With beauty and unique sights around practically every turn, Madrid was made to be immortalized in photos.
From elegant, gold-gilded buildings to perfectly arranged tapas plates, Spain’s capital is full of stunning photography opportunities. With this in mind, you’ll be hard-pressed to try and put your camera away as you keep encountering jaw-dropping view after jaw-dropping view. Simply put, Madrid is basically an Instagram gold mine! These gorgeous Instagrammable places in Madrid will surely draw in the likes—but more importantly, they’ll give you tangible evidence of a trip you’ll remember forever.
Photo Credit: @archela, Text Overlay: Devour Madrid Food Tours
Círculo de Bellas Artes terrace
In the summer, more often than not, you’ll be able to find us on one of Madrid’s rooftops with a drink in hand. Each offers a view more stunning than the last, but none more so than the rooftop terrace atop the Círculo de Bellas Artes building on the edge of Gran Vía. Spain’s most brilliant avenue positively shines from up above. From its crown jewel, the Metropolis building, to the seemingly endless blocks of ritzy hotels and glamorous theaters, Madrid’s skyline has never looked better. It’s no wonder why this iconic terrace tops our list of the most Instagrammable places in Madrid!
Address: Calle de Alcalá, 42
Puerta del Sol
It may not be surprising that the Spanish capital’s most central and buzzing square, Puerta del Sol, is one of the most Instagrammable places in Madrid. This Instagram hotspot features dozens of photography opportunities around every turn. Look up to capture the bright, glowing letters of the legendary Tío Pepe sign, or down to get a once-in-a-lifetime shot of Spain’s geographic center at Kilometer 0. Its iconic statues, grandiose buildings and crowds of tourists, locals and street performers make it an unforgettable spot! When you’ve had your fill of taking pictures in the square itself, head to the nearby La Mallorquina bakery (Calle Mayor, 2) to get some shots of the mouthwatering pastries (and treat yourself to one!)
Mercado de San Miguel
Madrid is a fresh food haven, with a unique and authentic local market to be found in just about every barrio. The most famous of the city’s fresh food markets, Mercado de San Miguel, is also one of our top Instagrammable places in Madrid! From its wrought-iron architecture to the stalls bursting with colorful food, it’s a true feast for the senses. Grab a vermouth or a glass of wine from one of the vendors and sip it as you walk around snapping pictures.
Insider’s Tip: As Madrid’s most iconic market, the Mercado de San Miguel gets quite packed as the day goes on. We recommend heading there first thing in the morning, as the market vendors are just setting up. That way, you can get excellent pictures without the crowds!
Address: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n
Royal Palace
As one of the largest royal residences in Europe, it’s no wonder why Madrid’s Royal Palace is Instagram gold. While the Royal Family doesn’t actually call the stately palace home, they still use it ceremoniously for important events. Photography is strictly restricted in most of the interior areas of the palace. However, while the inside certainly merits a visit, you can get your photo fix from the outside! The exterior of the building, with its grandiose architecture and luxurious touches, will look spectacular through your lens—no filter needed!
Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n
Crystal Palace in Retiro Park
As one of Europe’s greenest capitals, Madrid features many peaceful parks where you can snap some photos as you stroll. The most famous, Retiro Park, is an especially tranquil glass palace built right in the middle of the lush green gardens. On Madrid’s more than 300 sunny days per year, the sunlight reflects off of the glass panels in a way that’s practically magical. For even more unique photos, grab a shot of one of the unique exhibitions inside the small but beautiful structure.
Address: Paseo República de Cuba, 4
A bustling tapas bar
Without a doubt, Madrid’s food scene is second to none! Some of the most Instagrammable places in Madrid are the city’s busy, vibrant tapas bars that have drawn locals for generations. Whether you find yourself in a no-frills bar frequented by abuelos or the hottest new gastropub, Madrid’s tapas bars are a true feast for all five senses. Additionally, there’s no shame in Instagramming a picture of your food here—we’ve all done it!
