To stand out on Instagram it is no longer enough to visit and upload the most emblematic places in a city.
Yes, they are important and well-known, but what’s different about your photos compared to the hundreds of people who are uploading similar ones at the same time as you? Well, that’s where we come in.
We are going to talk about places and corners of Madrid that may be well known, or not so well known, but that have a special charm or a special story that makes them different.
As special and different as your Instagram account, which will be glad you read this post.
Madrid of influencers, the most famous places on Instagram
It’s true that you have to take into account the time of year. Obviously a location can be more popular during the winter than during the summer, for example, but here we are going to introduce you to locations that keep their charm all year round.
Let’s start with the must-see locations. Not to upload a photo of these places is to doubt that you have set foot on Madrid soil. So let’s start with the greatest hits and discover new places little by little.
Puerta de Alcalá
When they dedicate a song to you, which becomes the anthem of the whole city, that monument must appear on your visit route and in your gallery of uploaded photos.
Designed by the eternal Francesco Sabatini, it was one of the ancient gates that gave access to the city. If you are curious about the reason for its name, the Puerta de Alcalá is so called because although it gave access to the city of Madrid, in the opposite direction it led to Alcalá de Henares.
Plaza Mayor
One of the most photogenic and photographed places in the capital. Its terraced interior, the reddish colour of the façade of the buildings inside and its impressive dimensions make it a true urban oasis.
A must-see, a photo that must be taken, whether at sunset, of the Casa de la Panadería, the statue of Felipe II or of yourself enjoying a squid sandwich and a cold beer.
Gran Vía
Wherever you are from, wherever you come from, you know Gran Vía perfectly well. And surely if you close your eyes you can see a perfect picture of one of the most famous avenues in the whole country.
If you are a film buff, you will surely remember the empty Gran Vía in Eduardo Noriega’s film ‘Abre los ojos’ (Open your eyes). That image is going to be almost impossible to reproduce so you can upload it to Insta, but you will surely find a new approach to the most popular avenue in Madrid.
What’s more, Gran Vía will take you to other emblematic places in the capital, not to mention the best theatres and musicals in the city, as well as cafés and bars that are as iconic as they are original.
Buildings in Gran Vía
Let’s get going and show you some, just some, of the fantastic places that Gran Vía has to offer. We start with a building that has the location of Madrid; the Edificio Metrópolis.
Between Calle Alcalá and Gran Vía, the Metrópolis Building rises majestically, elegantly, as part of Madrid’s millenary history. Inaugurated in 1911, its dome with the winged Victory at the top is a symbol of the city.
We stroll along Gran Vía and further on we come across another film building; the Edificio Capitol, also known as Carrión or Schweppes. That last word has surely given you the definitive clue as to which one it is. Its Schweppes sign is as well known as La Cibeles.
In the daily lives of the people of Madrid since 1972, the Schweppes sign has remained in the collective memory since Álex de la Iglesia’s film The Day of the Beast. The photo from Gran Vía is the usual one, but the angle you have from the Gourmet Club of El Corte Inglés in Plaza de Callao is spectacular.
Palacio Real
An obligatory stop and visit in the Spanish capital, and another photo you can’t miss. And if you go to the Royal Palace, a visit to the Almudena Cathedral is unavoidable. And if you want the perfect spot for the photo that will be a hit on your Instagram, stop by the Mirador de la Cornisa.
But of course, Madrid is full of charming and historic spots, because if you’ve been to the Royal Palace, you have to stop by and immortalise the Jardines de Sabatini, the Plaza de la Armería and the Plaza de Oriente.
By the way, the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace is on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Take a look at their website, because there are some exceptions such as public holidays and those from July to September.
El Retiro
Retiro Park is Madrid. If you’re in Madrid and you don’t have a photo in the pond, have you even been to Madrid? But not everything in the Retiro is the pond. There is another place in the Retiro that begs to be part of your photo gallery.
Actually there are many, such as the Fuente del Ángel Caído or the Palacio de Velázquez, but what we came here for is to take a picture of the Palacio de Cristal as the sun sets. Wonderful.
This iron structure is one of the Reina Sofía Museum’s headquarters, so as well as being beautiful on the outside, inside you’ll have temporary exhibitions with the most transgressive works. Something your followers will be delighted to see.
Parque de las Siete Tetas | Cerro del Tío Pío
We continue with the parks and we go to the hills of the Cerro del Tío Pío. The seven hills are what give it the nickname of the park of the seven tits. The skyline of Madrid will be in front of you as if it were a freshly painted picture.
You will be able to see the famous four towers and the telecommunications tower Torrespaña known as ‘El Pirulí’. If that’s not an impressive picture of Madrid and its sky, you tell me what is.
Parque de El Capricho
In the district of Barajas we have one of the most beautiful parks in Madrid, full of photos waiting to be taken; sculptures with references to mythology, a labyrinth, the Casa de la Vieja or the Templete de Baco are just some of the monuments and corners with a very special charm.
Be careful, because it is only open at weekends and on public holidays. Visiting this park is not as popular as the other places and monuments we have seen, which will make your photos more popular and unique than the rest.
Parque de la Quinta de la Fuente del Berro
You can’t miss it. Look for the Pirulí in the sky over Madrid, and head towards it, the Quinta de la Fuente del Berro Park is practically at its feet. It’s a historic park, with a lot of life and a history that you’re sure to capture in a fantastic photo.
A natural water paradise with waterfalls and ponds. It has a very particular natural beauty, it seems that you take a trip to the past as soon as you set foot in this park. Highly recommended photos.
Jardines SGAE
From large parks to a small garden in the Palacio de Longoria, in the heart of Madrid. This is where the SGAE has its offices and one of the most beautiful interior gardens in the city.
A corner that not everyone knows about and which, as well as being unique, hosts temporary exhibitions to give an even more special touch to a fantastic place, worthy of being on your Instagram.
Madrid Río
Madrid river deserves to appear on Instagram for many reasons. You can choose one or all of them, but you have to visit the letters with the name of Madrid and the symbol of the capital; the Bear and the Strawberry Tree.
Immortalise from here the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral with breathtaking views, as well as the Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande. And, of course, don’t forget to visit the beach. Yes, you read that right. Show the world what Madrid’s beach is like at Madrid Río.
Templo de Debod
Another place that begs for a photo. Right in the centre, it’s a magical place to watch the sunsets. But if you want to watch the sun go down from a privileged vantage point, and for all your Instagram followers to enjoy, head to the Mirador del Parque de la Montaña, right next to the Temple of Debod.
Círculo de Bellas Artes
Did someone say viewpoint? Privileged views? Let’s go there. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but we’ll bring you the essential ones, the best ones. In addition to the Mirador del Parque de la Montaña, one of our favourite spots is the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Don’t just visit it for its works of art and its dynamic cultural centre atmosphere, for 4€ you can go up to its terrace and enjoy incredible views of the centre of Madrid. Afternoon and evening are the best times for a memorable photo.
Hotel Riu Plaza España
What a rooftop they have set up on the terrace of this hotel, although the best thing is not that, but the glass walkway they have built. For a price of no more than 10€ you’ll be able to walk through the air, literally, and have 360º panoramic views of Madrid. Not suitable for those with vertigo, although you’ll get a photo that’s well worth it.