I wrote this original post back in 2017, but recently updated it for 2020 to share my favorite Madrid Instagram spots and photo locations! I also just started a NEW Instagram account dedicated solely to Madrid: @MyMadridGuide ❤️ So if you’re traveling to Madrid soon, live here, or simply want some photo/food inspo- check it out!
Have I mentioned lately that I’m head over heels for Madrid….? No!? Well let me tell you again …..
Madrid is one seriously beautiful city, inside and out. And on my recent trip a few weeks ago, I couldn’t wait to revisit some of my favorite Madrid photo spots to capture and share some of this city’s beauty.
As you probably already know, I’m a bit of an Instagram addict. It’s no secret that it’s my preferred form of social media and, really, can you blame me? I’m all about visuals and love feeding my wanderlust through my Insta-feed.
So, if you’re anything like me, AKA the type of person that likes to plan your trips around some photo ops, this guide to Madrid is for you!
Many of the following photos were taken by my friends, and super talented photographers, Andrea & Giovanni of The Cultural Streets. ❤️ They help me out when I don’t have friends, or my reluctant “Instagram boyfriend,” around to snap some shots- and they have a truly local eye for Madrid. If you’re looking for some photo help while visiting this city, don’t hesitate to contact them!
Here are my top Madrid Instagram spots:
Madrid Instagram Spots #1 & 2: Retiro Park and the Puerta de Alcalá
You can find Parque del Buen Retiro right near the center of Madrid! Take a short stroll through Retiro and you’ll pass a picturesque lake, various luscious green gardens and Madrid’s stunning glass palace, the Palacio de Cristal.
There are endless photo opportunities in this park, and every time you visit, you’re sure to discover something new. It’s also easy to capture incredible photos here, as Retiro’s incredibly scenic setting does all the hard work for you!
?Retiro Park Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, Barrio Salamanca
While visiting Retiro, don’t miss a chance to hop right outside of the park and take advantage of another Madrid Instagram spot: the Puerta de Alcalá. This Neo-classical monument is located in the Plaza de la Independencia and is one of the first modern post-Roman arcs built in Europe! It’s even older than the infamous Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin!
This gate is usually adorned with flowers around it, and makes the perfect backdrop for a photo opt!
Madrid Instagram Spot #3: The Malasaña Neighborhood
If you’re asking me (which you kind of are if you’re reading this post), Malasaña is Madrid’s most captivating neighborhood. Each and every narrow colorful street is entirely different and you never know what you’ll come across.
Browse through some of Malasaña’s many alternative thrift shops and high-end boutiques or simply wander around and experience the neighborhood’s laid-back hipster vibes. Sooner or later you’re bound to stumble across a photo op.
?Locations of interest and super photo-genic Instagram spots in Madrid’s Malasaña:
- Libros para un Mundo Mejor, Calle del Espíritu Santo, 13.
- Plaza Dos de Mayo
- Tribunal plaza and the Museo de Historia de Madrid
- Plaza de San Ildefonso
- Tienda Tompai (with the blue photo wall below), Calle de la Palma, 18
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?Photo by The Cultural Streets.
Madrid Instagram Spot #4: Madrid’s Scenic Rooftops
Madrid’s low-level buildings and mountainous backdrop make for a pretty jaw-dropping scene. If you’re able to get up high, there aren’t many buildings to block your view, and you’re in for one hell of a vista. If you’re looking to snap a photo with a backdrop that seems to go on forever, head up to one of the following rooftops near sunset for some picture-perfect moments.
?My favorite Instagram-worthy Madrid rooftops:
- Hotel RIU Plaza España, Plaza de España
- Círculo de Bellas Artes “Tartan Roof,” Calle de Alcalá, 42
- Terrace at Room Mate Hotel Oscar, Plaza de Vázquez de Mella, 12
- Terrace at Hotel de Las Letras, Calle Gran Vía, 11
- 9th floor of Corte Inglés in Callao, Plaza de Callao, 2
- Palacio de Cibeles, Plaza Cibeles, 1
Madrid Instagram Spot #5: Templo De Debod
Watching a sunset at Templo de Debod and catching a glimpse of it’s majestic mirror-like reflections should be on every traveler’s bucket list. I’ve seen this scene way over a dozen times now and yet, it still gives me goosebumps.
**Important Note: Since writing this post, there is no longer water in the moat surrounding the Templo De Debod. I’m not sure when it will be refilled. Check current photos on Instagram for realistic expectations before heading to this spot for a photo.
?Templo de Debod Location: Calle Ferraz, 1
Instagram Spot #6: Mercado de San Miguel
Not only is Madrid’s famed San Miguel Market bursting to the brim with juicy, drool-worthy produce and traditional Spanish treats, but the building itself is pretty darn impressive! It’s a Madrid classic, located in the center of the city, and a must-visit on any trip to Madrid!
?Mercado de San Miguel Location: Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid center
Madrid Instagram Spot #7: Puerta del Sol
At all hours, Madrid’s Puerta del Sol is a bustling place to be. Swarming with tourists, performers and locals themselves, it’s a perfect place to take a seat and take in the surrounding scene. It is also home to so many Madrid highlights including Tio Pepe, KM 0, the “Oso y el Madroño” statue and of course, the infamous Mallorquina pastry shop!
Instagram Spot #8: Madrid’s Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s main pedestrian square, lined by bold brick buildings and elegant archways. It’s a lovely place to linger a while and snap, snap, snap away!
*TIP: if you want to capture a photo like the one below, be sure to get to the Plaza Mayor EARLY. As a main Madrid tourist attraction, this plaza is known to get very crowded. Still, if you get here early, the only other life in the plaza are vendors completing their daily deliveries.
Madrid Instagram Spot #9: Madrid’s Many Adorable & Picturesque Cafés
There’s nothing more Madrileño then kicking back and taking your time to enjoy a creamy “café con leche” in a quaint, vintage café. It helps that Madrid’s cafés are particularly charming and incredibly photo-worthy. There are SO many to choose from, and new cafés popping up everyday, but some of my favorites are:
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- Café de la Luz- Calle Puebla, 8
- Bicicleta- Plaza de San Ildefonso, 9
- Toma Café-Calle de la Palma, 49
- Salon Des Fleurs- Calle de Guzmán el Bueno, 106
Where do you go usually go to capture the perfect Instagram shot? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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If you’re heading to Madrid- be sure to check out Devour Madrid Tours! I’m a big fan of exploring a new place through my tastebuds- I mean is there really any better way to get a true feel for a new culture? These local experts will take you off the beaten path to experience the best of Spanish culture and cuisine. I used to intern for them, and could not recommend their tours enough!
These are all lovely spots for some beautiful pictures!! 🙂 #WanderfulWednesday
Fantastic pics. I love the market, the rooftop view and the sunset in the square. You look like you are having a fantastic time and your love for Madrid really comes across. Viva Espana! Thanks for hosting #WanderfulWednesday
I didn’t have Instagram when I visited Madrid in 2010 but I agree with all of your suggestions:) #wanderfulwednesday
I’ve only spent a couple of hours in Madrid during a layover, but I have to return for more!! #wanderfulwednesday
Swoon… so many InstaWorthy spots! I need to get to Madrid, and Spain in general! I almost went but my boyfriend took too long to get back to me and my fare lock expired 🙁
I know that these are fantastic instagrammable spots, but your photos are always so lovely and vibrant and so well framed, they always take my breath away. #wanderfulwednesday
Sadly I’ve never been to Madrid!! :'( It looks so beautiful, thank you for taking us with you on your travels, so those of us who live soooooo far away can enjoy it through your pictures!! 🙂
I’ve been loving all of your pictures of Madrid, and you can really tell that you love the city! I think that first place that I’d head to is Retiro Park! Those gardens are just so beautiful!
I was just in Madrid! And it SNOWED!!! I love your rooftop list – we went to the roof to Urban Hotel and they had a great view too!
No doubt Madrid is super scenic. This one of my favorite cities in the entire world. I have hit a lot of the main spots. Next time, I want to go deeper into the barrios. And, of course, I want to hit as many markets as possible. #wanderfulwednesday
gorgeous shots! I sadly didn’t make it to Madrid when I visited Spain in college, but I hope to add it to my itinerary whenever I make it back! I always love people’s rooftop shots but wonder how the heck they get up there? [also just realized my trip to Spain was in 2004 and I am OLD]
Truly the ultimate encyclopedia of Madrid insta spots! I have a few from Retiro park. I also think the Lava Pieds (no clue if that’s spelled right but I only remember the name because my friend said it’s translated to “washing feet”) neighborhood is great for insta as it’s full of street art!
I remember seeing pictures of Malasaña on the other Courtney’s blog and thought it was so cute!!
I also loved Madrid. Your shots are really lovely, I see why they do well on Instagram. What a great idea to imbed your instragram images here.
So many great photos! I think my favourite from this list is the one from San Miguel Market, but so hard to choose!
Madrid is so picturesque! I wish I can take pictures from these spots someday too. You have totally convinced me that Madrid is worth visiting! And you seriously take the best instagram pictures too! Do you get someone to take a photo of you or do you do it with a timer?
Just another reason why I need to visit Madrid, seriously! If only it wasn’t so far from Santiago!!
This is great! Us bloggers always need to know the instagram spots and the best rooftops!!
Gorgeous shots! I have a few of these but I think I need to go back to snap some more… and I guess eat allllllll the tapas!