El Pilar Travel Guide
Madrid
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.
National 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.
El Retiro Park
Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.
Things to do
Madrid City Tour – Hop On Hop Off Bus
Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace
Big Bus Madrid Hop-on, Hop-off Open-top Sightseeing Bus Tour
Skip-the-Line Access and Guided Visit to Prado Museum
Go City: Madrid All-Inclusive Pass with 20+ attractions, tours and museums
Top hotels in El Pilar
Hotel Riu Plaza España
My family and visited Madrid for my Father in law's 75th birthday. The RIU Plaza Espana was the perfect hotel, the location was in the heart of central Madrid with easy access to shopping, restaurants and landmarks. The experience was remarkable. From the doorman greeting you as you walk in, the ...
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Novotel Madrid Center
We had a great stay at Novotel Madrid Centre. The location is very convenient, the room was clean, and the staff were all friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Hotel Regina
The staff in the restaurant were not very friendly but everything else was great!
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Live It Gran Via
The Gran Vía location has charm, and the price looks appealing. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. We weren’t told at or before check-in about a €10 cash-only deposit for the fan remote — no air conditioning, just a fan. Arriving late with no cash meant a sweaty first night and an ATM ...
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Best hotel in Madrid!! Great location, comfortable rooms and beautiful decorations.
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
Only YOU Hotel Atocha
A great boutique hotel with a great breakfast and room service
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
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 Calle de la Princesa 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.
