Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Madrid

Photo Spots in Madrid

One of the most visited cities in Europe, Madrid is an inviting city where old world history and modern charm come together in one beautiful package. Along with captivating spots to take photos in Madrid, the Spanish capital is a traveller’s delight with much to enjoy — tasting local delicacies at Mercado de San Miguel, enjoying tapas at lively eateries and cozy cafes, or shopping at Madrid’s finest shops along Gran Via. No matter what you choose to do, Madrid is a city made for creating unforgettable memories.

Here at ​​Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers in Madrid to show us around the very best spots to take photos. Read on to discover more. 📸

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer. Jah and partner capture their anniversary together in Madrid at Malasaña with a couple photoshoot.

1. Downtown Madrid

As the largest city in Spain, Madrid’s downtown area has many exciting things for visitors to explore and you’ll quickly discover there is no shortage of things to do. At the heart of the city lies Puerta del Sol, a vibrant square where many of the city’s streets meet. This is a fantastic place to start exploring Madrid as many of the city’s top attractions are nearby.

To explore downtown Madrid on foot, start at Puerta del Sol where you can people-watch while taking in gorgeous architecture. From there, head west to San Miguel Market, one of Madrid’s top tourist attractions. The 100-year-old market is an ode to Spanish cuisine and offers fresh ingredients, street food, local delicacies, and much more. 😋

After a delicious market lunch, head to Plaza de Espana, a picturesque square with beautiful greenery and some of Madrid’s tallest buildings. The square marks the beginning of Calle Gran Via, a historic street home to incredible architecture, unique shopping options, fantastic dining and entertainment, and historic buildings, such as the Metropolis Building.

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer.  Jana celebrates a beautiful day in Madrid with a solo photoshoot.

2. Temple of Debod

One of Madrid’s best photo spots, the Temple of Debod — known to locals as Templo de Debod — is a hidden gem. The ancient Egyptian ruins are found in the west side of the city in pretty Parque del Oeste.

The beautiful stone temple is set behind two stone archways atop a serene pond with still waters. Sprawling green grounds surround the temple, including a botanical garden with a vast variety of plants and trees, creating a tranquil scene perfect for an ancient temple. The site of the Temple of Debod is truly spectacular! 😍

While visiting the area, the interior of the temple is well worth exploring too. The walls are covered with hieroglyphics and sculptures can be found throughout the building, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian history. 

The best time to visit the Temple of Debod is just before sunset. You’ll have a breath-taking view of the temple with gorgeous golden hour lighting in the background making it one of the best places to take photos in Madrid. 🌅

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer.  Gwendolyn and family capture memories together in Madrid with a family photoshoot.

3. Art Walk

For those interested in exploring the cultural scene of Madrid, look no further than the Art Walk. A stroll down Paseo del Prado is a unique cultural experience and leads visitors to Madrid’s top museums. 

Stretching over a kilometer, the Art Walk is comprised of world-renowned museums including the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. Many other cultural institutions reside in the area, like Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid’s art and cultural centre where you can watch live theatre performances. 🎭

Madrid’s pride in its arts and culture is evident as you wander through the area. Leafy promenades, ornate fountains, and gorgeous hotels line the street, creating a wonderfully photogenic scene. This is one of the best places to take photos in Madrid as there are countless opportunities to capture the city’s beauty.

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer.  Ellie and family celebrate a graduation in Madrid along the Walk of Art with a family photoshoot.

4. Retiro Park

Formerly a royal retreat, El Retiro Park is now Madrid’s largest public park, popular with locals and visitors alike. Located within the city centre, the 118 hectares of green space has an abundance of beauty. Expect manicured gardens dotted with fountains, sculptures, and architectural monuments — a real feast for the senses. ⛲ The park is also home to various activities each day, from outdoor yoga to puppet shows to live music and more. 

One of the most Instagrammable spots to take photos in Madrid is Estanque Lake near the Puerta de Alcalá entrance. Visitors can rent a small rowboat for a fun way to explore the lake. 🚣 From the water, there is an incredible view of the Monument to Alfonso XII, an awe-inspiring monument with rows of columns and an impressive statue that towers above the lake. This is easily one of the best photo spots in Madrid!

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer.  Hayley and partner capture an anniversary together in Madrid at Retiro Park with a couple photoshoot.

5. El Palacio Real

The Royal Palace of El Pardo, also known as El Palacio Real, was originally a hunting lodge used by Henry IV of Castile during the fifteenth century. Having undergone several renovations, the building has a fresh look complete with bright, clean facades and manicured gardens which are one of the best places to take photos in Madrid. 🌳

Located in the protected area of Real Sitio de El Pardo, El Palacio Real is surrounded by stunning Spanish nature — lush greenery, winding streams, and towering trees. It’s hard to believe such stunning natural beauty is only 30 minutes from downtown Madrid, and even accessible by train!

💡 Travel tip: Those who wish to visit El Palacio Real may only do so via guided tour. Be sure to book in advance!

Photo: Flytographer in Madrid. Trenton and family capture a fun day together in Madrid at the Palacio Real with a family photoshoot.

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6. Malasaña

Malasaña is Madrid’s vibrant and trendy area — perfect for those who want to connect with the city’s artsy culture. Moody bars, lively terraces, vintage shops, trendy cafes, and unique boutiques line the streets of this thriving neighbourhood. It’s the perfect place to explore Madrid’s famous nightlife scene! 💃

If you plan to partake in Malasaña’s buzzing nightlife, start your visit in the afternoon to give yourself time to explore the area. It’s well worth it! The streets are covered in pops of colour, with vibrant street art and brightly hued rowhouses. As you stroll through the area, you’ll quickly understand why this neighbourhood is one of the top Madrid Instagram spots.

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer.  Kenny and partner capture memories together in Madrid at Malasaña with a couple photoshoot.

7. Plaza Mayor

Centrally located near the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s largest community hubs, often used for citywide celebrations. It is also widely regarded as the city’s most beloved square.

Magnificent, rust-toned residential buildings surround the entire border, with their balconies facing toward the square, creating an intimate and inviting vibe. At the base of the buildings are a series of archways, ten of which act as gateways into the square. With the variety of colours and textures found in the architecture, Plaza Mayor makes one of the most excellent spots to take photos in Madrid.

✨ Plaza Mayor is the site of Madrid’s Christmas market each winter. With sparkling lights, handmade decorations, and mulled wine, this is a must-do experience if you visit Madrid in the wintertime.

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer.  Paulette and family celebrate a trip to Madrid with a family photoshoot.

8. La Latina

La Latina is quintessential Madrid where history and modern life collide into one seriously amazing neighbourhood! Built on a medieval fort, this off-the-beaten-path location is the ideal destination for those who enjoy exploring a city through its food. Tapa bars, restaurants, terraces, and cafes line the area, creating the perfect set up for your very own food tour. Enjoy beer on tap, 🍻 mojitos, or Spanish wine 🍷 paired with local classics like churros or ‘huevos estrellados’ — fried eggs paired with local ingredients.

Narrow streets intertwine through the neighbourhood, so take some time to get wonderfully lost. You’ll stumble upon quaint chapels, majestic cathedrals, picturesque alleyways, hidden squares, and much more. If you’re looking for your next great Instagram photo, colourful street art adorns many walls providing a vibrant backdrop for your shot. Visit the Cabada Market, where many street artists have painted the exterior of the market, transforming it into one of the world’s biggest street art murals. 🎨

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer. Taylor celebrates an amazing day in Madrid at La Latina with a solo photoshoot.

9. Sabatini Gardens & the Royal Palace

Constructed in 1738, the Royal Palace of Madrid was once the official residence of the Spanish Royal family. Nowadays, it is used exclusively for receptions, official acts, and state ceremonies. The stately building stretches across Plaza de la Armería, with rows of arches and columns immediately capturing your attention. 🏛️

For those interested in exploring the interior of the palace, both guided and self-guided tours are available, which will explain the history of items found throughout the palace while leading you through beautifully decorated rooms.

No visit to the Royal Palace is complete without seeing Sabatini Gardens! Located in front of the north facade of the Royal Palace, the gardens are some of the most beautiful in Madrid. Carefully designed with a unique geometric layout, the gardens house a large pond, fountains, and marble sculptures amongst the stunning greenery. ⛲ A picture-perfect scene!

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer.  Julia captures their trip to Madrid at the Sabatini Gardens & Royal Palace with a solo photoshoot.

10. Crystal Palace

Located in El Retiro Park, Palacio de Cristal — or Crystal Palace — is a shining example of Madrid’s cast-iron architecture. Originally built as a greenhouse in 1887, Crystal Palace is now owned by the Reine Sofia Museum and is used as a venue to host temporary exhibitions. 🖼️

Standing on the banks of a lake, the structure is composed of a cast-iron frame, glass plates, and ceramic tiles. It’s impressive dome towers over the park, creating a majestic scene perfect for photos. Between the unique architecture and beautiful garden setting, Crystal Palace is one of the best places to take photos in Madrid.

Photo: Julia in Madrid for Flytographer. Sean and partner capture their engagement in Madrid at the Crystal Palace with a proposal photoshoot.

Capturing Memories in Madrid

There’s no doubt about it – Madrid is a captivating destination. No matter what you choose to do, the Spanish capital will leave you awestruck with its stunning landmarks, fascinating historical sites, and gorgeous parks and gardens. From exploring ancient ruins to appreciating the arts and culture scene, you will find there are many things to do and places to take photos in Madrid. Book a Flytographer shoot to capture your memories in this lively city full of personality. ✨