If you plan on traveling to Spain, then I wouldn’t skip out on this vibrant capital city! Rich with history, art, culture and delicious food, Madrid is one of the major hub points in Europe. So, if you’re planning on traveling Spain, then the chances of passing through Madrid are very likely.

Perhaps, just take a day or two to explore and enjoy a couple of these charming tourists attractions! Here at the top 5 things you simply can’t miss on your trip to Madrid!

Parque del Buen Retiro – “Good Retreat Park” is exactly how it sounds. The minute I stepped foot in the park, I felt relaxed. This giant green oasis is Madrid’s most famous park and located in the heart of the city. The vibe is relaxed and pleasant and a local favorite. It’s busy, but the good kind of busy where you see everyone having an afternoon picnic under the shade of century-old trees or renting a rowboat on the park’s central lake as they pass the King Alfonso II monument. The park is free to enter. Sundays are especially lively with street performers and live music. If you have the time, it’s worth strolling through.

Bring a blankey and some lunch and appreciate the jubilant ambiance.

No visit to Madrid is complete without stopping by Puerta del Sol. Originally designed as one of the gates of the city wall built around Madrid during the medieval period. The bustling square serves as the symbolic heart of Spain. It is one of the busiest plazas in the city. Here, you can find the famous Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, the symbol of Madrid, as well as Kilometer Zero “Km0” plaque, the starting point of Spain’s national roads. You can literally stand in the center of Madrid! From Puerta del Sol, you are in walking distance to many of the top sites in Madrid.

Plaza Mayor is another major town square in Madrid used for various events. With its striking architecture and lively atmosphere, Plaza Mayor is the perfect place to sip on coffee or enjoy some tapas. If you’re lucky, you may encounter a neat antique market or just gander at how large the square is. Either way, you may not spend that much time here, but it is an interesting place to visit, especially if it’s your first time in a European city.

Pro tip: In December, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are beautifully decordated for the holidays and host festive markets. Also, on New Year’s Eve, the bell tower from the Royal House of the Post Office rings to bring in the New Year.

Interestingly, the Royal Palace or Palacio Real of Spain is the largest royal palace in Europe with over 3,000 rooms.

Cost: ~€10

Just like any tourist spot, get there early or in the late afternoon, especially during the high season (spring to summer). The lines can be very long or if you want to spend a little extra money to save some time, then you can book a ticket online or with a tour group and catch a glimpse of the lavish lifestyle of Spanish royalty. Either way, it’s a magnificent building and I recommend at least walking around the Sabatini Gardens for stunning views of the palace’s exterior if you get the chance!