Looking for the best Madrid Instagram spots? You’ve come to the right place!
With grand tree-lined boulevards, stunning historical landmarks, and bustling outdoor cafes, the Spanish capital is full of opportunities to capture incredible photos.
I had so much fun exploring the city, camera in hand, looking to discover its most picturesque locations on during my solo travels in Madrid.
From pretty cafes to majestic palaces and cool street art, let’s dive in to this list of the most Instagrammable spots in Madrid!
How to Get Professional Photos
If you really want to up your Instagram game, book time with a professional photographer! This photography tour is an affordable way to get a shareable souvenir that you’ll get to keep forever.
The Best Madrid Instagram Spots
Without further ado, let’s dive in to the top Instaworthy spots of Madrid!
The Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and one of the most most magical places in Madrid. With over 3,400 rooms and ornate gardens, it just might be the most Instagrammable place in Madrid. Don’t miss the stately Royal Armoury and the stunning porcelain room.
Royal Botanical Garden
The Real Jardín Botánico, right next to the Prado Museum, is one of the most beautiful gardens. It features a large collection of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world. The lush greenery and colorful blooms provide an idyllic backdrop for nature photography and posing for the feed.
Tip: Visit in the spring or summer when the garden is in full bloom for some seriously beautiful photos.
Retiro Park
Retiro Park is a vast and beautiful green space in the heart of Madrid, with a large lake, numerous sculptures, and even a Crystal Palace! Rent a rowboat on the lake (or pose in front of it) for unique and romantic shots.While Park Retiro is gorgeous year-round, it’s really something to see in the autumn when the leaves turn red and gold in the Spanish sunlight. An afternoon here is one of the most memorable things to do in Madrid in the fall.
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Crystal Palace
Located in Retiro Park, the Palacio de Cristal is a stunning glass and steel structure originally built in 1887. No trip is complete without a stop here! The reflective surfaces and dreamy art installations will make you feel like you’re lost in a fairy tale.
#1 MISTAKE TO AVOID IN MADRID
It’s no secret that my favorite way to enjoy Spain’s incredible food culture is through a food tour. However, booking a tour without doing careful research would be a huge mistake!
So many travelers book food tours in Spain, not realizing that they can’t count on paella to be on every menu. But it can be so time-consuming to sort through the dozens of different tour offerings!
That’s why I created this Ultimate Madrid Tapas Tour Guide based on my own experiences to help you find a tour perfectly suited to your interests! You can choose between wine-focused tours, cooking classes, or even book a combined flamenco and tapas experience.
Gran Vía
Known as Madrid’s version of Broadway, this bustling street is lined with theaters, shops, restaurants, and some of the city’s most iconic buildings. It’s a great location for capturing the energy of Madrid through street photography or architectural shots. Don’t miss shots of Schweppes, Telefónica and Edificio Carrión.
Circulo de Bellas Artes
This cultural center on Gran Via offers Instagrammers panoramic views from its rooftop bar and terrace. Don’t miss your chance to capture the city’s stunning skyline from one of the best views in Madrid. It will come as no surprise that golden hour and sunset are some of the best (and most popular) times to visit. Definitely worth the crowd!
Edificio Metropolis
Also located on Gran Via, this ornate building is a must-see for its impressive facade and intricate details.
Plaza Mayor
One of Madrid’s largest, most historic, and most popular squares, Plaza Mayor is surrounded by picturesque, uniform buildings with lovely frescoes. With sheer symmetry and quaint cafes, it’s great for both photos and people watching. Tip: You’ll want to visit early in the morning to get this place all to yourself.
READ NEXT: 23 Memorable Things To Do In Madrid, Spain
Temple of Debod
The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid’s Parque del Oeste. Interestingly, the temple was actually gifted to the city by the Egyptian government, but the structure was first built in the 2nd century.
Mercado San Miguel
Mercado San Miguel is a historic covered market serving up tons of colorful Spanish delicacies. Its pretty food and charming architecture provide plenty of photo opps, especially for foodies!
READ NEXT: 20 Amazing Things to Eat at Mercado San Miguel
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is another of Madrid’s most famous and busiest squares, known for the iconic clock and the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. The diverse mix of tourists, locals, and historic structures make it perfect for dynamic street photography.
El Oso y el Madroño
This famous statue, located in Puerta del Sol, depicts a bear eating berries from a strawberry tree and is an iconic, historic symbol of Madrid. Its unique and recognizable design makes it a favorite spot for tourists and photographers alike.
Parque de las Siete Tetas
Located just outside the city center, this park offers stunning views of Madrid’s skyline. It’s a popular spot to relax and enjoy the cityscape and has some pretty dramatic lighting at both sunset and sunrise.
Chueca Neighborhood
Known as Madrid’s LGBTQ+ district, this neighborhood is full of colorful streets, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culture. It’s a great Instagram spot for capturing the diversity and inclusive spirit of Madrid. Tip: Visit during Pride in July for even more vibrant and celebratory photo opportunities.
READ NEXT: The 16 Most Instagrammable Places in Seville
CaixaForum Museum
It’s hard to pass up the chance to photograph a collection of over 15,000 plants growing on a vertical surface… without soil! The iconic vertical garden is one of the world’s largest and is reason enough to visit, but make sure to check out the other exhibits while you’re here.
Malasaña
This trendy neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe, street art, and eclectic mix of shops and cafes. A great place to get lost, I could’ve spent all day exploring the narrow streets to find hidden murals and quirky storefronts for unique shots.
Plaza de Cibeles
This iconic square has a grand fountain and stunning architecture. It’s a popular location for both tourists and photographers and is one of my favorite Madrid Instagram spots.
Love Instagrammable places? Check out these beautiful cities:
- Lisbon: Between the fairy-tale-like Sintra palaces and narrow streets of the Alfama, you’ll never run out of Instagram spots in Lisbon.
- Seville: If regal photography is your thing, head to Andalusia where you’ll find some of the most beautiful palaces in Spain! The Royal Alcazar is by far one of the most Instagrammable places in Seville!
- Porto: Every city in Portugal is filled with viewpoints and this northern city is no exception. The views at each Porto miradouro make up some of the most unforgettable Porto Instagram spots.
Mercado de Motores
This vintage flea market held in an old train station offers plenty of photo opportunities with its unique vendors, colorful displays, and fun atmosphere.
Puerta de Alcalá
Puerta de Alcalá is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. The monumental gate in Plaza de la Independencia is a great example of the city’s neoclassical architecture.
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Almudena Cathedral
Located next to the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral is a gorgeous church that blends neo-Gothic, neo-Romanesque, and neo-Classical architectural styles.
Puente Monumental De Arganzuela
This modern bridge, designed by Dominique Perrault, spans the Manzanares River and is known for its unique spiral design and metallic structure. I haven’t been able to make it here yet, but it’s on my list for my next trip to Madrid.
Longoria Palace
Another of the most beautiful palaces in Spain, Longoria Palace, a striking example of Spanish modernist architecture, is distinguished by its elaborate facade and unique details.
El Rastro Flea Market
El Rastro is the largest and most popular open-air flea market in Madrid. Joining the locals in this weekly ritual is one of the coolest things to do alone in Madrid. Not only is it great for shopping for almost any good your heart desires, but it’s also a chance to participate in authentic Madrinleno culture. Locals gather at the flea market each weekend to shop, socialize and, of course, eat tapas.
Rosaleda del Parque del Oeste
Madrid’s Rose Garden is home to over 20,000 rose bushes from around the world. Its beautifully arranged flowerbeds and pretty pathways create a visually stunning setting perfect. Tip: Visit during May and June when the roses are at their peak bloom for the most colorful and fragrant photos.
READ NEXT: 12 Incredible Destinations to Visit in Spain
Edificio España (Hotel Riu)
Edificio España, now home to the Hotel Riu, is a prominent skyscraper with distinctive art deco design. Towering over the city, I was blown away by the views from the hotel’s rooftop terrace.
El Prado Museum
The Prado Museum, located in the heart of Madrid, is one of the most renowned art museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of European art dating from the 12th to the early 20th century.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid, one of the most successful football clubs in the world. The stadium’s impressive modern design and the energy of the venue on match days make it a vibrant location for dynamic sports photography, and, of course, phone selfies.
Reina Sofia Museum
The Reina Sofia Museum is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Madrid, known for its captivating modern and contemporary art collections. The stunning architecture, which blends historic features with modern designs, provides a unique backdrop for photos, particularly the glass elevator and courtyard.
Atocha Train Station
Atocha Train Station is Madrid’s largest railway station, renowned for its picturesque indoor tropical garden. The lush greenery and the natural light streaming through the station’s large, arched windows make it a striking and serene setting for photos.
Most Instagrammable Restaurants & Cafes In Madrid
Spanish food is picturesque enough on its own. Throw in Madrid’s prettiest restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops, the photo opps are endless.
Salvador Bachiller’s Secret Garden
An enchanting escape in the heart of Madrid, Salvador Bachiller’s Secret Garden combines sophisticated elegance with lush greenery. I never wanted to leave this hidden rooftop gem and its beautiful view, adorned with exquisite flowers, and neither will you!
Habanera Colon
Habanera is a Cuban restaurant that carries the exotic charm of Old Havana with its vibrant colors, floral prints, and rattan furniture. The restaurant also has a glamorous courtyard filled with potted palm trees and hanging ferns, ripe with photo opps.
Salon des Fleurs
Salón des Fleurs is a captivating flower-pastry-gift shop in Madrid, selling flowers, food, and floral workshops. If you’re in search of a memorable venue with a picturesque ambiance, this is your spot.
Amazónico
A jungle-themed restaurant with hanging palms, exotic plants, lush jungle prints, a leafy courtyard and a rotating sushi bar. You really can’t go wrong here.
Toma Café
Located on Calle de Palma, Toma Cafe is a hip coffee shop with Instagrammable toasts (avocado and black sesame, goat cheese and strawberry), natural wines, and specialty coffee from small producers around the globe. As yummy as it is picturesque.
BEST CAR RENTAL IN SPAIN
Most cities in Spain are easy to get around without a car, but if you want to take a day trip or roadtrip, I highly recommend Discover Cars.
They search both local and international companies so you get the very best deal. Plus, booking in advance can save you up to 50%!
The Most Beautiful Streets In Madrid
Madrid is filled with some of the most picturesque streets, each offering its own unique charm and character.
Calle de Cava Baja
This charming cobblestone street in the La Latina neighborhood is lined with tapas bars and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The lively atmosphere, unique architecture, and delicious food make it a great location for street photography.
Calle de la Palma
Calle de la Palma is a vibrant street located in the Malasaña district, known for its artistic flair and lively atmosphere. It features an array of quirky shops, street art, and bustling cafes that make it an excellent spot for capturing the essence of Madrid’s bohemian side.
More Instagrammable Streets In Madrid
- Calle de Espejo: Zigzagging street near the Opera house full of colorful buildings.
- Calle Victoria: Beautiful, historic street next to Puerta del Sol, full of bars and restaurant.
- Calle de las Huertas: Charming street in Barrio de las Letras full of broznze engravings of historic authors signatures.
- Calle del Codo: Captivating street with an old, medieval vibe.
The Best Street Art In Madrid
Madrid has tons of art museums so it makes sense that it’s also adorned with colorful, vibrant street art. Below are some of the must-see spots that highlight the best of Madrid’s urban artistry.
La Tabacalera
Located in the Lavapiés neighborhood, La Tabacalera is a cultural center that was once a tobacco factory. It now serves as a vibrant space for artistic expression, hosting exhibitions and cultural events. The walls are covered with striking mural paintings, making it a hotspot for street art enthusiasts. Renowned artists, including Spain’s Okuda, have showcased their talent here.
Chimpancé
This striking mural, created by Okuda San Miguel and Bordalo II, showcases a vibrant, geometrically patterned chimpanzee that seems to leap off the wall. Okuda’s signature bold colors and intricate shapes blend seamlessly with Bordalo’s unique use of recycled materials. The chimpanzee is crafted from a variety of salvaged items, including scrap metal and old car parts.
Madrid Instagram Captions
Here’s some inspiration for the perfect caption to go with your Instagram shots.
- Sippin’ sangria under the Spanish sun.
- You can leave Madrid, but it will never leave you.
- “Madrid is full of literature, poetry and music on all four sides, so much so that she is a literary character herself.” -Hemingway
- Madrid, mi amor.
- “Madrid seems to be in a hurry to say everything.” –Javier Marías
- Madrid’s on my mind.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN MADRID
- Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Ritz – Belle Époque Palace Overlooking Retiro Park
- Balanced: 7 Islas – Part Hotel, Part Art Gallery, Located Off Gran Vía
- Value: The Hat Hostel – Private or Shared Rooms + Chic Rooftop
How to Get the Best Photos of Madrid
As an experienced photographer and social media professional, I want to start this Madrid Instagram guide with a few tips that will help you get the best photos in the easiest way possible!
- Plan for lighting: Lisbon is known for its beautiful golden light during sunrise and sunset. Plan your shoots during these times for warm, atmospheric lighting. In order to get the best photos possible, look up sunrise and sunset times in advance.
- Get up early: If you want to shoot the most Instagram-worthy places in Lisbon without the crowds, you’ll have to get up and at ‘em, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. This can be hard to do so you could always set aside one early morning and plan to hit a number of spots located close together.
- Use different angles: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different perspectives and angles. Capture wide-angle shots to showcase the city’s grandeur, and try getting close-ups of unique architectural details or street scenes.
- Pay attention to details: Unique Instagram spots in Lisbon may sneak up on you! This city is full of intricate details and colorful facades. Look out for decorative tiles (azulejos), traditional balconies, and street art that can make your photos more visually appealing.
- Experiment with long exposures: If you want to capture dynamic and dreamy photos, try using long exposures, especially during sunset or at night. This technique can create stunning light trails from the city’s trams or smooth out the movement of the Tagus River. It can also help you stand out as the focal point, blurring any crowds around you.
- Be respectful of locals: While capturing photos, be mindful of the local residents and their privacy. Avoid intruding or causing inconvenience to people while taking pictures, especially in residential areas.
- Get photo inspiration from Instagram: Search for your favorite Lisbon Instagram spots on the app and browse photos to get inspiration.
- Wear white or another soft color: I’m a huge fan of white and black clothing, especially when I’m shooting in colorful locations. I prefer for my clothing to complement its surroundings.
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