Europe’s third largest city; Spain’s capital city, its cultural, political and economic centre, and a place baked in the Iberian sun all year round. The monolithic modern city of Madrid has so much to satiate its 6.7 million inhabitants and plenty to offer the intrepid traveller.

With such an expansive area (over 230 square miles), Madrid’s bustling city centre is remarkably easy to traverse on foot - with excellent public transport links in abundance to head further afield.

The main question when approaching Madrid as a city break location is: Where to start?

After spending 48 hours immersed in its vibrant embrace, City Live has some signposts to share to ensure you get the most out of Madrid.

Plaza Mayor

Whether you arrive by road, rail or air – Plaza Mayor should be top of your list to centre yourself in the bustling old town of the city. It offers an excellent point to give you your bearings before venturing out into Madrid’s impressive expanse. Dating back to the 15th century, the Plaza displays a beautiful example of the city’s famous Spanish Neoclassicism architecture. Also, still fulfilling its role as a market hub for the city, it is a busy area with regular events, restaurants and bars.

Mercado de San Miguel

Built-in 1915, the iron-framed market (situated conveniently just off Plaza Mayor) is a gastronomic experience not to be missed. Inside the once bustling wholesale market, cuisine from all corners of Spain is spread out over more than 20 stands. With the focus being on tapas-style dining, you are free to roam the market and graze amongst the stands – a filling and fulfilling experience steeped in Madrid’s exquisite history.

*Source: Donald Erskine. The chorizo filled empanadas were a hit!*

Royal Palace of Madrid

Opened in 1751, now standing as the largest royal palace in Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid does not disappoint in its sheer scale and beauty. Approaching from any direction is hard to take it all in, so a full lap around is recommended. Tours are available; however, as the official residence of the Spanish royal family and in use for official ceremonies, it can be off-limits at certain times of the year.

Temple of Debod

An Egyptian temple might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you picture central Spain. The Temple of Debod was moved to Madrid as part of The International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia conducted by UNESCO in the 1970s. Initially constructed in 200 BC, the small chapel dedicated to Amun and Isis was saved from the flooding of the Nile by the Aswan High Dam project. It sits beautifully central in the Parque de la Montaña and is a must-see, especially to catch the sunset behind the ancient monuments.

Gran Via

The infamous Gran Via’s architecture and grandeur are hard to miss as you wander the centre of Madrid. Sensational embellishments cover the buildings on the city’s most famous street, the Metropolis building being an excellent example of this. Known as ‘the street that never sleeps’, it is a social and shopping hub in the city and one to experience in the bustling daytime and vibrant nightlife.

Retiro Park

Providing respite from the built-up centre of Madrid is the fantastic green expanse of Retiro Park. The inner-city oasis covers 125 hectares and is home to more than 15,000 trees. It has also recently been named a UNESCO world heritage site. The Monument to Alfonso XIII dominates the park's centre as it sits on Estanque Grande de El Retiro (the Great Pond of El Retiro), where many hire rowboats and venture out onto the water. Also within the park's boundaries lies the Palacio de Cristal, a fantastic 22-metre-high conservatory constructed in the shape of a Greek cross.

*Source: Donald Erskine. Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park, Madrid.*

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Seating over 80,000 football fans, the home of the world-famous Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a pilgrimage for sports fans. With an illustrious history behind the club, the tour feels like a steal at 12-15 Euros. While major developments are currently underway, they do not hamper the experience. The work being carried out adds additional seating capacity and implements some significant aesthetic and functional features. If the draw of the tantalising spectacle that is the infamous pitch isn’t enough, the museum boasting the clubs’ many achievements (including 14 Champions League trophies) is worth seeing alone. The Bernabéu is as jaw-dropping as the team’s performances that play there. You hardly notice that there’s no one on the pitch as you take the tour.

Madrid is a vibrant, beautiful and welcoming city with enough history and events to keep anyone who stops there encapsulated. With all-year-round sunshine and culinary delights to give you the energy to explore this vast slice of Spanish culture. Madrid’s must-sees will have you not only wondering where to start but hoping you have enough time to fit it all in.

Must see in Madrid: How to get the most out of your trip to Spain’s Capital