A royal city home to the Spanish monarchy. A capital with a history dating back more than a thousand years. An incredible arts scene, phenomenal cuisine, and gloriously unfussy bars. Madrid really does tick all the boxes.
Linger beneath the café canopies of broad plazas in Madrid’s historic heart. Delve into the alleyways of the Lavapiés district, full to bursting with multicultural buzz. Or seek out the top tapas in La Latina after hitting some of the world’s top galleries. No wonder the local’s use the phrase ‘de Madrid al Cielo,’ – ‘from Madrid to heaven!’
Visiting the Spanish capital? Don’t miss the city’s hottest attractions with our pick of the best things to do in Madrid.
If you’re looking for an attraction fit for a king, there’s literally nowhere better than Madrid’s Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Home to the kings and queens of Spain for nearly three centuries, its 3,418 rooms are packed full of treasures.
As the largest royal palace in Europe, there’s more than enough space to combine exquisite interiors with works of international repute. Keep an extra special eye out for Giaquinto’s staircase ceiling frescos, artifacts of the Royal Armory, and paintings by Caravaggio, Goya, and Velazquez.
Alive both day and night, Plaza Mayor is perhaps Madrid’s best people watching location. This grand public square dates back to the 1580s, though no less than three serious fires have seen it repeatedly improved.
Enclosed by impressive Baroque era buildings all the way around, the square is an absolute must for any Madrid itinerary. This is especially true on Sundays when the popular collectors’ market is held.
On the subject of markets, few can compete with Mercado de San Miguel. One of Madrid’s oldest indoor marketplaces – and stunningly beautiful to boot – San Miguel remains the city’s premier food destination.
One of the last remaining examples of iron architecture in Madrid, its 30-plus stallholders welcome over 10 million visitors per year. There are plenty of options for eating and drinking, featuring both Spanish traditional cuisine and some more exotic foreign specialities.
Be aware that the market can get extremely packed. If you want more breathing room, we recommend to avoid visiting on the weekend. Lunchtime is generally busier than dinner as well.
Soccer fans rejoice! Madrid is the location of one of the world’s most famous soccer stadiums – the Bernabéu. Home to team Real Madrid since 1947, the stadium has a seating capacity for 81,000 fans!
If you can’t make it to a match, you can tour the stadium instead. You’ll not only get panoramic views of the stadium, but also the chance to explore the Real Madrid Museum. It contains an impressive array of trophies, alongside hundreds of other items that detail the history of the club.
Spain’s national gallery, the Museo del Prado is widely considered to have one of the best collections of art in the world. What first began as a royal art collection by King Ferdinand VII has today grown into a massive sampling of works dating back eight centuries.
As a result, the list of featured artists is a long one! It includes Raphael, Titian, Bosch, Rubens, Goya, and Tintoretto amongst its 2,300 pieces. Thankfully though, the gallery produces a highlights cheat sheet so you can head straight to the big names if time is short.
The semi-circular plaza of Puerta del Sol is Spain’s zero point (Kilometer 0). In Italy, all roads are said to lead to Rome. And in Spain, all roads lead to the Puerta del Sol. The exact spot is marked by a plaque in the middle of the square.
Right in front of Kilometer 0 is the Casa de Correos Clock. This is Spain’s equivalent to New York’s Time Square ball drop. Every year Spaniards gather in this square or watch on TV as the clock strikes midnight and party-goers honor the tradition of stuffing 12 grapes in their mouth during the last 12 seconds of the year.
Don’t miss the Statue of the Bear and the Madroño (or strawberry tree). It’s a symbol of the city and favorite photo spot.
Although flamenco’s origins lie further south in the Spanish region of Andalusia, Madrid has become one of the leading places in Spain to see an authentic flamenco performance.
Dedicated flamenco venues (tablaos) dot the city. They offer the chance to experience the soulful songs and dance moves of this cultural phenomenon. So why not grab a table, enjoy some flavorful foods, and see what flamenco is all about for yourself?
Rivaling the Prado Museum with its art collection, the Museo Reina Sofía is definitely one of the best things to do in Madrid. It forms one side of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art along with the Prado and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Unlike the Prado, Reina Sofía specializes in twentieth century art. As a result, there’s no shortage of Picassos, Dalis, and Miros on its walls.
The highlight has to be Picasso’s giant Guernica, depicting the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. The ‘controversial’ masterpiece only arrived in Spain after the end of the Franco dictatorship in 1981, having been painted in 1937.
Translating simple as ‘Great Way,’ the Gran Vía is one of Madrid’s most important shopping streets. Located right in the heart of the city, it’s also an important stop for architecture lovers.
That’s because along its 1,400-yard length you’ll find a range of building styles, from the Beaux Arts Metrópolis Building to the art deco Telefonica building – once the tallest in Spain.
With its broadway-style shows, bright lights and tall buildings, you might just think for a moment that you’re in New York City. Madrid’s Gran Via certainly has a big city feel.
Covering around 125 hectares, Parque de El Retiro is arguably central Madrid’s most significant green space. It also forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Prado Museum.
Parque de El Retiro is a great place for a picnic on a sunny day or alternatively you can enjoy one of the parks’ several cafes. But ‘Madrid’s lungs’ also contain an array of other attractions, such as a lake where you can rent a row boat and the iconic Glass Palace.
El Retiro Park is also home to a monument known as the El Angel Caído – the Fallen Angel – which is the only public statue in the world that represents Satan.
Malasaña is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood located in the heart of Madrid. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and creative energy, the area is popular among artists, musicians, and young people (especially those from the nearby university). Its streets host busy coffee shops, indie vintage stores, and plenty of places to take the weight off your feet.
After checking out Malasaña during the day, make sure to stay for its nightlife. It’s many bars and clubs are known to stay open until the early hours of the morning.
Partying not your thing? Head instead to Centro Cultural Conde Duque. It has a packed schedule of (often free) events, from open-air exhibitions and movie screenings to jazz concerts.
The Catedral de la Almudena is Madrid’s stunning cathedral. It’s located in the heart of the city, just opposite of the Royal Palace. Although the first stone was set in 1883, it wasn’t completely finished until 1993 when it was officially consecrated by Pope John Paul II.
Besides the beautiful Baroque styling of the cathedral, we particular love the brightly colored ceiling frescoes with their intricate patterns. They are totally unexpected and add a modern and contemporary touch to this otherwise classically styled building.
Also, don’t miss the 400 column neo-Romantic crypt – a masterpiece in its own right. But its main facade echoes the Baroque style. Meanwhile, the interior blends old and modern, with several contemporary artists asked to contribute to its side chapels.
Over the last few years, more and more rooftop bars have been popping all over Madrid – everyone loves them. They are the ideal place to enjoy the city's skyline while sipping on a refreshing cocktail or indulging in some delicious tapas.
You will find popular rooftop bars in many upscale hotels, such as the one at the Riu Plaza España. But there are also plenty of budget-friendly options such as Doñaluz, on top of the B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol.
With Madrid's sunny climate, rooftop bars provide an excellent escape from the heat during the day, while also offering a prime location for a memorable night out.
Madrid’s Chueca is another “everybody’s welcome” neighborhood which should be high on your list. Adorned with rainbow flags to celebrate the district’s large LGBTQ+ community, the area has a reputation as a party destination, while at the same time it maintains a laid-back and friendly vibe.
There are cafes and bars to pick between, but also plenty of opportunity for shopping at fashion boutiques, and taking in a little culture too.
For the latter, consider the Museum of Romanticism. Situated in a palace built in 1776, its rooms are decked out in the finest nineteenth century paintings, objet d’art, and furnishings. The result is a fascinating what Madrid must have been like to live in two centuries ago.
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (or just Museo Thyssen) is the last of Madrid’s three great art galleries. Its collection contains 1,600 paintings, and once formed the second largest private collection in the world.
The collection, created by Baron Thyssen in just 40 years, is particularly strong in the areas of Impressionism, German Expressionism, and 20th-century American art. Some of the big name artists hung here include Rubens, Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh, as well as Rembrandt, Degas, and Gauguin.
The ground floor of the museum now displays the 180-piece Carmen Thyssen Collection, started by the baron’s wife after his death in 2002.
With its diverse collection of masterpieces from around the world, the Thyssen Museum is a must-see destination for any art lover visiting Madrid.
As municipal government offices go, you don’t get much more impressive than the Palacio de Cibeles (Cibeles Palace). Opened in 1919 as a post and telegraph office, it is one of the top examples of the Modernismo architectural style in the city. The interior features stunning Art Deco architecture, with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate mosaics.
For a small fee, visitors can take in panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of some of Madrid's most iconic landmarks. With its rich history and cultural significance, the Palacio de Cibeles is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Madrid.
In front the palace you will find one of Madrid’s most famous relics – the Cibeles Fountain. It depicts the Roman goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by two lions.
Occupying just a handful of streets, Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter) is one of Madrid’s smallest neighborhoods and our personal favorite. The neighborhood takes its name from the many famous writes and poets who lived here during the Spanish Golden Age.
Authors such as Cervantes – who wrote Don Quixote – and Lope de Vega among many others have called this area home. De Vega’s house is now a museum with a charming courtyard garden from the seventeenth century.
Beyond its reputation for words, Las Letras has also become known for its food, with tapas restaurants spilling out from its main strip, Calle de las Huertas.
The forerunner of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe and Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, Puerta de Alcalá is one of five royal gateways built in Madrid. Dating to 1778, it was constructed under the orders of King Charles III, transforming a visitor’s arrival into the city in the process.
It was designed by an Italian architect by the name of Francesco Sabatini, who worked for the crown and left a long legacy in Madrid. The gate has neo-classical styling and features multiple granite archways that create a real sense of impression.
Cava Alta and Cava Baja (Upper and Lower Streets) lie within La Latina neighborhood. These streets are known for their charming atmosphere and traditional architecture, with many of the buildings dating back to the medieval era. However, the Cava Streets are most famed for being a foodie haven due to its plethora of tapas bars.
On Cava Baja alone there are somewhere in the region of 50 tapas bars and restaurants within little more than 300 yards. They cover the full spectrum of experiences, from tiny hidden gems frequented by locals, to contemporary eateries blazing a trail.
Not sure where to start? Try Los Huevos de Lucio on Cava Baja, a chic yet informal tapas spot focusing its attention on eggs (huevos) alongside tapas favorites.
Taking place on Sundays and public holidays for over 250 years, Rastro is one of Europe’s largest and most exciting flea markets. With around 3,000 different stalls every week, we can all but guarantee Rastro has something for everyone!
The market’s main artery is Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, a shopping street open all week long. On its surrounding streets you’ll find stalls displaying items as varied as vintage clothing, second hand books, antique furniture, costume jewelry, and retro household ornaments.
Possibly Madrid’s most out of place attraction, the Templo de Debod is a legitimate Egyptian temple between the Sabatini Gardens and Parque del Oeste.
Dating to the second century BCE, the Templo de Debod arrived in Madrid in the early 1970s, when it was rescued from the lake formed by the creation of the Aswan High Dam in southern Egypt.
Dedicated to the god Amun, its interior walls are richly carved, ensuring this unusual sight is one of the best things to do in Madrid.
Although the Palacio de Cristal (or Glass Palace) is located within El Retiro Park, it’s a destination worth visiting in its own right.
Taking the form of a Greek cross, it was constructed out of iron and glass as a giant greenhouse to ensure the survival of an exhibition of plants from the Philippines in the 1880s.
Today, instead of plants, visitors will find a series of temporary art exhibitions throughout the year. Don’t miss visiting the palace as it’s one of the best things to do in Madrid.
If you want to see how the wealthy of Madrid live, then make sure you check out the upscale neighborhood of Salamanca. Besides its elegant architecture, Salamanca is known for its high-end shopping. The area is home to many luxury brands, including Chanel, Prada, and Gucci, making it a haven for fashion lovers.
Salamanca is also a great place to eat. It’s full of gourmet restaurants, many of them with Michelin stars. If your budget won’t quite stretch that far, a sense of what Salamanca is about can be had at the Platea Madrid food market.
The neighborhood is home to a couple of museums, the most notable being the National Archeological Museum.
Chocolatería San Ginés is a historic café located in the heart of Madrid, very close to the Plaza Mayor. Established in 1894, it’s known for serving the most famous and traditional chocolate con churros in the city.
The churros are freshly made, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The hot chocolate is thick and rich, making it a perfect pairing.
Visitors flock to Chocolatería San Ginés to experience a taste of old Madrid, and to indulge in this delicious treat. The café is open 365 days a year, almost 24 hours a day, so it's an excellent place to visit after a night out, or for an early morning breakfast.
The Matadero has gone from city slaughterhouse to cultural hub. Within the complex, culture vultures are sure to swoon with delight. A stage provides a platform for visual performances of all genres, while a cinema solely shows non-fiction screenings.
A host of temporary exhibitions are held in roughly 4,000 square meters of dedicated space. It’s all rounded off with a couple of restaurants where creatives meet to discuss future projects right throughout the day.
Lavapiés is a dynamic and ever-changing district that is somewhat rough around the edges. It’s best known for its multicultural atmosphere. The area is a melting pot of cultures, with a significant immigrant population from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
That means you can find many affordable ethnic restaurants, making it a popular destination for foodies and budget-conscious travelers.
Walking through this neighborhood you will notice its many galleries, street art, and laid-back ambience that makes it a great contrast to other parts of the city. Lavapiés offers a unique and eclectic experience for travelers looking to discover a different side of Madrid.
The Sabatini Gardens are located next to Madrid’s Royal Palace. They were designed in the 1930s, occupying the site of the royal stables which had been built in the eighteenth century by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini – who is also responsible for the Puerta de Alcalá.
These neoclassical style gardens are meticulously landscaped. They feature numerous fountains, several statues of Spanish kings and a variety of flower beds, all set against the backdrop of the magnificent Royal Palace.
Heading to the Rastro flea market or Cavas Streets? Then you will find yourself in barrio La Latina – why not stick around? The neighborhood is a common place to head for a relaxing caña (glass of beer) among locals. Although busy, the vibe more than makes up for any lack of table space.
In the same area, you’ll find the massive Cebada marketplace. Here grocers stand side by side key cutters, street food vendors, and small-scale artists and artisans. However, La Latina is well-known for its myriad of churches too, such as the Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande.
Our recommendation? Wander at will and see where you end up!
Plaza de España (Spain Square) is located at the western end of the Gran Vía. The newly renovated square is flanked by some of Spain’s tallest buildings such as the Torre de Madrid and the Edificio España. These behemoth buildings date from the 1950’s and were “symbols of prosperity” during the decades of Francisco Franco’s rule in Spain.
In the square, you will find areas to relax, a fountain and a huge monument dedicated to the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote.
Casa de Campo is Madrid’s largest public park with over 1,500 hectares. What was for centuries a royal hunting ground was eventually converted into a public park in the 1930’s.
Although technically an urban park, Casa de Campo is closer to being a forest. Winding paths cut their way amid the trees and lake, making it a great place for those who enjoy walking in nature.
The best way to visit Casa de Campo is by taking the Teleférico Madrid cable car from the corner of Parque del Oeste across the Manzanares River. Not only does the ride offer fantastic views of Madrid’s skyline but you can even see parts of the mountain range to the north.
Although unknown to many first-time visitors, the Museo Cerralbo remains one of the most important museums in Madrid. It boasts the once-private collection of Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, the Marquis of Cerralbo. But many consider the nineteenth-century Italianate building to be as impressive as its collection
The luxurious interior decoration includes gilt crystal chandeliers and expansive quantities of marble. And when it comes to the art, the collection numbers almost 25,000 individual objects (many coins and bank notes).
Of its larger works, there are examples of ceramics from ancient Greece and Rome, in addition to paintings by El Greco, and a fine selection of Chinese and Japanese artworks.
Madrid's cuisine is heavily influenced by its history, with a focus on hearty, flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients. Some must-try specialties include cocido madrileño (a stew made with meats and vegetables) and huevos rotos (fried potatoes, eggs and cured ham).
Also make sure to sample the local Spanish wines, such as those from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Rueda, and the famous Spanish cured meats, including jamón ibérico and chorizo.
The city is famous for its tapas culture, and some of the most popular areas for tapeo, or bar-hopping for tapas, include Calle de Ponzano in the Chamberí neighborhood and Cava Baja in La Latina. Both areas are great for anyone looking to experience Madrid's tapas culture.
For a more immersive experience, food markets such as Mercado de San Antón – in Chueca – or Mercado de la Cebada – in La Latina – offer a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as prepared dishes and drinks. You will get a change to sample everything from oysters and sushi to paella and sangría, making it a great way to explore Madrid's culinary scene.
A building of astonishing beauty inside and out, Palacio de Liria (Liria Palace) was built in the 1700s as the official city residence of the Dukes of Alba.
The one hour guided tour of this stately home reveals architecture by British architect Edwin Lutyens, alongside a fascinating collection of artifacts. These include a first edition of Don Quixote from 1605, handwritten documents from Christopher Columbus, and a library of 18,000 etchings.
Built along the banks of the Manzanares River, Madrid Río is a park created in only the last few years. Wide paved paths stretch around flowerbeds and box hedging while other areas have been given over to rewilding projects. They have seen the return of several lost bird species, including kingfishers and herons.
There are also two pretty cool bridges that cross the river. The first being the Matadero Shell Bridge (Puente Cáscara del Matadero) and the second, our favorite, the futuristic-looking Arganzuela Footbridge that spirals across the park.
It’s worth heading to Plaza de la Villa since this public square is the location of some of Madrid’s oldest surviving buildings. The most antique is the Casa y Torres de los Lujanes, built in the 1400s. It sits on the eastern side of the square and was built in the Gothic-Mudejar style.
New by comparison is the sixteenth-century Casa de Cisneros, and the Casa de la Villa (old town hall) on the western side of the plaza. The latter remained the location of the city government until 2008.
The Museo Sorolla is an intriguing blend of an historic home and art gallery. Nineteenth century artist Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida deserves to be better known, so there’s plenty of reason to head to the place he called home in the Chamberí neighborhood.
Said to be one of Europe’s best preserved house museums, it also has the largest number of his paintings anywhere. What’s more, visitors are able to stroll through the garden he designed, just like Sorolla himself must have done during the last years of his life.
First opened in 1911, the Edificio Metrópolis (Metropolis Building) soon became one of Madrid’s landmark buildings, even though it was only ever intended as the headquarters offices of an insurance company.
Richly decorated with carved stonework, its French Beaux Arts style was extravagant 100 years ago and even more so today. Its columns supporting a copper dome topped with a winged figure, make this corner one of the most picturesque of Madrid.
The Museo Arqueológico (Archeological Museum) in the Salamanca neighborhood was founded in 1867 by a Royal Decree of Isabella II. The museum isn’t one of Madrid’s most visited. However, considering that it houses the best archaeological collection in Spain, we think that it is highly underrated.
The museum focuses on life in the Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula from prehistory until the nineteenth century, including the period of Moorish rule. Our favorite part is the unique collection of Pre-Roman sculptures from native Iberian peoples that dates back as far as the Bronze Age.
On the other side of the same building you’ll find the National Library. It contains a copy of every book published in Spain. Although most of the library is off-limits to non-researching visitors, there are eight curated rooms that form part of a free exhibition.
Situated next to Retiro Park and the Prado Museum, the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid is a great place to slow down and escape the fast-paced city.
The beautifully cared for gardens are divided into seven zones, and contains five greenhouses with plants from all over the world. There’s even a Bonsai collection!
The Teatro Real (Royal Theater) is one of the most important opera houses in Europe. It’s has held several world premieres of new works, by both Spanish composers such as Cristóbal Halffter, and international names like Philip Glass.
Productions span much of the year (the only exception being the August heat), resulting in around 20 different operas each year. Add to this a busy schedule of orchestral concerts and choral recitals, and you have a packed events list.
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