A must-see stop in Madrid, the royal city
The capital of Spain has an incredible cultural wealth. From the museums to the Egyptian temple of Templo de Debod, the Royal Palace and the Puerta del Sol, Madrid has a wealth of treasures that are a must-see! Let yourself be tempted by the restaurants and cafés of the Plaza Mayor, before starting your visit of the city at the Palacio Real.
The Royal Palace, with its impressive Hall of Mirrors
Among the places to visit in Madrid, the Royal Palace is the largest in Western Europe. It is almost twice the size of the Palace of Versailles or Buckingham Palace. Open to the public at all times, it offers guided tours that will amaze young and old alike. Built in the 17th century, this Royal Palace is the official residence of the Spanish kings, although they do not currently live there. You will admire the large reception rooms, collections of paintings and sculptures, and the bedroom of King Charles III. After the guided tour, don't miss a tour of the magnificent gardens that surround the palace. The icing on the cake, or olive on the tapas, is that the guided tour is satisfied or your money back. You'll love it!
The Athenaeum Library, a well-protected jewel
Lovers of reading and beautiful books, this is the place for you! The Athenaeum Library, located at 21 Calle del Prado, is a quiet and soothing place, bathed in the scent of old books and period paintings. You will take a step back in time to the beginning of the 19th century, when the Athenaeum was founded. It is the second-largest library in Spain and also has two exhibition rooms, which have hosted works by Lucio Munoz, Manuel Hernandez Mompo, Marta Cardenas and Antoni Tapies. The interior of the library is also adorned with beautiful frescoes, reproducing the motifs of Greek temples.
El Retiro Park, for romantics
If you love nature and are always wondering what to visit in Madrid, El Retiro Park will be a real treat for you. Designed in the 16th century, this huge park covers no less than 125 hectares and is home to more than 15,000 trees. It is a breath of fresh air in the heart of Madrid, and is a favourite with Madrilenians and tourists alike. El Retiro Park is made up of several gardens, each more bucolic than the last. There is the perennial garden, the rose garden, the gardens of the architect Herrero Palacios and the gardens of Cecilio Rodriguez. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021, El Retiro Park is even home to the city's oldest tree, 400 years old. You can also enjoy sports and cultural activities for all ages: discover canoeing on the large pool, or let yourself be tempted by the puppet theatre or the memory forest.
The Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum
This contemporary art museum is one of the must-see places in Madrid. It is a landmark for lovers of contemporary Spanish art and houses works by Picasso, Miro and Dali. The museum divides its collections into three different itineraries, each one detailing a historical period. You will have the chance to admire one of Pablo Picasso's greatest works, Guernica, painted as a tribute to the victims of the bombing of that village. Located in Atocha, the Reina Sofia Museum stands in front of a neoclassical building, which is worth a visit in itself. Classified as an artistic historical monument in 1977, it was used as a hospital in the 16th century, before being extended in the 18th century by King Charles III. The art centre was opened in 1986.
The Temple of Amon Debod, back to the land of the pyramids
Don't look any further in Madrid and head for the Temple of Amon Debod, in the Parc del Cuartel. It is an Egyptian temple dating from the 2nd century BC, donated to Spain by the Egyptian government. A real leap in time awaits you when you enter the chapel decorated with ancient bas-reliefs. The Egyptian king Adljalamani of Meroe undertook the construction of this temple in honour of the gods Amun and Isis. Over the centuries, the temple was gradually enlarged by the other kings of this dynasty, who built new chambers around the chapel. In the 4th century, the temple was abandoned. It was not until the 20th century that it was taken to Spain, where it was rebuilt stone by stone. Today, models and audiovisual projections trace its history on its walls for visitors.
Practical information
Coming to Madrid
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Map of Madrid
How to get to Madrid
Going to Madrid from Noumea
To easily reach Madrid from Noumea, consult our page Flight Noumea Madrid
Travel time
The shortest travel time for a trip from Noumea to Madrid is 28 hours. This travel time may vary depending on your itinerary. Flights beyond the Aircalin network are operated by our partner airlines.
Time difference
It is 9 hours later in Noumea, New Caledonia than in Madrid, Spain.
When to go to Madrid
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
Madrid has an oceanic climate and can therefore be visited at any time of the year. Depending on what you want to do in Madrid, the best times to visit are :
- Summer period : The best months to visit Madrid are May, June, July, August and September. These are the months with the warmest temperatures for visiting the city.
- Winter period : From October to March, take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures (between 0°C and 15°C) to visit the city's cultural institutions. Museums, exhibitions, theatres... you are bound to find something to entertain you.
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