I have a genuine fondness for Spain. Over the years, I’ve spent considerable time there, and Madrid was the very first Spanish city I ever set foot in. Yet, when I look back through my blog posts, I notice a glaring absence of content about the capital. That got me thinking. Barcelona and the Costa Brava are covered extensively—almost painstakingly so—from the stunning countryside to the incredible cuisine. The more I pondered, the clearer it became why Madrid has been so overlooked here: it simply isn’t all that captivating. Don’t get me wrong—it’s a pleasant place to be, and I enjoy strolling its streets and grabbing churros. But during my most recent visit a few months ago, I found myself struggling to find things to do, see, or experience. In this post, I want to break down Madrid a bit: what I appreciate, what I don’t, and why I ultimately see it as a somewhat unexciting city that’s worth a short stop, but not much more.
What I Appreciate About Madrid
There’s an intangible quality in certain great European cities that resonates with me on a deep, almost instinctive level. The trouble is, I can’t put my finger on exactly what that “something” is—I just recognize it when I feel it, and Madrid has it in abundance. On my last trip, I stayed near the leafy hub of Plaza de Santa Ana, just a short stroll from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Those afternoon walks, weaving through crowds of pedestrians, window-shopping, and grabbing snacks along the way, were the highlights of my time in Madrid. More than the museums or landmarks, simply absorbing the city’s atmosphere mattered most to me. Still, I did make a point of exploring its famous attractions, beginning with the bustling center of activity: Plaza Mayor.
A favorite gathering spot, this 17th-century square sits near the top of most tourist itineraries—and for good reason. Usually teeming with people, it’s an excellent place for people-watching, enjoying a drink, or admiring the architecture. It’s also conveniently located near another square I personally prefer: the vast Puerta del Sol. Meaning “Gate of the Sun,” this impressive plaza is where New Year’s Eve celebrations take place and from which all official road distances in Spain are measured—truly the nation’s heart.
Although I’m not usually an art enthusiast, spending an afternoon at the incredible Prado Museum turned out to be one of the best museum experiences I’ve ever had. Ultimately, the enjoyment came not from the masterpieces themselves, but from how I encountered them. I was traveling across Spain with luxury tour company Abercrombie & Kent, and during our Prado visit, a guide accompanied us. She was a true expert who shared her favorite pieces with us, offering insights and context that allowed me to genuinely appreciate the artwork rather than just glance at it. I learned a great deal that day, and it completely changed how I approach art museums.
Madrid has a handful of other standard tourist stops, such as the Royal Palace and the Egyptian Temple of Debod, but honestly, they didn’t excite me much. While I loved wandering the city’s neighborhoods, visiting its major sights mostly left me feeling unimpressed.
Is Madrid Boring?
Let me be clear: Madrid is a nice place, and I even like it—just not for the usual tourist reasons. If I never step inside another royal palace, I’ll be perfectly content. The same goes for churches and other staples of European travel. So it wasn’t the main attractions that captivated me; it was the city itself. Completely unlike many other Spanish cities I’ve visited, Madrid occupies its own category—which is the ultimate compliment for any city, really. Just as there’s no other Venice or Paris, there’s no other Madrid. But despite its uniqueness, Madrid falls short when compared to Spain’s other lively destinations. It lacks the spirit and soul of Barcelona and the vibrant flair of Seville. As a capital city, it sometimes suffers from that identity. In fact, Madrid faces a problem common to many large cities worldwide: it’s nicer to live in than to visit. A few years ago, I stirred up controversy by writing that Toronto isn’t a great tourist destination—and it isn’t. What people still misunderstand about that post is that I never claimed Toronto was a bad city; far from it. It’s a wonderful city, but wonderful for residents, not visitors. There’s a distinction between livability and tourist appeal. Just because Madrid and Toronto offer a high quality of life and are excellent places to call home doesn’t mean they’re compelling from a traveler’s perspective. I don’t journey across the globe to eat at a quirky Vietnamese restaurant or admire a mildly interesting side street. I want to see new sights and have amazing experiences. I don’t want to visit another Whole Foods. So, ultimately, while not as extreme as Toronto, Madrid falls into the same category: a livable city that isn’t very exciting for tourists.
You Should Still Visit
I realize this post seems contradictory—and that’s because my own feelings about Madrid are equally divided. Writing this has helped me clarify my thoughts, though. It gave me a chance to really examine my experiences in the city and reflect on multiple visits and what they’ve meant to me. I enjoy Madrid; I like visiting, and I’m sure I’ll return. Despite my earlier points, I also believe it’s an important stop for tourists—but only as part of a broader trip across Spain. Whether you travel independently or with a tour, Madrid should be one of several Spanish cities you see, if only for the opportunity to compare and contrast. Like many capitals, Madrid boasts impressive institutions that are worth visiting. The Royal Palace, the many plazas, and museums like the Prado are essential elements of any Spanish itinerary. But make sure to explore more of the country, from north to south, and see how each region differs from the next. That’s the best way to experience Madrid—and, I think, what ultimately makes it a fun, if slightly dull, city to visit.
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