even the world’s only complete Stradivarius string quintet. Or just stroll around the outside, which is surrounded by labyrinthine gardens and statue after statue.

9. Puerta del Sol

This plaza is literally the center of Madrid, and one of the most typical meeting spots for groups of friends, before they head out for a night on the town. It’s known for its KM Zero spot, which is said to be the exact center of Spain, the giant Tio Pepe sign suspended on one of the buildings, the famous Bear statue and of course, the clock and bell tower (pictured below).

Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid

10. Edificio Carrión

Building, Cinema

The Edificio Carrión, also known as the Edificio Capitol or more commonly, the Schwepps building, has been utilized as a cinema, hotel, offices and shops over the years, but it’s best known for its iconic Schwepps sign, which glows brightly at night.

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