My 25 Favorite Things to Do in Madrid

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Museums & Historic Sites | Food & Drink | Family-Friendly

Before I arrived in the bustling Spanish capital, I anticipated a long list of things to do. Even with all my preparation, I wasn’t quite ready for the diverse array of activities around the city.

Madrid has some of the best museums in the world, delectable food, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to discover. Plus, it’s easy to find an amazing place to stay in Madrid among its many gorgeous neighborhoods and stellar accommodations. 

With limited time to explore, seeing everything is a lot easier said than done, though. Luckily, you won’t have to worry about missing out on anything now that you’ve stumbled across this article. We’re going to dive into all the very best things to do in Madrid to make the most of your time in Spain. 

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25 Best Things to Do in Madrid

El Retiro Park

Wander through this enormous 19th-century park to see its gardens, art galleries, and boat-filled lake.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park

Parks are such a peaceful peek into the local life of a city and Madrid’s El Retiro Park is perfect for catching a glimpse. This was once enjoyed as a getaway for Spanish kings. 

Today, it’s one of the largest public parks in Madrid and there are plenty of activities available. Visitors flock to its bountiful rose garden and the Velázquez Palace art gallery. For a hands-on activity, you can rent a rowboat and set off on the park’s lake.

If you want a more in-depth exploration of El Retiro, you can always join this Walking Tour. For less than $5, your friendly guide will accompany you to 11 iconic Madrid sites and end the excursion at Retiro. This is a fantastic way to meet people if you’re traveling alone, too!

👉 Pro Tip: There are lots of welcoming, chill green spaces in the big city of Madrid. After you visit El Retiro, check out Casa de Campo and Campo del Moro if you’re a park fanatic like me.

Royal Palace of Madrid

Gain access to the official residence of the Spanish royal family and its rooms full of art.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (914)-548-700 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, 10 am – 3 pm Sun | Entrance: €14 adults, Free under age 5 | 👉 Madrid & Royal Palace Walking Tour Skip the Line Tickets

See how the other side lives by purchasing a ticket to the Royal Palace of Madrid. This opulent castle was built for King Philip V and is still the residence of the Spanish royal family on paper. However, these days, it’s only really used for state ceremonies and groups of eager tourists. 

The Royal Palace of Madrid is actually the largest Royal Palace in Western Europe. You will never guess how many rooms it has. 47? 205? 700? 

Nope. There are over 3,000 rooms inside this giant estate! Just wrap your mind around that for a second. Of course, guests can’t explore every single one, but the parts they can see are packed with irreplaceable antiques and artwork. Making it an exceptional setting for getting that perfect travel photo to capture your time in Madrid.

👉 Pro Tip: The Madrid Walking Tour and The Royal Palace with Skip the Line Tickets is definitely the best way to see the palace. You get quick access to this super busy tourist attraction and they give you a rundown of the city streets as well.

Plaza Mayor

Go people-watching at this bustling city square that used to be the venue for executions.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Plaza Mayor is probably the most photographed and well-known place in Madrid. The town square does have a very eyebrow-raising history as the grounds for public executions back in the day. 

In the modern era, the events around Plaza Mayor are much less traumatizing. It’s a quiet, chill spot to do some people-watching, snap a photo of the statue of King Philip III, and maybe grab a coffee at one of the surrounding cafes.

Mercado de San Miguel

Grab tapas at a market that is more than 100 years old.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (915)-424-936 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 12 am Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 1 am Fri & Sat | Entrance: Free

Wandering around the equivalent of a grocery store may not jump off the page as an exciting activity. But if you’re looking for me in a major city like Madrid, I’m probably checking out the market. It’s a fun way to get involved with the local culture, and markets in Spain are packed to the brim with delicious food. 

Out of all the cool markets in Madrid, I think the best is San Miguel Market. This place has been serving up tapas for well over 100 years, and there’s a reason it’s still bursting with patrons after all that time. 

There are 30 different stalls with top-notch gourmet tapas here. Instead of reserving a table for dinner, just wander around and try a handful of them. Just note that seating can often be limited, so you may have to stand and scarf down one tapa at a time before hopping to the next stall. It’s all part of the experience, though!

To get the inside scoop on the best vendors, join this Madrid Street Food Guided Tour that comes with samples of yummy delights at San Miguel Market.

👉 Pro Tip: You’ll definitely want to visit this market around Christmas time. It’s one of the best times to visit Spain in general. In December, Mercado de San Miguel goes full-out into the Christmas spirit with lots of seasonal specialties.

Museo Nacional del Prado

Take a gander at work by El Greco, Velázquez, and more renowned masters at one of Spain’s most prestigious art museums.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913)-302-800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 7 pm Sun | Entrance: €15, adults, Free under 18 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Spain is a country that’s distinguished for its art and famous artists. Get to know these two parts of Spanish society by visiting one of the country’s most respected museums, The National Museum of Prado. 

It’s one of the most-visited museums in Spain and it’s clear why the collection draws in so many people. The Prado Museum displays foreign and Spanish art by geniuses like Diego Velázquez, El Greco, and Francisco Goya.

Even though this museum has some of Spain’s most precious pieces inside, you can see it all for a much more humble price. The Prado Museum is only around €15 for adults and free for anyone under 18. 

While simply admiring the work can be fun, I’d recommend booking a tour for this particular attraction to really understand what you’re looking at. This Small-Group Tour of the Prado Museum is an excellent option because it comes with an experienced guide and skip-the-line admission to save you precious time.

Calle Gran Vía

Party the evening away at this famous nightlife street that’s filled with notable buildings.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Head over to Calle Gran Vía if you’re looking for a place in Madrid where you could still find a good time with a blindfold on. This iconic Madrid street cuts right through the city center and has oodles of places to go nuts with shopping. That’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Calle Gran Via, though. 

It’s a party hotspot with rooftop bars like La Terraza de Macarena and cocktail bars like Joséalfredo. The area also offers occasional street performers to entertain you as you wander. 

Plus, a few of Spain’s super famous buildings are on Calle Gran Vía, such as the Telefónica Building and the Metropolis Building.

Matadero Madrid

Catch a film, art exhibit, or live show at this slaughterhouse-turned-contemporary art center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913)-184-670 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Depends On Show, But Free To Enter

It’s not every day you stumble across a performing arts center that’s located in the repurposed remains of an old slaughterhouse. As creepy as that sounds, that’s the elevator pitch for Matadero. 

This place hosts all sorts of events. There are modern art exhibitions exploring the theoretical metaverse. Along with dramatic readings of Italian plays.

Museums & Historic Sites

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Catch a glimpse of one of the best European art collections in Spain.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (917)-911-370 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Tue-Sun, 12 pm – 4 pm Mon | Entrance: €14, adults, Free under 18 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a total gem for art lovers. It boasts a collection of more than 1,600 painted masterpieces from different eras in history. The artwork spans over 700 years, making it one of the country’s most comprehensive collections of European art. 

It has a permanent collection of pieces and a rotating series of exhibitions. If you plan on visiting Thyssen-Bornemisza, check their website to see what limited-time exhibits are available during your trip.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Get familiar with masterpieces from artists like Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso at this massive museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (917)-741-000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon, Wed-Sat, 10 am – 2:30 pm Sun, Closed Tue | Entrance: €12, adults, Free under 18 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

By now, I think we can all agree that Madrid is an out-and-out hub for prestigious art museums. Well, I’m sorry, but I have one more of those for you. This isn’t one you want to miss either –  Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. 

This National Museum holds works from an impressive assortment of famous 20th-century artists. Pieces from big names like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró are all here. Even if you’re not an art fanatic, just about every traveler will know or at least appreciate the stuff at Reina Sofia. 

Once again, the insight of a guide is very helpful when you’re perusing the endless artwork at Reina Sofia. So, invest in this exceptional Small-Group Tour of the Reina Sofía Museum with Skip-the-Line Admission to get the full experience.

Temple of Debod

Catch the sunset at this ancient Egyptian temple and museum that was rebuilt in a Madrid park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913)-667-415 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free

I’m a sucker for closing a long day of traveling with a red-hot, satisfying sunset at a scenic location. The Temple of Debod is one of the more ancient places I’ve discovered for watching the day dip away. 

This piece of historic architecture was a present from the Egyptian government to Madrid. The Temple of Debod is tucked away in a quaint park and provides uniquely historic scenery, especially at dusk. This is easily one of my top photography spots in Madrid.

Teatro Real

Take a tour or even catch a show at an opera house that’s been in business for 173 years.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (900)-244-848 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm Mon-Fri, Closed Sat-Sun | Entrance: €10, adults, Free under 5 

Teatro Real is one of the most famous theaters in Spain, especially regarded for its lengthy 173-year history. Imagine how much has happened within the walls of an opera house that was founded all the way back in 1850. That place has seen some stuff. 

Even today, you can be a member of the audience or just take a tour of the Teatro Real grounds. The theater itself offers interesting guided tours of the majestic venue for just €8.

Plaza de Cibeles

Check out this royal-looking town square with a century-old palace that’s home to Madrid’s City Hall.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Plaza de Cibeles is one of the most elegant and elaborate squares in Madrid. This might be thanks to the astonishing Palacio de Cibeles taking up most of the background. 

The palace was built over 100 years ago, and today, it’s the site of the Madrid City Council. The plaza also has a very grand fountain that looks quite regal in photographs.

Food & Drink

Chocolateria San Ginés

Treat your tastebuds to thick, luxurious hot chocolate and churros at this historic 24-hour cafe.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913)-656-546 | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: Free

When I was visiting Madrid, I spent a good chunk of time eating my way through all the dessert offerings. One of my favorites was the hot chocolate and fresh churros from Chocolateria San Ginés in central Madrid. 

This isn’t your ordinary, everyday hot cocoa. It’s a piping hot cup of basically pure, melted chocolate. It is the type of thing that’s so rich, you can only have it once a year. Nonetheless, you’ll definitely want to try this chocolate-y decadence. 

Note that Chocolateria San Ginés often has a line out front, but it moves fast and it is worth the wait!

Corral de la Moreria

Have a 5-star dinner with a show at this fancy Flamenco theater, or Tablao.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913)-651-137 | Website | Hours: 5:30 pm – 11 pm Sun-Thu, 5:30 pm – 12 am Fri & Sat | Entrance: €50, adults | 👉 Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner

Did you even visit Spain if you don’t see one of its signature Flamenco dance performances? Perhaps – but you’re severely missing out! Flamenco is a key part of the whole Madrid experience, and one of the best places to experience it is at Corral de la Moreira. 

This type of cozy, Flamenco theater is known as a Tablao and Corral de la Moreria is the oldest of its kind. It’s even recognized with the award for the Best Flamenco Tablao in the World [source]. 

The Flamenco show here is accompanied by creative Spanish dishes that will leave you just as awe-struck as the performance. All you have to do is reserve your spot with this Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner. Just like that, you’re on your way to having an unforgettable evening.

DSTAgE

Try eye-catching drinks and an inventive Spanish tasting menu at this industrial-style restaurant.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (917)-021-586 | Website | Hours: 1:30 pm – 3 pm & 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm Fri & Sat; 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm Tue-Thu; Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: Free, reservation recommended

If you’re a foodie, you will run amok in Madrid and DSTAgE is bound to be a favorite. This is one of the most popular Madrid restaurants. It is on the fine end of dining, so you’ll want to save it for your mega splurge night. However, the remarkably original dishes are well worth the price point. 

I recommend you opt for one of their two ‘DXPERIENCE’ tasting menus with 15 courses and the option to add wine pairings.  It’s the definition of treating yourself.

Salmon Guru

Sip down mind-blowingly beautiful cocktails at the #15 best bar in the world as of 2022.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (910) 006-185 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 2 am Sun-Thu, 4 pm – 2:30 am Fri & Sat | Entrance: Free 

Whenever you have the opportunity to party at one of the best bars in the world, you take it. So don’t forget the name of this famous Madrid cocktail bar (not that you could): Salmon Guru. 

Salmon Guru was officially ranked as the 15th-best bar in the world in 2022. It’s one of the best places to visit in all of Spain for a drink. Though you might be a little bit sad to sip down their masterfully created cocktails, considering they’re practically a work of art.

Mercado San Antón

Indulge in gourmet foods or buy local groceries for a homemade dinner at this three-story market.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913)-300-730 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free 

Want to try some of the city’s best tapas bars or buy fresh grocery fare to whip up your own dinner? You can accomplish either mission at Mercado San Anton. This market is kind of a combination of all types of mercados. 

It has gourmet vendors and a terrace bar, but it also has regular groceries. In my opinion, the coolest part of San Anton Market is that it has restaurants with traditional Spanish and international cuisine.

Platea Madrid

Dive into a gastro-experience in a huge venue with gourmet food, cocktails, and live music.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (919)-930-057 | Website | Hours: Varies | Entrance: Depends On The Menu And Event

One of the more peculiar things to do in Madrid is spending an evening at Platea. It’s a massive food and music venue, but simultaneously, it’s tough to nail down exactly what you’re in for on any given night here.

It describes itself as ‘the largest gastronomic leisure center in Europe’, which is just ambiguous enough to be enticing. There are live performances, an elevated food court, and plenty of Instagram-worthy cocktails at Platea.  

Acquolina

Satisfy the urge for sweets with horchata milkshakes, hand-crafted cakes, and ice cream at this quaint dessert shop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +34 667 56 31 89 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 10:30 pm Mon-Thu, 2:30 pm – 11 pm Fri, 1 pm – 11 pm Sat, 1 pm – 10:30 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

If you’re looking for a place to grab dessert and seal your day in Madrid, then stop by Acquolina in the Malasaña neighborhood. 

This adorable little cake shop is a sanctuary of sweetness. Anything you order is sure to be a hit, but I’d specifically recommend a slice of their red velvet cake.

👉 Have More Time in Madrid? Check out our list of the top Madrid day trips for exploring the surrounding region.

Family-Friendly

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Experience the home stadium of 14-time Championship winners, the Real Madrid team.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913)-984-300 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Mon-Sat, 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Sun | Entrance: €35, adults, Free under 4

Whether you’re an avid footballer or completely unfamiliar with the sport, you still probably know the Real Madrid team. Football is huge in Spain; it’s truly a part of the country’s culture. Watching a match is one of the most iconic things to do in Spain.

A team that famously represents the whole football culture is Real Madrid. You can learn all about their path to winning 14 championships on their home turf at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

This huge stadium was built with Real Madrid’s millions of fans in mind, as it holds 81,000 raging visitors. Here, you can check out the team’s trophies or get a more in-depth lesson on Madrid’s football history with this one-hour Bernabeu Stadium & Real Madrid Museum Guided Tour.

Estación Madrid – Puerta de Atocha

Take photos and relax at this lush, tropical garden located in one of Madrid’s train stations.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (912)-320-320 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 1 am daily | Entrance: Free

This is another one of those attractions that initially leave you scratching your head, wondering why I would recommend it. But stick with me here. Puerta de Atocha train station is special. It has a giant, succulent tropical greenhouse right inside. 

If you’re into photography like me, this place makes for enchanting photos that will have everyone asking where you got the shot.

Parque de la Quinta de los Molinos

Stop by this public park in the springtime to see the bubblegum pink flowers on the almond trees in bloom.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Parque de la Quinta de los Molinos was once a classy estate, but now, it’s one of the most photogenic public parks in Madrid. This particular Madrid attraction comes with a major caveat: it’s only really worth visiting during the springtime. 

During the brief window from February through March, the almond trees bloom and it looks like it’s plucked straight from an oil painting. They actually look a lot like the cherry blossoms in Japan. 

The rest of the year, this park is still nice, but it’s not nearly as exciting as its prime.

📚 Related Reading: Your experience in Spain will vary greatly based on the season and region, so don’t forget to read my guide to the Best Time to Visit Spain before your trip!

Puerta del Sol

Peruse this well-known town square where many of Madrid’s famous streets intersect including Mayor and Arenal.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Travelers on a budget in Europe won’t have to spend a dime at Puerta del Sol and they’ll still get to see one of Madrid’s top attractions. It’s a clean, spacious town square that puts up a real spectacle of a Christmas tree for the holidays. 

There are a few landmarks in the plaza, the most famous being Kilometer Zero. This spot is notable because it’s the starting point, AKA Kilometer 0, of Spain’s 6 major roads. 

You can also see the Clock of Puerta del Sol and the 20-ton El Oso y El Madroño statue at this famous square.

Plus, if you haven’t booked your accommodations yet, the surrounding neighborhood is one of the best areas to stay in Madrid.

Paseo del Prado

Take a walk along a famous avenue in the city center that’s lined with 100-year-old trees and top cultural attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free 

When you’re done with the artwork at the Prado Museum, there is plenty more to see along its home street of Paseo del Prado. There is something innately charming about this unassuming avenue through the city center. 

Along this stretch of tree-lined street are some of Madrid’s top attractions, including Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Palacio de Cibeles, and The Naval Museum. 

So. you’ll probably end up along this famous stretch at one point or another while you’re in Madrid.

Palacio de Cristal

Stop by this totally transparent structure in El Retiro that occasionally hosts art exhibitions.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (917)-741-000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free

⚠️ Closure Note: This attraction is temporarily closed for maintenance (though you can still admire it from outside).

Out of all the interesting things to see and do at Retiro, Palacio de Cristal was the thing that sticks to my mind like honey. I didn’t even get the full experience because I just visited on a random afternoon, but I was still in awe. The Glass Palace was just so unique all on its own. 

If you’re more planning-savvy or luckier than I was, you can catch an art exhibit here. The Reina Sofia Museum puts on rotating shows inside this mammoth piece of window-filled architecture from time to time. 

Be sure to walk around the reflecting pool in front and keep an eye out for the many turtles, too.

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By now, I hope your list of things to do in Madrid has gotten just a little longer. If you need more help planning your trip, don’t miss out on my complete 6-day Madrid itinerary.

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of my Madrid itinerary here!

–Nate Hake contributed to this story