Madrid is a treasure trove of history, culture, and vibrant energy. From the magnificent Royal Palace to the world-renowned art collections at the Prado Museum, there’s no shortage of captivating sights to explore. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Malasaña and indulge in delicious tapas at lively local markets. Uncover the secrets of Madrid at every turn, and let its charm work its magic on you. Join me as we uncover the best things to do in Madrid together.

Don’t worry if you’re short on time and can’t read the whole article, I’ve got you covered with this handy summary.

Summary of Things to do in Madrid

• Explore the majestic Royal Palace with the Madrid: Royal Palace Fast-Access Admission Ticket. Or join the immersive Madrid: City Walking Tour & Royal Palace Skip-the-Line Tour.
• Indulge in a culinary adventure with the Madrid: Local Tapas and Wine Tour with Drinks & Views. This is a perfect way to savor the flavors of Madrid while enjoying scenic views.
• Immerse yourself in the world of football and embark on the Madrid: Tour Bernabéu. You can experience the iconic stadium up close.
• Discover the artistic treasures at the Reina Sofía Museum with the Madrid: Reina Sofía Museum Entrance Ticket. Or opt for a more insightful experience with the Reina Sofía Museum Guided Tour.

Day Trips

• Embark on a captivating Toledo Full Day Trip tour from Madrid. You can explore the historical and cultural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
• Step back in time with the From Madrid: Segovia Guided Tour. You’ll marvel at the Roman aqueduct and explore the enchanting streets of this ancient city.
• Uncover religious history and architectural splendor with the From Madrid: El Escorial and Valley’s Basilica Half Day Tour, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the El Escorial complex and the serene beauty of the Valley’s Basilica.
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Are you ready for an unforgettable journey through the vibrant streets of Madrid? If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for exciting things to do in this exciting city. Well, lucky for you, I’ve got the inside scoop on the best activities and hidden gems that will make your Madrid experience truly extraordinary.

From exploring the iconic architecture of Plaza Mayor to indulging in mouthwatering tapas at local taverns, Madrid offers a myriad of diverse and captivating experiences that will leave you spellbound. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or a food lover – you’ll find something to tickle your fancy in the heart of Spain.

So, join me on this virtual journey through the bustling streets of Madrid as we uncover the most incredible things to do, see, and taste. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant soul of this city and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the city’s most popular attractions and a must-see for first-time visitors. With over 3,000 rooms, it is the largest functioning Royal Palace in Europe.

History

The palace was originally built in the 18th century to replace the former medieval Alcázar fortress which was destroyed in a fire in 1734. King Philip V commissioned Italian architect Filippo Juvarra to design the new palace in an Italian Baroque style. However, Juvarra died soon after and the project was handed over to Giovanni Battista Sacchetti. Construction lasted from 1738-1755.

Design

The massive palace features a rectangular layout with three internal courtyards. The primary facade facing the Plaza de la Armeria is 494 meters long and features a central section with columns and statues of Spanish kings above the main gate. The lavish interior includes the grand staircase, royal apartments, throne room, royal chapel, banquet hall, porcelain room, and armory.

Tours

Visitors can tour the palace’s public rooms Monday-Sunday from 10am-6pm (April-Sept) and 10am-5pm (Oct-March). Admission is €10 for the basic palace tour or €17 for a combined ticket with the Royal Armory and Pharmacy. Tickets can be purchased on site or online in advance to avoid long lines. A separate guided tour of the royal kitchen is also available for an additional fee. You can book your Madrid: Royal Palace Fast-Access Admission Ticket here or book your Madrid: City Walking Tour & Royal Palace Skip-the-Line Tour here.

The palace makes for a fascinating several hours of exploration. Some highlights include the Throne Room with its red velvet wall coverings, chandeliers, and grand ceiling fresco by Tiepolo, and the impressive Stradivarius room which houses a viola and two violins made by Antonio Stradivari in 1700. Don’t miss the detailed porcelain room either, holding a vast collection of porcelain from China, Japan, and Europe.

Stroll through Retiro Park

The beautiful Retiro Park should be on every Madrid itinerary. This iconic green space, known simply as El Retiro to locals, was originally designed in the 17th century as the private gardens of the Spanish Monarchy next to the Royal Palace. The park opened to the public in 1868 and has been a favorite place for Madrileños to relax and enjoy some fresh air ever since.

Covering over 125 hectares in the center of Madrid, Retiro Park has many attractions within a tranquil, leafy landscape. As you explore the network of tree-lined paths, you’ll find charming fountains, sculptures, a peaceful artificial lake where you can go rowboating, and the iconic Crystal Palace, made of glass and metal with a striking dome. Wander through the Rosaleda rose garden in spring when it’s blooming with color. Stop for a break in the shade under a tree or on the lawn where you can often see locals playing music. There are always street performers and entertainment around the park.

Retiro Park is full of life, from joggers and cyclists to families and friends gathering on weekends. Find a bench by the boating lake to relax and enjoy the sunset views. With culture and natural beauty, Retiro Park is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll in Madrid.

See Art at the Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is a must-visit for art lovers in Madrid. As one of the most renowned art museums in the world, the Prado houses an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the early 20th centuries. Some of the museum’s highlights include:

• Goya’s famous paintings such as The Third of May 1808 and the dark Black Paintings. See the evolution of Goya’s art from his rococo beginnings to the romantic and finally to the macabre.
• Works by El Greco including The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest showcasing his signature elongated figures.
• An abundant collection of Flemish and Italian Renaissance art – Bosch, Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, etc.
• Medieval and early Renaissance art by masters like Van Eyck and Van der Weyden.
• The museum’s excellent collection of Peter Paul Ruben’s paintings.

Don’t miss masterpieces like Las Meninas by Velázquez and The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. Allow at least half a day to truly appreciate the breadth of the Prado’s collection that spans centuries of European art. Come early or late to avoid massive crowds. Book tickets in advance online to skip the lines.

Explore the Centro Histórico

Madrid’s historic center, referred to as the “Old Town”, or the “centro histórico”is home to some of the city’s most iconic sights. At the heart of the Old Town lies the expansive Plaza Mayor, an impressive 17th-century square lined with 3-story buildings featuring balconies and brightly painted facades. The Plaza Mayor offers lovely cafes to stop at as well as street performers and events throughout the year.

Just a few blocks away sits the lively Puerta del Sol, a massive public square and transport hub considered to be the official center point of Spain. The iconic Tío Pepe sign located here is a popular meeting spot. Surrounding the Puerta del Sol you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and beautiful Spanish architecture to take in.

For a taste of authentic Madrid, head to the Mercado de San Miguel to browse the stalls selling cured meats, cheeses, wines, and more. The ornate early 20th-century iron structure housing the market makes for a visually striking place to sample local specialties. If you are interested in a tour, this is a great one: Madrid: Local Tapas and Wine Tour with Drinks & Views.

Nearby Calle de Cuchilleros is a narrow pedestrian street where you can window shop the exquisite handcrafted knives and other goods on display. Wandering the atmospheric alleys and passageways in this area lets you fully immerse yourself in historic Madrid.

Watch a Football Match

Soccer is practically a religion in Spain, and watching a match in Madrid is an essential experience. The city is home to two major teams in La Liga, the top professional league in Spain: Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

Real Madrid is the most successful club in European football history, having won a record 13 Champions League titles. They play their home matches at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which holds over 80,000 cheering fans. Seeing Real Madrid play in their classic all-white kit in this massive stadium is on many travelers’ bucket lists. Go on a tour of the stadium and get your Madrid: Tour Bernabéu Entry Ticket.

Their local rivals Atlético Madrid have also emerged as a European powerhouse in recent years, winning La Liga, the Europa League and reaching the Champions League final twice since 2014. Atlético’s fans are known for their intense passion and dedication. Their home stadium is the modern Wanda Metropolitano, which provides an intimate atmosphere with seats close to the pitch.

The cross-town rivalry between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid makes for an electric atmosphere whenever they face each other in the Madrid Derby. Tickets for these matches sell out far in advance, but attending any La Liga game in Madrid presents the quintessential Spanish football experience complete with singing, drumming fans and nonstop excitement.

Visitors can check La Liga’s schedule ahead of time and purchase tickets directly from the club websites. Arrive a few hours early to soak in the atmosphere at the tailgates and enjoy some jamon serrano or tapas before the big match!

Visit the Reina Sofia Museum

The Reina Sofia Museum is Madrid’s national museum dedicated to 20th century art. Located in the center of the city, it’s a must-see for any art lover visiting Madrid.

The museum is home to an impressive collection of modern art from renowned Spanish artists like Picasso, Dali, and Miro. The star attraction is Picasso’s anti-war masterpiece, Guernica. Measuring 11 ft tall and 25 ft wide, Guernica depicts the bombing of the village of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. Picasso uses black, white and grey to convey the violence and suffering of war in this iconic work.

In addition to Spanish artists, the Reina Sofia has an excellent collection of international modern art. Artists like Dali, Miro, Kandinsky, and more are represented. One section displays art from Post-WWII America with works from Warhol, Pollock, and Rothko.

Visitors should spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the collections. Temporary exhibitions are often running as well. Guided tours in English are available to gain deeper insight into the masterpieces.

The Reina Sofia is located in the former San Carlos Hospital near the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. It’s recommended to visit all three in one day. Advance purchase of timed-entry tickets is advised to skip the ticket lines.

With world-class modern art, the Reina Sofia is a must on any Madrid itinerary. Visitors will come away with a deeper understanding of Spain’s rich artistic heritage. Grab your Madrid: Reina Sofía Museum Entrance Ticket here or opt for a Reina Sofía Museum Guided Tour.

Ride the Teleférico Cable Car

The Teleférico cable car in Madrid offers a unique way to see the city from above. Connecting the Parque del Oeste with the Casa de Campo, this gondola lift gives you stunning panoramic views as you glide over the skyline.

The nearly 2.5 km route takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish. As you ascend to the summit, you’ll see iconic sights like the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, the Manzanares River, and the vast Casa de Campo park below you. Look out for the distinctive Egyptian Temple of Debod and the amusement park attractions of Parque de Atracciones on the hilltop.

The Teleférico runs daily from noon to 9 pm in the summer and noon to 6 pm in the winter. Tickets can be purchased at the booths at either end of the route. A one-way ticket is €4.20 while a roundtrip ticket is €5.90. Kids under 3 years ride for free.

Riding the cable car is a quick and scenic way to get excellent views of Madrid’s skyline and surrounding natural areas. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the city from your airborne vantage point. It’s a fun family-friendly activity and a nice break from museums and historic sites.

Shop on Gran Via

Gran Via is Madrid’s version of 5th Avenue – it’s the city’s main shopping street lined with major international retailers and Spanish brands. Stretching for over a mile from Plaza de España to Plaza de Callao, Gran Via is always buzzing with locals and tourists alike.

The most popular section is in the center between the Metro stations of Gran Via and Callao, where you’ll find flagship stores of major brands like H&M, Zara, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Oysho, Mango and more. There’s also the original El Corte Inglés department store, FNAC electronics store, and several malls like Mall Gran Via 2.

Other notable stores include the two-level Urban Outfitters location, Lefties for affordable basics, Springfield for trendy clothes, Women’s Secret for loungewear and lingerie, Sephora and MAC for makeup, and various shoe stores like Camper and Pikolinos. You’ll also find dessert shops like Santa Gloria and San Gines for churros con chocolate, quick-service restaurants like 100 Montaditos and Foster’s Hollywood for tapas and burgers, and plenty of terraces for a drink break while shopping.

Gran Via is the perfect place to spend a few hours browsing the latest fashions and popping in and out of shops. Even if you don’t plan on buying much, it’s fun to window shop and people watch along Madrid’s grand shopping avenue.

Bar Hop in La Latina

La Latina is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Madrid, known for its charming streets, nightlife, and abundant tapas bars. Located just southwest of Madrid’s historic center, it’s the perfect area to go bar hopping and sample some of the city’s best tapas.

Many of Madrid’s most classic tapas bars are clustered in La Latina, where you’ll find convivial spaces packed with locals enjoying small plates like patatas bravas, croquetas, and pan con tomate. The neighborhood maintains a traditional Spanish feel, with many bars featuring handwritten menus, simple decor, and busy bartenders pouring beers and making cocktails.

Some of the top spots to add to your tapas crawl include:

• Juana La Loca – A bustling and beloved institution serving innovative twists on tapas along with 80+ wines and sherries. Their bacon-wrapped dates and tuna tartare are standouts.
• Lamiak – A cozy, dimly lit Basque-style tapas joint dishing up pintxos as well as heartier plates of grilled meats and fish. Be sure to try their grilled foie gras.
• Casa Lucio – Operating since 1974, this place is famous for their huevos rotos (fried eggs over potatoes) and crispy suckling pig. Expect a wait as it’s constantly packed.
• Malacatín – Specializing in cocktails and tapas, Malacatín has a vintage vibe and intriguing drink options like the honey gin fizz. Their salmorejo and Russian salad are ideal bar bites.

With its energetic nightlife scene and stellar tapas bars around every corner, La Latina is an essential destination for any food and drink lover visiting Madrid. Spend an evening getting happily lost in its winding cobblestone lanes while grazing on delicious bites and raising glasses with new friends. It’s the ideal way to experience Madrid like a true local.

Day Trip Options

Madrid makes an excellent base to take day trips to nearby towns and sites. Here are some of the top day trip options from Madrid:

Toledo

Toledo is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid. This historic city was the capital of Spain in the medieval era and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It sits dramatically atop a hill surrounded by the Tajo river. Some of the top sights in Toledo include:

• The Cathedral of Toledo – An impressive Gothic cathedral and one of the largest in Spain.
• Alcazar of Toledo – A stone fortification located on top of the highest point in the city, offering panoramic views.
• El Greco Museum – Dedicated to the famous painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos who lived in Toledo. Contains many of his masterpieces.
• Ancient walls and gates – Parts of the old Moorish and medieval walls still stand around Toledo.

The walled medieval core of Toledo with its cobblestone alleys is ideal for strolling around. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to see the city. Toledo is only 30 minutes away from Madrid by high-speed train or book this Toledo Full Day Trip tour.

Segovia

Segovia is another popular option for a short trip from Madrid, famous for its historic Roman aqueduct. The monumental aqueduct dates back to the 1st century AD and stands over 90 feet tall with 166 arches. Some other top attractions include:

• Alcázar of Segovia – A medieval castle perched dramatically on a rock outcropping.
• Segovia Cathedral – A stunning 16th century Gothic cathedral.
• Walls of Segovia – Remnants of the medieval walls with great views.
• Aqueduct of Segovia – Original Roman Empire aqueduct.

Don’t miss trying Segovia’s famous roasted suckling pig and marzipan for the complete experience. Segovia is only a 30 minute high-speed train ride away from Madrid or opt for this From Madrid: Segovia Guided Tour.

El Escorial

If you want to get out of the city into nature, head to the imposing Royal Site of El Escorial, a 16th century palace and monastery. It was built by King Philip II and the massive complex has an austere granite facade flanked by courtyards and gardens. Visitors can tour parts of the monastery and the Royal Pantheon, where past kings are buried.

Beyond exploring the Royal Site, the nearby Sierra de Guadarrama mountains offer excellent hiking opportunities through pine forests and refreshing streams. The Monastery and mountains are about 1 hour drive from Madrid.

With its central location, Madrid is the perfect starting point for getting to know the historic towns and natural areas of Spain through easy day trips. Try this From Madrid: El Escorial and Valley’s Basilica Half Day Tour.

Top Activities in Madrid

Madrid offers an array of unforgettable experiences for travelers, starting with a visit to the iconic Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, where football enthusiasts can explore the storied grounds and museum. Art lovers will find inspiration at the Prado Museum, one of the world’s premier art galleries, showcasing masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish greats. The “Emociones” Live Flamenco Performance provides an authentic taste of Spain’s passionate dance tradition, captivating audiences with its vibrant energy and soulful music. No trip to Madrid would be complete without exploring the Royal Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, offering a glimpse into the nation’s regal history and opulent splendor.

FAQs

What should I not miss in Madrid? Madrid is brimming with must-see attractions, including the historic Royal Palace, the world-renowned Prado Museum, and the bustling Puerta del Sol. Don’t miss a visit to the iconic Bernabéu Stadium if you’re a football fan, or an evening enjoying a vibrant Flamenco performance. Additionally, strolling through the expansive Retiro Park and exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca are essential for soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere.

Is 2 days enough to see Madrid? While 2 days in Madrid will give you a taste of the city, it’s a relatively short amount of time to fully appreciate all that Madrid has to offer. You can certainly see major highlights like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Puerta del Sol, and maybe catch a Flamenco show, but your schedule will be quite packed.

How many days do I need in Madrid? To truly experience Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days in the city. This allows you to visit the major attractions at a more relaxed pace, explore different neighborhoods, and even take a day trip to nearby destinations like Toledo or Segovia. Four days will also give you time to enjoy the city’s culinary delights and vibrant nightlife.

Is 3 days in Madrid enough? Yes, 3 days in Madrid is generally enough to see the key sights and get a good feel for the city. You’ll be able to visit major attractions such as the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Bernabéu Stadium, and enjoy a Flamenco show. With careful planning, you’ll also have time to explore some of the city’s neighborhoods and sample its delicious cuisine.

If you are interested in more Madrid travel information, make sure to check out these posts: 

• 2024 Madrid Travel Guide
•  A Guide to Madrid’s Best Flamenco Shows
• The 6 Best Restaurants in Madrid You Need to Try This Year
• The Best Tapas in Madrid
• Top 5 Spain Paradores you Must See
• Book with Ease: Madrid’s Top 3 Airport Hotels Made Simple
• The 15 Best Hotels in Madrid You Need to Know About
• Book With Ease: Madrid’s Top 3 Airport Hotels Made Simple
• Madrid Tapas Scene: Jamón, Queso, and Olives Have My Heart
• Christmas In Madrid
• New Year’s Eve in Spain
• Discover the Best Christmas Markets in Madrid: A Festive Guide
• Madrid with Kids: How to Have a Blast Exploring the City