tourist information for madrid

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The capital city with a thousand options

Buen Retiro Park

Teatro Real

Puerta de Alcalá Gate

Royal Palace

Plaza Mayor square in Madrid

Casa de la Villa City Hall and Casa de Cisneros House

Gallery of the Royal Collections

Reina Sofía National Art Centre

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Prado Museum

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How to get there - transport information

Select the means of transport to see how to get there or how to get around at your destination.

How to get to aeroplane

Madrid Airport is 12 kilometres from the city centre, which can easily be reached by public transport.

By metro , take line 8. The trip costs an additional 3 euros on top of the cost of any ticket, and the journey is just over 30 minutes.

By train , you can take the C-1 and C-10 Cercanías lines, which take around half an hour to reach the city centre.

By bus, you can get to the centre with the Exprés Aeropuerto , in about half an hour for 5 euros, or take the regular city bus routes 200 or 101.

By taxi , the journey between the airport and the city centre has a fixed price of 30 euros.

If travelling by night, take the airport express bus or a taxi.

By road , the most common route is along the M-40, and it takes just over 20 minutes.

More information

How to get to train

If you are travelling to Madrid by train, you can reach two main stations: Atocha and Chamartín.

Madrid Station - Puerta de Atocha - Almudena Grandes : In the city centre. You can easily leave the station by public transport: you can take the Metro (line 1), the train (all the Cercanías or local trains) and the bus (lines 001, 6, 10, 14, 19, 24, 26, 27, 32, 34, 36, 37, 41, 45, 47, 54, 55, 57, 59, 85, 86, 102, 119, 141, 203, E1, C1, C2, C03, SE766, N9, N10, N11, N12, N13, N14, N15, N17, N25) and taxi . International connections to Paris and Lisbon. High-speed trains to Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Malaga, and more destinations.

Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor Station : In the north of the city. From the station, you can take the metro (lines 1 and 10), train (lines C-1, C-2, C-3, C3a, C-4, C-7, C-8 and C-10), bus (lines 5, 66, 67, 124, 129, 134, 135, 150, 147, 173, 174, 175, 176, 178, SE704, T62, N24) and taxi . International connections to Paris and Lisbon.

Ticket booking

How to get to bus

If you want to get to Madrid by bus, you have two options in terms of stations: the Méndez Álvaro station, also known as the Estación Sur, and the Avenida de América station.

Sur Station : Located in the southern part of the city of Madrid. Public transport connections: Metro (line 6), train (lines C1, C5, C10), bus (lines 8, 102, 113, 148, 152, 156, N11) and taxi .

Avenida de América Station : In the north of the city. Public transport connections: Metro (lines 4, 6, 7 and 9), bus (1, 12, 52, 72, 73, 114, 115, 122, 200, C1, C2, N2, N4) and taxi .

How to get there by road

The main roads leading to Madrid are the A-1 (from the Basque Country), A-2 (Barcelona), A-3 (Valencia), A-4 (Seville), A-5 (Extremadura) and A-6 (Galicia).

Please note that large parts of the city centre are Low-Emissions Zones, where driving and parking are restricted. If you arrive in Madrid by car or motorcycle, consult the website of the City Council to find out about these areas. These restrictions apply equally to vehicles with foreign registrations. If your vehicle has an environmental rating from France or Portugal, check DGT website the table of equivalences of environmental ratings in European Union countries to know what restrictions might affect you. You can also get information before travelling through your accommodation in Madrid.

Practical information

Most points of interest are concentrated in the centre, which makes it easy to explore them on foot.

Tourist pass : for just one person. Unlimited travel on the metro, bus and train network. There are five types: lasting one, two, three, four, five or seven calendar days and with two different levels of coverage: A (to travel within the city of Madrid) and T (to also travel in the surrounding areas, as this pass includes all the other zones).

How to get around in metro/tram

The Metro network covers the entire city of Madrid and connects it to other nearby towns within the region of Madrid .

It operates from 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. every day. 

You can buy single tickets, passes for 10 journeys, or special tickets to the airport.

How to get around in train

The Cercanías train network covers the entire city of Madrid and connects it to other nearby towns within the region of Madrid .

It runs from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm.

You can buy single or return tickets, or a pass for 10 journeys.

How to get around in bus

The city bus lines usually operate between 6:00 am and 11:30 pm.

Night buses, known as “búhos” (owls), run from 11.20 pm or 11.45 pm to 5.30 am or 6 am, and until 7 am on Saturday nights and before public holidays. Most lines start at Plaza de Cibeles. 

There are also intercity lines that connect the city of Madrid with other towns in the region.

Sightseeing bus around the most iconic spots with 1 or 2 day tickets.

How to get around in other means of transport

By taxi : Easily identifiable white vehicles with a red stripe. A green light on the roof shows they are available. You can get a taxi from a taxi rank, stop one in the street (the ones with their green light on) or book one on one of the different apps . Taxis from Madrid-Barajas airport to Madrid city centre have a set price of €30 each way.

A different, quick and ecological way to travel around Madrid is by bike, whether by hiring one from the different companies that provide this service or using the municipal bike hire service, Bicimad .

There is a cable car that crosses over the Casa de Campo park. 

Excursions to nearby destinations

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Shows, festivals, sports...

View some of the most relevant events you will be able to enjoy at the destination.

Exhibition: Antoni Tàpies. The Practice of Art

21 February 2024 - 24 June 2024

CONVIVIUM. Archaeology of the Mediterranean diet

30 April 2024 - 01 September 2024

The feminine side of El Prado. Artistic promoters of the Museum's collections (1602-1700)

30 April 2024 - 08 September 2024

Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday.

PHONE: +34 644 570 842

E-MAIL: [email protected]

MADRID TOURISM

Know madrid.

We offer you multiple options to enjoy your stay in Madrid.

THINGS TO DO IN MADRID

Go explore madrid, explore madrid.

Start walking through Madrid, walk through the Plaza Mayor, get lost through the Puerta del Sol, visit the Royal Palace, see the Almudena Cathedral, discover Madrid at night.

Book Activities

Madrid offers you a multitude of leisure and entertainment activities, do not think about it and enjoy them, book them in advance, they sell out.

Madrid Excursions

From Madrid, you can enjoy visits to Toledo, Segovia, Avila, Aranjuez and many other cities to choose from and not to be missed.

Thing to do in Madrid

Segway madrid.

TOUR PRIVADO

We show you Madrid in the most fun way, a guide will accompany you and tell you his story. Choose your segway tour.

Madrid city tour, hop on & hop off. madrid at a glance, two routes to enjoy the best views of madrid., toledo – full day tour from madrid, with cathedral, dive into a fascinating mix of cultures in toledo. walk through the old town part of the city following your local guide., explore the city, flamenco show, excursions out of madrid, tapas & drink route, tourism madrid.

Enjoy a cosmopolitan city like Madrid, large boulevards and with large landscaped spaces, Jardín del Buen Retiro, Jardines del Palacio del Principe de Anglona, Casa de Campo. Highlight the cultural offer of the city of Madrid, its museums; Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Leisure and training that never ends.

Visita MAdrid

Privacy overview.

• 1.1 The main tourist areas
• 1.2 The rest of the city
• 2.1 Location
• 2.2 Climate
• 2.3 History
• 2.4 Modern politics
• 2.5 Madrileño everyday life
• 2.6 Nightlife
• 2.7 Tourist information
• 3.1.1 To and from the airport
• 3.2 By train
• 4.1.1 Metro
• 4.1.3 Train
• 4.2 By taxi
• 4.4 By bicycle
• 6.2 Cultural venues
• 6.3 Festivals
• 8.1 Shopping districts
• 8.2 El Corte Inglés
• 8.3 Fashion
• 8.4 Markets
• 9.1 Cuisine
• 9.2 Restaurants
• 10.1 Tapas bars
• 10.5 Nightlife areas
• 11.1 Hostels
• 11.2 Budget
• 11.3 Mid-range
• 11.4 Splurge
• 13.1 Embassies
• 13.2 Newspapers
• 14.1 Neighbourhoods and suburbs
• 14.2 Football
• 14.3 Pickpocketing

Madrid is Spain 's capital and largest city. A city that has been marked by Spain's varied and tumultuous history, Madrid has some of Europe's most impressive cultural and architectural heritage, which includes grand avenues, plazas, buildings and monuments, world-class art galleries and museums, highly popular football teams, and cultural events of international fame for everyone. Madrid is also renowned for gastronomic delights and a nightlife lasting up until dawn.

Madrid is more often than not disregarded by tourists who gravitate to other parts of the country. But though it may appear to lack some of the breathtaking architecture of Barcelona , the frenetic energy of London and Berlin, or the flair of Paris and Rome, Madrid is a massive treasure chest that has something for those who are willing to get off the beaten tourist tracks. It might not be the most sought-after city, but those who seek out what Madrid has to offer will discover a city of unexpected beauty.

The main tourist areas

The rest of the city.

Madrid has over 3.2 million residents within the city limits and 6.8 million people live in the autonomous Community of Madrid region (as of 2018).

Madrid is just northeast of the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula , in the middle of the Spanish central Castillian plateau (Meseta central), at an average altitude of 650 m (2,130 ft). Nearly all of the most famous tourist areas are in the centre of the city including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, and Plaza de Colón. The major streets in Madrid include the Gran Via, Alcalá Street, and Paseo de la Castellana.

The climate of Madrid is continental, mainly dry and quite extreme at times. Madrid experiences a characteristically hot and dry summer, along with a fairly cold winter with frequent frosts during the night and occasional snowfalls. Spring and autumn are generally mild with the most rainfall concentrated in these seasons. Spring and autumn are definitely the best times to visit, especially the months of April, May, June, September and October. There is very little rainfall during summer and also less rainfall during winter. During winter, snow occurs sporadically; however, snow usually lasts only for a few days, but there is abundant snowfall in the adjacent mountain ranges nearby.

Madrid is a city that goes back to the Spanish Muslims, but virtually nothing of Madrid before the Reconquista is left. A few historic city walls have been archeologically preserved but Madrid was by far overshadowed by Toledo (Roman Toletum ) until the early modern era. To give just one example, construction on Madrid Cathedral did not start until the late 19th century, and only finished in the 1990s, as the archbishop of Toledo did not want to relinquish episcopal power, and the monarchs had moved the capital in part precisely to escape the power of Toledo's archbishop.

The culture of Madrid was dominated by its royal history, centre of the Spanish Empire. The Royal Palace, big plazas and buildings used by the Spanish Monarchy, enormous cathedrals and churches are plentiful in Madrid. Madrid is now just as much a cosmopolitan city as Berlin or London : full of modern architecture, lifestyle and culture.

Madrid became capital of Spain under Philip II who had a gargantuan palace built in nearby El Escorial . For a long while, Madrid would be the royal residence first, only becoming a city much later. Madrid architecture often reflects the era in which it was built. The Spanish Habsburgs ("Los Austrias") who reigned until the death of unfortunate Charles II in 1700 predominantly used red brick for facades and black schist for the roofs. The later Bourbon dynasty (ruling today after the two Republican interludes) preferred granite to brick, giving their buildings a greyer tone. The king that had the largest influence on Madrid after Philip II was perhaps Charles III. He was nicknamed "el Rey Alcalde" (the mayor-king) or "Madrid's best mayor" due to his extensive building and modernisation programmes in the city. Other royal projects that left their mark are Isabel II's freshwater canal, and the metro which was started in 1919 with King Alfonso XIII's own money. However, both those monarchs were so unpopular that they were later overthrown by their own people, giving rise to the First and Second Spanish Republics.

Being the capital of Spain, Madrid came to be associated - justly or not, for better and for worse - with the governing trends in Spain by Spaniards in other parts of the country. As the governing trends swung widely from anti-clerical Republic to hyper-catholic fascist Franco dictatorship, this has influenced the perception of Madrid in the rest of Spain. During the 2nd Republic (1931-1936), it was a bustling city of new ideas with many political issues of the day literally fought out on the streets of Madrid. During the Civil War, Madrid endured a three year siege (1936-1939) by the anti-Republican troops and was one of the last places to hold out for the Republic. During the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-1975), the city represented the heart of the repressive hyper-conservative dictatorship to many Spaniards, particularly Basques and Catalans. However, the city is also the epicentre of the famous Movida of the 1980s, a Spanish movement that bred personalities such as the director Pedro Almodóvar. The heritage of this era is indeed still visible in the city centre, where a party can be found at all times and one of the most liberal and colourful environments of Spain can be seen. The city is also known for its acceptance of LGBT people.

Modern politics

Since Franco's death, Madrid's city politics have swung widely from right to left and back, at first having a (socialist) PSOE-led government through the 1980s which was replaced by the centre-right PP which dominated the city through an awkward mix of paternalistic public works, free-for-all housing plans, and other anarchic construction projects in the 1990s. The 2000s saw a more nuanced approach by Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, also of the PP, who focused on upgrading Madrid's ring road (the M30), expanding the metro system, and liberalising the economy. The 2008 financial crisis hit Madrid hard, which gave rise to ex-communist Manuela Carmena in the 2010s. Despite showing early promises, Carmena's popularity dwindled, and the PP's José Luis Martínez-Almeida ousted her as mayor by winning the 2019 elections forming a governing coalition with two new political parties: the centrist Ciudadanos and the far-right Vox. This rightwards shift reinforced itself with the popularity of Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the PP president of the Community of Madrid.

Madrileño everyday life

The citizens of Madrid refer to themselves as Madrileños or the more traditional and now seldom-used term "gatos" (cats). They live by a daily routine that is heavily influenced by the climate. Due to the typically midday heat during summer, a "siesta" can be still observed during which some citizens take a break to cool off, though Madrileños can usually only afford this 'luxury' during holidays and weekends.

Most stores are open throughout the day; just small stores are often closed during siesta. Workers and those more afflicted by Western lifestyles choose not to observe this long break and work usually between 09:00 and 18:00-19:00. However, during summer, many offices have a summer schedule requiring workers to start at 08:00 and finish at 15:00 (most commonly without the standard 1-2 hour break for lunch).

Offices usually close over the weekend but businesses are often open Saturday morning, or until the afternoon in the city centre. Most grocers are closed on Sundays, but some major chain and department stores linked to "culture" (books, music, etc.) will be open every day. Shops and department stores in Puerta del Sol area are open every day.

Madrid has a very modern and elaborate transportation network of buses and Metro with a few "Light Metro" tram lines in the outskirts. The city contrasts with some large European cities in that it is extremely clean, and city employees in bright yellow vests can almost always be seen cleaning the streets and sidewalks. Like most large cities, however, there is a substantial population of vagrants and beggars lining the streets.

Madrid is one of the biggest and most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Communities of West Africans, North Africans, other Europeans (especially Romanians), Chinese, Filipinos, Pakistanis, and above all Latin Americans are prominent.

Madrid possibly has the most bars per capita of any European city and a very active nightlife; Madrileños are known to stay up until as late as 05:00-07:00. It is quite common to see a crowded Gran Vía on weekend nights. Due to this lifestyle, lodging near the fun areas may end up a nightmare for light sleepers if your window faces the street.

Tourist information

• Tourism website of the city of Madrid.

Madrid has two smaller airfields, Torrejón and Cuatro Vientos , but they have no commercial flights.

To and from the airport

• During the day, Metro a popular best way to reach city centre. Line 8 (pink) runs from Nuevos Ministerios to Terminals 123, Barajas town (no airport here, don't get off!) and T4. It runs from 06:00 to 01:30, taking 15 min from city to T123 and another 5 min to T4. The single fare is €5. See "Get around" for other ticket options.
• The Cercanías (renfe) regional train service C1 line runs between T4 and Puerta de Atocha, without needing to change trains or paying the metro airport suppliment. Tickets are issued on a "+ renfe & tú" reusable card. If not arriving there, you can reach T4 on the free inter-terminal bus. Puerta de Atocha is nearby but separate to Atocha metro station.
• If taxis are your thing, there is always an armada of them readily available. There is a fixed fare of €30 for trips between the airport and central Madrid (defined as any point in Madrid inside the M-30 expressway).

Buses between city centre and airport are:

• Exprés Aeropuerto bus 203 runs from Atocha to T12 & T4, 06:00-23:30 every 15-20 min, taking 30 min.
• Bus 200 runs from Avenida de America transport hub to T12 & T4 (but T3 only city-bound, not outbound), 05:00-23:30 every 10-20 min.
• At night bus N27 runs every 35 min from Cibeles to T12 & T4 and is the only public transport option.
• Bus 101 from Canillejas transport hub, east edge of the city, to T12 (T3 only city-bound, not outbound).
• Bus 822 from Coslada and San Fernando de Henares, just south of the airport, to T1.
• Bus 824 from Alcalá de Henares and Torrejón to the east, to T12.
• Bus 827 & 828 from the Autonomous University and Alcobendas, to T4.
• Avanza buses run to T1 from Avila and Salamanca.
• Alsa buses run to T4 from Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valladolid, León, Murcia, Alicante, Gijón, Oviedo, Lugo, Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, Vitoria, San Sebastián, Santander, Bilbao, Logroño and Pamplona.
• Socibus run to T1 from Andalusia, e.g. Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez and Sevilla.

The state-owned rail company Renfe ( ☏ +34 902-240-202 ) and low cost operators Ouigo & iryo operate trains to Madrid. Frequent long-distance trains connect Madrid and Alicante (2 hr 30 min), Barcelona (2 hr 40 min), Bilbao (6 hr), Córdoba (2 hr), Malaga (2 hr 30 min), Salamanca (2 hr 30 min), Santiago de Compostela (6 hr), Seville (2 hr 20 min), Valencia (2 hr) and Zaragoza (1 hr 15 min).

The overnight train from Lisbon was suspended in 2020, perhaps indefinitely. Travel from Portugal now involves changing at Merida and Badajoz.

There is a direct daytime train from Marseille , taking 8 hours. Madrid can be reached from Paris and other cities in France and beyond also by changing in Barcelona. However for the French Atlantic coast (e.g. Bayonne and Bordeaux ) it is quicker to travel via Hendaye .

Madrid has two mainline railway stations, Atocha and Chamartín, both with extensive Metro and local Cercanías train connections. To transfer between them, take Metro line 1 (€1.50, 30–40 min) or Cercanías lines C3 and C4 (€1.35, 15 min).

Most mainline trains run from:

Madrid has several bus stations, but long-distance routes all use either Estación Sur southside, or Avenida de América northside. These buses may also call at the airport.

International buses, and those headed south of Madrid, run from 40.39528 -3.6784 4 Estación Sur de Autobuses ( C/ de Méndez Álvaro, 3 , ☏ +34 914 684 200 ) which is 1 km southeast of Atocha. Routes include Lisbon (3 per day, 8 hr, by Avanza), Milan (twice a day, 26 hr, by Alsa) and Paris (daily, 16 hr, by Flixbus). The metro stop is Méndez Álvaro on line 6 (grey). It also has a Cercanias train halt. The building is quite old, but adequate, with several bus company ticket offices, a retail corridor with a couple of cafes, and toilets.

Buses to the north, e.g. Barcelona and Bilbao , run from 40.43818 -3.6764 5 Estación de Avenida de América ( Avda de América, 9 ), 2 km northeast of the centre. It's a big transport hub on metro lines 4 (brown), 6 (grey), gold (7), and 9 (purple). It's not on a Cercanias line.

By public transit

Madrid proudly sports one of the best public transportation networks in the world and the second largest metro network in Europe after London's. Buses and subways work with the same tickets, and operate within the integrated transit network of 40.44085 -3.69998 6 CRTM (Plaza del Descubridor Diego de Ordás 3, M-F 08:00-20:00).

A single ticket for Zone A costs €1.50 (max. 5 stations), but the cost goes up to €2 if you go more than 10 stations, and can be purchased from metro ticket vending machines or directly from the bus driver on entry. A ten-trip ticket (10 viajes) costs €12.20 (€6.10 during 2024) for Zone A (no transfers from one mode of transportation to another allowed); these tickets can be shared with other travellers. Children under the age of 4 may travel without a ticket, and children under 11 receive a 50% discount. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, newsstands, and tobacconists.

If you plan to use public transport a lot you can purchase a Tourist Card [dead link] , which allows unlimited travel as well as discounted admission for some tourist attractions. The card can be purchased at any metro station, as well as at the CRTM headquarters. For travel within Zone A the following rates apply: 1 day (€10), 2 days (€17.00), 3 days (€22.50), 5 days (€32.50), or 7 days (€41.00). These tickets are personalised so cannot be shared.

If you're planning on staying for a long time, you might consider investing into the Tarjeta Transporte Público . You can load travel plans onto them according to your age – regular (adult), joven (youth) or mayor (senior). Application must be made in advance at any metro station with a completed application and a copy of your passport. The travel plans can be loaded from any metro vending machine.

The Metro de Madrid (Madrid's subway/underground) is one of the best and least expensive metros in Europe. In 2019 Metro celebrated its 100th anniversary with exhibitions and displays at stations commemorating its century of history. The Metro's underground tunnels can provide relief from the sun on hot days. The metro network had one of the most rapid expansions of any rapid transit networks in a modern western nation in the 1990s only brought to a temporary halt with the late 2000s financial crisis. To give just one example, on April 11 2003 over 40 km (25 mi) of new metro tunnel were opened in a single day - more than what New York City and Berlin combined have opened in the 21st century thus far.

Ticket machines are multi-lingual with instructions Spanish; you can change the language to English by pressing the circular button with several flags in it. Swiping the smartcard once allows you to use the metro network as long and far as you like – but make sure you stay inside the Metro zone A, as once you leave it you'll have to swipe your smartcard again. If you are travelling in the city centre, then multiple people can tap in using the same Multi card; they don’t have to buy their own individual card. However, some outlying stations as well as airport stations have another check at the exit where you have to "tap out" because the fare from central Madrid is higher. Should you go there more than once, buy the "ten trip all network" ticket (which is slightly more expensive than the "ten trip central area" ticket) or a day ticket. When you travel to/from airport stations, there is additional supplement of €3, which can be paid at the entrance or exit. The tourist passes do not require this supplement as it is included in the price.

Generally the Metro operates daily from 06:00-01:30, although you can catch some trains as late as 02:00. Frequencies range from 2-4 minutes during rush hour to up to 15 minutes from midnight onwards.

Bicycles are permitted on the Metro during most periods except during rush hour, generally M-F 07:30-09:30, 14:00-16:00, and 18:00-20:00. Pets in carriers and dogs are also permitted.

Pickpockets are rife on the metro, and travellers should take appropriate precautions. Announcements in Metro trains and stations are made mostly in Spanish only, though some signs are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Whatever the Metro doesn't cover, EMT buses do. Generally buses run 06:00-24:00. Búho ( owl ) night buses have their main hub at 40.41898 -3.69327 7 Plaza de Cibeles , covering most of the city at roughly 20-minute intervals.

All buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi facility (EMTmadrid), easy to use with any type of laptop or mobile device. For travellers with smartphones, there is a helpful official EMT app for iPhone and Android with a route planner and schedules.

Madrid has a system of local trains called Cercanías that connects outlying suburbs and villages with the city centre. Although most useful for visiting historic or outdoor destinations outside the city core, it is also useful for quickly getting from one end of the city to another, as well as to 40.4913 -3.592 8 Terminal T4 of Barajas airport. If you are flying from another terminal; there is a free inter terminal bus but you will have to allow extra time to use it.

40.47203 -3.6817 9 Chamartín Cercanías and 40.4466 -3.69216 10 Estación de Nuevos Ministerios are in the north, and 40.41693 -3.70347 11 Estación de Sol in the centre and 40.4053 -3.688 12 Atoche Cercanías is in the south of the city.

Alongside its metro system, Madrid boasts one of Europe's largest taxi fleets. Taxis are usually plentiful and easy to find, but they become harder to find during late hours on weekends, especially if there is some rain. Unlike in other European cities, there are few taxi stands; just stand by the side of a major road or bus stop and wave your hand to signal an available taxi passing by. Available taxis have a green libre sign in the windshield and a green light on top.

Official taxis are white, and have a red stripe and the flag of Madrid on the front door. The tariff is displayed on top of the car – a 1 during daytime and a 2 at night, which become 2 and 3 on public holidays such as Christmas Eve.

Some taxi drivers will do what is called la vuelta al ruedo — they will drive you around or through the crowded avenues to increase the fare.

Most taxi drivers do not speak fluent English, so you should have the names and addresses of your destinations written in Spanish to show your taxi driver. Likewise, get your hotel's business card in case you get lost. When giving an address to a taxi driver, it is useful to say the name of the neighbourhood in addition to the street name and number, for example: Calle de Don Ramón de la Cruz, 74, Lista.

Cars have been one of the most hot button issues in Madrid municipal politics in the twenty first century. Leftist mayor Manuela Carmena introduced a scheme to drastically reduce the number of cars in central Madrid, however she lost reelection in 2019 and the new right-wing Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida reversed course before being forced by European Union legislation they had violated to partially reinstate the ban. In short: driving a car in Madrid can be a nightmare, but not as bad as cities like Paris or Brussels. Parts of the Spanish capital's downtown suffers from the typical problems of most big cities: far too many cars and not enough space to accommodate them. However, you can often see construction works on roads aimed at finding a better balance between cars and buses, and evidence is pointing towards easier coexistence between all modes of transportation. With that said, traffic jams in major arteries like the Paseo de la Castellana can occur deep into the night. The problem is compounded by the narrow streets in the old town, where a lorry delivering beer barrels to a local bar can cause a huge tailback. Finding a parking space can be very time consuming, and difficult if one is not skilled in the art of close proximity parallel parking. Many Spaniards are also lacking in this art, prompting them to simply park in the street, blocking other cars in. If you find yourself blocked in by such a practice, honk your horn until the driver returns. Most Madrileños park by sound alone: they will feel no remorse for repeatedly hitting the car in front and behind them while trying to get into or out of a tight spot. If you value your car's paint job, or you have rented a car, it may be best to park underground. Though this is no guarantee for nobody hitting your car, the chances are somewhat diminished.

For free parking but within walking distance of 20 minutes to Sol, try the street at Principe Pio metro stop. The place to park is the street near to the shopping mall called 'Calle de Mozart'. It is packed with cars on weekday mornings because of people getting to the Metro station. During the evenings and weekends it's easy to get a parking spot.

Renting a car is not recommended for getting around central Madrid, and if you're only staying within this area a car is likely to be more of a liability than an asset. Visitors should make use of Madrid's excellent public transportation instead. Renting a car however makes sense if you are planning to leave central Madrid to venture into the outer districts or to nearby towns. Car rental facilities are available at the airport, train stations, and other main travel sites, and cars from car-sharing services like Free2move , GoTo , Voltio , WiBLE and Zity are widely available on the street to rent on a per-minute basis. Always be sure to have a street map handy! The roads within Madrid are difficult to navigate as there are no places to stop and consult a map or check your route.

There are several consecutive junctions underground near the centre and your GPS may not get a signal underground. Plan your turns before you enter the tunnels.

Madrid does not appear as a bike-friendly city at a first sight. Things were changing slowly to make bike experience more comfortable, but in 2019 the new right-wing mayor planned to make the city the only capital in the world where bicycle lanes are being removed. Several streets in the city centre have been transformed into mixed-traffic spaces where pedestrians and bikes have priority over cars. There are new easy-bike paths all along the river and connecting important parks.

It is also possible to use a lot of narrow easy streets where traffic is slow and calm to travel along the city without depending on exclusive bike paths. There are some official and unofficial publications with these streets along the web.

To avoid some of Madrid inconveniencies, such as hot weather or slopy streets it is also possible to get bikes on Metro and Railways trains with some schedule restrictions, and on every public transport without restrictions when using folding-bikes.

Madrid's public bike rental service, called BiciMAD . It boasts 1560 electric bikes spread over 123 stations. Unfortunately, the site is not yet available in English. However, the information at the bike stations is available in multiple languages. A casual user pays no initial fee, but €2 for every first hour or fraction, and €4 for the second (Oct 2019). A contactless card is issued instantaneously upon signing up at any bike station. The process is relatively quick and requires some basic information such as name, ID, email and credit card number. Swipe the card through the somewhat larger opening on the left of any bike to retrieve it. Use the buttons to the left of the handlebar to toggle electric assistance. Here you'll also find a button to switch on the lights. So watch out, you'll need to do this yourself when it gets dark! Be equally careful when using electric assistance for the first time, as it might require some getting used to.

There are also some rent shops in the historical centre area such as the company Baja Bikes Madrid . This company offers several rental points in Madrid at Retiro, Atocha, Madrid-Río, etc. They offer guided and self-guided bicycle tours, using electric or conventional bicycles.

• 40.41887 -3.70076 1 Trixi bike tours , c/Jardines 12 , ☏ +34 915 231 547 . Bicycle tours and rental from €4/hr. Daily 11:00 start city bike tours in English for 3 hr, €22.  

Madrid is one of the top addresses in the world for art, both contemporary and not-so-contemporary, with Goya's most famous works in the Prado, Picasso's Guernica in the Reina Sofía and countless other works in those two museums and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The Prado goes back to the royal art collection which - for a nation that was the world's leading superpower for two centuries - is of course quite impressive. The Reina Sofía was opened to house what the Prado "had no room for" with a dividing line based on era ultimately being drawn. Besides art, Madrid also boasts some impressive architecture courtesy of kings who had access to the wealth of two continents and no qualms in spending it for extravagant royal residences.

The following is a non-exclusive taste of what Madrid has to offer. Dive into the districts to find more!

The most known association football clubs are Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid . Their home stadiums can be found in the Northern Suburbs . They are widely regarded as among the best football teams in the world; catching a game is a must. Other teams include Rayo Vallecano, in the neighbourhood of Vallecas or Getafe in the nearby suburbs, which are served by Madrid Metro.

There are also major basketball teams: Estudiantes , Real Madrid , and Fuenlabrada . The first two play at the Palacio de los Deportes every other weekend during the season. Fuenlabrada, based in the Madrid suburb of the same name, play at Polideportivo Fernando Martín.

Handball is also played in Madrid but the big sports conglomerates of Madrid are no longer involved in the top leagues making BM Alcobendas the highest ranked Handball team from the greater Madrid area.

Cultural venues

Flamenco shows can be seen in numerous venues in Sol-Letras-Lavapiés , Moncloa and La Latina - Austrias .

Opera houses are spread through the city centre. In addition, several orchestras don't have a stable/home venue to play in:

Cinemas offer films in English, along with films in other languages. These original films are denoted in the listings by a designation of "V.O." which stands for versión original . Cinemas in Madrid will sometimes have días del espectador (viewer days) with cheaper ticket prices, usually on Mondays or Wednesdays. It also has the world's largest multiplex cinema, with 25 different screens.

• La Trashumancia . Annual event during which the centre of Madrid is free of cars and is instead filled with shepherds exercising their ancient right to drive sheep and livestock through the city. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• Madrid Gay Pride . Annual event held between the last week of June and the first of July, with more than 1.5 million people in the street from all around the world. It began as a weekend party, but lately turned into a full-week extravaganza.  

If you want to go to Madrid to learn Spanish, there are several private language schools that offer Spanish courses for foreigners. These are listed in the district articles. For example:

• Don Quijote School . You can take 4–6 hours of Spanish courses a day. All courses, including beginner courses, are taught entirely in Spanish. A week costs €230 for 20 hours.
• Enforex . Spanish courses for all ages, intensive or private. Start any Monday of the year a Spanish course with Enforex. A week costs €130 for 10 hours.

Another option is to take a Spanish course at university, the Complutense University of Madrid offers Spanish courses for foreigners that take place in the faculty of Philology and Letters.

Major credit cards and foreign bank cards are accepted in most stores, but it is common practice to be asked for photo-ID (DNI). If asked for your DNI present your passport, residency permit or foreign ID card — anything with your photo and name on it will be accepted by most shopkeepers. The signatures on credit cards are usually not checked.

Shopping districts

In addition to the shopping areas below, there are also a lot of H&M, Zara, Mango, and Blanco stores all over Madrid, with high fashion clothes and accessories at a low price.

• 40.4188 -3.7048 1 Sol area . The most convenient area for tourists is around Calle de Preciados and Calle del Carmen, between metro stations Sol and Gran Vía , home to the El Corte Inglés department store, high-street names like Zara, Gran Vía 32, H&M, Sephora, Pimkie. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 40.4293 -3.6863 2 Salamanca ( Metro Serrano , Núñez de Balboa or Retiro ). The most upscale shopping district is northeast of the centre, around Calle Serrano and its side-streets. Top designer names like Chanel, Versace, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, including the fluid fabrics and elegant cuts of Spanish designer Adolfo Domínguez, are on Calle Ortega y Gasset. Head for Calle Serrano for Purificación García, Roberto Verino, Ermenegildo Zegna, Loewe, Carolina Herrera, Manolo Blahnik, Cartier, and Yves Saint Laurent. Prada is on Goya street, and on Jorge Juan St you can find even more luxury shops. ( updated Apr 2017 )

• 40.423 -3.7006 3 Chueca and Calle Fuencarral area ( between metro stations Gran Vía and Tribunal ). This part of the city used to be an abandoned and marginal area. However, it has quickly turned into the most avant-garde and modern part of Madrid. Thanks to the gay community, old shops were taken over and turned into the coolest places of Madrid. Today it is an example of modernity, a paradise for entertainment where everything is possible. The streets are filled with restaurants, alternative cafés and shops, a good example is the Mercado de Fuencarral a novel shopping centre concept. Apart from the purely commercial, this area proposes a wide range of gastronomy and party clubs by night in the weekends. ( updated Apr 2017 )

El Corte Inglés

El Corte Inglés is a Spanish institution, the only remaining department store chain in the country. El Corte Inglés stores are ubiquitous and dominate the retail market, setting the tone and reflecting the preferences of the Spanish customers. While hardly as exciting as visiting the over-the-top luxury department stores in New York or London, they provide a nice shopping environment, and many feature nice (and reasonably priced) food options. So, if the weather is bad, one of their stores may be your last resort.

Some of the more prominent El Corte Inglés locations in Madrid:

• 40.41755 -3.70477 4 El Corte Inglés Preciados , C/ Preciados 1-9 , ☏ +34 913 798 000 . Occupying the full first few blocks of the pedestrian boulevard Calle Preciados, El Corte Inglés serves as a gateway to the shopping paradise from Puerta de Sol. ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 40.41952 -3.70506 5 El Corte Inglés Plaza de Callao , Plaza de Callao, 2 , ☏ +34 913 798 000 . M-Sa 10:00-22:00, Su 11:00-21:00 . A much smaller store is to be found at the other end of Calle Preciados. Not quite a looker from the outside, it holds a top-floor restaurant with brilliant views over the Gran Vía. ( updated Feb 2017 )

You will also find stores in 40.43005 -3.68752 6 Centro Comercial Serrano , 40.42442 -3.67474 7 Centro Comercial Goya and 40.43015 -3.71531 8 Centro Comercial Princesa , as well as in most shopping centres on the outskirts of Madrid.

Loewe is one of the world's oldest luxury brands, founded back in the middle of the 19th century in Madrid. You will find their flagship stores 40.42779 -3.68704 9 Loewe Flores and 40.42768 -3.6872 10 Casa Loewe Madrid around the intersection of Calle Serrano and Calle de Goya, 40.41959 -3.69828 11 Loewe Gran Vía on Gran Vía, and, if you forgot something, two at the Madrid-Barajas Airport , in T1 and T4. If you are interested in flamenco, you can buy flamenco shoes at the store that makes the Sara Baras shoes

Interesting markets can be found in the La Latina - Austrias and Retiro - Paseo del Arte districts

Dishes popular throughout Spain are also widely served in Madrid.

In addition, Madrid has a number of typical regional dishes:

• Gallinejas and entresijos – Lamb chitterlings fried in its fat. Very traditional and typical from Madrid city.

• Callos a la madrileña – A hot pot of spicy beef tripe similar to those found in Turkey and the Balkans.
• Cocido madrileño – Chickpea stew with meat and vegetables. The particularity of this stew is the way it is served. The soup, chickpeas and meat are served and eaten separately.
• Oreja de cerdo – Pigs ears, fried in garlic. This popular dish is widely eaten throughout central Spain.
• Sopa de ajo – Garlic soup is a rich and oily soup which generally includes paprika, grated Spanish ham, fried bread and a poached egg. A variation of this soup is known as sopa castellana .

It is ironic that Madrid, in the centre of Spain, has higher quality seafood than many coastal regions. This quality comes at a price, and most Spaniards only occasionally shell out for a mariscada or seafood feast. Experiencing Madrid's seafood may be, for the visitor, an experience which will be worth the cost.

Fresh meat and meat products (jamón ibérico, morcilla, chorizo etc.) are of generally a very high quality in Madrid.

Restaurants

Many of the restaurants and cervecerías in the Sol and Plaza Mayor area have generic poster board advertisements on the sidewalks with pictures advertising various paella dishes. These paellas are usually of bad quality and should be avoided. If you are looking for good, authentic Spanish paella, it is usually best to find a more expensive, 'sit-down' type of restaurant that offers a variety of paella dishes.

A much better option is the La Latina neighbourhood just south of Plaza Mayor, especially along Calle Cava Baja. There are also a number of deli-like shops along Calle Arenal that offer food to go ( para llevar ).

At bars, one generally orders various sized plates, a ración meaning a full dish, a media ración or a half-dish, or a smaller version which would be a tapa , a pinxto or a pincho .

The Spaniards don't eat lunch until 14:00 or 15:00, and dinner doesn't start until 21:00 or 22:00. As a rule of thumb, restaurants serve lunch from 13:00 until 15:30, then close and re-open for dinner at 20:00, serving until 23:00. This schedule is usually for restaurants, since bars and mesones are usually opened all day long offering a wide variety of tapas and sandwiches for a cheap price. If you're really desperate, the standard bunch of fast food chains do stay open throughout the day.

In the tapas bars, you should get free food with your drinks. The highest concentration of tapas bars is in La Latina and around Plaza Santa Ana in the barrio de las Letras , but you will find them all over the city, including Malasaña and Chueca as well as the western districts , where there are probably less overrun by tourists.

• 40.4124 -3.70922 1 Calle Cava Baja ( Metro: La Latina ). This narrow street in La Latina is by far the most famous and popular place for tapas. ( updated Jul 2017 )

Cafés and confectioneries can be found all over the city, but the highest concentration can be found around Puerta del Sol, barrio de las Austrias and Lavapiés , in the Old town and in Malasaña and Chueca . A very popular and typical local sweet that is sold both in cafés and by street vendors is Churros . These fried-dough pastries are distantly related to doughnuts, but have a more elongated shape and are a lot crispier. They are usually drizzled with sugar or chocolate.

Nightlife starts later in Madrid, with most people heading to the bars at 22:00-23:00. One of the best options to enjoy the nightlife is in the popular quarter Barrio de las Letras , especially on its main street, Calle Huertas , and other nearby streets. A great choice of bars is also available in the more traditional La Latina area as well as in the younger and alternative-flavoured Malasaña and Chueca districts.

Draught beer (cerveza) is usually ordered in cañas (200 ml), but may also come in dobles (400 ml) or jarras (mugs).

Clubs generally open at about midnight. If you go in any earlier you may find it quite empty. Many clubs do not close until 06:00, and even then everyone is still full of life.

Nightlife areas

• Alonso Martínez - Many pubs and small discos. Until about 03:00, a very young crowd, and if you′re around here before midnight, and over the age of 20, prepare to feel positively old. Most places close around 03:00, then people move to clubs in Gran Vía or Tribunal to continue partying.
• Chueca - Near Malasaña and Gran Vía, it is known as the gay district, but doesn't exclude straight people. Pop and electronic music. By far, the most cosmopolitan place in town. Has become quite chic and expensive.
• Tribunal/Malasaña - Alternative area. Mainly rock and pop music clubs, some of them still open from "La movida madrileña" (beginning of the 1980s). Calle Manuela Malasaña is a great place to eat, Calle del Pez a great place to have some drinks and Plaza Dos de Mayo is the heart of the district.
• Gran Vía - "The place that never sleeps". Major street that includes many popular nightclubs, usually open from 01:00 to 06:00-07:00.
• La Latina - Near Lavapiés, it is the place to go for tapas and full of bohemian young people looking for stylish bars. In the old section are many small bars and pubs catering to people in their late 20s and 30s). Multiple bars serving fantastic tapas in the Cava Baja and Cuchilleros.
• Lavapiés - Multicultural quarter of the city, with more than 50% foreign residents, mostly from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Plenty of world music bars. Lavapiés is maybe the most cosmopolitan and hippy area at the same time in Madrid.
• Moncloa/Ciudad Universitaria - Due to its proximity to Universidad Complutense , Moncloa is associated with students and a student lifestyle, with many cheap bars and discos. Some of the places are best avoided. There are a few cheap bars with great nightlife starting from Thursdays directly in the Ciudad Universitaria near the major student dorms.
• Torre Europa - There used to be several posh pubs and clubs under the tower across from the stadium. There are four or five bars and discos in the avenida de Brazil area catering to a young and student crowd.

While of course it is most convenient to have an accommodation close to the sights in the city centre, you should also consider hotels or apartments in the other districts. For example, Malasaña and Chueca are just 1 km north of the city centre, Chamberí 2 km, but the rates may already be noticeably lower. When travelling as a family or small group, you may also think about renting an apartment via AirBnB or similar sharing platforms. They are usually located in residential neighbourhoods and include a kitchen, so you can do your shopping on markets, supermarkets or alimentación stores and prepare some meals yourself. That way you may experience more of the Madrilenians' everyday life and reduce the total cost of your stay significantly. You will also find restaurants in these districts catering to locals rather than tourists.

Cheap hostels starting from €8 for a dorm bed can be found near Plaza de España , in Lavapiés or the Sol area . There are also a bit more comfortable hostels offering single rooms for €30–40, doubles for €40–50, e.g. in Malasaña or the barrio de las Austrias .

Budget hotels and B&Bs charge around €30–60 for single, €55–100 for double rooms. Many of them can be found in the Barrio de las Letras or Chueca district.

A room in a mid-range hotel will cost you around €60–150 per night. Most of them are concentrated in the Barrio de las Letras and Sol area as well as the Paseo del Arte .

A stay in a plush hotel will set you back at least €90 per night and there is no upper limit. Most of them are found in the posh Salamanca district, along the Gran Vía , in the historic centre and in the Retiro and Paseo del Arte area. Among the most famous names in the business are the Hotel Villa Magna , the Gran Meliá Palacio de Los Duques and the Madrid Ritz .

As of Sept 2021, Madrid has 5G from all Spanish carriers.

Locutorios (call shops) are widely spread in Madrid near touristy locations and are very cheap to use. Some shops and kiosks have tourist SIM cards from carriers like Orange and Vodafone with plans that run €10–20 for a month of 50–100 gigabytes of data or more. Employees are willing to install the card and configure the plan.

Prepaid portable Wi-Fi hot spot service is now available in Spain (provided by trip NETer [dead link] ), allowing the connection to any Wi-Fi device.

There are a number of free, English language periodicals that you will find in bars and restaurants that are a great source of event information.

Madrid is a very safe city, with some of the lowest crime rates among Europe's largest cities. The police is highly visible, and the city is equipped with cameras. There are always people in the streets, even at night time, so you can walk across the city generally without fear. Travellers who remain aware of their surroundings, and keep an eye on their belongings, should have little to worry about.

Neighbourhoods and suburbs

As with any place on earth, there are parts of Madrid and its metropolitan area that are less appealing and, consequently, less safe than others.

• The Malasaña area, located north of Gran Via, is a lively bohemian neighborhood, but it is also known to attract seedy crowds late at night.
• Some districts in the south (especially Carabanchel and Puente De Vallecas) and east (Ciudad Lineal) are marginally less well-off than the rest of Madrid, and they can give off an uneasy vibe to those unfamiliar with these places. They are safer than many "bad neighbourhoods" in other western European countries, but be on your guards at night. Most places within reach of metro stations are safe.
• Some of Madrid's suburbs to the south (Móstoles, Alcorcon, Parla) and east (Alcala de Henares) have fairly undeserved reputations to seediness. In reality, they are mostly safe, though it is always wise to stick to well-lit and crowded streets.

Despite the notoriously intense and politically-charged rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, most people will not care if you wear an FC Barcelona football shirt, and in fact you will often see people (usually tourists) wear that shirt around the city. As Madrid is the capital city of Spain, it attracts people from all over the country, including Catalonia. One notable exception: on match days, do be careful, as violence has been known to occur between supporters of both clubs.

Furthermore, there is a love/hate relationship between the two major football clubs in the city: Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Both are storied clubs with diverging identities; Real Madrid was always seen as the club of the elite, whereas Atletico Madrid is seen as the "people's club". Many fans and analysts believe that the "Derbi Madrileño" is more entertaining than "El Clasico", partially because of those differences in identity, but also because fans of the clubs have been known to engage in fiery arguments. If you ever see Real and Atletico fans argue, be careful if things start to escalate.

Pickpocketing

Much like other big European cities, Madrid has its fair share of nonviolent pickpocket crime, though it is nowhere near the stratospheric levels of cities like Rome or Barcelona. Always watch out for any belongings (mostly bags and wallets) you have with you, especially on the Metro and in busier public spaces. Some areas with acute pickpocketing problems include Gran Via (especially near Plaza de Callao and Calle de Fuencarral), Puerta del Sol, the Atocha train station, and the AZCA business district (though the latter has seen improvements in that regard). Some major night clubs like Kapital and Mondo Disko also attract pickpockets.

Pickpockets often create a distraction while an accomplice steals from you. Distractions include presenting a map and asking you for directions, or asking you to sign a petition - which is followed by a request for a donation. It is best to ignore any stranger that approaches you in the street asking for help. Be careful when carrying luggage as this can make you a target for pickpockets.

One prevalent and long-lasting issue in Madrid are street vendors, especially around Puerta del Sol. They are usually harmless and will take "no" as a sign that they should not bother you, but do not provoke them. Also, these street vendors react swiftly to police cars, so watch yourself whenever they run from the police.

At bars and restaurants never leave wallets or telephones on the table as possessions on show make for easy targets. Passing thieves create a distraction and steal the items. The area around Calle de las Infantes near Gran Via is particularly renowned for this.

When using ATM machines, be aware of your surroundings, just as you would anywhere. Bring a friend if you need to withdraw cash after dark. If someone approaches you while using an ATM, hit CANCELAR, retrieve your card and move on.

When going out, getting drunk can make you a target for thieves. Also keep an eye on your drink. Don't carry valuables on a night out.

Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol might be beauties to look at, but they are Meccas for scams.

Avoid people offering massages ( masajes ); this is often a scam to extort money. Be firm and say "No me toque" ("Don't touch me") or "No tengo dinero" ("I don't have any money")

While Regional and Cercanías tickets don't have to be pre-bought and don't sell out, tickets for AVE, Avant and other long distance trains sell out once all seats are gone. if you want to take a day trip to Sevilla or want to take one of the faster trains to Segovia, buy your tickets in advance.

Easy day-trips from Madrid include :

• Alcalá de Henares is a charming old university town, birthplace of Miguel Cervantes the author of Don Quixote . Reach it by local train within 50 min.
• Aranjuez has the Palacio Real , the Bourbon monarchs' summer home, and the lavish Casa del Labrador near the river. Local trains take 45 min from Atocha, 55 min from Chamartin.
• Ávila has the most intact walled old town in Spain, spectacular when floodlit at night. Fast trains from Chamartin take 90 min.
• Chinchon is a hilltop small town that retains its character from the 1700s. No train, drive or take the bus.
• El Escorial is a huge monastery and palace, the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Reach it within an hour by local train from Atocha or Chamartin. Near El Escorial is Spain's most controversial monument - Valle de los Caìdos. Built by Spanish republicans taken prisoner during and after the civil war, it is a gigantomanic underground church with a huge cross on top of the mountain an edifice very much in the fascist style. It is the burial place of many fallen of the civil war, and it housed the tomb of dictator Francisco Franco until October 2019. There's an infrequent public bus to the entrance, from where it's another 9 km hiking. The nearby mountains, Sierra de Guadarrama , are the setting for Peñalara Nature Park.
• El Pardo is a village 8 km from Madrid with the Palacio de El Pardo , which in 1739 hosted a peace conference between Spain and England. War broke out. A bus runs from Madrid Moncloa.
• Segovia is a medieval city perched on a hilltop, with a great Roman aqueduct leaping across the valley to bring in the water supply. It's 30 min by train from Chamartin.
• Toledo is a medieval walled city and former capital of Spain, with excellent architecture and artwork. It's 30 min by train from Atocha.

Further afield , day-trips at a stretch but deserving at least an overnight stay, are Salamanca , Leon , Valladolid , Zaragoza and Córdoba .

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Madrid   Travel Guide

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23 Top-Rated Things to Do in Madrid

The Spanish capital has its own brand of hustle and bustle, providing visitors with an authentic experience across an urban landscape of green spaces and fortress-palaces. Madrid can be enjoyed across tastes and budgets, whether it's dining at

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

El Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro) El Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro) free

To the east of central Madrid,  Parque del Buen Retiro (El Retiro Park) can be translated as "Garden of the Pleasant Retreat," and that's what it is – a sprawling swath of lush greenery filled with formal gardens, lakes, cafes, playgrounds and more. This 300-acre park previously housed Felipe IV's palace and gardens, and wasn't open to the public until the late 19th century. In 2021, it was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site along with Paseo del Prado as "a landscape of arts and sciences."

Today, you can still rent a rowboat before heading to the  Palacio de Cristal  (Crystal Palace), which holds regular art exhibitions. You can also stop and smell the roses in the  Rosaleda (Rose Garden), which boasts more than 4,000 roses; May and June are the best months to see them in full bloom. Plus, for those traveling with little ones, the Teatro de Titeres hosts puppet shows most weekends. To the south lies a fountain where uncannily, the angel Lucifer stands before his fall from grace. Madrileños claim that the Ángel Caído (Fallen Angel) statue is the only one in the world depicting the Prince of Darkness before his transformation.

Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado) Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Paseo del Arte Pass allows you to visit the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen- Bornemisza museums for 32 euros (about $35), saving 20% of the three tickets' combined prices. You can buy it online or at any of the three museums and it's valid for one year. – Julienne C. Raboca

One of Madrid's most famous museums, the elegant Museo Nacional del Prado, is consistently touted by travelers as a must-see. Opened in 1819 at the encouragement of Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza (King Ferdinand VII's wife), the museum contains more than 7,600 paintings and 1,000 sculptures featuring Spanish, Italian and Flemish styles of art. Among the most famous works featured include Velazquez's "Las Meninas," Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights”, and El Greco's "The Nobleman with his hand on his Chest." Travelers note that sometimes it can be difficult to get close to the most famous paintings, recommending that visitors come during off-peak hours for the best chance of seeing these works without hordes of others.

Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Time your visit with the changing of the guard ceremony on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Every first Wednesday of most months, the Solemn Changing of the Guard is staged by 400 people and 100 horses as it was done in the 19th century. – Julienne C. Raboca

One of the largest palaces in the world, this royal residence housed the kings of Spain from the mid-1700s to the early 1900s. Although the royal family does not currently live in the palace, it is still considered their official residence. It is also thought to be the largest royal palace in Western Europe with a total of 3,418 rooms, only some of which are open to the public, including the popular armory room and royal pharmacy.

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Welcome Tour to Madrid in Private Eco Tuk Tuk

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Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is named for the family from which the collection was acquired by the Spanish state in 1993. Housed in the intimate Villahermosa Palace, the museum has nearly 1,000 works of art gathered from the 1920s to the 1980s by a Swiss baron and his father. Before being persuaded by his Spanish wife to accept her country's $350 million offer, Thyssen was reportedly courted by heads of state for the $2 billion private collection, which at the time was surpassed only by that of Queen Elizabeth II's. The collection traces the history of Western art with examples from every important movement, from German Expressionism to Russian Constructivism and 19th-century American art. Artists featured include Dürer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Gogh and more. 

Recent visitors offer rave reviews of Thyssen-Bornemisza, praising its easily navigable layout, as well as the all-encompassing history of Western European art presented in the buildings. Travelers also commend the museum's gallery cafe for lunch. Mixed opinions were offered on which museum was superior – this one or the Prado – but many noted a more pleasant experience at Thyssen-Bornemisza due to fewer crowds, friendly staff and better natural light from which to see the more colorful artwork.

Gran Vía Gran Vía free

Madrid's bustling Gran Vía is at the heart of the city, a prime spot for shoppers and architecture buffs. Built in the early 1900s in an effort to decongest the city, Gran Vía spans nearly a mile and is packed with shops and restaurants. The avenue was home to Spain's first skyscrapers and marked the beginning of modernization in Madrid. Try a traditional bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich), buy a new outfit from the five-story Primark flagship store or catch a show at Teatro Lope de Vega. 

Start your journey where the street intersects Calle de Alcalá. There you'll find Círculo de Bellas Artes, a cultural center best known for its sweeping rooftop views. You'll have to pay 5 euros (about $5.35) to get to the top, but once there, you can enjoy a drink while soaking in the sunset. From this viewpoint, you can't miss the iconic Metrópolis Building presiding over the beginning of Gran Vía with a dome on which a winged Victoria statue rises. You may have to wait in line, but previous visitors agreed the views are worth it.

Plaza Mayor Plaza Mayor free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Take a breather from all the walking at Hammam Al Ándalus, an Arabic-style bathhouse a few steps from Plaza Mayor where you can dip into pools of varying temperatures, book a massage or get stretched on a hot stone bed. –  Julienne C. Raboca

This square, located in the heart of Madrid, is more a must-experience attraction than a must-see one. Surrounded by cafes and bars, Plaza Mayor practically begs passersby to take a seat, order a coffee or glass of wine (depending on the time of day) and people-watch. Not only do throngs of tourists pass through, but multiple street performers plant their feet here to entertain. The square starts getting busy around 2 p.m. and will grow increasingly lively as night falls.

Mercado de San Miguel Mercado de San Miguel free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For alternatives to the upmarket Mercado de San Miguel, visit Mercado San Antón or Mercado de San Ildefonso. These innovative food markets are popular social spaces in Madrid's Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods. – Julienne C. Raboca

Mercado de San Miguel, a market built of beautifully ornate glass and cast iron, is a popular stop for tourists to Madrid, especially since it is located right outside of Plaza Mayor . Opened in May 1916 as a local food market, Mercado de San Miguel became the city's first gourmet market in 2009. Here, visitors can purchase wine, grab a cocktail, juice or coffee, snack on a variety of ready-to-eat tapas, or pick up ingredients for lunch or dinner from the fruit, seafood and meat stalls. San Miguel Market's most famous stands include Michelin-starred chef Jordi Roca's homemade and natural ice creams at Rocambolesc, and the traditional tapas at Madrí by Arzabal.

Lavapiés Lavapiés free

The neighborhood of Lavapiés boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is believed that Lavapiés was once the Jewish neighborhood of Madrid, with remnants of a Jewish cemetery on Salitre Street. After 1492, the area continued to attract waves of immigrants, becoming a popular district known for its corralas , small affordable houses that accommodated new residents. Today, Lavapiés showcases architectural gems, such as the Corrala de Sombrerete, and is home to the largest second-hand market in Madrid, the Rastro . The neighborhood is also adorned with historic buildings, like the Pías de San Fernando Schools and the old Inquisition Prison, alongside significant cultural centers like the Reina Sofía National Museum of Contemporary Art .

Lavapiés embraces its multicultural character, reflected in its diverse festivals, international influences, and support for emerging art, exemplified by the C.A.L.L.E. urban art festival. In the second week of August, the streets are adorned to celebrate the traditional Verbena de San Lorenzo, honoring the patron saint of the basilica located in the district. Another notable event in Lavapiés is Tapapiés, a food festival that showcases tapas and music and usually takes place during the month of June.

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Temple of Debod Temple of Debod free

The Temple of Debod, located in Parque de la Montaña, just behind the newly renovated Plaza de España, is a must-see attraction known for its historical significance and unique setting. Gifted to Spain from the Egyptian government, the temple dates back to the second century B.C. and was transported stone by stone to Madrid. Its preservation is a result of Spain's assistance in protecting the ancient sites of Abu Simbel from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan Dam in Egypt. The temple's decorative motifs and projections help tell its fascinating story, and it is particularly enchanting when illuminated after sunset. Reconstructed on the hill of with its original orientation from east to west, visitors will be able to see scale models, videos and audiovisual material inside to enhance their understanding of its significance.

Reviews from travelers proffer mixed opinions. Some visitors mention long wait times to enter the temple, with only a few people allowed inside at a time. However, others acknowledge that the wait (and uphill climb) is worthwhile, admiring the hieroglyphics and mummy exhibits. Others, hesitant to endure the wait, chose to admire the temple from the outside, still appreciating the site's historical value, convivial atmosphere and beautiful views of the city. With luck, the moat around the temple will be filled with water when you go, creating a reflection pool that photographers love to capture.

Reina Sofía Museum Reina Sofía Museum

The  Museo Nacional   Centro de Arte Reina Sofía or Reina Sofia Museum is Madrid's modern, contemporary art gallery and – along with the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza – makes up the city's "Golden Triangle of Art." The Reina Sofia displays almost 2,000 pieces from its vast collection, including art by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. However, probably the most famous work is found on the second floor: Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" is the museum's crowning jewel.

Reina Sofia Museum's main building, in front of the Atocha train station, is composed of two connected buildings. Located on the site of the former Hospital de San Carlos, the 18th-century Sabatini Building has been declared one of Spain's Historic-Artistic Monuments of National Interest. Opened in 2005, the Nouvel Building is a contemporary annex designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, who also designed Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Barrio de Salamanca Barrio de Salamanca free

If you find yourself surrounded by designer stores and elegant restaurants, you've probably stumbled into Madrid's Salamanca neighborhood. Salamanca is one of the fanciest areas of the city, and its main streets – Calle de Serrano, Calle de Goya and Calle de Velázquez – are some of the most expensive. Often compared to New York City's Fifth Avenue or London's Bond Street, Calle Ortega y Gasset has been nicknamed the "Golden Mile" because it's studded with posh brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Cartier. The equally famous Calle de Serrano begins near the corner of Buen Retiro Park next to the Puerta de Alcalá monument and ends in Plaza de la República Argentina.

Even if you have no plans to purchase, Salamanca is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon strolling and window-shopping, according to previous visitors. There are many upscale hotels  in the area as well as unique dining experiences and museums. The National Archaeological Museum is Salamanca district's cultural gem, displaying artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome along with a collection of Iberian sculptures. In the summer, its spacious terrace is open to enjoy.

Matadero Madrid Matadero Madrid free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Explore Madrid Río Park, a recreational area along the Manzanares River that has transformed this part of the city. Hop on a bicycle and discover the revitalized riverside admiring the newly built Arganzuela and Perrault bridges. – Julienne C. Raboca

What was once an old slaughterhouse is now a hub of art and culture in Madrid's Arganzuela neighborhood. Along the banks of Manzanares River, Matadero Madrid offers travelers a chance to see many creative facets of the city all in one place, including a theater complex, a film archive, citizens' laboratory and two restaurants.

Malasaña Malasaña free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Discover the hidden gem of Iglesia de los Alemanes. This Baroque church, founded by Felipe III in the 17th century, is like a lesser-known Sistine Chapel . Admire its unique elliptical design and breathtaking frescoes; guided tours are available. – Julienne C. Raboca

Malasaña, a vibrant district in Madrid, is bordered by Gran Vía , Calle Fuencarral, Calle Carranza, and Calle de San Bernardo. Named after Manuela Malasaña, a key figure in the events of the Dos de Mayo Uprising in 1808, the district holds historical significance. Plaza del Dos de Mayo, located at the heart of Malasaña, commemorates the rebellion against Napoleon's occupation and pays tribute to brave captains Luis Daoíz and Pedro Velarde.

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Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu)

The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, located north of central Madrid, is the city's main  fútbol  (soccer) stadium and the domain of the world's most successful club: Real Madrid. It was named after the legendary Madrid manager, who presided over the club for 35 years. After its opening in 1947, the stadium was completely refurbished leading up to the 1982 World Cup, which it hosted.  Fútbol  is an integral part of Spanish life, and the stadium's sheer size is an example of this (it can accommodate more than 80,000 fans).

In 2019, Real Madrid began remodeling Santiago Bernabéu. Among its new features are a retractable roof and a removable pitch that can be reassembled, which allows the stadium to be used for other events like concerts, conventions and other sports.

Casa de Campo Casa de Campo free

While Buen Retiro Park may be more famous, Casa de Campo is Madrid's largest public park and boasts almost 7 square miles of natural space. Originally used as hunting ground by the Spanish royal family, it was opened to the public in the 1930s and is now loved by outdoor enthusiasts as a more natural escape compared to the manicured lawns of El Retiro.

Many people enjoy simply strolling around the park or having picnics on the grass, but there are also plenty of activities in the sprawling grounds. In the southeast corner of Casa de Campo, there's a large lake with boat and kayak rentals available. When you work up an appetite from boating, there are restaurants located around the lake. The park also features a large outdoor pool perfect if you need to escape Spain's summer heat.

Sample tapas in Barrio de La Latina Sample tapas in Barrio de La Latina

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Immerse yourself in the tradition of Galician-inspired pintxos and beer by visiting La Latina's top restaurants. Sample  carrilleras  (beef cheeks) at La Musa Latina near Basilica de San Miguel, or freshly-made Spanish-style brie tortillas and craft beer at Pez Tortilla. –  Julienne C. Raboca

Famous for its tapas scene, Barrio de La Latina is a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Madrid that offers a mix of history, tapas culture and lively atmosphere. With its narrow, winding streets dating back to the Middle Ages, this small area packs a punch when it comes to experiencing the city's essence. The neighborhood gets its name from Beatriz Galindo, a renowned writer and humanist known as "La Latina" due to her grasp of the Latin language. The area is steeped in history, with buildings that reflect its medieval origins. Plaza de la Cebada (Barley Square) and Plaza de la Paja (Straw Square), once bustling markets, still bear witness to the neighborhood's commercial heritage.

Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol) Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: On a cooler day, head to one of the city's most historic restaurants, Lhardy. The place will take you back in time with its elegant decor; try Madrid's best cocido madrileño , a traditional stew of chickpeas, vegetables, pork and lamb. – Julienne C. Raboca

The true center of Madrid, Puerta del Sol has been the heart of Madrid since the 17th century. During King Felipe V’s reign in the early 18th century, six roads were built from the city, referenced by a brass plaque on the south side of Sol. The plaza's most recognizable feature is thus called "kilometer zero," the point from which all distances in Spain are measured. The renowned plaque is undergoing a 21st-century visual update, replacing its square tile with a compass rose design featuring metallic embellishments and border indications pointing toward major Spanish cities.

Segovia Segovia free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent bicycles from Segovia's Plaza Mayor to discover the city's green belt or to visit the small market that sets up on the square every Thursday morning. – Julienne C. Raboca

Accessible via an approximately 30-minute high-speed train ride is the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Segovia – a perfect daytrip from Madrid. The city's star attraction is the remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct, a stunning architectural feat dating back to A.D. 50. Explore the historic center, which showcases impressive landmarks like the Alcázar fortress, a 16th-century Gothic cathedral and several Romanesque churches. Wander through Plaza del Azoguejo to marvel at the aqueduct's majestic tiers of arches, and don't miss the chance to climb the tower of the Alcázar for breathtaking views; this 11th-century royal palace is rumored to have inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella castle. Charming restaurants near Plaza Mayor offer local specialties like roast suckling pig ( cochinillo ) or milk-fed lamb ( lechazo ). Segovia is also home to a green belt that will lead you to a leisurely stroll along the scenic riverbank. To learn more, stop by the visitor center, which offers guided tours and night walks to uncover Segovia's legends.

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Plaza de Cibeles (Cibeles Plaza) Plaza de Cibeles (Cibeles Plaza) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're in Madrid for the holidays and want to get into the winter wonderland spirit, head to the palace's magical Glass Gallery, which transforms into a 3,200-square-foot ice rink from December to January. – Julienne C. Raboca

Cibeles Plaza together with Cibeles Palace are in the heart of Madrid's tourist map. Declared a Cultural Heritage Monument in 1993, Palacio de Cibeles (or Cibeles Palace) was formerly the city's main post office, but now serves as Madrid's City Hall. Located at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá (which leads into Sol ) and adjacent to Paseo del Prado/Paseo de Recoletos, Plaza de Cibeles draws tourists for its stunning architecture. The plaza's fountain features the Roman goddess Cybele ("the Great Mother"), who represents fertility, driven in a chariot being pulled by two lions. The goddess has unofficially been adopted by the city's fútbol (soccer) team, Real Madrid. When Real Madrid, or the Spanish national team, win a title, the city holds a parade that ends in Plaza de Cibeles with one of the players fastening the team's flag to the goddess.

Take a daytrip to Toledo Take a daytrip to Toledo

U.S. News Insider Tip: For a breath of fresh air, hike the 4.4-mile El Tajo trail. It will take around two hours to complete this moderately challenging route, but it offers mountain views, historical landmarks, the Alcántara Bridge and panoramic vistas of Toledo along the Tagus River. – Julienne C. Raboca

Once you've soaked up Madrid's sights, consider escaping the bustling city with a daytrip to nearby Toledo. It takes just 30 minutes by train to reach the "City of Three Cultures" from downtown Madrid, and it's a worthwhile visit for anyone looking for history, world-renowned architecture or riverside hikes with views of heritage sites.

Catch a flamenco performance Catch a flamenco performance

An art form born in Andalucía around the 15th century, flamenco expresses the emotions of life through dance, guitar-playing and song. The rhythm of this classic Spanish dance pulses through the streets of Madrid and provides great entertainment for tourists and locals alike. Although flamenco originated in southern Spain, dancers from far and wide come to the capital city to showcase their talents. When you're visiting Madrid, you would be remiss if you didn't set aside time for a flamenco show.

The toughest part is deciding which Madrid tablao – or flamenco venue – to choose for your flamenco experience. The city is home to one of the oldest and most famous flamenco houses in the world, Corral de la Morería, which has held shows at its city center location since 1956. It's highly regarded as the best place to watch performances, and it's not rare to see celebrities, politicians and even the king of Spain in the audience. What's more, it's home to a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Chocolatería San Ginés Chocolatería San Ginés

Chocolatería San Ginés, located in a passageway within walking distance of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol , is a renowned chocolate shop that has been serving hot chocolate with churros since its establishment in 1894. Steeped in history, it offers a glimpse into the tradition of enjoying chocolate as a restorative drink, a custom that dates back to the discovery of cacao in America. In the past, street chocolatiers in Madrid sold this beloved beverage, particularly in Puerta del Sol, where late-night revelers and early morning walkers would partake in hot chocolate to ward off the chill. Chocolatería San Ginés preserves this culinary heritage and continues to entice visitors with its delightful combination of crispy churros and rich hot chocolate.

Travelers' reviews of Chocolatería San Ginés highlight its popularity, which often leads to queues. However, visitors are impressed by the efficient and speedy service despite the crowd. The quality of the chocolate and churros receives praise, even from those who aren't typically chocolate lovers. The suggestion to try the fresh Spanish orange juice is also a recurring recommendation. While the seating inside the shop can be tight, many suggest opting for a takeaway order to enjoy the experience outside. During peak times, such as summer, visitors may need to wait for 15 to 20 minutes to secure a table to dining inside.

El Rastro Market El Rastro Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Head to nearby San Fernando Market for lunch afterward. The newly refurbished, covered market has craft beer and authentic Latin American eats alongside an excellent vermouth stall and the unique La Casquería, a bookstore selling books by weight.  – Julienne C. Raboca

Exit the La Latina metro station on a Sunday and wander down Calle de las Maldonadas to one of Spain's most popular open-air flea markets, El Rastro. Dating back to the 15th century, the market starts at Plaza de Cascorro and is primarily concentrated on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, ending at Ronda de Toledo. The streets, also including Calle San Cayetano, are lined with hundreds of merchants selling everything from leather goods and ceramics to art and antiques and even everyday household items.

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17 Best Things to Do in Madrid

By Ramsey Qubein

With incredible shopping, some of the world's most important museums, and a lively theater scene, Madrid’s attractions will entertain you from morning 'til night—and even after that. (The city is notorious for its hard-charging nightlife.) In between, pack your days with a stroll through Retiro Park, whirlwind stops at colorful markets, and perhaps even a primer on the cultural heritage of bullfighting. There’s an Egyptian temple to explore, “temples of fashion,” and the world's best soccer team (sorry Barça fans). Whatever moves you when you travel, these highlights will keep any itinerary stacked for days. These are the best things to do in Madrid.

Click the link to read our complete Madrid city guide .

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía Arrow

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía welcomes more annual visitors than the Prado, although its collection couldn't be more different. Traditionalists will prefer the Prado; this museum, however, is decidedly contemporary. The most famous work here is Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” a moving anti-war response to the bombing of the northern Spanish town of Guernica. Most of the galleries focus on 20th-century Spanish art, including many works by Salvador Dalí. In lieu of stern, gilt-framed portraits, you’re more likely to encounter video installations and free-form displays that showcase modern artistic expression. Like most popular museums, this place gets busy. Arrive early to get a head start on long museum lines, which reach their crescendo during the last two hours of the day—when admission is free.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Arrow

Bullfighting is an undeniable part of Spanish culture, and Las Ventas, in the Salamanca district, is an iconic landmark known for its Moorish design and ceramic tiles. Today, in spring and fall, the venue remains an important arena for bullfights. Bear in mind that good seats in the shade aren't cheap—and that many travelers won't have the stomach to watch the bullfights (or may simply not want to engage with the practice). If you're interested in seeing the arena, though, you can still tour it without seeing the main spectacle.

Teleférico de Madrid Arrow

Madrid Teleférico is a cable car service that connects both sides of Madrid, crossing the river and helping locals avoid rush-hour traffic on their morning and evening commutes. You'll also see photo-snapping tourists and some families—on the other side of the river is Casa de Campo , an amusement park and zoo. It's a great way to gain a new perspective of the city, especially its vast quantity of green spaces.

Palacio de Liria Arrow

Packed with important artwork, this private residence of the Alba family (relatives still live on the second floor), has finally flung open its doors to the public. You could be forgiven for having flashbacks from the Prado here. It is packed with memorable works from El Greco, Titian, and Velázaquez just like the city’s most famous museum. Don’t miss Goya’s portrait of the 13th Duchess of Alba; if it looks familiar, that’s because until recently it was on loan to the Thyssen-Bornemisza . What is particularly special here, beyond the artwork display, is the large library onsite that includes handwritten work from Christopher Columbus (the largest collection in the world) and a first edition of Don Quijote by the famous Miguel de Cervantes. You’re going to find a lot here that you won’t spy elsewhere.

Madrid Atocha Train Station Arrow

Although it's a working train station, Atocha is known for much more than its resident mode of transit. In the spectacular atrium, the original part of the station is a botanical garden features more than 5,000 plants spanning 400 different species. Surrounding the gardens are dozens of shops and dining outlets, making this a hub of activity—even if you don't plan on actually leaving Madrid. And if you are , arrive early so you can explore the rich complex.

Palacio de Cibeles Arrow

You'll find Palacio de Cibeles at one of the city's most important intersections along the famous Paseo del Arte. The building, today the seat of Madrid City Council, was once the city's Telecommunications Palace, housing Spain's post office headquarters. Inside is a newly opened cultural center with regular concerts and rotating exhibits. At the very least, walk past this grand structure to admire it from afar, especially when the fountains in front are doing their thing.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Arrow

Named for the team's long-running president, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is home of Real Madrid, the city's beloved pro soccer team. The stadium is something of a temple for soccer fans—81,000 of them when the place is full—which explains the palpable energy whenever the home team scores a goal. Kids especially will get a kick out of the behind-the-scenes tour, which visits the locker rooms, training areas, trophy room, and even the team's seats.

Temple of Debod Arrow

Just behind Plaza de España (which is under construction at the moment), is where you'll find the hillside Cuartel de la Montaña Park featuring an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC. It is still easily accessible during work on the plaza. Gifted to Spain from the Egyptian government, the Temple of Debod was a thank-you for their assistance in protecting the temples of Abu Simbel from flooding following the construction of Egypt's Aswan Dam; when it was transported to Madrid, it was taken apart and rebuilt stone by stone to its original specifications. Decorative motifs and projections on the side of the temple help tell the story of the historic structure.

Museo Nacional Del Prado Arrow

Undoubtedly the most celebrated museum in Madrid—and one of the most visited in Europe—the Prado is a must-see attraction. Its neoclassical façade is a prominent part of the Paseo del Prado, home to three well-known art museums (the Prado, along with the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum). Inside is a primer on Spanish and European art, with an enormous collection of paintings and sculptures from Spain's biggest names, including Diego Velazquez, El Greco, and Francisco Goya. Make a beeline for the most famous works first: “Las Meninas” by Velazquez and Goya’s “Third of May 1808.” And arrive early to beat the crowds, which are at their peak during the last two hours of the day (when admission is free).

Cinco Museos Arrow

While not a guided tour, this discounted pass gives you access to five art museums that might otherwise not initially catch your attention. These include the Museum of Romanticism, the Sorolla Museum , the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Cerralbo Museum, and the Lázaro Galdiano Museum. For only 12 euros, you have ten days to visit each of these museums. Start with the Sorolla Museum, once the Valencian artist’s family home, where his numerous vibrant landscape paintings detail colorful beach scenes from the Mediterranean. At the National Museum of Decorative Arts, everything from silverware and porcelain to musical instruments and antique fans are on display. When you tire of gilt-framed portraits and paintings, it offers an alternative view of Spanish history.

Almudena Cathedral Arrow

Almudena Cathedral sits adjacent to the Royal Palace , once the home of several reigning monarchs through Alfonso XIII, in the heart of the city center. Both imposing landmarks are free to enter, as are the surrounding gardens, and both are important places to visit for their design and lavish interiors. In addition, the neo-Romanesque crypt and adjacent cemetery of La Almudena hold many notable Spaniards—it's like history come to life. These are must-visit stops for any visitor to Madrid, if only to experience both structures from the outside.

Mercado de San Miguel Arrow

Get a real taste for the diversity of Spanish cuisine at Mercado de San Miguel, an always-happening food hall in a historic ironwork building. Instead of committing to one restaurant , you can sample from more than two dozen—a key reason why the market is a draw with both tourists and locals. Although prices are high, many vendors offer free samples. Try the banderillas (skewers of olives, veggies, and seafood) for about 1 or 2 euros apiece.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Arrow

Thyssen-Boremisza Museum is one of Madrid’s top museums forming the Art Walk (or Paseo del Arte), which also includes the Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Once you’ve seen the Prado, this should be your next stop—that is, if you’re into art and design. The collection here straddles the line between its two siblings, with galleries chock full of well-known paintings by Dalí, El Greco, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, and many others, including a few American names, too. Reserve tickets online and arrive early to avoid any long lines—and avoid Monday afternoons, when the museum swings open its doors for free.

Parque del Buen Retiro Arrow

The perfectly manicured Parque del Buen Retiro is the largest park in Madrid. There's something for everyone here, from jogging paths to a lake with row boats that can be rented by the hour. It's easy to get around thanks to plentiful signage, but the gravel pathways may be cumbersome for those without comfortable shoes. If time is of the essence, head for the lake and the Palacio de Cristal, which hosts rotating art exhibitions, all free to the public.

Calle de Fuencarral Arrow

Blink and you might miss Calle de Fuencarral, a narrow pedestrian street off Gran Via. Street performers entertain as shoppers pop in and out of stores—mostly international chains with a few local boutiques thrown in for good measure. You can't get lost, although the side streets are also worth a peek. The road is almost entirely flat—no cobblestones here. Still, save those high heels for the fancier Calle Serrano.

El Rastro Arrow

El Rastro, one of Europe's most famous flea markets, is an indie shopper's dream. Open each Saturday and on public holidays, Plaza de Cascorro comes alive with hundreds of stalls where you can peruse souvenirs, antiques, and clothes. Come early to snatch up the best deals, and don't be afraid to bargain. You can cover a lot of ground if you arrive at 9 a.m. right when it opens—you'll beat the crowds.

Royal Palace of Madrid Arrow

Towering over manicured gardens, a regal courtyard and the nearby Almudena Cathedral , history comes alive in this must-visit city landmark. While no longer the home of any royals, kings and queens slumbered here for centuries before relocating to a more private residence on the outskirts of town. Among its 3,000 rooms is a Royal Armory and an impressive gallery of notable Spanish masterpieces. From the outside, the building is jaw-droppingly large and its adjoining Sabatini Gardens are a place for quiet reflection within frenetic Madrid. Inside, medieval history fans hit the jackpot with the suits of armor, shields, and antique weaponry on display. You can’t help but adjust your posture and hold your head high as you imagine the aristocratic lifestyle of those who once strolled these halls.

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Madrid

Written by Michael Law , Lana Law , and Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Authors Michael and Lana Law last visited Madrid in the fall of 2022 while on assignment for PlanetWare.

Full of energy and packed with cultural attractions, Madrid is a modern metropolis that offers a taste of the real Spain. Wide avenues are congested with traffic, but beautiful parks break up the urban sprawl.

Madrid is a hub of social life with a happening café culture and bustling nightlife. Constantly buzzing with activity, the city offers so much to see and do that you will be spoiled for choice.

The world-class Prado Museum displays an endless array of masterpieces created during the Golden Age of Spain, and the 18th-century Royal Palace rivals the Château de Versailles in France.

Be sure to experience Madrid in the evening, when the city really comes to life. Madrileños love going out on the town, and the paseo por la noche (evening stroll) is a cherished ritual.

If possible, it's best to avoid visiting during summer when the heat is oppressive. Savvy travelers come to Madrid during the springtime or autumn to take advantage of more mild weather.

Spain's capital city, Madrid boasts an impressive array of historical monuments and art museums, as well as pleasant gardens and public plazas. Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Madrid.

1. Museo Nacional del Prado

2. buen retiro park and the crystal palace, 3. royal palace and gardens, 4. wander through the plaza mayor, 5. puerta del sol: the heart of the city, 6. museo thyssen-bornemisza: fine arts museum, 7. estadio santiago bernabéu: real madrid's stadium, 8. museo nacional centro de arte reina sofía, 9. fuente de cibeles and gran via, 10. mercado de san miguel, 11. temple of debod: an ancient egyptian temple, 12. goya frescoes at ermita de san antonio de la florida, 13. basílica de san francisco el grande, 14. museo sorolla, 15. national archaeological museum, 16. lázaro galdiano museum, 17. puerta de alcalá, 18. national museum of romanticism, where to stay in madrid for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to madrid, map of tourist attractions & things to do in madrid.

A truly world-class museum, the Museo Nacional del Prado has a collection of more than 8,000 paintings and 700 sculptures. Among its extensive assortment of artworks are many masterpieces, including celebrated paintings that rival the most famous works of the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The Prado Museum displays around 2,300 pieces of the collection in more than 100 rooms on three floors. Trying to see it all in one visit can be daunting, but it's possible to focus on a specific itinerary of masterpieces. The Prado suggests "routes" (self-guided tours) of specific works.

Spanish paintings from the 12th century to the early 19th century form the majority of the collection. The assortment of paintings by Francisco de Goya comprises a remarkable 140 works. Also not-to-be-missed is Las Meninas , a depiction of the Spanish royal family of Felipe IV created by Velázquez in 1656.

Other must-see works in the Spanish Painting collection include The Annunciation by El Greco, Jacob's Dream by José de Ribera, The Third of May by Goya, The Virgin and Child by Luis de Morales, Christ Embracing Saint Bernard by Francisco Ribalta, and The Immaculate Conception by Murillo.

Part of the Prado Museum's exhibition space includes a contemporary building and the renovated 16th-century cloister of the San Jerónimo el Real monastery. These galleries display a noteworthy collection of 17th-century Spanish religious paintings.

Get the most out of your time at the Prado by joining a Skip the Line: Prado Museum Tour in Madrid , avoiding the long lines and going directly to the most interesting galleries. On the 90-minute tour, your knowledgeable guide provides an overview of the museum's must-see masterpieces, while providing historical context to help you understand the artworks.

After touring the art collection, tourists can relax at the Real Jardín Botánico (Royal Botanical Garden) located next to the Prado Museum. This lovely green space features shady pathways, benches, sculptures, greenhouses, a Kitchen Garden planted with vegetables, and a Rose Garden that blooms in May and early June. The Real Jardín Botánico is also home to the Museum of Natural History .

About a 10-minute walk from the Real Jardín Botánico is the popular Restaurante TriCiclo (28 Calle Santa María), which serves lunch and dinner in a contemporary-style dining room with a casual ambience. The restaurant specializes in international cuisine, prepared from seasonal market ingredients with gastronomic flair.

Address: Paseo del Prado, Madrid

The Buen Retiro Park ( Parque del Retiro ) is an oasis of peace in the heart of Madrid. This lush and beautifully manicured park offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park encompasses more than 125 hectares and is shaded by over 15,000 trees.

Created for the Count-Duke of Olivares in the 17th century, the historic park has an elegant ambiance with its variety of gardens and tree-lined paths. The Parque del Retiro was owned by the Spanish royal family until the 19th century; since then it has been a public park.

From the main entrance at the Plaza de Independencia, visitors arrive at the pool in the center of the park. From here, paths lead to the enchanting La Rosaleda ( Rose Garden ), the formal French Jardín de Don Cecilio , and the Andalusian-style Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez .

Built in 1887, the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) is a splendid cast-iron and glass pavilion that presents exhibitions of contemporary art. The Crystal Palace looks out onto a graceful fountain and reflecting pool. Visitors will find other interesting fountains at Buen Retiro Park including Los Galápagos ( The Turtles ), El Ángel Caído ( The Fallen Angel ), and La Alcachofa ( The Artichoke ).

Locals and tourists alike enjoy boating on the park's tranquil lake. Other favorite things to do include taking the kids to puppet shows at the Teatro de Títeres, going for walks on the scenic tree-lined paths, and basking in the sun or relaxing in the shade at one of the park's outdoor cafés.

For stargazers, the park has an observatory that was built in 1790.

This grandiose palace is the Spanish version of Versailles, a royal court designed to impress. However, unlike Versailles, which is now just a museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is still the official residence of a monarch (the King of Spain) and continues to be used for official State events.

The palace was commissioned by Philip V in the 18th century. The majestic Neoclassical facade is crafted entirely from granite and white Colmenar stone. The facade's Ionic columns and Doric pilasters are based on drawings that the sculptor Bernini originally intended for the Louvre in Paris. The balustrade features statues of Spanish kings.

The most striking aspect of the interior is the imposing staircase at the entrance hallway, with a fresco of The Triumph of Religion and the Church , that leads up to the main floor. Throughout the palace, masterpieces of art decorate the walls: paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco, and Caravaggio, and exquisite Flemish and French tapestries.

The King Charles III apartments are among the most beautiful rooms in the Royal Palace. These rooms are adorned with refined decor of the Enlightenment era.

A masterpiece of Rococo style, the Salón del Trono (Throne Room) is adorned with frescoes by Tiepolo including The Greatness of the Spanish Monarchy , one of his finest works. Still used for State ceremonies, the Throne Room is clad in sumptuous red velvet and decorated with valuable tapestries, mirrors, furniture, and chandeliers.

History buffs will want to visit the palace's Royal Armory (La Real Armería), which contains 3,000 exhibits dating back to the Middle Ages. On display are the armor and weapons that have been used by Spain's kings over the centuries.

Visitors should save time to explore the Jardines del Campo del Moro . These delightful historic gardens were created during the reign of Philip II and are landscaped in a formal French style with fountains and avenues. The 20-hectare green space provides a haven of tranquility in the center of Madrid. It's a wonderful place for relaxation and scenic strolls.

Address: Calle Bailén, Madrid

This elegant 17th-century plaza was built during the reign of Philip III and used as a center of commerce and municipal life, as well as the scene of ceremonial events such as the proclamation of a new king and the canonization of saints. The square also served as a venue for bullfights, dramatic performances, and knightly tournaments.

The Plaza Mayor took on its present appearance after a fire in 1790, when the corners were enclosed and the nine entrance arches were constructed, linking it to Calle de Toledo, Calle Mayor, Calle de Postas, and others.

Today, the Plaza Mayor continues to be an important gathering place in Madrid. The expansive cobblestone square is a pedestrian area, surrounded by outdoor cafés and atmospheric restaurants shaded by its arcades. In the evenings, the square is a lively place to visit for both tourists and Madrileños.

A short walk from the Plaza Mayor is the Chocolatería San Ginés (5 Pasadizo San Ginés), famous for its chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with deep-fried pastries), which has been a specialty since 1894. This inviting chocolate boutique and café features marble tables and refined decor. No need to rush, the Chocolatería San Ginés is open 24 hours a day Wednesday through Sunday, and until 11:30 pm Monday and Tuesday.

The Puerta del Sol was named after the sun emblem on the old city gate, which formerly stood here. This spacious town square aligns with the rising sun. Besides being a hub of public transportation (with several bus stops and Metro entrances), the Puerta del Sol is also the "Kilometer Zero" point from which all distances on the Spanish national road network are measured.

The Puerta del Sol has been the scene of many historic events, including the Spanish resistance to Napoleon on May 2nd, 1808, and in 1931, the Second Republic was proclaimed here.

Nowadays the square is a place to hang out and enjoy life. Lined with shops and cafés, the Puerta del Sol is still one of the most happening squares in Madrid.

The area around Puerta del Sol is packed with restaurants and shops. For tourists seeking special gifts to bring back home, La Violeta (6 Plaza de Canalejas) is the place to go. The shop is just steps away from the Puerta del Sol. Founded in 1915, this family-run boutique offers the Madrid specialty of violet candies, as well as chocolate bonbons and other old-fashioned confections.

Note: Puerto del Sol is undergoing major construction in 2023, and barricades and scaffolding dominate the scene.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum presents an overview of European art from the 17th century to the late 20th century. With nearly 1,000 paintings on display, the collection covers medieval religious art, Renaissance-era portraits and biblical themes, the Baroque period, Rococo, Romanticism, Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, modern art, and Pop Art. The museum also has an excellent collection of 19th-century American paintings.

This prestigious collection includes renowned masterpieces such as Christ and the Samaritan Woman by Duccio di Buoninsegna, V enus and Cupid by Peter Paul Rubens, The Annunciation by El Greco, Young Knight in a Landscape by Vittore Carpaccio, Jesus among the Doctors by Albrecht Dürer, The See-Saw by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Dancer in Green by Edward Degas, Solitude by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Route de Versailles by Camille Pissarro, Les Vessenots in Auvers by Vincent van Gogh, and The Harvesters by Pablo Picasso.

Since the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is located near the Prado, art lovers could easily combine a visit to both museums in the same day.

Address: 8 Paseo del Prado, Madrid

Not all of Madrid's tourist attractions revolve around art. One of its most-visited museums draws football (soccer) fans to the stadium known as Estadio Santiago Bernabéu , the home of the Real Madrid soccer club. The club boasts unapologetically that their stadium is the "Greatest Stadium in the World."

You can take a tour of the stadium, as well as the museum, which displays trophies, team artifacts, and temporary exhibits. Tours also give fans a chance to enjoy the view of the field from the top of the stadium.

Significant infrastructure improvements are planned over the next few years for the stadium. They include a retractable roof, digitization of the display screens, along with an underground car park.

Address: 1 Avenida de Concha Espina, 28036 Madrid

Opened by Queen Sofía in 1986, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is Madrid's avant-garde center for contemporary art. The sleek modern building was created by the architect Antonio Fernández Alba and has features that recall the Pompidou Center in Paris, especially the three glass towers that house the elevators on the outside of the building.

Another wonderful surprise to visitors is the charming garden in the inner courtyard filled with imaginative sculptures.

The Museo Reina Sofía contains over 23,000 artworks in its collections. In its thorough representation of Spanish modern and contemporary art, the collection includes remarkable masterpieces such as works by Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Alexander Calder. The artworks are displayed in various rooms spread out in a vast exhibition space of 39,000 square meters.

Visitor amenities include a bookstore, gift shop , and audioguides. The museum also has a trendy café-restaurant, NuBel, which is open for brunch, lunch, afternoon refreshments, tapas, and dinner. Evening meals feature a lively ambience, with DJ music sets every night.

Address: 52 Calle de Santa Isabel, Madrid

Standing in a major traffic intersection, the Fuente de Cibeles (Cybele's Fountain) is one of the most emblematic monuments in Madrid. Lifelike statues depict the Roman Goddess Cybele riding a lion-drawn chariot. The fountain was created in 1782 by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel with the original purpose of providing water for public use.

Behind the fountain is the Palacio de Cibeles , which houses the CentroCentro cultural center, which hosts art exhibitions and workshops, conferences, and concerts. The Centro Palacio de Cibeles has the Restaurante Palacio de Cibeles on the sixth floor, an elegant dining establishment with spectacular city views. Visitors can also admire panoramic vistas from the Mirador observation deck on the building's eighth floor.

Nearby (via Calle de Alcala) is one of Madrid's most popular shopping streets, the Gran Vía . Tourists will find many restaurants, hotels, and theaters on this bustling street.

Just off the Gran Vía on Calle de Jovellanos, the famous Teatro de la Zarzuela presents ballet performances and classical music concerts, including renowned performances of zarzuela - a unique type of satirical opera with songs accompanied by classical Spanish guitar music.

Address: Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid

Touring a city like Madrid with all its sights can bring on a fierce hunger. Fortunately, the Mercado de San Miguel has everything you need to recharge your natural batteries. Here, you'll find over 20 different vendors selling the freshest meats, cheeses, fruit, and tempting tapas.

Vendor stalls are piled high with taste-bud tempting items. Figuring out what to eat may be the toughest task you face all day. Pick a few things from each place and then sit at one of the tables and soak up the lively atmosphere.

The Mercado de San Miguel has been operating in the same location for over 100 years. You'll find it just to the west of Plaza Mayor.

Address: Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid

An ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid? Yes, such a thing does exist, and it can be found in La Montaña Park (close to the Plaza de España). A gift from Egypt, in thanks for Spain's help in saving the Abu Simbel temples during the building of the Aswan Dam, the Temple of Debod was brought to Madrid in 1968.

The temple was built for King Adikhalamani in the 2nd century BC and was dedicated to the Egyptian God and Goddess, Amun and Isis. Well-preserved original decorations are found inside the temple, which is rare for an archaeological site.

Originally the peaceful gardens surrounding the monument had reflective pools and a fountain; however, these features are no longer operating. Admission to the temple is limited, and the line moves very slowly. Sights inside are fairly limited, so if you see a long line, give it a pass.

Address: Parque de la Montaña, Calle de Ferraz, Madrid

Perhaps the least visited of Madrid's major art treasures are the stunning frescoes painted by Francesco Goya that decorate the vaults and ceiling of the chapel of the Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida.

The little 18th-century chapel, along the banks of the Manzanares River behind the Royal Palace, hosts an annual festival in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua on June 13th, but it's the interior that has become a place of pilgrimage for art lovers.

Among Goya's finest works, the frescoes illustrate the theme of the miracle performed by Saint Anthony, while also depicting scenes of everyday life in Madrid. The frescoes reveal Goya's boldness of artistic style and revolutionary painting techniques. These works were painted at a turning point in Goya's career and are considered a precursor of modern painting.

The chapel is designated as a National Monument and is no longer used for religious services to protect the frescoes.

Address: 5 Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida, Madrid

The Basílica de San Francisco el Grande was built by Carlos III in 1761 for a Franciscan friary. The church was designed by Francisco Cabezas, who modeled the Neoclassical architectural plan on the Church of Santa Maria in Campitelli in Rome. The construction was completed in 1784 by Francisco Sabatini.

The interior features an inspiring 58-meter-high dome that is larger than the dome of Saint Paul's Cathedral in London. Magnificent paintings adorn the chapels of the basilica, including masterpieces by the Spanish Old Masters.

In the first chapel on the left are Goya's Saint Bernardino , and Velázquez's Saint Bonaventure and The Appearance of the Virgin to Saint Anthony. The church also contains a painting of Saint Bonaventure by Zurbarán.

The church museum in the cloister displays a variety of religious art and artifacts.

Address: Plaza de San Francisco el Grande, Madrid

This charming museum is dedicated to the work of Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, the most famous Spanish Impressionist painter. More than 1,200 paintings and drawings by Sorolla are displayed in the artist's house and studio, which has retained its original decor. The extensive collection includes a broad representation of Sorolla's works.

Visitors should be sure to see the museum's garden patio. Designed by Sorolla, this exquisite tree-shaded outdoor space is adorned with a gurgling fountain and Andalusian-style decorative tile work.

Address: 37 Paseo del General Martínez Campos, Madrid

The National Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico Nacional) was founded by Queen Isabella II in 1867 and has a rich collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Exhibits feature archaeological finds, ethnography, decorative arts from antiquity, and ancient coins.

Highlights of the permanent collection include Egyptian mummies, Hispano-Roman and Islamic archaeological finds, Visigothic crowns, and Mudéjar ceramics. One of the most prized possessions of the collection is the bust of the Lady of Elche and the ivory Pot from Zamora.

Address: 13 Calle de Serrano, Madrid

The Lázaro Galdiano Museum displays the exceptional private collection of 19th-century financier Lázaro Galdiano, housed in the mansion of Parque Florido , where he resided. The museum has an extensive collection of around 9,000 artworks exhibited in 30 rooms.

From armor, coins, and medals to jewelry, Baroque crystal, and tapestries, the collection is extremely diverse. Be sure to see the 16th- to 17th-century Spanish paintings by famous Old Masters, including El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Zurbarán, Ribera, Pereda, and Murillo.

Among the masterpieces are El Aquelarre by Goya, San Francisco en éxtasis by El Greco, Meditaciones de San Juan Bautista by Hieronymus Bosch, Cabeza de Muchacha by Velázquez, El Salvador Adolescente by Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, and La Tienda by Luis Paret y Alcázar.

Address: 122 Calle de Serrano, Madrid

This grand Neoclassical triumphal arch was commissioned by King Charles III to celebrate the arrival of the monarchs to Spain's capital city. The monument was designed by Francesco Sabatini and built between 1769 and 1778.

Nearly 30 meters high, the elegant granite entrance gate makes a grand impression. The facade is adorned with sculptures, capitals, and decorative reliefs.

Just below the monument, at 54 Calle Alcalá, is Madrid's fanciest patisserie shop VAIT Pastelerías , which offers exquisite cakes, cookies, pastries, chocolate candies, and hot chocolate.

Address: Plaza de la Independencia, Madrid

The National Museum of Romanticism (Museo del Romanticismo) presents a unique collection on the theme of Romanticism, the artistic and intellectual movement of the early 19th century. The museum occupies the Palacio del Marqués de Matallana , which dates to 1776 and features wonderful 19th-century decor and furnishings.

The eclectic collection includes jewelry, ceramics, furniture, and porcelain dolls. A highlight of the museum, the assortment of 19th-century paintings stands out for its exceptional quality, thanks to works by masters such as Goya.

The museum also has a splendid Magnolia Garden , landscaped in 18th-century formal French style with avenues, a fountain, and parterres. A café in the garden serves coffee and cakes to museum guests in need of refreshments.

Another cultural attraction nearby is the Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo), located at 9 Calledel Conde Duque. This museum showcases avant-garde to present-day paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography.

Just a 10-minute walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art is Madrid's largest department store, El Corte Inglés , which sells everything from clothes, shoes, and swimsuits to traditional Spanish fans.

Address: 13 Callede San Mateo, Madrid

Anywhere between the Royal Palace and Buen Retiro Park, an area that includes both the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, is ideal for sightseeing. Most major tourist attractions lie in these neighborhoods, with the greatest concentration of art museums along Paseo del Prado, the famed Mile of Art, paralleling Buen Retiro Park. These highly rated hotels in Madrid are all in this central area:

Luxury Hotels :

• Catalonia Las Cortes is found between the Plaza Mayor and the Prado Museum. This four-star hotel occupies a renovated 18th-century palace with original architectural details. The spacious, elegant guest rooms feature modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions and coffee machines.
• The Hotel Atlantico is located on the Gran Via in the heart of Madrid's shopping district and an easy walk from all the major attractions. This four-star hotel has two cafés, one of which is on the rooftop terrace that affords superb views. Guest rooms feature classic décor and are outfitted with modern amenities.
• An emblematic landmark near Madrid's top museums, The Westin Palace Madrid occupies a Historic Monument dating to 1912 that was commissioned by Alfonso XIII. This opulent five-star hotel is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Spain. Services include three restaurants, a fitness center, spa treatments, and a hair salon.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The NH Madrid Nacional occupies a Historic Monument opposite the Real Jardín Botánico (botanical gardens) on Paseo del Prado, near the Atocha rail station. This modern four-star hotel is located in Madrid's "Art Triangle" just steps away from the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
• Artrip Hotel gets rave reviews for its thoughtfully designed contemporary-style guest rooms, cozy atmosphere, and concierge service. The hotel is located about a 10-minute walk from the Reina Sofía Museum and a slightly farther walk to the Prado Museum.

Budget Hotels:

• Just a short walk away from the Prado Museum and the Plaza Mayor, the three-star Ibis Styles Madrid Prado offers comfortable guest rooms decorated in a whimsical style. Some rooms feature balconies; many rooms have city views. This modern hotel provides a 24-hour front reception desk.
• Between the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol, the two-star Hotel Francisco I benefits from a quiet location on a pedestrian street. Tourists will appreciate that the area is brimming with shops and restaurants.
• Near the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol, the Mayerling Hotel offers comfortable guest rooms decorated in sleek minimalist style. This two-star hotel provides 24-hour front desk and concierge services.
• A stylish and fun addition to the budget scene and in a great location is the SLEEP'N Atocha . The hotel has small rooms, some with large windows that open to the square below. The highlight of the hotel is the sunny enclosed rooftop patio where it's easy to meet and chat with fellow travelers.

See the Highlights of Madrid in a Day:

• Many first-time visitors enjoy seeing the sights on the Hop-on Hop-off Madrid City Tour . This tourist-friendly experience offers 15 or 20 stops on two different routes, which include top attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Puerta del Sol, and the Cibeles Fountain.

Take a Spin around the City :

• For an exhilarating way to see the sights, consider the Madrid Segway Tour . This small-group excursion includes a safety briefing, a helmet, and an English-speaking guide. There is a choice of three different itineraries.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites :

• The full-day Avila and Segovia Day Trip includes a tour of the two UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities near Madrid. More history and culture awaits on the Toledo Half-Day or Full-Day Trip , where you can admire masterpieces of painting by El Greco, stroll the city's medieval streets, and visit amazing historic monuments.

Experience a Serene Spiritual Site:

• Discover another remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site on the El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen tour. This five-hour day trip from Madrid includes round-trip transportation, a guided tour of the 15th-century monastery, and a visit to a monument honoring fallen soldiers of the Spanish Civil War.

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60 Best Things to Do in Madrid, Spain + MAP

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Madrid | 60 Best Things to Do in Madrid, Spain + MAP

Being born and raised in the capital of Spain, I can assure you there are lots of  things to do in Madrid . To share all the amazing things this city has to offer, I’ve created this guide of 60 places to visit in Madrid.

This is the largest city and of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain , so I suggest spending at least three days here. This way, you’ll have time for all the top activities in Madrid , like museums, shops, nightlife, and restaurants. But, if you want to explore the places around the city center, you’ll need a few more days.

Also, if it’s your first time in this wonderful city, this  free tour  is a great introduction to Madrid. You may also like the  tourist bus , which passes through the main points of interest.

That said, if you want to get around on your own, the  tourist transportation card  (Zone A) is a good investment. You can select a duration between 1 and 7 days, so you’ll have unlimited access to the public transportation system.

My favorite month to walk around Madrid is May, although any time of year is a great time to experience this city. Now, let’s get to the best  attractions in Madrid, Spain !

1. Prado Museum, one of the best museums in Madrid, Spain

The  Prado Museum  is one of the most important museums in the world, and it’s a  must-see in Madrid  whether you love art or not.

It was inaugurated in 1819 and currently has more than 35,000 works. The museum is well known for its collection of 16th-19th-century paintings, such as  Las Meninas  by Velázquez,  The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid  by Goya, and  The Knight with His Hand on His Chest  by El Greco.

1. Prado Museum, one of the best museums in Madrid

A visit to the Prado Museum is one of the  best things to do in Madrid , and I would set aside at least a few hours for it. Besides paintings, the museum houses decorative arts and sculptures, including Flemish tapestries and glass and porcelain from the Royal Glass Manufactory of La Granja.

For a short visit, you can access the Prado Museum for free from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, or Sundays and holidays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you’re an art enthusiast, then you may prefer this guided tour  with skip-the-line admission.

2. Royal Palace of Madrid, a lovely place to visit in Madrid

The  Royal Palace , the official residence of the Spanish monarchy, is another  sight to see in Madrid, one of the best cities to visit in Spain . Funny enough, the royal family currently lives in the Zarzuela Palace, and the Royal Palace is for ceremonial use.

When you visit this building, you’ll get a better feel for its majesty and grandiosity. I recommend going inside to see the various treasures that are hidden there, such as artwork by Caravaggio, Goya, and Velázquez.

You can visit the Royal Palace via the Plaza de la Armería, which you’ll find in front of  Almudena Cathedral , another great  place to visit in Madrid . You could do a walkthrough on your own, although first-timers will benefit from this   guided tour . Also, European citizens can visit for free Monday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in winter).

2. Royal Palace of Madrid, a lovely place to visit in Madrid, Spain

On the palace’s outskirts, you’ll find the Plaza de Oriente. The Solemn Relay of the Royal Guard takes place here on the first Wednesday of the month at noon. Don’t worry if you miss it because the gardens in the plaza are gorgeous. On the other side of the palace, you will find the Campo del Moro, a 19th-century English garden.

Just north of the Royal Palace are the  Sabatini Gardens , which were completed after the Civil War. Watching the sunset from the gardens is a romantic  thing to do in Madrid, Spain  with your special someone.

3. Plaza Mayor, the best free thing to do in Madrid

Plaza Mayor  is among the most popular squares in Madrid and practically in all of Spain. Located in the heart of the city, it’s close to other  must-dos in Madrid , such as Plaza del Sol and the Royal Palace.

Plaza Mayor has been the site of several important historical events, such as festivals, bullfights, San Isidro’s beatification, and even public executions. Today, it’s surrounded by old brick structures, including  Casa de la Panadería , the first building in the square.

Visiting Plaza Mayor is essential, as well as a free thing to do in Madrid. Enter through the  Arco de Los Cuchilleros , the famous stone arch entrance, and see the  Felipe III statue , which dates to 1616.

There is always something happening in Plaza Mayor, although it truly comes to life during the holidays. At the famous  Christmas Market , you can browse stalls full of nativity scenes, trinkets, food, toys, and more. If you’re here in December, it’s the perfect place to visit in Madrid at Christmas.

4. La Gran Via, a good place to go in Madrid at night

La Gran Vía  is the main artery in Madrid that connects the Salamanca and Argüelles districts. With all its shops, restaurants, theaters, and city landmarks, it’s an awesome  place to visit in Madrid, Spain  at night.

Some of the most famous buildings on La Gran Via are the Metropolis building at the Calle de Alcalá intersection, which stands out for the dome that crowns the roof; the Telefonica building , which was Spain’s first skyscraper; and the Carrion building , one of the most iconic  sights to see in Madrid . It’s famous for its neon Schweppes sign and the Callao cinema on the ground floor.

Don’t forget the incredible shopping and dining along La Gran Via. Here, you’ll find national and international retail brands and plenty of delicious places to eat.

If you like theater or musicals, you’re in the right place. There are several theaters in this area, including the popular  Lope de Vega Theater , which has staged  The Lion King  for several years. Seeing a show is a great  thing to do at night in Madrid , although you should book your tickets ahead of time. You can check musicals and showtimes online  here .

5. Puerta del Sol, an awesome place to see in Madrid

Puerta del Sol  is one of the most famous  places in Madrid  and perhaps the busiest area in the city. Many Spaniards come here to welcome the New Year at the  Casa de Correos  clock tower.

Visiting Puerta del Sol is one of the best  free things to do in Madrid  because there are several emblematic landmarks here. For example, you can see el Oso y el Madroño statue, as well as  Kilometer Zero , a plaque in the sidewalk marking the point where all of Spain’s national radial roads begin.

Another well-known image in Puerta del Sol is the  Tío Pepe neon sign . It sits atop the former Hotel Paris, in front of the Casa de Correos, and was a successful advertising strategy.

Walking around Puerta del Sol is a quintessential  thing to do in Madrid, Spain , so don’t miss it!

6. El Retiro Park, one of the best places to go in Madrid with kids

If you’re not sure  what to see in Madrid , start with  El Retiro Park , one of the most beautiful parks in the city. An expansive green space for people to relax and disconnect, the park once belonged to the Spanish monarchy. These days, it’s a common spot to rest and hang out with friends on the weekends.

El Retiro is full of interesting places, such as the famous  Crystal Palace . Made of crystal glass and iron. There is also a picturesque pond where you can take a boat ride. You can also visit the Artist’s Walk, a fun  thing to do in Madrid with kids . There are usually street magicians and jugglers here who entertain passersby.

Some other charming spots include the  Rosaleda , which has over 4,000 rose bushes, and the  Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens , where peacocks roam freely.

A visit to El Retiro Park is a  fun activity in Madrid , whether you want a leisurely afternoon by the pond, a romantic stroll among the fountains, or a carefree morning with friends.

7. Visit Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, another fun thing to do in Madrid, Spain

The  Santiago Bernabéu Stadium  is the official soccer stadium of Real Madrid, my favorite team. It’s also one of the  coolest places in Madrid , whether you’re a sports lover or not.

The stadium, which sits along Paseo de la Castellana , the huge avenue that goes from Plaza Colón north, was inaugurated in 1947. It’s one of the top  tourist attractions in Madrid  and overlooks the Chamartín district.

Inside the stadium, there is seating for over 81,000 spectators, making it the 2nd-largest sports stadium in Spain, after Camp Nou, one of the  best places to visit in Barcelona .

If you can, attend a match at the Bernabéu Stadium. The energy of this place is undeniable and will make for an unforgettable experience. However, if there is nothing going on, I still recommend checking it out since it’s considered a UEFA Elite Stadium and contains a museum that you can see with  this tour .

You’ll be able to visit exclusive parts of the stadium, such as the pitch, player benches, changing rooms, presidential box, and press room. It’s a cool  thing to see in Madrid  if you’re curious about the history of the football club and its players.

8. Free Tours, the best things to do in Madrid

Despite having lived in Madrid all my life, it took me a while to take advantage of the city’s  free tours . Now I can confidently say that they’re a perfect way  to see the sights in Madrid , especially if you’re new to the city.

If you’re not sure which  places to go to Madrid , check out this  free walking tour . It will take you to the most iconic spots in the city, such as Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, San Miguel Market, and Plaza Mayor. I’ve taken it a couple of times when my friends have visited from other cities.

There are more specific  things to do in Madrid, Spain , and some themed tours could be the perfect way to experience them if you understand some Spanish. This free Cervantes tour  takes you through Barrio de las Letras, and  this tour  goes through El Capricho Park.  This tour  of the beautiful Lavapiés and La Latina neighborhoods is also worthwhile, as is  this free tour  through Chueca and Malasaña, where Ascen lived when we met!

9. Temple of Debod, the best place to see the sunset in Madrid

The  Temple of Debod  is a hidden gem and a  must-see in Madrid . This ancient Egyptian temple is about 2,200 years old and was a gift to Spain. You’ll find it in Parque del Oeste, near Plaza de España.

Surrounding the temple are beautiful gardens and a shallow pool of water. You can walk through the shrines between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and admission is free, so it’s a  must-do in Madrid .

9. Temple of Debod, the best place to see the sunset in Madrid, Spain

Inside the temple, you can learn about Egyptian mythology, society, and hieroglyphics. The hours vary throughout the year so I would check the temple’s official  website  to better plan your itinerary.

Visiting the Temple of Debod is one of the  best things to do in Madrid  at sunset, as the light creates a golden glow on the water. I was lucky enough to live near the temple for a year, and I spent many afternoons there to see the sunset. Without a doubt, it is one of the most unique places to see in the city.

10. Plaza de España, a must-visit in Madrid

Plaza de España  is in the heart of the city, right where La Gran Vía ends, and Calle Princesa begins. If there is any doubt about  what to do in Madrid , look no further than Plaza de España.

Amidst the lovely gardens and fountains, you’ll find the  Monument to Miguel de Cervantes . The statue depicts Cervantes sitting with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. It’s a well-known landmark in the area, along with the  Torre de Madrid  and the  Edificio España . Those two buildings are on the outskirts of the plaza; the first is over 465 feet tall, and the latter houses the Hotel Riu.

If you’re looking for a moment of rest in the big city, Plaza de España is a good  place to visit in Madrid . Plus, you can find all kinds of shops and cafes on the periphery.

11. La Latina neighborhood, another place you don’t want to miss in Madrid

La Latina  is a historic neighborhood and one of the  coolest places in Madrid . This lively area is known for its narrow, labyrinthine streets, as well as being one of the best neighborhoods to get tapas.

Here, you can find  Plaza de la Paja , a vibrant bar with outdoor terraces, as well as  El Rastro , which I’ll talk about later. Next door to Plaza de la Paja is the  Prince of Anglona Garden , which once belonged to royalty and is now a beautifully landscaped public park.

Another  place to go in Madrid  that I recommend is  Plaza de la Cebada , where you’ll find the  Mercado de la Cebada . You should also check out  La Latina Theater , a concert hall where some of the greatest national artists have performed.

Finally, be sure to take a walk down Cava Baja Street and stop at  Casa Lucio , a restaurant with a rich history and a delicious menu. I recommend the huevos estrellados and arroz con leche !

12. Reina Sofia Museum, a spectacular place to go in Madrid

Along with the Prado Museum, the  Reina Sofía Museum  is among the best museums in Madrid.

The museum is considered the most important contemporary art museum in the city and even in the country, so it’s a  top place to visit in Madrid . Here, you can find works by the masters, such as Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso.

In fact, one of the  best things to see in Madrid  is Picasso’s  Guernica  painting. An illustrated representation of the Spanish Civil War, it’s a national treasure for its historical and artistic significance.

The Reina Sofia Museum also houses the  Sabatini Garden , where you can look at sculptures by Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, and Eduardo Chillida. You can check the museum’s  website  to browse the permanent collection and temporary exhibits.

Visiting this museum is a  good thing to do in Madrid  in the morning or on a rainy day. If you go during the week between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., or on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., admission is free. However, if you are very into art and need more time, you can also book a skip-the-line ticket  here .

For art lovers, Madrid is the perfect city, and you can book this  guided tour  to explore both the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums. Just remember that the Reina Sofia Museum is closed on Tuesday!

13. Las Letras District, an extraordinary place to go in Madrid

The  Las Letras District  is the  place to go in Madrid, Spain  if you’re a bookworm. This literary neighborhood has been the home to some of the most outstanding late-Renaissance writers, such as Cervantes, Quevedo, Góngora, and Lope de Vega.

Huertas Street  is a must-visit in Madrid , as the sidewalks are engraved with famous verses and quotes from these writers. This area is also where you’ll find the Plaza de Santa Ana. The square was home to the first theaters and drama clubs in the city, although now the area is full of restaurants and bars. My favorite place to eat in Madrid, Terra Mundi, is here, too!

13. Las Letras District, an extraordinary place to go in Madrid, Spain

Besides being the perfect place to immerse yourself in literature and tapas, this neighborhood is known for its live music venues. If you’re looking for  fun things to do in Madrid at night , I recommend visiting one of the pubs or bars around here.

14. Lookout points in Madrid, the nicest views over Madrid, Spain

If you like Madrid now, wait until you see it from one of the  best viewpoints in Madrid .

Among the most popular lookout points in the city is the  Círculo de Bellas Artes , whose rooftop is open to the public. It’s at the intersection of Calle Alcalá and Gran Vía, so you will have incredible views of the Metropolis building. The rooftop deck offers 360° views, making it a  must-see in Madrid . You can get tickets to the terrace at the reception desk.

Nearby is the  Cybele Palace , a former telecommunications complex that also boasts beautiful city views. I also recommend the  Hotel Riu Plaza España  rooftop, which is open to the public. You’ll need a ticket, but it’s worth it because this is a  must-do in Madrid . The viewpoint is on the 27th floor and has a glass walkway.

Finally, if you’re looking for  things to do in Madrid on a budget , you can go to the  Corte Inglés in Callao . Go up to the 9th floor to see a lovely view of La Gran Via and the surrounding landmarks.

15. Almudena Cathedral, a tranquil place to go in Madrid

The  Almudena Cathedral  is one of the main tourist attractions in Madrid and the most important cathedral in the city. The church was completed in 1993 and consecrated by Pope John Paul II.

As you walk through this grandiose cathedral, you’ll be struck by the Neo-Gothic architecture and the colorful decorative motifs. The most noteworthy areas are the apse, altar, and stained-glass windows. The crypt is also essential and was one of the first parts to be built.

The cathedral also has a museum where you can look through historical objects from the church’s past, as well as pieces from the Diocese of Madrid. I also suggest going up to the dome and looking out at the city, it’s quite a sight to see in Madrid !

If you want to learn more about Almudena Cathedral, I suggest booking this  guided tour , which also goes to the Royal Palace. It’s an interesting  thing to do in Madrid on a rainy day .

16. Cybele Palace, a quiet place to visit in Madrid, Spain

Cybele Palace , formerly called the Palace of Communications, has become a popular  place in Madrid  in the past few years.

The Palace was completed in 1919 and functioned as a distribution center for the post office, telegraph, and telephone companies. It has several departments and, since 2007, has housed the Madrid City Council’s main offices.

Of all the different areas in the building, the  CentroCentro  is the most popular. This space hosts exhibitions, debates, and cultural activities throughout the year. Plus, it also has a bookstore, cafe, and a tourist information kiosk.

However, what makes this a popular  attraction in Madrid  is the  Glass Gallery . The gallery is a meeting space for exhibitions and cultural events, although it’s gorgeous when it’s empty, too.

17. Puerta de Alcala, an interesting place to go in Madrid

Puerta de Alcalá  is one of the most iconic  attractions in Madrid, Spain . You can find it at the beginning of  Calle Alcalá , the longest street in Madrid. It’s a huge Neo-Classical gate, so you can’t miss it!

More specifically, Puerta de Alcalá is in the Plaza de la Independencia, next to El Retiro Park. It is one of the original gates that granted entry into the city.

This magnificent gate was designed by Francesco Sabatini, who built it in the shape of a triumphal arch. However, unlike other arches in this style, Sabatini built five entrance gates, not just one.

Although Puerta de Alcalá is surrounded by lots of traffic, it’s a great  place to see in Madrid . On a typical day, you’ll see people photographing the famous monument, and you’re bound to see it if you’re walking between Cybele Palace and El Retiro.

18. Go to El Rastro market, an exciting thing to do in Madrid

Visiting  El Rastro market  is a  must-do in Madrid . This is the oldest and most famous open-air market in the city, with around 400 years of history.

You can visit El Rastro on Sundays and during holidays, typically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. You’ll find all kinds of things at this market: clothes, crafts, kitchenware, antiques, books…anything! Besides being a unique  sight to see in Madrid , it’s a great place to buy second-hand items.

Moreover, the market has different areas, such as Fray Ceferino González Street. It’s also known as Bird Street because vendors could sell animals, but that’s now prohibited. You should also check out San Cayetano Street, also known as the street of painters.

Carnero Street and Carlos Arniches Street focus on old books, while Rodas Street, General Vara del Rey Square, and Campillo del Mundo Nuevo Square sell collectibles and games.

If you’re looking for  things to do in Madrid on Sunday , look no further than El Rastro! It’s the perfect blend of local culture and tourism.

19. Lavapiés neighborhood, the most multicultural district to visit in Madrid

Lavapiés  is one of the most traditional and multicultural neighborhoods to visit in Madrid. With its steep city streets, it’s known for preserving its traditional charm while building a multicultural identity.

This neighborhood is home to several popular  Madrid attractions , such as the  Reina Sofia Museum . There is also the  Mercado de San Fernando , the perfect place to go for craft beer and artisan cheese.

Lavapiés is also a great  place to go in Madrid  if you love cinema. Here you’ll find the  Spanish Film Library , which specializes in independent films. You can also check out  Casa Encendida , a cultural center that I’ll talk about later.

If you visit Madrid in August, you’ll be able to attend some of the best festivals in Lavapiés, such as the Fiestas de San Cayetano, the Fiestas de San Lorenzo, and the Fiestas de la Paloma. They’re celebrated on the 7th, 10th, and 15th respectively.

20. Atocha Railway Station, A popular place to see in Madrid

Atocha  is the most important railway station in Madrid and all of Spain. It’s a hub for all the other railways in the country, and besides being a transportation station, it’s also an interesting  place to see in Madrid .

Part of the Atocha Station has been converted into a shopping center with shops, bars, and restaurants. However, the highlight is the  tropical garden , which has more than 400 different plant species.

20. Atocha Railway Station, the perfect way to see in Madrid

You may have even heard of the  turtles  at Atocha Station. Until a few years ago, around 300 turtles lived in the tropical garden’s pond. However, the habitat wasn’t the healthiest, so they were moved to a new home.

Another  cool thing to do in Madrid  is to take the  Cervantes Train , which takes you to Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. If you’re interested, you can get more information  here .

It’s worth noting that the Atocha Station was the site of an attack on March 11, 2004, known as 11-M. There is an  11-M memorial  inside the station, which has become a point of interest in Madrid.

21. Royal Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful places to go in Madrid

The  Royal Botanical Garden  is one of the most important, and most beautiful,  attractions in Madrid . It holds more than two centuries of history and is next to the Prado Museum, so it’s a great place to spend some time.

In 1942, the garden was declared an Artistic Garden, a testament to its 5,000+ plant species. The grounds also include an herbarium, library, and an archive of about 10,000 botanical drawings.

At first, the garden was exclusively for scientific and medicinal purposes. Today, it’s still a research site, but it’s also open to the public, making it one of the most beautiful  places to go in Madrid .

There are four terraces to explore at the Royal Botanical Garden. The first has ornamental plants, rose bushes, and fruit trees. On the second terrace, you’ll see a statue of Carlos III surrounded by lush vegetation. The third section has a pond with chestnut and linden trees, and the last pavilion has a bonsai collection as well as temporary exhibits.

Without a doubt, a visit to this garden is the best  thing to do in Madrid  if you want to disconnect from the noise and traffic.

22. Malasaña neighborhood, a place to enjoy the nightlife in Madrid, Spain

If you ask me, the  Malasaña neighborhood is one of the best places to visit in Madrid. The lively nightlife scene here attracts locals and tourists. However, even if you’re not into partying, the neighborhood also has great museums, historic plazas, cafes, and vintage clothing stores.

Be sure to take a walk along  Fuencarral Street , which starts on Gran Vía and goes to the Chamberí neighborhood. It’s a  trendy place in Madrid,  full of alternative boutiques, the  San Ildefonso Market , and the  History Museum . The museum is in an old Baroque building and has over 60,000 objects. Another good museum in the area is the  Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art .

Malasaña is also home to the  Plaza Dos de Mayo , named for the uprisings of May 2, 1808. This square is where the War of Independence began between Spain and France. Now, the historical plaza is a lively meeting place for friends, as well as a focal point of the national holiday on May 2nd.

We must admit that we’re particularly fond of this neighborhood because it’s where we met! Yet, in addition to that, it offers plenty of fun  things to do at night in Madrid .

23. Chueca, the most popular neighborhood in Madrid

Chueca  is a  must-see in Madrid  because it has such a lively, friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood is the ultimate LGBTQ+ district in Madrid, as well as a good place to party.

Every year, Chueca hosts the LBGTQ+ Pride Festival, one of the most popular and colorful parties in the city. If you want to attend, plan your visit to Madrid  for the end of June to early July.

Due to its location in the heart of the city, Chueca boasts plenty of fun  Madrid attractions . One of them is the Museum of Romanticism, where you can explore the works of Goya, Madrazo, and their contemporaries. The museum also displays furniture that once belonged to the writers, as well as the gun that journalist Mariano José de Larra died by.

Another interesting place is the  Palace of Longoria , one of the few modernist structures in Madrid. The city is also home to the House of the Seven Chimneys, which serves as the Ministry of Culture headquarters.

As you can see, Chueca has a bit of everything, so it’s worth adding to your travel itinerary!

24. Eat a “Bocadillo de Calamares” & other local dishes in Madrid

If you want to look less like a  tourist in Madrid , you can try a delicious Bocadillo de Calamares  ( calamari baguette) . While there are more typical Madrid dishes, this one is very popular among locals.

You can find the calamari baguette in just about any bar, especially the ones around Plaza de España. However, my top recommendation is  El Brillante , which is in front of Atocha Station. For me, it’s  the  place to visit in Madrid if you want the best Bocadillo de Calamares.

24. Eat a “Bocadillo de Calamares” & other local dishes, the best thing to do in Madrid

Don’t worry if you don’t eat calamari because there are other traditional  platos Madrileños . You can try the Cocido Madrileño (chickpea stew), Callos (tripe), or huevos estrellados (fried eggs). Or go out for tapas and order croquetas, tortilla de patatas, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo , and a cold Mahou beer.

Trying the local food is a  must-do in Madrid . If you’re a foodie, check out this  cooking class , where you’ll learn how to prepare some authentic dishes.

25. Eat at Sobrino del Botín Restaurant, the best thing to do in Madrid for date night

Sobrino de Botín Restaurant  is one of the most famous and delicious  places to go in Madrid . It’s a Guinness world record-holder as the oldest restaurant in the world, so you know you’ll get amazing authentic cuisine here.

The restaurant is over 300 years old and has fed internationally-renown writers like Ernest Hemingway and Benitos Perez Galdós. Many people consider Sobrino de Botín the best restaurant in the city to eat suckling pig and lamb since the cooks use a traditional recipe. The González family took charge of the dining spot in the early 1900s, and today it’s run by third-generation family members.

There’s nothing quite like dining at Sobrino de Botín, so I suggest reserving a table . The restaurant is on Cuchilleros Street, close to the San Miguel Market and Plaza Mayor.

Surely, dining here is a romantic  activity in Madrid , so if you’re visiting with your sweetheart, enjoy a date night here!

26. San Miguel market, the most popular place to go in Madrid, Spain

The  San Miguel Market , the city’s gastronomic hub, is one of the top  sights to see in Madrid . It’s a popular place for locals to meet up and for tourists to explore and try some new foods.

The market is in San Miguel Plaza, close to Plaza Mayor. It’s over 100 years old, so it’s a historical site as well as a marketplace. I encourage you to spend some time perusing the stalls of Iberian ham, seafood, rice, artisan cheeses, and desserts. It’s impossible to leave here hungry!

Of course, the typical  thing to do in Madrid  is to order small plates at the standing bar, amidst the shuffle of visitors.

Along with the San Miguel Market, there are a few nearby markets that locals like to frequent. The  San Antón Market , which is about 10 minutes from the Círculo de Bellas Artes, has three floors and dates to the 19th century. The  San Ildefonso Market  is also in the area and often hosts community events.

These last two markets are less popular with tourists, so they’re good alternatives if you want to immerse yourself among the locals.

27. Go out for tapas, another fun thing to do in Madrid

Going out for tapas  is one of the best  things to do in Madrid, Spain at night . Tapas are part of Spanish culture, and there is no better place to get them than Madrid.

If you’re not sure where to go, I suggest this  tapas tour , which will take you to some of the best tapas bars in the city. You can enjoy homemade paella, patatas bravas, Iberian ham, and other typical dishes.

There are some other old bars that I recommend for tapas, such as  Casa Labra  for traditional Castilian cuisine, and  Casa Alberto , a century-old tavern specializing in authentic Madrileño dishes.  Taberna de Antonio Sánchez  is another iconic pub, and  Casa Lucio  is a fine-dining spot with superb huevos estrellados .

Casa Camacho  is another tapas hotspot, and it’s known for its “yayos,” a special mixed drink with club soda, vermouth, and gin. You could also check out El Anciano Rey de los Vinos, Cervantes, and Casa Paco Restaurant.

Of all the tapas you can order, I highly recommend patatas bravas, calamari, tortilla de patatas, Iberian ham, paella, Madrid-style tripe, battered cod, and grilled ear.

28. Chocolatería San Ginés, something you must visit in Madrid, Spain

One of the best  activities in Madrid  is, without a doubt,  eating chocolate with churros at Chocolatería San Ginés . This traditional chocolate shop has been a staple in the city since it first opened its doors in 1894.

You can find the chocolatería between Puerta del Sol and Teatro Real. I recommend visiting for breakfast or stopping by later for a midday snack. Trust me when I say they serve the best churros with chocolate in the entire city.

The chocolatería began serving patrons of the theater after performances. It grew in popularity little by little, and nowadays you will find it in any of the Madrid tourist attraction guides. Besides, it appears in Bohemian Lights , a 1924 play written by Ramón de Valle-Inclán.

29. Enjoy the nightlife, something exciting to do in Madrid at night

If you’re looking for  things to do in Madrid at night , why not check out the club scene? Madrid’s city center is a safe area that has plenty of nightclubs and bars where locals and tourists have a good time.

There are several different places to party in Madrid, but if you want good music and cocktails, I suggest going to the Las Letras district. If you’re in the mood for dancing, check out  Kapital Theater , an old concert hall near the Royal Botanical Garden that was converted into a seven-story nightclub. Each floor has a unique theme and atmosphere, so you’re bound to find one that suits your style.

My  top places to visit in Madrid  are  La Chocita Sueca  in the Bilbao neighborhood,  Sala Barco  in Malasaña, Barceló Theater , and the  Independance Club , which plays lots of indie rock and pop music.

As you can see, there are plenty of  fun things to do in Madrid at night . If you’re not sure which one to choose, you can book  this tour  to see the most popular pubs and clubs.

30. Moncloa Lighthouse & Museum of the Americas, two awesome things to see in Madrid

Climbing to the top of the  Moncloa Lighthouse  is one of the  best things to do in Madrid, Spain  if you want spectacular city views. The lighthouse is a national monument and was built in 1992 to commemorate Madrid’s title as the European Capital of Culture.

The Moncloa Lighthouse is 361 feet tall, although the viewpoint is slightly lower, at 302 feet. From there, you’ll be able to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Almudena Cathedral, La Gran Via, and the Royal Palace. Whenever my friends come  to visit Madrid , I take them here!

You can learn more about the Moncloa Lighthouse on its official  website , but general admission is less than $5, and even lower for kids, seniors, and people with disabilities. If you visit between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., you can take the guided tour.

Next to the lighthouse is the  Museum of the Americas , which has a collection of over 25,000 Pre-Columbian artifacts. You can browse photographs, ethnographic objects, and other exhibits ranging from the Paleolithic era to the modern-day. You can learn more about the museum on its  website .

31. Cable car to Casa de Campo, the most stunning lookout in Madrid, Spain

Originally,  Casa de Campo  was an area reserved for the Spanish monarchy’s hunting and recreational activities. Today, it’s an interesting  place to visit in Madrid , a beautiful expanse of 3,780 acres.

To visit Casa de Campo, I recommend taking the  Madrid cable car , which leaves from Paseo del Pintor Rosales. As you glide over the park, you’ll get incredible views of Madrid’s green lung and its surroundings. It’s a great  thing to do in Madrid, Spain with family .

If you’re curious about this historic spot, you can book this  bike tour , which takes you to the most beautiful corners of Casa de Campo. The area is full of several cool attractions, such as an amusement park, a lovely lake, and Madrid Arena, a multipurpose pavilion that hosts events throughout the year.

32. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, a place to visit in Madrid if it rains

The  Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum  is one of the most important museums to see in Madrid, along with the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. Its permanent collection is the perfect complement to those two distinguished museums, so it’s worth adding to your  list of things to do in Madrid .

This museum has over 1,000 works of art ranging from the 13th to the 20th century, giving you a general overview of European painting. Among its collection, you’ll find works by Van Eyck, Caravaggio, Rubens, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Dalí, among many others.

There are also temporary exhibits and community activities, such as artist talks and children’s events, which are fun  family things to do in Madrid, Spain .

If you like art and you plan to visit the Prado and the Reina Sofía Museum, too, I recommend  this tour , which combines all three museums. Or you can purchase an advance ticket to the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum  here .

Visiting any of these museums is a good  thing to do in Madrid on a rainy day , so keep them in mind.

33. Stop by the National Library of Spain, one of the top free things to do in Madrid

The  National Library of Spain  is a worthwhile  attraction in Madrid because of its valuable collection. The library, which is over 300 years old, stores manuscripts, maps, recordings, music scores, and other materials.

It also has the largest and most important bibliographic heritage in the country. The building includes the National Newspaper Library, which has been digitizing its contents for years and can support online queries from anywhere in Spain.

It’s free to visit the library, so it’s a good  thing to do in Madrid on a budget . Inside, you’ll find exhibition rooms and the  Library Museum , where you can learn more about the history of the National Library of Spain. So, if you’ll be in Madrid for several days, consider checking out this historic place.

34. See the Metropolis Building, one of the top things to do in Madrid, Spain

I’ve mentioned the  Metropolis Building  a few times already, and it’s one of the most symbolic structures in the city. This monument is at the corner of La Gran Vía and Calle de Alcalá. You’ll recognize it for its slate dome and angel statue.

The building was designed in 1905 in the French Beaux-Arts style and called for the demolition of five neighboring homes. Today, it’s used for office space, so you can’t visit the inside. However, its exterior is well worth seeing and has become a  unique thing to do in Madrid among locals and tourists.

If you spend some time looking at the Metropolis Building, you’ll notice the Neo-Renaissance façade and Corinthian columns. Atop the structure is the popular angel statue, known as the Winged Victory. If you go to the Círculo de Bellas Artes, another  cool place in Madrid , you can get the best views of the Metropolis Building.

35. Madrid Rio Park, the best thing to do in Madrid for families

Along the Manzanares River, is  Madrid Río Park , one of the city’s most modern parks. Since opening in 2011, it has become a popular  place to go in Madrid , among locals and tourists.

The park has 17 areas for children, so spending a day here is a common  thing to do in Madrid with family . There is also the  Madrid Río Beach , which has water jets and hammocks and is the perfect place to cool off in the summer.

I also recommend checking out the architecture of this park, especially the monumental  Arganzuela Bridge . The park is also a public event space for all kinds of  activities in Madrid , such as exhibitions, plays, concerts, and festivals.

Ascen lived around Madrid Río Park for a bit, and it was her favorite place to walk around. The area is also a favorite among runners and cyclists. Best of all, visiting this beautiful park is  something to do in Madrid, Spain, for free .

36. Four Towers Business Area, a little-known area to visit in Madrid

The  Four Towers Business Area  is in Chamartín, the city’s administrative district. The complex is on the former site of the Real Madrid Sports City training arena and is worth seeing.

The four skyscrapers tower over the rest of the neighborhood and include the  Crystal Tower  (817 feet),  Cespa Tower  (814 feet),  PwC Tower  (774 feet), and the  Space Tower  (735 feet).

A fifth skyscraper,  Caleido Tower , is currently under construction, but it’ll be smaller than the rest. The collection of these magnificent structures has become one of the main  tourist attractions in Madrid .

Near the Four Towers area, you can find the  KIO Towers , also known as the Gate of Europe. The twin towers are 374 feet tall and famously slope over  Paseo de la Castellana . The name, Gate of Europe, comes from the fact that the towers lean towards each other, creating a sort of entryway, and they’re quite a unique  sight to see in Madrid .

37. Night tour, something fun to do in Madrid, Spain

If you’re not into partying, but you want  something to do in Madrid at night , I recommend a  night tour  of the city.

Madrid is a new world at night, and with  this tour , you will visit some of the most popular streets and city landmarks. You’ll get to see these  attractions in Madrid  in a new light, illuminated by the twinkling city lights.

The tour includes stops at La Gran Vía, the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcalá, and several others. Your guide will tell interesting stories and urban legends surrounding these monuments, giving you a newfound perspective of the city.

I can guarantee that this is a  fun thing to do in Madrid for young adults  or couples, so be sure to check it out!

38. Teatro de la Zarzuela, an unforgettable place to go in Madrid

The  Teatro de la Zarzuela  is one of the most famous theaters in Spain, so seeing an opera here is one of the best cultural  activities to do in Madrid . You can find the concert hall in the Justicia neighborhood, on Jovellanos Street.

The prestigious theater dates to 1856 and became a National Monument in 1998. It’s also on the city’s Goods of Cultural Interest list. While the original intention of the Teatro de la Zarzuela was to entertain the upper class, today, it has a more accessible atmosphere.

In Spanish,  zarzuela  refers to a Spanish genre of dramatic operatic elements and popular songs with dance. Besides zarzuela, the theater is one of the  coolest places in Madrid  to watch opera, flamenco, and other dance performances.

The theater also holds community conferences and educational programs to help bring the arts to more people. So, if you’re not sure  what to do in Madrid , check out the theater’s  website  to see the current performance lineup.

39. Go shopping, another thing to do in Madrid, Spain

It’s a good idea to think of some  things to do in Madrid on a rainy day , just in case the weather’s bad during your trip. If it rains, you can take the opportunity to  go shopping in Madrid . This city is a haven for shopaholics, particularly the areas of Fuencarral Street, Serrano Street, and Preciados Street.

On  Fuencarral Street,  you’ll find lots of vintage clothing stores and a few high-fashion retailers.  Serrano Street , on the other hand, is where to go if you want luxury brands like Versace, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.

Preciados Street  has all the popular national and international fashion chains like Zara, H&M, Pull & Bear, and Desigual. There is also a Corte Inglés mall, FNAC department store, and specialty music and bookstores.

If you don’t mind going to the outskirts of the city, I recommend visiting  Las Rozas Village . This outdoor shopping outlet has lots of name brands at a steep discount. Without a doubt, it’s the best  place to go in Madrid  if you’re looking for a great deal on clothes, shoes, or accessories. And if you don’t have a car, you can book  this tour , which leaves from the city center.

40. Platform 0, an interesting attraction in Madrid, Spain

Platform 0 , located in the old Chamberí station, is one of the most interesting  attractions in Madrid . This exhibition project encompasses the historic railway station and has been restored to look like the original 1919 station.

To give some background, the city adopted a metro system in the early 1900s, which revolutionized mobility and accessibility. However, over the decades, the Chamberí station became obsolete and eventually closed in 1966. It remained a ghost town until 1998 when it was cleaned up and turned into a museum.

The goal of the   Chamberí Museum Station  was to portray the Madrid metro at its beginnings. So, the city restored old advertisements and furniture to achieve that authentic look. Visiting Platform 0 is a  unique thing to do in Madrid , and it’s like a time machine back to 1919.

Seeing the Chamberí Museum Station is a  free thing to do in Madrid  if you have time to spare. Just remember that it’s only open Thursday through Sunday.

41. El Capricho Park, another lovely place to go in Madrid

If you’re looking for lovely outdoor  places in Madrid , I highly recommend visiting  El Capricho Park . Considered one of the most beautiful parks in the city, El Capricho boasts landscaped lawns, historic gardens, and other natural elements.

The park was founded in 1784 at the request of the Duchess of Osuna. She loved art and desired a space where artists and intellectuals could gather in nature.

Her dream came true, and today, El Capricho is one of the  must-sees in Madrid , a magical blend of artistic vision and outdoor beauty. While it’s near the airport in the Barajas neighborhood, it’s a quiet place with hardly any tourists.

The landscaping and gardens reflect English, French, and Italian influences. Taking some time to stroll through the park is one of the most  relaxing things to do in Madrid . As you explore, you’ll find monuments, sculptures, a maze, and even a bunker from the Spanish Civil War. You can even take a free tour of the park on Saturdays and Sundays, but you have to  book in advance .

42. Parque Europa, another must-see in Madrid, Spain

Visiting  Parque Europa  is a  fun thing to do in Madrid for free . It’s in Torrejón de Ardoz, about 40 minutes from the city center, but you can get there by commuter train.

The park covers nearly 60 acres and stands out for its reproductions of famous European monuments. There are 18 in total, including the Eiffel Tower, Belém Tower, Brandenburg Gate, and a fragment of the Berlin Wall, among others.

Here, you’ll find picnic areas, restaurants, and lots of reactional activities like a zip-line, an archery range, and a laser maze. So, I think it’s a great  thing to do in Madrid with kids , or even as a date. Plus, admission is free, so why not spend a few hours here enjoying the sights and activities?

43. Madrid Amusement Park, a good thing to do in Madrid for families

Another great family  activity in Madrid  is a visit to  Madrid Amusement Park . Located in Casa de Campo, the park was the first of its kind in the city when it opened in 1969.

Of course, the park has stood the test of time and is a fun  thing to do in Madrid with kids . There is a variety of attractions here, ranging from kid-friendly to extremely thrilling. To appeal to the younger crowd, there are several rides inspired by Nickelodeon TV shows and characters.

Although lots of tourists prefer Warner Park, another  cool place in Madrid  I’ll talk about next, madrileños are loyal to the Madrid Parque de Atracciones. The park is usually quite crowded, especially on weekends, so I suggest booking your  ticket in advance .

44. Parque Warner Madrid, a place you can’t miss in Madrid

Parque Warner Madrid  is another  fun place in Madrid, Spain  for kids and families. It’s in San Martín de la Vega, so if you don’t have a car, I recommend taking the 40-minute bus ride from Méndez Álvaro.

It’s worth the trip because Parque Warner is a  top Madrid attraction  for all ages. There are over 40 rides and activities, and the entire park, which is divided into five themed areas, is based on Warner Bros. characters. So, you can walk through Cartoon Village and see Scooby-Doo and Tweety, then head to DC Super Heroes World to say hi to Batman and Superman.

Spending a day at the park is a  good thing to do in Madrid  as a family, as the attractions range in intensity level. One of the most popular rides is La Venganza del Enigma (Enigma’s Revenge), the highest free-fall in Europe, which plummets 377 feet at 50 mph.

Tickets to Parque Warner Madrid cost twice as much at the door, so buy them in advance  here .

45. Watch a flamenco show, the best thing to see in Madrid

While flamenco dance  is more popular in the south of Spain, it’s a  must-see in Madrid  if you’ve never seen it before.

Flamenco is a traditional art form that originated in Andalusia. It developed from several influences, including one-act plays, popular music, and theatrical Spanish songs. In 2016,  UNESCO  declared flamenco a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Watching a flamenco performance is a sensory experience, and an  activity in Madrid  I highly recommend to first-time visitors. The precise movements can range from sharp and intense to light and flowy. Regardless of the style, the show isn’t complete without a flamenco guitar. It’s a distinct sound that’s hard to hear anywhere else.

There are several places in Madrid to see a performance, but I recommend this  live flamenco show  at the historic Torres Bermejas. For a bit more, you can add on the dinner option and make a romantic date of it. In any case, this is a great  thing to do in Madrid at night , and it’s something you won’t forget!

46. Hammam Al Ándalus Baths, an awesome thing to experience in Madrid

One of the  top places to visit in Madrid  as a couple is the  Hammam Al Ándalus baths . Not only is this a historical place with a rich culture, but it’s also incredibly relaxing.

The baths imitate the ancient Arab baths of Al Ándalus, which was the name of the Iberian Peninsula when it was under Muslim rule around 1000 AD. While the baths today are restored to mimic the originals, they are just as soothing.

Without a doubt, this is the best  attraction in Madrid, Spain,  to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s also perfect for date night, as you and your sweetheart can relax by candlelight and enjoy a massage. After a long day of sightseeing, this will be just what you need!

The baths range in water temperature, with a cool 64°F pool and warmer hot tubs ranging from 96°F to 104°F. There is also a Turkish bath and clean changing facilities. To make it an extra special  activity in Madrid , book a massage or facial  here .

47. Matadero, Tabacalera, & Casa Encendida, three unique places to go in Madrid

If you’re wondering  where to hang out in Madrid  with the locals, I can recommend three cultural centers that may interest you. These places may not be in the typical Madrid tourism guides, but I find them quite interesting.

First,  La Tabacalera  is the best cultural center in the city. It’s an old tobacco factory that sat abandoned for years until 2010. Now, it hosts all kinds of exhibitions, workshops, performances, and talks, so check out the  website  for upcoming events.

Another  trend place in Madrid  is  Matadero , a center for contemporary arts and performances. The space has several pavilions, each designated for a specific activity such as film screenings, book clubs, TED Talks, exhibitions, and more. You can visit the official  website  to learn more about the schedule of events.

Finally, there is  Casa Encendida , which hots film sessions, exhibitions, and art-related activities. The venue also hosts children’s programming and competitions, so there is always something going on. It also has a  website  where you can learn more.

Again, if you’re looking for  things to do in Madrid that are not touristy , and you have several days in the city, check out these cultural venues.

48. Cerro del Tio Pio, one of the most beautiful views over Madrid, Spain

Cerro del Tío Pío , popularly known as  Parque de las Siete Tetas  (park of the seven boobs), is one of the most beautiful  places to go in Madrid , especially at sunset.

The park gets its nickname from its seven hills, and when the sun lowers on the horizon, the place looks like a postcard. This impressive green space provides sweeping views of the city, so it’s the perfect place to rest at the end of the day.

Inside the park, there is a small refreshment stand, a playground, and a path for cyclists. While the typical  tourist in Madrid  wouldn’t go here, it’s a unique attraction off the beaten path, one that you won’t regret visiting.

The area is popular with families and couples, as well as photographers who want to capture gorgeous panoramas of the city bathed in the glow of sunset. A visit to Cerro del Tío Pío is also a good  thing to do alone in Madrid , as you can take a relaxing walk along one of its trails.

The park is in the Numancia neighborhood, within the Puente de Vallecas district, so you can easily get there by subway.

49. Casino Torrelodones, the top-rated place for entertainment in Madrid, Spain

Visiting  Casino Torrelodones , also known as Gran Casino Madrid, is a  fun thing to do in Madrid at night , especially if you love slots and table games. The casino opened in 1978, just one year after Spain lifted General Franco’s ban on gambling.

Today, Casino Torrelodones is the busiest casino in the country. Located on the outskirts of Madrid, in Torrelodones, this place is about an hour away by bus. If that’s too far, you could visit  Casino Colón  on Paseo de Recoletos, which is managed by the same company.

Gran Casino Madrid is gigantic, with several large rooms full of all kinds of games. Here, you’ll find party rooms, table games, slots, games of chance, as well as bars and restaurants. Among them is Cubik Gastro Market, a popular dinner buffet.

Even if you don’t gamble, the casino has a fun atmosphere and could make for a nice  evening in Madrid  with friends.

50. Parque Quinta de los Molinos, one of the most beautiful places to go in Madrid

Parque Quinta de los Molinos  is one of those beautiful places in  Madrid you must see . The park is famous for its almond trees, which blossoms between February and March, creating a lovely pink-and-white landscape.

However, if you travel during any other time of year, don’t worry, because this park is a lively place worth visiting. The area is covered with olive trees, pines, cypresses, eucalyptus, and several other tree species. There is also a pond, a mill, and the Clock House, so there’s a relaxing atmosphere.

This  tourist attraction in Madrid  is over 100 years old and has been a recognized Historical Park since 1997. You can find it on Calle de Alcalá, not far from the airport, so it’s easy to get to. In fact, it’s one of my  top places to visit in Madrid , especially when the almond trees are in bloom.

51. Palace of Linares, another secret place to visit in Madrid

In the Plaza de Cibeles, you’ll find the  Palace of Linares , one of the most mysterious  attractions in Madrid . I say this because there are many legends involving this building. You can hear many of these ghost stories on the guided tours (only in Spanish) the palace holds every Saturday and Sunday.

It was built in 1872 for the Marquis de Linares, who lived here with his wife, Raimunda de Osorio.

Besides being an interesting architectural structure, the palace is also the Casa de América headquarters and hosts talks, debates, conferences, and other events.

This palace may not be the most popular attraction in the city, but if you’re wondering  what to do in Madrid  over several days, it’s worth checking out.

52. Valley of the Fallen & El Escorial, an interesting place to go in Madrid

El Escorial  is an important place to visit near Madrid. Here, you’ll find the Basilica of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a royal burial place requested by Felipe II.

Exploring the pantheons here is an  unusual thing to do in Madrid , but it’s quite fascinating. This is where the remains of princes, royal infants, queens, and kings were laid to rest. Also, there are chapter rooms once belonging to Felipe II and an impressive cloister.

El Escorial offers others  sights to see near Madrid , such as the  Jardines del Príncipe, Garden of the Friars , and the Cottage of the Infant, built for Infante Gabriel, the son of King Charles III.

Another nearby historical attraction is the  Valley of the Fallen , the burial place of over 33,800 soldiers from both sides of the Spanish Civil War. The area was one of the first projects under the Franco regime. While it commemorates fallen Republican and National soldiers, this place is not without controversy. Political prisoners built the burial site, which is loaded with Francoist symbolism.

Francisco Franco himself was buried here, but his body was exhumed in 2019 and relocated to his family’s burial plot at the Mingorrubio cemetery.

Along with El Escorial, this site is a unique  place to visit near Madrid . You can book a  tour  of El Escorial, or do this  half-day tour that also includes the Valley of the Fallen.

53. Visit the Enchanted Forest, one of the best things in Madrid for couples

Another  place to see near Madrid  is the  Enchanted Forest . While it’s a lovely attraction, it’s a bit far, so I only recommend it if you’re spending more than a week in the city.

The Enchanted Forest is in San Martín de las Iglesias, about 45 miles from the city center, or about an hour by car. If you have time, these beautiful botanical gardens are a  must-see around Madrid .

This garden has over 300 topiary sculptures and more than 500 plant species, creating a magical atmosphere. Its collection of cacti, bonsai, and other plants weave into a labyrinth that’s both relaxing and entertaining.

Most people spend about two or three hours here, although it could be nice to have a picnic and spend half a day here. You could also stay overnight at one of the Enchanted Forest bungalows. This is a fun  thing to do in Madrid, Spain with family , as you can go canoeing, take a hike, or practice archery. You can reserve a room on the Enchanted Forest  website .

54. Toledo, the best place to visit around Madrid

If you’re thinking about  what to see near Madrid , the city of  Toledo  is one of the best options. It’s less than an hour from the capital, and there are plenty of excursions that can take you there. My top recommendation is  this one  since it’s well-priced and makes the most of the day by leaving early in the morning.

Toledo is a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site for its stunning architecture and rich history, which you’ll notice as soon as you walk along its streets. The city also played a crucial role in the life and work of Miguel de Cervantes, so if you loved Barrio de las Letras, Toledo is a must-see.

This city stands out for its  Alcazar de Toledo , a stone fortification from the 2 nd century that was rebuilt after the Spanish Civil War. Toledo is also known for its narrow, medieval streets, which add a distinct character to the place. Walking through the town, you’ll notice the buildings’ facades reflect the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences of years past.

I promise that visiting Toledo is one of the  coolest things to do near Madrid . In addition to the tour I mentioned above, there is  this other excursion  that combines Toledo and  Segovia , another city I’ll talk about next.

55. Avila and Segovia, two of the best places to go near Madrid

Depending on how long you’ll be in Madrid, you may want to consider taking a  day trip to Ávila and Segovia . Both cities are beautiful, so I think they’re worth adding to the  list of things to do around Madrid .

You can book  this excursion , which leaves the capital at 9 a.m., and heads to  Ávila , a beautiful city full of historical architecture. The highlight of Ávila is the 8,200-foot wall surrounding the city. The 90 turrets on the wall served to protect the Gothic monuments inside, including the  Cathedral of Ávila , the  Basilica de San Vicente , and the  Convent of Saint Joseph .

The next stop on the tour is  Segovia , where you’ll find the most famous  Roman aqueduct  in Europe as well as historical medieval remains. The city is also home to the  Cathedral of Segovia and the  Alcázar castle , which will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

Ávila and Segovia are only about an hour from the capital, so taking a day trip to these cities is a  fun thing to do in Madrid, Spain  if you’ll be here for a week or so.

56. See Cuenca & the Ciudad Encantada, another unusual activity to do in Madrid

Another  thing to see in Madrid, Spain  is the city of  Cuenca . Located about an hour and a half from the capital, Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most geologically interesting towns in Spain. It’s also the hometown of my grandparents, so I know the area quite well and highly recommend it.

If you don’t have a car, you can book  this full-day excursion  from Madrid, which includes the most important places in Cuenca.

The day begins with a visit to the  Enchanted City , where you’ll find rock formations from around 90 million years ago. Among these are the “mushroom rocks” and a rock wall that looks as if it were sculpted by human hands.

Then, you’ll make a brief stop at the  Ventano del Diablo viewpoint , which boasts spectacular panoramic views. Finally, you’ll visit Cuenca’s city center, where you can enjoy the main tourist attractions like the  Cuenca Cathedral  and the  Hanging Houses , which are homes built into the cliffside.

If you’re looking for  fun places near Madrid, Spain , I can assure you that Cuenca and its surroundings won’t disappoint!

57. Salamanca, another one of the best places to go near Madrid

The best thing about Madrid is that it’s in the middle of the country, so it’s surrounded by all kinds of cool places. Two hours from the capital, you’ll find  Salamanca , Spain’s top university city. If you’re not sure  where to go in Madrid , Salamanca is a wonderful place to check out.

Plus,  this tour  includes transportation to and from Salamanca, as well as a visit to Ávila.

First, you’ll go to Salamanca and explore its Renaissance architecture and main tourist attractions. Check out the famous  University of Salamanca , the  New Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin , and the  Old Cathedral of Santa María .

Spend some time wandering through  Plaza Mayor , which is absolutely gorgeous at night. If you’re visiting in late December, you’ll get to experience  Nochevieja Universitaria , when all the University students gather in the plaza to celebrate the end of the school term.

The final part of the excursion goes to Ávila, which I described earlier. It makes for the perfect day, and you’ll get to see some of the most impressive sights in the country. Both Salamanca and Ávila are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so whenever anyone asks me  what to see near Madrid, Spain , I mention them!

58. Alcala de Henares, another beautiful place to go in Madrid

Alcalá de Henares  is just 45 minutes northwest of the capital, so it’s a great  place to visit near Madrid . Plus, it’s the hometown of Miguel de Cervantes, so if you’re a fan of his work, you’ll love this city.

To make the most of your time in Alcalá de Henares, I recommend  this half-day tour , which leaves from Madrid’s city center and returns to Atocha Station.

Being the city that inspired the life and work of Miguel de Cervantes, Alcalá offers plenty of interesting attractions. Here, you can visit the  Cervantes Birthplace Museum , which recreates the home and atmosphere in which the author grew up.

You can also see the  Corral de Comedias , the oldest working theater in Europe, which dates to 1601. Nearby is the old Student Hospice of the  University of Alcalá  and the auditorium that presents the Cervantes Prize, a prestigious literary award.

If you’re looking for  things to do in Madrid, Spain  for a few days, Alcalá de Henares is a perfect option. Spend some time getting to know the most iconic places here and their impact on Spanish literature.

59. Aranjuez, one of the top places to go in Madrid

Aranjuez , a popular vacation spot for former Spanish royalty, is one of the best  places to visit near Madrid . Located 45 minutes south of the capital, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape and importance.

This  half-day tour  includes transportation and admission to the  Royal Palace  in Aranjuez. The palace has been the site of several treaty signings as well as royal deaths.

Besides the Royal Palace, you should spend time visiting the other outstanding attractions in Aranjuez, such as the  Parterre Garden  in front of the palace and  Saint Pascual’s Royal Convent . I also suggest the  Royal Barge Museum  in the Prince’s Garden, where you can see the boats that once transported royalty across the river. You can even  take a boat ride  to learn more about the history and landscape of Aranjuez.

Visiting this city is a great  thing to do near Madrid , so if you’ll be in the capital for more than a week, be sure to check it out.

60. Guadarrama & Manzanares el Real, a unique place to go in Madrid

Sierra de Guadarrama  is my final recommendation if you’re looking for  places to see in Madrid . It’s just 45 minutes from downtown, and the area offers plenty of things to explore, from hiking trails and ski slopes to architectural marvels. It’s one of the best national parks in Spain .

If you don’t have much time, I suggest booking  this excursion , which includes some of the highlights of Guadarrama. Perhaps the most impressive is the  Castillo de Manzanares , a 15th-century fortress with six floors, winding passageways, and a museum.

You’ll also pass through the port of La Morcuera, where you’ll get incredible views of the area. Then, enjoy some time at Miraflores de la Sierra and the ports of Cotos and Navacerrada. The spectacular scenery is part of the draw to Guadarrama, so spend some time enjoying the sights of this mountain range. It’s certainly worth the  visit !

And that’s it for this guide on  things to do in Madrid . I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know my hometown and that now you’re better prepared to plan your trip! No matter when you come, there will always be something to see and do.

To help you organize your trip, here is a map of  places to visit in Madrid, Spain . This will make it easier to see which areas are close to each other so you can make the most of your itinerary.

As you can see, there are many activities and  attractions in Madrid, Spain . I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this city, but if you have any questions, leave me a comment. I’ll be happy to help you get to know my beloved city, Madrid!

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Madrid

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Spain’s sunny summers make it a magnet for travelers seeking a laid-back relaxing holiday, but the country’s capital and largest city is no place for lazing about. Whether exploring the Madrid’s world-class art museums, gazing at architectural marvels while sipping a café con leche at a sidewalk café or rollicking the night away at tapas bars along on the Gran Vía, the many tourist attractions in Madrid are simply too captivating to miss.

Fortunately, Madrid’s most popular destinations are centrally located. The heart of the city is Puerta del Sol, a large plaza serving as the scene of festivals, important gatherings and street performers as well as a hub for the public transportation network.

The city’s beautiful wide avenues guide you through picturesque architecture as you venture between exciting museums and sprawling green parks. Full of history and cultural things to do, not to mention one of the world’s most iconic sporting teams, Madrid is a modern metropolis with stories to tell.

17. Puerta de Alcala

One of the most recognizable structures in Madrid, the spectacular Puerta de Alcala, dates back to the late 18th century. Unimpressed by the city’s gate that welcomed him, King Charles the Third went about creating one that did the city justice.

The result is neoclassical arches made of granite, the first of its kind since the fall of the Roman Empire. The structure is even older than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Each one of Puerta de Alcala’s five arches has a unique design. The three rounded arches are also decorated with the head of a lion.

16. Madrid Rio Park

A vast public park alongside the River Manzanares, Madrid Rio Park is a beautiful green space featuring varied flora and fauna. It’s a popular meeting spot for city residents, especially families, thanks to the park’s 17 play areas.

Madrid Rio Park is also home to many cultural events including exhibitions, music festivals and live theater. When the sun is out, grab some supplies and enjoy a fun afternoon picnic in the park.

15. Museo Arqueologico Nacional

One of the top museums in Madrid is the Museo Arqueological Nacional. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts, art and collections that explore life in the Mediterranean from ancient history through to the 19th century.

Some of the highlights in the archaeology museum include the Lady of Elche, an incredible bust that still stokes historical debate. You can also explore examples of Visigoth goldsmithing, ancient Greek vases and ivory pots from Zamora.

14. Museo Sorolla

In the home of prominent Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla, the Museo Sorolla is dedicated to the life and work of the late artist. Joaquin lived on the property for 12 years until his death in 1923. He lived with his wife and muse, Elena, who later donated the home and works to the State.

Joaquin Sorolla’s exceptional artwork focused on the ever-changing light in our world. The beauty of a fleeting moment, a burst of light before the clouds moved in. His impressionist work has long been locally celebrated and is now one of the top attractions in Madrid.

13. Almudena Cathedral

Home to generations of noble families, the Almudena Cathedral has had an incredible history. Mostly for all the wrong reasons. Talk of creating a cathedral in Madrid began as far back as the 1500s. However, discovering and developing the ‘new world’ took precedence and the cathedral construction began in 1879.

For reasons, mostly to do with the civil war, the stunning cathedral wasn’t completed until 1993. Almudena Cathedral features two soaring bell towers and a thoroughly detailed interior. It’s also home to the Crypt, the largest in the country, and the ultimate resting place for some royal members, Cardinals and Francisco de Cubas, the man who designed the cathedral.

12. Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

After the Prado, another exceptional art gallery is the Thyssen-Bornemisza. A part of Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid, this art gallery features masters from the German and English schools of art. See works from such luminaries as Han Holbein and Albrecht Durer.

Once you’ve explored that section, the art fix continues with pieces from masters of the Renaissance. Stroll by works from Rembrandt, Veronese and Van Dyck among others. To complete the experience, visit the North American collection of abstract expressionism along with impressionist works by Monet, Degas and Renoir.

11. Bernabeu Stadium

There’s Renaissance art and then there is sporting art. When it comes to the latter, Bernabeu Stadium offers an incredible experience. The home of Real Madrid, Europe’s most successful football team, catching a football match at the massive stadium, is on many sporting bucket lists. The stadium holds up to 85,000 people.

Bernabeu Stadium quickly sells out for El Clasico, the epic annual match with arch-rivals Barcelona. But if you aren’t able to see Los Blancos live, you can still tour the impressive stadium and visit the exceptional museum. Explore the dressing rooms, dugouts and the press area. At the museum, get up close to trophies, artifacts and fascinating exhibits.

10. Museo Reina Sofia

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía was designed as a modern complement to the historical Prado Museum. It was officially inaugurated by Queen Sofia in 1992. Originally built as a hospital, the museum was expanded in 2005 with a structure designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.

The Museo Reina Sofia is home to a broad array of works created by Spanish artists, including extensive collections of artwork by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Picasso’s masterpiece, El Guernica, which conveys the horrors of the Spanish civil war, is alone worth the price of admission.

9. Mercado de San Miguel

Situated within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor, the Mercado de San Miguel is a popular shopping destination for local foods and delicacies. Its intricate cast-iron architecture features glass walls that showcase goods ranging from salted fish and oysters to fresh pasta and cakes.

Because the market stays open as late as 2 a.m. on weekends, it’s become a popular nightspot where visitors and locals gather to enjoy drinks and tapas, or appetizers. The site also plays host to events like concerts, cooking classes and private parties.

8. Temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is one of the most unusual sights in Parque del Oeste, a park near the Royal Palace. The temple to the Egyptian goddess Isis once stood on the banks of the Nile.

The construction of Egypt’s Great Dam of Aswan meant that several historical monuments had to be moved in order to preserve them from flooding. Spain stepped in to assist, and as an expression of gratitude, the Egyptian government gave the Temple of Debod to Spain in 1968. The four-thousand-year-old building is etched with bas-reliefs depicting the gods Ammon and Isis.

7. Plaza de Cibeles

One of the most beautiful plazas in Madrid the Plaza de Cibeles is surrounded by several buildings constructed in the Neo-Classical style, including the stunning Palacio de Cibeles, formerly known as the Palacio de Comunicaciones, which was designed by architect Antonio Palacios.

At the center of the plaza is a statue that is also considered a symbol of the city: the Fuente de la Cibeles. The magnificent fountain depicts the Roman goddess Cybele on a chariot drawn by lions. Sculpted in purple-colored marble by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel in 1780, the fountain once served as a source of domestic water for nearby houses.

6. Puerta del Sol

Located in the center of Madrid, the Puerta del Sol, or “Gate of the Sun,” is a crossroads where thousands gather each New Year’s Eve to welcome in the new year. Recent improvements to the square have limited car traffic and transformed the square into a spot where visitors can stroll and admire the architectural wonders.

Central to these is the clock that chimes in the new year at Casa de Correos, the city’s governmental headquarters. In front of the building is Kilometer Zero, a plaque showing the point where the measuring of the national highway system begins.

The statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree standing on one side of Puerta del Sol is considered a symbol of Madrid.

5. Gran Via

The Gran Vía is known as the Broadway of Madrid because it’s “the street that never sleeps.” The grand boulevard runs through central Madrid from the Plaza de España to Calle de Alcalá.

Although the street now seems integral to the bustling capital, it’s actually a fairly recent addition to the city. Completed in 1910, the Gran Vía is lined with hundreds of shops, restaurants and businesses.

The most famous building on the boulevard is the Telefónica Building, which was the tallest building in Europe when it was completed in 1929. The clock at the top of the Baroque-American style structure is a local landmark.

4. Retiro Park

Known as the Parque del Buen Retiro or El Retiro , the park is a 350-acre spread of gardens, fountains and buildings located at the edge of the city center. Retiro Park began as a monastery in the 1500s.

It was expanded into a royal park when Phillip II moved his court to Madrid in 1561. It’s been part of the public domain since 1868. A favorite spot for tourists and locals alike, the park features a large artificial pond where people can rents kayaks and canoes.

An arcing colonnade structure on the east shore is the Monument to Alfonso XII. The Paseo de la Argentina, known as the Statue Walk, is ornamented with statues from the Royal Palace depicting Spanish kings through the ages.

3. Prado Museum

The Museo del Prado is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madrid. The 18th century structure designed by architect Juan de Villanueva houses one of the world’s finest art collections. A 2007 expansion has made the famed museum easier to navigate.

With more than 7,000 works of art representing culture and history from the 12th century to the early 19th century, however, it’s impossible to see everything in a single visit. Visitors may wish to focus on the museum’s collection of Spanish artists, including Goya, El Greco, da Ribera and Velázquez, which is inarguably the best collection of Spanish paintings in the world.

2. Plaza Mayor

The most famous of Madrid’s many stately plazas, the Plaza Mayor dates back to 1619, when it lay outside the city’s bounds and was used to host bullfights.

During the Spanish Inquisition, many accused heretics met their death there. Three sides of the rectangular cobblestone plaza are bordered by block-long rows of three-story apartments completed in the late 18th century. The structures are decorated with frescoes, ornamented with balconies framed with wrought-iron railings and topped with elegant slate spires.

A statue of Philip III on horseback stands in the middle of the plaza. Facing the plaza is the Casa de la Panadería, which houses a tourist information center.

1. Palacio Real

The massive size of the Palacio Real is its most imposing feature. Madrid’s Royal Palace boasts more than 2,500 ornately decorated rooms. Built in 1764, the palace served as the royal residence beginning with Carlos III. The last royals to reside there were Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenie in the early 1900s.

Although the palace is still used for official ceremonies, 50 of the structure’s elegant rooms are open to the public, including an armory, pharmacy and the palace’s lavish throne room, or “Salón del Trono,” which features a ceiling painted by the Baroque artist Tiepolo. A fresco in the grand dining hall depicts Christopher Columbus presenting gifts from the New World to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Madrid

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Reader interactions.

January 14, 2016 at 11:25 pm

Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities in the world The thing i like about it most though is its unbelievable number of great restaurants , fantastic shopping and especially its unequaled street and nightlife. What a fun city.

September 8, 2015 at 10:52 am

The Temple of Debod is closed on Mondays and the Museo Reina Sofia is closed on Tuesdays. I suggest a simple statement at the end of each of these to help people plan.

July 20, 2014 at 12:49 pm

Oh ! Very beautiful. Spain I’ll be visiting you soon !!!

May 6, 2014 at 9:40 am

Don’t miss Malasana in the night!! Lots of bars and music!! Saludoss

November 22, 2013 at 11:19 am

Wow all of these sights are so amazing!!

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30 Best Things to Do in Madrid, From Palace Tours to Flamenco Shows

Tapas to try, art to see, the best neighborhoods to explore, and more, according to Madrid locals.

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Bursting from the center of Spain like a star, Madrid is a capital of culture, home to some of the world’s finest paintings and artistic neighborhoods filled with creative people. You can find all the markers of a major European city here — including a royal palace and must-try local delicacies — as well as places you won’t find anywhere else, like a church dedicated to rubber duckies. The best way to experience Madrid is to bounce between the traditional and the alternative, so you can appreciate the city’s historic legacy alongside its contemporary creativity. For this list, we tapped locals and tourism experts from three of the city’s hotels for their top tips on visiting Madrid: Elena Maria Diaz, assistant manager at Gran Hotel Inglès , Javier Navarra, general manager at Ocean Drive Madrid , and Laura del Pozo, director of public relations at Rosewood Villa Magna . Whether you visit for a day or stay for a longer spell under the Spanish sun, here are our top picks for the best things to do in Madrid.

Related : The Best Time to Visit Spain for Great Weather and Famous Festivals

Try the churros at San Ginés.

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When you arrive in Madrid, first things first — churros. Typically served with a side of devilishly-thick dipping (and sipping) chocolate, this is a classic late-night snack found all over the city. We recommend you try the treat at Chocolateria San Ginés, one of the city's most popular churro spots.

Admire Spanish classics at Museo Nacional del Prado.

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Spain’s treasure chest, Museo Nacional del Prado is one of Madrid’s largest cultural institutions, and it houses some of the most emblematic artworks of Spain, including Francisco de Goya’s "Black Paintings" and Valásquez’s "Las Meninas ." The collection does go beyond Spain; art-lovers will also spot famous paintings from the likes of Caravaggio and Bosch.

Take advantage of the city’s free attractions.

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According to Javier Navarra, “Madrid offers a large number of free attractions, like museums with free entry days and parks and plazas where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the city without spending money.” For example, you can get free entry at Museo Nacional del Prado (and other state-owned museums) between 6 and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays and public holidays between 5 and 7 p.m.

Stroll through the rose garden of Retiro Park.

In this land-locked city, a massive green space is the place to go when you need a breath of fresh air. In Retiro Park, you can dawdle in the rose garden or rent a boat and go for a paddle on the Great Pond. This artificial lake has a surprisingly long history, and was even used by the Spanish monarchy in the 17th century to stage mock naval battles.

Visit the Royal Palace.

One of the largest palaces in the world, the Royal Palace of Madrid has more than 3,400 rooms and is filled with the remarkable treasures of the Spanish crown. Although none of the Spanish royals currently reside in the palace, it is still an official Head of State residence, and one of the only ones in the world open to the public.

Pop into Almudena Cathedral.

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Madrid’s most famous cathedral is La Almudena, located right next to the Royal Palace. Built in the 19th century, there’s no admission to enter, and its Neo-Gothic interior is certainly something to appreciate.

View Picasso masterpieces at Museo Reina Sofia.

Widely considered Pablo Picasso’s most famous painting, "Guernica" is a larger-than-life masterpiece — on a canvas that's 11 by 25 feet — that depicts the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. Alongside other Picasso pieces, the iconic painting is on permanent display at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia , which also has a large collection of works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.

Marvel at the beauty of Palacio de Cristal.

Located within Retiro Park, the Glass Palace, or Palacio de Cristal, is worth a dedicated visit. The iron-and-glass masterpiece was originally designed as a greenhouse, but now it is an off-site exhibition space for Museo Reina Sofia, so you never know what treasures you’ll find on display inside.

Tap in for tapas.

Tapas bars fuel Madrid residents and visitors alike, but what should you be ordering? Lifelong local Elena Maria Diaz tells Travel + Leisure, “ Among the traditional foods that you cannot miss on your visit to this city, you must try different tapas, such as bocata de calamaras, chocolate with churros, Iberian ham, tortilla de patatas, croquettes, tripe, and different varieties of pickles. But if what you are looking for is a spoon dish, you cannot miss the traditional cocido madrileño, a dish composed of a homemade soup, chickpeas, sausages, meats, and vegetables."

Chow down on a bocadillo de calamares.

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The beauty of tapas is that you can order whatever you like, but no Madrileño will be satisfied until you try the bocadillo (or bocata) de calamares. Javier Navarra explains, “It’s a sandwich stuffed with fried calamari. You can find it in many bars, and it’s a flavorful and crunchy treat that represents the city’s cuisine.”

Eat at local markets.

Laura del Pozo suggests that visitors choose markets over restaurants for a more casual meal, telling Travel + Leisure, “Madrid offers a variety of high and low dining options, so for those looking to save money, visiting a local market like Mercado de la Paz , where you can try local cheese, high-quality ham, or one of the best Spanish omelets, is a great way to experience the local culture at a lower price.”

Shop in Salamanca.

The more upscale Salamanca neighborhood is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a shopping (or window-gazing) spree. As Laura del Pozo tells us, “ It’s the best shopping destination in the city, home to both local purveyors like Mantequerías Bravo and major designers like Loewe (who even have its flagship shop in the area).”

Hang around Plaza Mayor.

The largest plaza in Madrid is an impressive public space surrounded by neoclassical architecture and home to a bevy of activities at its center. The scene is usually touristy, thank to its street performers and all-encompassing restaurants, but it’s so big that it still feels pretty spacious.

Center yourself in Sol.

Surrounding Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid’s busiest neighborhoods, Sol is at the center of Madrid and, more literally, at the center of Spain. Look for the marker in the middle of the plaza that marks Spain's Kilometer 0. This is the starting point for all the major roads that leave Madrid and head toward all corners of the country.

Visit Barrio de las Letras and Calle Cava Baja.

According to Javier Diaz, these neighborhoods are where you’ll find the most authentic version of Madrid, “where avant-garde and tradition create the perfect fusion.” In Barrio de las Letras, you'll find all the attractions of Spain’s literary quarter. And in the most traditional area of the city, La Latina, is Calle Cava Baja, “full of bars and taverns reminiscent of the oldest Madrid.”

Get a reservation at the world’s oldest restaurant.

Founded in 1725, Casa Botín has been certified as the world’s oldest restaurant, serving traditional Castillian cuisine for three centuries. The four-floor restaurant preserves the tavern-like atmosphere of its early days. Its most famous dishes are the roast lamb and suckling pig; the latter was a favorite dish of frequent customer Ernest Hemingway.

Explore Madrid’s alternative neighborhoods.

In a big city like Madrid, the true spirit of the city is often in its most creative neighborhoods. Javier Navarra recommends exploring Lavapiés, Malasaña, and La Latina for a more local experience and more affordable prices. Navarra adds that “Malasaña, due to its alternative atmosphere, its vibrant nightlife, diverse gastronomy, and rich history, is a place that offers an authentic experience in Madrid, full of creative and cultural energy.”

Look for street art in Lavapiés.

Hit the streets of Lavapiés to peruse the outdoor murals that add to this neighborhood’s alternative character. Sign up for a graffiti walking tour or check out Madrid Street Art Project to discover the latest murals in the area. Javier Navarra adds, “Lavapiés deserves more visitors for its cultural diversity, art scene, and authentic and festive atmosphere.”

Salute the sunset at a swanky cocktail bar.

To end the day on a stylish note, get yourself to one of Madrid’s many rooftop bars. The most well-known is 360° Rooftop Bar at Hotel Riu, loved for its sweeping views. If the crowds or admission fee turn you off, you can try other chic hotel rooftops like Casa Suecia at the NH Collection Hotel , which is also hiding a Hemingway-themed speakeasy.

Visit the Temple of Debod.

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The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that now stands in Madrid’s Parque de la Montaña, surrounded by a beautiful reflecting pool. It was a gift from Egypt to Spain, dismantled and reassembled, and now houses a small museum about ancient Egypt. This is also an especially romantic spot for enjoying the sunset, with panoramic views that look out over the city.

Shop for souvenirs at the El Rastro flea market.

Open every Sunday and on public holidays in the La Latina neighborhood, this open-air market attracts thousands of shoppers with vendors selling everything you can imagine, from clothes to souvenirs. Be sure to stop at the stalls offering secondhand items like vintage books, ceramics, and furniture.

Wander around Matadero Madrid.

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Formerly an industrial slaughterhouse, Matadero Madrid is now a massive cultural complex for the arts. In addition to its many rotating art exhibitions, guests will find a robust calendar of events, including film screenings, plays, and live music.

Discover Madrid’s Islamic past and origins.

Throughout Spain you will find reminders of its Muslim history, and in Madrid, you can visit remaining landmarks from when the city went by the name “Mayrit.” One such site is Parque del Emir Mohammad I, and another is Museo de San Isidro , where exhibits cover the whole history of Madrid.

See a flamenco show at Cafe Ziryab.

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The rhythmic steps of flamenco-style dancing may not come from Madrid — for that, you’ll need to travel south to Andalucia — but you can still catch a show while you’re in town. Cafe Ziryab hosts different dancers and a variety of flamenco acts in a cozy and traditionally-styled environment.

Head to the top of Círculo de Bella Artes.

To get to the terrace at the top of Círculo de Belles Artes, you'll have to pay a small fee, but the views of Gran Via and beyond are worth it. The Metropolis Building, a gorgeous Beaux-Arts icon, is also a sight to see from here, but it is currently being restored and may be hidden under scaffolding. There are plans in the works to reopen it as a luxury hotel in a few years — but until then the city has plenty of world-class stays to choose from.

Take home a piece of art from a historic ceramic shop.

Antigua Casa Talavera is a specialty shop that sells ceramics from all of Spain’s different regions. It’s a great place to appreciate the artistry of ceramics and to purchase a unique handcrafted piece from one of Madrid’s century-old shops.

Attend a service at the Duck Church.

It’s unlikely that you’ve ever been in a church like this before. On a quiet street in Lavapiés is La Iglesia Patólica, or the Duck Church. The puzzling project is helmed by Leo Bassi, the "duck priest" (and comedian) who puts on a humorous service every day at 1 p.m. During the service he might discuss anything from music to politics and activism, and of course rubber ducks.

Cheer on the home team.

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Soccer fans won't want to miss out on the excitement of a Real Madrid CF match at the capital’s home stadium Santiago Bernabéu. Of course, the game could be doubly exciting if the team is playing long-time rival FC Barcelona. And if you're in Madrid when there’s no game to attend, you can still sign up for a stadium tour.

Immerse yourself in Spanish history on a day trip to Toledo.

Take advantage of Madrid’s central location (and Spain’s train system) by making the one-hour trip out to this walled city on the River Tagus. It’s a must-visit place for history lovers, as you’ll find myriad buildings — from cathedrals and mosques to castles and monasteries — that tell the story of Spain’s multicultural history.

Marvel at Roman engineering on a day trip to Segovia.

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This is another easy day trip that can be done via an hour-long train journey from Madrid. Here, a 2,000-year-old aqueduct still stands, and it runs right through the center of the city. But that’s not the only attraction to see — you can also visit Alcazár, a castle with incredible towers that is said to have partially inspired Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World.

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If you are searching for information about the best places to stay, news and updates about the latest events and festivals as well as the top Madrid tourist attractions and sightseeing locations, you'll find all the things you need right here. With recommendations on what to see and do during your visit to the city. And information about famous landmarks and monuments, itineraries, tourist map, subway map and airport map. As a capital city Madrid has a huge range of things to do, places to eat and all the facilities tourists need. We have dedicated pages to help you plan each element of your trip, whether you are after culture, leisure, fine dining, nightlife or shopping. Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain , located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula plain 646 meters above sea level and spans a total of 698 km² (233.3 sq mi). The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million (2023); the entire population of the metropolitan area.

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As the capital city, a cosmopolitan city , a business center, seat of government, Spanish Parliament, and residence of the Spanish monarch, Madrid is also the political centre of Spain. Madrid is characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity and a very lively nightlife. "Madrid never sleeps" !. According to legend the original name of the city was "Ursaria" ("land of bears" in Latin), due to the high number of these animals that were found in the adjacent forests, which, together with the arbutus ( "madroño" in Spanish), have been the emblem ( The Bear and the Strawberry Tree ) of the city from the Middle Ages.

Madrid goes wild each May in honour of the city's patron Saint, San Isidro, with a traditional round of partying, feasting and dancing in the streets that goes on for about 10 days around the designated saint's day, 15 May. And regular bullfights in " Las Ventas " Bullring. Arco is Europe's largest contemporary art fair and turns Madrid into the centre of the international art world during its five-day run each year. Festimad is a Spain's rock music event of the year, Festimad hosts well known and up and coming rock bands for a two-day party that attracts thousands of people from all over Spain. Held at the Butarque Leganes Stadium just outside Madrid.

Attractions

   • Royal Palace    • Royal Theater    • Almudena Cathedral    • Plaza Mayor Square    • Prado Museum    • Queen Sofía Museum    • Gran Vía Avenue    • Puerta del Sol    • Thyssen Museum    • Cibeles Square    • Plaza España Square    • Alcalá Gate    • Santa Ana Square    • Jerome Church    • Santa Cruz Palace    • Santiago Bernabéu    • Archaeological Museum    • Bullfighting Las Ventas

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Madrid’s best neighborhoods

Jun 15, 2023 • 6 min read

Each of Madrid's neighborhoods has its own unique character © emperorcosar / Shutterstock

De Madrid al cielo ( ' from Madrid to heaven') is a popular local expression that fittingly describes the Spanish capital.

With historic landmarks, an array of culinary choices, picturesque plazas and world-famous nightlife, there’s a little piece of heaven awaiting every traveler.

Take some time to explore Madrid ’s sunlit barrios (neighborhoods) and you’ll discover pockets of vibrant Spanish life that each have a distinct character. Here are our picks of the best neighborhoods to visit on your trip to Madrid.

1. Sol (Centro)

Best neighborhood for sightseeing.

No visit to Madrid is complete without seeing its main square, the Plaza de la Puerta del Sol  (or simply 'Sol'). The symbolic center of Spain and its main crossroads, Sol is a bustling plaza that has been the city’s social hub since the 19th century. It’s packed with landmarks, including the equestrian statue of King Charles III , the beloved Bear and Strawberry Tree sculpture that represents the Madrid coat of arms, and the Casa de Correos (post office), which is crowned by a famous clock that counts down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, as revelers eat the traditional 12 grapes along with each chime. 

Ten streets radiate from Sol, so you can easily venture out to many of Madrid’s most famous landmarks nearby, such as the main boulevard of Gran Vía , Plaza Mayor , Palacio Real , Almudena Cathedral and Mercado de San Miguel . If you need to pack your Madrid sightseeing into a day and don’t mind overpriced tourist rates, then staying in Sol is a strategic decision. As well as the attractions within walking distance, there are three Metro lines that pass through Sol station, giving you easy access to many different points in the city.

Best neighborhood for nature and art walks

Madrid's Retiro district is named after the Parque del Buen Retiro , a sprawling 118-hectare green oasis that was once reserved for Spanish royalty. Today it is open to all, so you can escape the busy city center and explore its stylized gardens, decorative fountains and statues, which include the famous  Ángel Caído (Fallen Angel) depicting Lucifer’s fall from the heavens. 

A short walk from the park’s northwestern gates takes you to the Paseo del Prado, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed avenue featuring some of the world’s most greatest art museums , primarily the Museo del Prado , home to several masterpieces by Spanish artists Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Zurbarán. A stone's throw from the Prado is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza , which showcases nearly 1000 paintings by celebrated European and American artists from the 13th to the 20th century. You’ll find an eclectic mix of works from Dalí, Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Joan Miró and Jackson Pollock, among others. 

This neighborhood is a great pick if you’re visiting Madrid for the first time but have limited time, as you can visit several of the capital's emblematic landmarks with one walkabout along the Paseo del Prado, including the magnificent Palacio de Comunicaciones and Cibeles Fountain in the Plaza de la Cibeles , and the Puerta de Alcalá , the majestic neo-classical gate that towers above the Plaza de la Independencia. 

3. Malasaña

Best neighborhood for nightlife.

Colorful, offbeat and graffiti-covered Malasaña was the beating heart of Madrid’s counterculture and artistic movement in the 1980s, after the end of the Franco dictatorship. That rebellious energy lingers on today in Malasaña's labyrinthine streets, which are dotted with whimsical cafes, restaurants and vintage shops. At night its myriad bars and clubs open their doors, spin vinyl and transform Malasaña into one big street party that usually lasts until the early hours. To soak up the sun and mix with friendly locals, head to the outdoor terraces of the Plaza Dos de Mayo, Malasaña's central square, which commemorates the uprising of the people of Madrid against Napoleon’s occupying forces in 1808.

Best neighborhood for LGBTQI+ visitors

Out-and-proud Chueca is Madrid’s rainbow flag-draped neighborhood that never sleeps. This is the main playground of the city’s famous Día del Orgullo de Gays, Lesbianas y Transexuales, the Pride festival that kicks off the summer season every year. LGBTIQ-friendly accommodations and stylish boutique hotels abound, such as the kitschy Room Mate Oscar , known for its rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of Madrid. At any time of day, Plaza de Chueca is a great place to lounge and people-watch in its many outdoor terraces and cafes.

5. Salamanca

Best neighborhood for luxury.

Salamanca is Madrid’s wealthiest and most glamorous neighborhood. Designed in the late 19th century as an exclusive enclave of the Spanish aristocracy, it is distinguished by its grid-like streets and exquisite building facades. Today it is a haven for luxury shopping thanks to the Golden Mile, a network of streets lined with designer fashion boutiques that draw a well-heeled crowd. In between shopping you can dine and sip rioja among the chic set in elegant outdoor terraces and upmarket restaurants.

6. Lavapiés

Best neighborhood for culture.

Thanks to the crucible of cultures living here, Lavapiés offers the most multicultural food choices in Madrid. The streets are lined with restaurants, cafes and tea houses offering affordable, delicious dishes from South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The colorful cultures of the neighborhood’s residents play out in its arts scene too, whether in vibrant street art, pocket galleries, live music, or spontaneous street dancing.

La Tabacalera is a refurbished tobacco factory transformed into a cultural center that regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions and film festivals. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofía exhibits some of the greatest masterpieces of contemporary Spanish art, including Pablo Picasso’s iconic Guernica .

7. La Latina

Best neighborhood for tapas.

Vestiges of Madrid’s medieval past can still be seen in La Latina, the city’s oldest quarter, which to this day has maintained its many wide public squares and narrow cobblestone streets. Crowning this historic neighborhood is the dome of the Basílica de San Francisco El Grande , home to priceless Spanish paintings including Francisco Goya's St Bernardino of Siena Preaching to Alfonso V of Aragon.

Every Sunday morning this historic quarter hosts a 400-year-old flea market, El Rastro , which peddles every curiosity under the bright Spanish sun. Hand in hand with this tradition is the requisite Sunday tapas-and-drinks crawl along the surrounding streets. One of the best is Cava Baja, which hosts some of Madrid’s oldest restaurants and watering holes , such as the Posada de la Villa , a former flour mill dating back to 1642.

8. Barrio Chamberí

Best neighborhood for immersing among locals.

North of Madrid’s city center is a charming, tree-lined barrio that has become one of the most sought-after residential areas, owing to its mix of elegant architecture, family-run shops and modern establishments. This is where to go if you want a local experience away from the tourist traps, with plenty of cozy cafés, traditional markets and vibrant plazas like the family-friendly Plaza Olavide to explore. Every evening the popular Calle Ponzano becomes a lively destination for young professionals to enjoy 'un after-work' before heading to eat in one of the quaint restaurants. 

One cultural attraction that you cannot miss in this barrio is the Museo Sorolla , the former home of renowned Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla. Sitting serenely amid gardens designed by Sorolla himself, the museum houses a collection of his exquisite paintings and his former studio.

This article was first published Jul 6, 2021 and updated Jun 15, 2023.

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The ARTnews Culture Lover’s Guide to Madrid

By Sarah Belmont

Sarah Belmont

With 3.4 million inhabitants, Madrid is the second-largest city in the European Union, and with about 45 museums, it is one of Europe’s most robust cultural centers. Landmarks in Spain’s capital city include Plaza Mayor, the Royal Plalace, the National Library, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Prado Museum, one of the most-visited museums in the world. If you want to see the best that Madrid has to offer, consult our list of 20 must-see landmarks and cultural destinations below.

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol (“Gateway of the Sun”) is to Madrileños what Times Square is to New Yorkers and what St. Mark’s Square is to Venetians. Partly closed to traffic, it is the city’s main plaza, the center (kilometer 0) of a network of Spanish roads. Dubbed “Spain’s belly button,” it was actually named after a 15th-century gate ( puerta ) that featured a rising sun ( sol ) on its front. This popular spot has been a pivotal meeting point throughout the city’s history and a magnet for New Year’s revelers. It is also a gathering point for political demonstrations, such as protests against the Iraq War in 2003.

Rastro Market 

With some 3,000 open-air stalls, El Rastro is one of Europe’s most popular flea markets. Every Sunday since 1740, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Ribera de Curtidores area, located between the Calle Embajadores (Ambassador’s Street) and the Ronda de Toledo, has teemed with street vendors selling everything from fake Prada shoes to rosaries and religious relics to handmade accessories and antiques. It’s impossible to see everything in one visit, but you can set out from the Plaza de Cascorro, where stands a bronze statue dedicated to Eloy Gonzalo, a Cuban war hero, and where locals catch up once a week over midmorning vermouths and tapas. Indeed, food is an essential part of the Rastro experience. Make sure to check out Bar Santurce for a glass of sherry and a plate of spit-roasted sardines before moving on.

Puerta de Alcalá 

Erected in 1778 by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, this triumphal arch served for years as the main entrance to Madrid. King Charles III commissioned it as a replacement for a gate that had left him unimpressed when he first arrived in the city in 1759. The neoclassical monument, located next to Parque del Retiro in the middle of Plaza de la Independencia, is a junction point for three of Madrid’s best-known streets—Calle de Alcalá, the city’s longest road; Calle de Alfonso XII, which leads to the Atocha train station; and Calle de Serrano, with its luxury flagship stores. Puerta de Alcalá, made of Colmenar limestone, was named after the road that used to lead to the nearby town of Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of writer Miguel de Cervantes. The four children featured along the top of the arch are an allegory of the cardinal virtues: fortitude, justice, temperance, and prudence.

Templo de Debod 

The history of this temple dates back to the second century BC when the Meroë King Adijalamani had a chapel built in Nubia for the god Amun and the goddess Isis. His successors in the Ptolemaic dynasty had new rooms added around the original structure, and emperors Augustus and Tiberius, and perhaps Hadrian as well, finished the construction and decoration of the site. The temple was sealed and abandoned in the sixth century AD, until the Egyptian government decided to gift it to Spain in 1968. It was transferred to Madrid and reconstructed brick by brick between 1970 and 1972 in the city’s Quartel de la Montaña Park.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía 

The Reina Sofía is located within walking distance of Madrid’s other two major museums, the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. It is housed in a former neoclassical hospital (Hospital San Carlos) built in the 16th century, extended in the 18th century at Charles III’s request by architects José de Hermosilla and Francisco Sabatini, and expanded again between 2001 and 2005 by French architect Jean Nouvel. The 25,000-piece permanent collection, which focuses on contemporary art from the 1980s to the present day, was officially inaugurated in 1992.  In 2021 it underwent a reorganization designed, according to former director Manuel Borja-Villel, to make the museum not only a place to visit but a place to experience, and to engage with contemporary issues such as climate change and gender fluidity.

Plaza Mayor 

In the middle of this grand central square, situated in one of the oldest parts of Madrid, stands an equestrian statue of King Philip III, begun by Flemish sculptor Giambologna and completed by his student Pietro Tacca in 1616. Plaza Mayor was constructed on top of Plaza del Arrabal, the site of Madrid’s busiest market until the late 16th century. This majestic open space, initially used to host coronations and bullfights, among other events, is home to Madrid’s Christmas market and Easter drum parade. If you visit, don’t miss Casa de la Panadería. Built around 1590, this former bakery, successively turned into royal chambers, the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and the Academy of History, now houses the Plaza Mayor Tourist Information Center as well as the Tienda Casa de la Panadería, a shop that specializes in local craftsmanship. Make sure to look at the façade covered with mythological frescoes created in 1992 by artist Carlos Franco.

Catedral de la Almudena 

The construction of Madrid’s cathedral has a long and torturous history. Before turning into the glorious monument that it is today, it was designed in 1879 by Francisco de Cubas as a church devoted to the late Queen Maria de la Mercedes. When Pope Leo XIII created the Madrid-Alcalá bishopric in 1885, a grander building was called for, and Cubas changed his plans, drawing inspiration from the French 18th-century Gothic cathedrals of Reims and Chartres. Several architects took over after he died, but the project was plagued by sporadic donations, restricted budgets, and delays. In 1939, after countless setbacks, plans for the cathedral changed again because the Gothic aesthetic was no longer in style. In 1950, construction resumed under the aegis of architects Fernando Chueca Goitia and Carlos Sidro. The cloister and the façade were finished in 1955 and 1960, respectively, but the cathedral was not completed until 1993. It now doubles as a museum housing statues of the city’s patron saints—the Virgin Mary of la Almudena and San Isidro Labrador—as well as a permanent exhibition about the cathedral’s fraught history.

El Retiro Park, or Buen Retiro Park, is one of the city’s most attractive green spaces, the property of the Spanish monarchy until becoming a public place in 1869. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with 15,000 trees and is home to various monuments, such as the Velasquez Palace and the cast-iron Glass Palace, as well as a variety of gardens. There is also Parterre Francés, which holds what is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree—a 400-year-old Mexican conifer. At the northern entrance is the Estanque del Retiro, a large artificial pond around which Madrileños enjoy strolling; you can also rent a rowboat there.

Palacio Real 

Construction on Madrid’s Royal Palace began in 1738 at the request of Philip V, four years after a fire razed the Palace of Los Austrias. It was the residence of the kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII. Inspired by Bernini sketches for Paris’s Louvre, the palace features 3,000 rooms, including a 70-step main staircase, a hall of mirrors, a throne hall with a ceiling painted by Tiepolo, a royal chapel holding string instruments made by Antonio Stradivari, and the royal armory housing weapons and armor dating back as far as the 13th century. Don’t miss the painting gallery, which holds masterpieces such as Luis de Morales’s  Virgin with Child , Juan de Flandes’s  Isabella the Catholic , Caravaggio’s  Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, and works by Velázquez, Goya, and Sorolla. There is also a changing of the guard ceremony on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Museum del Prado

Originally conceived as a house of science, the Prado Museum opened in 1819 during the reign of King Ferdinand VII to showcase the royal collection of art. Today the museum’s holdings comprise approximately 34,000 items in total (including 8,000 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, 9,000 drawings, 3,600 decorative works, and 6,000 etchings), dating back to the 11th century. Highlights include works from the Spanish Gothic period with paintings by Bartolomé Bermejo, Pedro Berruguete, Juan de Juanes, and Luis de Morales, and galleries devoted to El Greco, Goya, Ribera, Zurbarán, Murillo, Sorolla, and Velázquez. The Prado also features Italian masters from Fra Angelico and Mategna to Botticelli, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese; representatives of Flemish art from Van der Weyden to Bosch to Rubens and the Bruegel family; and French, German, and Dutch painters including Dürer, Le Lorrain, Rembrandt, and Watteau. If you have time, swing by the extension by Rafael Moneo, which houses temporary exhibitions, an auditorium, and a restaurant.

CaixaForum Madrid

This 21,500-square-foot cultural center featuring art, music, poetry, and more is situated near the three world-class museums of the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk)—the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía. It used to house the Mediodía electric power station. Renovated by Prizker Prize winners Herzog & de Meuron, this spectacular building with a Patrick Blanc–designed vertical garden is now home to a 322-seat auditorium, multiple conference rooms, exhibition halls, a bookstore, a café, and a restaurant.

Museo Sorolla 

Paseo del General Martinez Campos 37 was the home of Valencia-born painter Joaquín Sorolla from 1911 to his death in 1923. The artist’s widow, Clotilde García del Castillo, bequeathed the home and all it contained to the Spanish government, under the condition that it be maintained in its original state and opened as such to the public. The house-museum was officially inaugurated in 1932. Inside, you will find the largest collection of Sorolla’s works, which amounts to some 1,200 paintings and drawings, along with Sorolla’s belongings, including personal items, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry.

More than 100 years old, a mile long, and punctuated with some of the most popular retail shops in the city, Gran Via is one of the busiest streets in Madrid, attracting some 10 million people every year. Sometimes called “Spanish Broadway” because of its many theaters, it has recently been refurbished with added greenery and more places to sit, making it highly pedestrian friendly. Gran Vía is divided into three sections: from Calle Alcalà to Red de San Luis, with the most interesting architecture; from Red de San Luis to Callao, lined with repurposed buildings (Gran Vía, 28; Gran Vía, 32); and from Callao to Plaza de España, marked by the Capitole building with its Schweppes neon sign.

Museo de Historia de Madrid 

Housed in the former San Fernando Hospice, a Baroque building designed by Pedro de Ribera, the Museo de Historia provides a deep insight into the arts, industries, lifestyles, and customs of Madrileños going back to 1561, the year Madrid became the capital of Spain. After a thorough revamp, the museum reopened its doors in 2014. The collection, which is divided into three sections, consists of 60,000 objects including paintings, prints, maps, drawings, photographs, sculptures, silver work, fans, and furniture. Among the highlights: an 1830 scale model of the city by León Gil de Palacio, the paintings  Allegory of the City of Madrid by Francisco de Goya and  Virgin with Saint Ferdinand by Luca Giordano, a group of 18th-century sculptures, and pieces from the studio of Spanish engraver José Gutiérrez Solana.

Museo Cerralbo 

This classical-style palace, with neo-baroque and rococo elements, was built both as a museum and as the home of the 17th Marquess of Cerralbo. From the start, the Marquess was intent on donating his property to the Spanish people so that his treasures could stay “together and be studied by science and art lovers alike.” Today the institution holds some 50,000 objects (paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glassware, tapestry, furniture, coins, medals, drawings, stamps, clocks, weapons, archaeological pieces, and more). But be warned: None of the items have been formally captioned, at least for now.

Estacion de Atocha

Inaugurated in 1851, Atocha is Madrid’s first railway station. It was expanded in 1865 and rebuilt in 1892, after a devastating fire, by Alberto de Palacio Elissagne, who collaborated with Gustave Eiffel and Henry Saint James. Between 1984 and 1992, Spanish architect Rafael Moneo helped expand the Atocha complex, which now comprises two stations. The new part is home to the terminal for the AVE high-speed network, long-distance trains, and local Cercanías services. Renfe, the state-owned company operating freight and passenger trains, has set up its offices in the old section, which also houses a tropical garden planted with more than 100 species, including 70 palm trees. Catch the Cervantes Train if you can; in only 40 minutes, it will take you to Alcalá, the hometown of Don Quixote ’s author.

Naval Museum of Madrid 

This museum’s mission is to conserve, acquire, research, communicate, and exhibit all kinds of pieces and collections related to Spain’s naval history from the Middle Ages to the present day. Run by the Spanish Ministry of Defense, it was inaugurated in 1843. The museum moved into its current location, on Paseo del Arte, in 1932. Fifty years later an extension was added, doubling its exhibition space. The last modernization took place in 2020. The 12,000-piece collection, presented chronologically, includes model vessels; astronomical, scientific, and navigation instruments; decorative arts; weapons; flags; uniforms; medals; seafarers’ supplies; and personal belongings of illustrious sailors, not to mention a map made by Juan de la Cosa, the earliest known representation of the New World.

National Library of Spain

It is the largest library in Spain, as well as one of the largest libraries in the world. Founded in 1711 by King Philip V under the name of Real Biblioteca (Royal Library), it has copies of every book ever published in Spain, as well as an exceptional collection of incunables, manuscripts, prints, drawings, photographs, maps, sound recordings, scores, and more. The library helped preserve more than 500,000 books that were confiscated from churches, palaces, and private residences during the Spanish Civil War. The Library’s exhibition space, open to the public, is called “El Infierno y la Maravillas” (“Hell and Wonders”), referring to the secret place where libraries used to conceal their forbidden books and treasures.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum 

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, aka the Thyssen, was named after its founder, Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. It is located on the Art Walk along with the Prado and the Reina Sofía. With some 1,600 paintings, it is the second-largest private art collection in the world, trailing only the British royal collection. While the baron focused on Old Masters, including Ghirlandaio’s Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni and Carpaccio’s Knight , his son Baron Hans Thyssen-Bornemisza added 19th- and 20th-century works. In a sense, the institution fills in some of the gaps in the collections of the Reina Sofía, which focuses on Impressionism and Expressionism, and the Prado, which, highlights Italian primitives and the English, Dutch, and German schools.

National Archaeological Museum 

The National Archaeological Museum (MAN) is home to one of the most important antiquity collections in the world. Reopened in 2014 after a six-year renovation, its galleries hold works from prehistory to the 19th century, including Greek ceramics, Visigoth votive crowns, and Spanish Islamic ivories, a collection that has been growing since 1897. Highlights include the Lady of Elche, a limestone bust discovered in Spain; the Treasure of Guarrazar, an incredible example of Visigoth goldsmithing; and an ivory pot from Zamora. In October 1964, a replica of a UNESCO World Heritage site—the Altamira Cave located near the historic town of Santillana Del Mar in Cantabria—was inaugurated in the gardens of MAN. The recreation of the cave, in an underground chamber designed by architects Fernando Aguirre and Rafael Mérida, is as impressive as it is precise.

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