This article is part of a larger series of things to do with four days in Madrid. In this post, I will share with you the markets and museums that I went to, along with some tips, and directions. Happy sightseeing!

In this article:

  • El Rastro
  • Palacio Real de Madrid
  • Reina Sofia Museum
  • Prado Museum
  • Mercado San Anton

El Rastro 

(Sundays 09:00-15:00, FREE)

If you happen to be in Spain on a Sunday, head over to the flea market known as El Rastro. It gets quite crowded and pickpockets lurk here, so make sure to watch your belongings; you will see that many people carrying large bags such as backpacks have them on their chests instead of on their backs. You can access El Rastro via the metro

[La Latina and Puerta de Toledo (Line 5) and Tirso de Molina (Line 1)], via bus, and via suburban train.

El Rastro

 

Palacio Real de Madrid 

(Sunday – Saturday 10:00-18:00)

The Royal Palace of Madrid is a great place to go if you have an interest in in palaces, beautiful things, and royalty. All of the rooms are themed and adorned with gold, porcelain vases, chandeliers, and murals painted on high ceilings.  Unfortunately, photographs are not allowed to be taken within the palace, but free lockers are available on the premises to store your items(backpacks also not allowed in) for a €1 deposit. Audio guides are also available. The cost is €5 for students (if you are lucky you might get a ticket agent to let you in without a student i.d. like I did) and adult tickets are €10.

Palacio Real de Madrid – Calle Bailén, s/n  28071 Madrid

 

Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofia

(M, W-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-19:00)

The Reina Sofia is a wonderful museum full of contemporary and modern art. It hosts works from artists such as Dali, Picasso, Masson, and Dominguez, just to name a few. When I went to the Reina Sofia, I was lucky to catch a great Dali exhibition. Photos are allowed to be taken inside of the museum with the exception of the special exhibitions and a majority of the Picasso pieces. A photographic post of works from inside the museum will be displayed in a future post. General entry at the time of this post is €8, but there are a number of opportunities to go for free (including the special exhibitions). For an up-to-date and complete list of hours and admission, visit the Reina Sofia website here.

Reina Sofia – Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid [Metro: Atocha]

 

Museo Nacional del Prado 

(M-Sat 10:00 – 20:00, Sun & Holidays 10:00-19:00. Check here for updated times.)

The Prado Museum was probably my favorite museum in Madrid. It is absolutely stunning and it is huge. You can literally spend hours in this museum and not see it all. It host some famous works such as The Cardinal (Raphael) and Agnus Dei (Zurbar). I went on a Sunday, when admission is free. Photos are not allowed to be taken inside any of the exhibitions.

Museo del Prado – Paseo del Prado, s/n, 28014 Madrid

 

Mercado San Anton

(Monday – Saturday 10:00-22:00, Sundays 10:00-15:00)

Located in the Chueca neighborhood, Mercado San Anton is a small, but great market that is similar to Mercado de San Miguel, but there are a lot less tourists, and a lot more locals. There are all different kinds of food at the market from paella, to fresh fish, to crisp fruits and vegetables.

Mercado San Anton – C/ Augusto Figueroa, 24. 28004 Madrid [Metro: Chueca or Gran Via]

Have you been to any of these markets or other ones in Madrid? Which was your favorite?