Popular places to visit
Gran Via
Madrid’s famous shopping strip has boutiques and international brands, an exciting nightlife and an impressive display of early 20th-century architecture.
Bernabéu Stadium
Cheer on the superstar players of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the colossal 81,000-capacity stadium.
Plaza Mayor
This square has seen everything from markets and public celebrations to bullfights and executions. Today you’ll find street performers, artists and plenty of shops.
Puerta del Sol
Stand at the very center of Madrid and feel the buzz as thousands of people meet and greet before a night out, gather for protests, or start out on a tour of the city.
Prado Museum
An art museum to rival the Louvre or the British National Gallery, this is the place to see some of the finest art Europe has to offer.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.
Things to do
Big Bus Madrid Hop-on, Hop-off Open-top Sightseeing Bus Tour
Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas
Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour with expert guide
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace
Essential Flamenco: Pure Flamenco Show in the Heart of Madrid
Top hotels in El Pilar
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Staff very courteous, room clean and quiet, rain shower is spectacular, and breakfast is delicious (one of the best I ever had). My only suggestion for future guests is not to rent a car if you’re going to visit Madrid. The streets are not easy to drive, you can end up with an accident or a fine ...
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Hotel Regina
Yes, the room is kept and cleaned daily.
Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025
Novotel Madrid Center
Great hotel
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
Hard Rock Hotel Madrid
The room was spotless, and the check-in process was effortless. This was the fifth hotel that I stayed at during my European vacation, and it was by far the best experience out of them all. It was a great way to end my trip.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Very nice hotel, clean,
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Hotel Emperador
Very clean, nice staff great breakfast. Everything in point
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around El Pilar
Chamartín
Travellers choose Chamartín for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Colombia Station or Concha Espina Station and check out top sights like Bernabéu Stadium.
Chamberí
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Chamberí. If sightseeing is on the list, Calle de la Princesa is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Islas Filipinas Station or Quevedo Station to see more of the area.
Almagro
While you're in Almagro, take in top sights like Sorolla Museum or Paseo de la Castellana, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Ruben Dario Station or Gregorio Maranon Station.
Malasaña
Museums, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Malasaña. Make a stop by Gran Via or Manuela Malasaña while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Noviciado Station or San Bernardo Station to get around town.
Salamanca
Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and Golden Mile. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.
Recoletos
Travellers choose Recoletos for its fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station and check out top sights like National Archaeological Museum.
