Landmarks worth the trip on their ownthe Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor are the sights most visitors build their first day around, and both reward an unhurried visit rather than a rushed photo stop.
A different pace of daily lifeWandering through Puerta del Sol or El Retiro Park gives a better sense of Madrid than any single landmark — it's where the everyday rhythm of the city actually shows.
the Prado MuseumOne of the more memorable stops for first-time visitors, and easy to reach from most central hotels.
A natural base for exploring furtherGood regional transport links make Madrid a sensible starting point if you're planning to see more of Spain while you're there.