Why Visit Madrid? 6 Reasons to Visit Madrid in 2023

Explore the 6 compelling reasons to visit Madrid in 2023 and uncover a world of exciting adventures, culture, and culinary delights. If you’re planning your next European adventure, I’ve got something exciting to share with you. Madrid is back in the spotlight as a top-notch destination, and I’m here to give you six compelling reasons why you should consider making this vibrant Spanish capital your next stop in 2023.

A street view of Madrid in Autumn, as it stands for 6 Reasons to Visit Madrid
6 Reasons to Visit Madrid in 2023

Let’s dive right in and explore why Madrid is becoming an irresistible choice for travelers looking to experience the best of art, culture, sports, and more. From the centenary celebrations of renowned Spanish artists to the grand reopening of a legendary football stadium, Madrid has an impressive lineup of attractions that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

So, if you’re itching to embark on a memorable journey filled with art, culture, sports, and gastronomy, follow me as we uncover the five fantastic reasons to visit Madrid in 2023. Get ready for an adventure you’ll treasure for a lifetime!

Spain: Unmissable Art Highlights

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is regaining popularity on European travel lists, and we’ll tell you why it’s worth visiting the city in 2023.

The destination is tirelessly working to enhance its attractions, and Viajando has arrived in the city to share the must-see highlights and explain why Madrid is a must-visit this year.

Following the lifting of travel bans and other restrictions by EU authorities, the tourism sector has significantly improved, especially during the peak summer season of 2021.

Spain Celebrates Picasso Year

In 2023, Spain celebrates Picasso Year in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the artist’s death on April 8, 1973.

As a result, Madrid will pay tribute to the Spanish painter (born in Malaga) with an exceptional selection of exhibitions and displays that have already begun and will captivate art enthusiasts throughout the country, particularly in Madrid, where several tributes to the creator of “Guernica” will take place.

  • Picasso-El Greco
  • The Last Picasso
  • Picasso Velázquez
  • Picasso: The Sacred and the Profane

These are some of the exhibitions scheduled for 2023 in the city of Madrid.

It’s worth noting that 2023 also marks the centenary of the death of another influential Spanish painter, Joaquín Sorolla, who will also be the focus of various tributes while opening the Galería de Colecciones Reales to the public.

Spain: Picasso’s “Guernica” can be admired at the Reina Sofía in Madrid. The 20th century’s most significant artwork is a must-see in the Spanish capital.

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Sorolla through Light Exhibition

In 2023, the year was declared as the year of Sorolla. Original works by the painter, many of them from private collections, are combined with digital recreations that bring us closer to the life and work of the artist in a virtual and sensory reality experience through light, color, and motion, representing a journey back in time to Sorolla’s era.

This exhibition is organized by Patrimonio Nacional, the Sorolla Museum Foundation, and the company Light Art Exhibitions.

The project is part of the commemoration activities for the centenary of the painter’s death (1863-1923), declared an Event of Exceptional Public Interest (AEIP) by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

Curated by Consuelo Luca de Tena, former director of the Sorolla Museum, and Blanca Pons Sorolla, the painter’s great-granddaughter and an expert in his work, the Karmachina studio is responsible for the direction and production of multimedia content under the supervision of Gianfranco Iannuzzi, a pioneer in creating immersive experiences, whose works are currently featured internationally from New York to Tokyo.

The new Sorolla through Light exhibition has been extended until September 24, 2023, and can be viewed in the Génova halls of the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Already, it has been visited by more than 100,000 people!

It is an immersive showcase that gathers unpublished works by the Valencian painter, which are projected. Organized into four rooms displaying 24 paintings, mostly from private collections and never before exhibited.

A closeup to a football with a space of watercolors, as as it stands for 6 Reasons to Visit Madrid in 2023
6 Reasons to Visit Madrid in 2023

Reopening of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Starting from July 1, 2022, access to the Bernabéu Tour is through Gate 55, located on Padre Damián Street. As of July 1, the Bernabéu Tour once again welcomes visitors.

One of the club’s primary objectives was to enhance stadium accessibility with more comfortable new spaces, eliminating architectural barriers. A new fixed roof protects all seats from rain. The VIP area has been restructured and expanded to offer new high-quality products and services. The Bernabéu Tour has doubled with new content to provide a unique experience, including panoramic tours and the opening of new restaurants to make the stadium a special gastronomic destination in the city. Additionally, two Real Madrid megastores have been installed, along with the construction of other commercial spaces in various areas of the stadium.

The reopening of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid was in July 2023.

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Year of San Isidro Labrador

Madrid residents celebrate the patron saint of the city, San Isidro Labrador, every May 15. However, this year, the tradition has extended throughout the year with celebrations in Madrid’s meadows, featuring festivals and the classic lemonade with rosquillas (doughnuts). To explore all the celebrations during the Year of San Isidro, you can refer to this schedule.

Discover Legend “The Home of Football”

Exploring the history of football through original objects and immersive experiences in this vast museum located at Puerta del Sol will be one of the compelling reasons to visit Madrid in 2023. Details of The Home of Football’s opening can be found here.

Situated in the heart of Puerta del Sol, between Espoz y Mina Street and the beginning of Carrera de San Jerónimo, this unique experience will delight football enthusiasts. It will offer a chronological journey through the sport’s history, using state-of-the-art technology to provide immersive experiences and showcase real jerseys worn by legends and other original memorabilia.

Madrid 2023: Legends of football will be one of the must-see exhibitions in the city this year.

Witness the Revitalized Musical Theater Scene in Madrid

Tina, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Singin’ in the Rain, and VAH Madrid are just a few of the musicals gracing Madrid’s 2023 agenda.

Thus, the Gran Vía in the city solidifies its position as one of Europe’s key destinations for musical theater.

Exploring the new musical scene, attending theater performances, and enjoying concerts by national and international artists are some of the enticing propositions.

Madrid is emerging as one of Europe’s capitals of musical theater, with the epicenter being Gran Vía.

What to Eat in Madrid?

After a classic stroll in Plaza Mayor, don’t miss the chance to visit Cava Baja Street in the evening, starting there and stretching for 300 meters, where you’ll find the highest concentration of bars per meter in Madrid, including some of the country’s best such as La Chata, Casa Lucio, and Lamiak.

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In conclusion, Madrid in 2023 offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. From celebrating the artistic legacy of Picasso to the grandeur of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium’s reopening, this city has something for every traveler. So, let’s recap the five fantastic reasons to make Madrid your next destination.

First, immerse yourself in the captivating world of art in Madrid. The Picasso Year promises a journey through the life and creations of the legendary painter, an experience no art lover should miss. This artistic extravaganza puts Madrid at the forefront of the global art scene.

Second, sports enthusiasts, mark your calendars for the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium’s grand reopening in July 2023. With enhanced accessibility, a new roof, VIP areas, and immersive tours, it’s more than just a stadium—it’s a sporting pilgrimage.

Third, join the locals in celebrating the Year of San Isidro Labrador. Madrid’s year-round festivities offer a chance to embrace the city’s culture like never before. The traditions, the music, and the flavors of Madrid will leave you with lasting memories.

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Fourth, don’t forget to visit “The Home of Football.” This state-of-the-art museum in Puerta del Sol is a football lover’s dream, offering a unique chronological journey through the sport’s history. It’s a testament to Madrid’s enduring love affair with football.

Fifth, experience Madrid’s rise as a musical theater hub. The Gran Vía is your stage for everything from Broadway hits to local productions. There’s no better place to witness the magic of musical theater in Europe.

But our Madrid journey doesn’t end here. After a day filled with art, culture, sports, and theater, it’s time to savor the culinary delights of this vibrant city. Head to Cava Baja Street, where you can indulge in traditional Spanish cuisine at charming bars and restaurants.

So, whether you’re an art connoisseur, a football fanatic, a culture seeker, or a theater buff, Madrid in 2023 has something exceptional in store for you. It’s a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, and every corner has a story to tell. Join me in exploring the beauty and richness of Madrid—it’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

Discover the 6 reasons to visit Valencia in 2023 and immerse yourself in a world of culture, cuisine, and captivating experiences. Now, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an adventure filled with art, culture, sports, theater, and culinary delights. Madrid awaits, and your unforgettable 2023 adventure is just around the corner.