Map of Madrid

The map of Madrid reveals a city designed around open plazas, structured boulevards, and walkable neighborhoods that transition smoothly from one character to another. Understanding the city’s layout helps travelers navigate more confidently, choose where to stay, and plan efficient routes for visiting landmarks, museums, parks, and dining areas. Madrid’s map is not only a tool for orientation—it reflects how the city’s history and geography shaped its modern identity.

For a broader introduction to the city’s culture, history and social rhythm, you can explore the About Madrid guide.

How Madrid Is Organized

Madrid’s urban structure combines a medieval core, 19th-century boulevards, and newer districts, creating a cityscape that feels both historic and contemporary. The central area is compact and clearly defined: major attractions, plazas, and museums cluster within a walkable radius, making the city easier to explore than many European capitals of similar size.

Most travelers use the city map around three reference points:

• Puerta del Sol – geographic and symbolic center of Madrid
• Gran Vía – main commercial and architectural boulevard
• Retiro Park – major green space anchoring the eastern side of the center

Key Districts on the Map

Madrid’s map divides naturally into distinct zones, each with its own atmosphere and landmarks. Understanding these districts helps travelers develop a realistic route plan for each day.

Sol & Gran Vía

This central zone appears as the densest cluster on Madrid’s map. Streets radiate outward from Puerta del Sol, connecting shopping areas, historic squares, and major transit hubs.

• Main highlights: Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor
• Map characteristics: Grid-like sections mixed with older medieval lanes

La Latina & Austrias

Located southwest of Sol, this district shows tight medieval street patterns. On the map, you’ll notice smaller blocks and irregular shapes—evidence of Madrid’s earliest foundations.

• Main highlights: La Latina bars, Cava Baja, Sunday market areas

Retiro & Paseo del Prado

This eastern side of the map is dominated by green space and grand cultural institutions. Retiro Park is one of the easiest features to spot on any Madrid map due to its large footprint.

• Main highlights: Retiro Park, Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza
• Map characteristics: Wide avenues, structured grid, spacious layout

Malasaña & Chueca

North of Gran Vía, these two districts appear as a compact, organized grid. Their central location makes them a key connection point between major streets and plazas.

• Main highlights: Independent shops, cafés, nightlife streets

Salamanca

This upscale district stands out on the map for its grid-like structure and wide streets. It lies northeast of the historic center and offers a spacious, elegant urban design.

• Main highlights: Luxury boutiques, refined dining, elegant boulevards

Major Landmarks to Locate on the Map

Madrid’s landmarks are concentrated within a surprisingly small area, making route planning easy. Identifying them on the map helps you visualize walking distances and understand how the city connects.

• Royal Palace of Madrid – southwest of Sol, near the green area of Sabatini Gardens
• Almudena Cathedral – directly adjacent to the Royal Palace
• Prado Museum – on the eastern cultural axis near Retiro Park
• Cibeles Square – iconic roundabout at the meeting point of major avenues
• Gran Vía – a central line stretching west to east across the core
• Retiro Park – large rectangular green area on the right side of most maps

To explore these locations through curated experiences, the Things to Do in Madrid guide is a helpful next step.

Using the Madrid Metro Map

The metro is one of the easiest ways to move between districts, and most navigation apps integrate its lines seamlessly. On the metro map:

• Line 1 (Light Blue): Connects Sol, Gran Vía, and Atocha
• Line 2 (Red): Passes through Sol and Opera
• Line 10 (Dark Blue): Useful for reaching central hubs and stadiums
• Line 8 (Pink): Connects the city to the airport

For full transportation planning and advice on tickets, you can review the Madrid Transportation Guide.

Where to Stay on the Map

Madrid offers a variety of accommodations across central districts. When viewing the city map for hotel selection, consider:

• Sol / Gran Vía: Best for first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere
• Salamanca: Quiet, upscale, and ideal for refined dining
• Malasaña / Chueca: Creative, lively, and central
• Retiro: Near parks and museums, excellent for slower-paced trips

Once hotel planning is complete, the Madrid Fast Facts page provides practical essentials for final travel preparation.

Quick Orientation Tip