From its globally renowned art galleries to imposing architecture, Madrid is sure to make a lasting impression on visitors. It is a great destination to visit all year round and offers plenty of cultural attractions to keep you busy. Whether you are planning a quick weekend or a longer trip, look no further than our guide to these popular things to do in Madrid.
Best things to do in Madrid
Step back in time at the Royal Palace
The royal residence sits on the site of Madrid’s former Royal Alcazar fortress, which burned down on Christmas Eve in 1734. The modern-day palace was built in the mid-18th century and features a unique mix of neoclassical and baroque architecture. It is now one of the largest palaces in western Europe and houses important royal art collections and intricate murals. Visitors can admire works by renowned Spanish artists like Goya and Velazquez, as well as fascinating displays of ceramics, watches, wall-hangings and fine silverware.
Relax in El Retiro Park
Retiro Park welcomes many visitors, with pristine gardens, sculptural artworks and peaceful walking routes to explore after a long day of Madrid sightseeing. Opened to the public in the 19th century, this former royal garden is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts a variety of cultural events and concerts. On warmer days, one of the most popular things to do in Madrid is hire a boat and go rowing on the picturesque Retiro Pond, which is overlooked by the imposing Alfonso XII monument.
Visit Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid is a great city for art lovers, with its three main art galleries forming a so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ that showcases significant collections of Spanish and European works.
Prado National Museum
Art lovers from all over the world flock to Prado National Museum when visiting Madrid. As Spain’s primary national gallery, it boasts a large and diverse collection of art dating back to the 12th century.
You can find many baroque and renaissance works and one of the most complete collections of Spanish art in the world. Admire works by artists like El Greco, Velazquez and Francisco de Goya, whose works feature prominently in the Prado.
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
This gallery showcases works by English and German masters, as well as renaissance artists like Rembrandt and Sir Anthony van Dyck. You can also find an extensive collection of mid-century impressionist and abstract works by popular artists like Monet and Degas.
Reina Sofia Museum
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia features more modern art than its counterparts, with a focus on 20th-century works. Joan Miro, Juan Gris and sculptor Eduardo Chillida are among the famous Spanish artists whose works are presented here.
Fans of contemporary art will particularly appreciate works by renowned artists like Dali and Picasso, whose powerful Guernica oil painting can be seen at the museum.
Stroll along the Gran Via boulevard
If you want to experience the true hustle and bustle of central Madrid, Gran Via (‘Great Way’) is a great place to begin. This busy avenue, otherwise known as ‘Spanish Broadway’, is lined with notable buildings, hotels, restaurants and boutiques.
Visit the shops during the day, and then catch a movie at a cinema or a show at the theatre in the evening. After dark, put on your dancing shoes and hit up some of the Spanish capital’s best cocktail bars and nightclubs.
Go people-watching on the city’s plazas
Madrid’s open plaza squares are both busy meeting points and sites of historic interest. The renaissance-style Plaza Mayor, for example, was built in the 16th century as the centre of Madrid’s Old Town. Nowadays, you can enter the square by nine different entrances; take time to admire the surrounding historic buildings and grab a drink at one of the quaint cafes nestled below them.
Right in the heart of Madrid, the Puerta del Sol (‘Sun Gate’) is another of the busiest squares in the city. Peruse boutique shops along the surrounding alleys, or sip a coffee on one of the outdoor cafe terraces surrounding the square. You will also find the famous Casa de Correos clock here. It is customary to eat one grape for every chime of the bell as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Hunt for a bargain at El Rastro flea market
You can find Madrid’s biggest flea market in the city centre every Sunday as well as on bank holidays. The market hosts around 3,500 stalls selling bric-a-brac, second-hand clothing and various souvenirs. There are also many antique shops to explore in the surrounding streets. If you need to collect your thoughts and take a rest from the crowds, you can stop at one of the many nearby cafes.
Take a gastronomic tour of the city
Indoor markets in Madrid are a must-see for foodie travellers, with stalls selling gastronomic delicacies and samples of traditional Spanish cuisine using the finest ingredients. The Mercado San Miguel is only a short walk from Plaza Mayor. You can find a variety of fresh produce, tapas bars and street food stalls, all housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau-style building. Built in the 1930s, the Vallehermoso Market, in the Chamberi neighbourhood, features a permanent farmer’s market with fresh, local produce. You can also find wine and craft beer stalls and other specialist food shops.
Meanwhile, if you have a sweet tooth, a visit to the Chocolateria San Gines is a must when in Madrid. This chocolatier has been serving tasty treats 24 hours a day for hundreds of years. It is particularly well known for its fresh churros and hot chocolate. And a Spanish hot chocolate is quite a luxury. Rich and creamy, the thick chocolate is perfect for dunking churros – sweet, fried dough sticks dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
Best things to do in Madrid: FAQ’s
What is Madrid known for?
Madrid is a city that merges historic monuments with contemporary culture. There are many fascinating places to visit in Madrid, including world-renowned art galleries, elegant boulevards and picturesque parks and gardens. The city is also known for its buzzing nightlife and cultural scene.
Madrid is home to some of the most famous flamenco show houses – or ‘tablaos’ – in Spain. These halls were first established in the 1960s and invite guests to enjoy a performance of the Andalusian dance over a traditional dinner with sangria. The city is also a gastronomic destination, where you can sample traditional Spanish and international cuisine at one of the city’s many tapas bars, markets and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Is 2 days enough to see Madrid?
Two days is plenty of time to explore Madrid if you are on a tight schedule. The city centre is manageable on foot, and many of the main cultural attractions are within close proximity to one another. The city also has a well-connected public transport system, meaning it is easy to travel between points of interest when you have a busy itinerary. 48 hours is certainly enough time to get a feel for the city – try to reserve tickets for Madrid attractions, exhibits and shows in advance, to save time waiting in queues.
What should I avoid in Madrid?
When in Madrid, don’t forget that you may need to re-orientate your daily schedule to a more Mediterranean timetable. Meal times in Madrid are generally later, with most restaurants serving lunch after 1pm and dinner after 9pm, so don’t turn up too early for food. It is also common for people to take a siesta, and tourists should avoid making too much noise outdoors between the hours of 3pm and 5pm, as it may disturb nap time.
Is Madrid worth a day trip?
There are so many Madrid tourist attractions that it would be difficult to choose the best things to do in Madrid in such a short amount of time. If you are passing through Madrid and are limited on time, it’s a good idea to head toward the centrally located underground station Sol. From here, many famous sights like the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor square are within walking distance. In order to discover the most Madrid things to do, we recommend spending at least two days in the city – you’ll soon be planning your return.
