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The best tours & experiences in madrid.

Madrid, the bustling capital city of Spain is home to stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, fabulous cuisine and so much more. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the serenity of Retiro Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

What is there to see?

There's lots to see in Madrid! For landmarks, the Egyptian temple of the Temple of Debod , the Almudena Cathedral , the Puerta del Sol , the Cibeles fountain and the Puerta de Alcalá are among the most popular to visit.

In terms of neighbourhoods, stroll through  Malasaña or La Latina  to grab a drink or a coffee in a cool bar or café or go shopping in the  Salamanca  district to discover the different architectural styles and vibes of the city!

Discover Madrid with Civitatis

Grab tickets to the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia museums, the latter of which is home to the iconic Guernica by Pablo Picasso—a must-see in Madrid. Looking for something a little bit different? Have a look at our segway tour of Madrid, or go on a day trip to the nearby cities of Toledo, Segovia or Avila!

A city of spectacles

Madrid is home to some of the best traditional flamenco clubs in Spain. You'll also find a number of fantastic musicals and shows in the city, especially on Gran Vía in the city centre!

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Madrid: Cultural Experience with Toledo Half-day tour, City Break

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• In-depth Cultural
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• Discover the gastronomic markets and gardens of Madrid
• Dance to the sun-drenched square of La Puerta del Sol
• Wander through the ancient streets of UNESCO Toledo

“The hotel is excellent and location is city centre and safe, so I just walked everywhere.”

• Fall in love with the spectacular beauty of Costa del Sol

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“The itinerary was excellent, and the drivers were great, always having the coach pick us up at the correct time.”

• Walk down the stunning and popular Las Ramblas
• Stroll the streets of beautiful Madrid and visit Las Ventas
• Indulge in Spanish tapas and explore Poble Espanyol

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“This trip is short and fast paced trip. Hotels are big four stars, we enjoyed it.”

“Gracias Europamundo son fabulosos, quede mas enamorada de Espana y sus bellas ciudades.”

“Beautiful country and a lot of history. We really enjoyed and learned a lot about Spain.”

“Our driver/tour guide - Mario - is such a warm personality and highly motivated guide. The hotel in Seville was excellent, we enjoyed the stay and the breakfast & dinner.”

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Home » Travel Guides » Spain » 15 Best Things to Do in Madrid (Spain)

15 Best Things to Do in Madrid (Spain)

Madrid is a city so full of life and culture that it’s hard to do justice to it in a few paragraphs. Artistically the city holds its own against any in Europe, with the of the best art museums on the continent where renaissance masterworks and seminal 20th-century pieces are waiting to captivate you.

Take in all the historic sights and get the background on the Spanish Empire that spanned the globe in the 16th and 17th-centuries. There are also countless little things that make Madrid memorable, whether that’s a café con leche in a stately square, drinks at a rooftop bar or a wander through the Retiro or Casa de Campo on a sunny day.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Madrid :

1. The Prado

Absolutely essential, the Prado is one of the best and most popular art museums in the world.

There’s an overwhelming collection of masterpieces by renaissance and baroque masters.

Spain is represented by Velázquez and El Greco, the low countries by Rembrandt, Brueghel, van Dyck and Rubens, while Titian, Caravaggio, Botticelli and Tintoretto form the Italian contingent.

Of the many must-see works are Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights and David with Head of Goliath by Caravaggio.

The artist with most works hanging at the Prado is the Spanish Romantic Goya, whose 14 Black Paintings are a Spanish cultural reference point.

2. Retiro Park

Madrid’s green heart and full of elegant gardens, the Retiro is just a few steps east from the Prado and was a royal property up to the end of the 19th century when it was opened to the public.

If you’re visiting with little ones, paddling on the Grand Pond next to the monument of Alfonso XII is a fun option on a sunny afternoon.

The iron and glass pavilion built to house the Philippine Exhibition in 1887 is magnificent and growing in the pond in front of it are bald cypresses, strange swamp trees that turn  a lovely golden brown in summer.

The oldest tree in the city is close by: It’s a Montezuma Cypress planted in 1633 and ringed by an iron fence.

Available tour : Retiro Park Segway Tour

3. Royal Palace

Built in the mid-1700s for King Philip V the Royal Palace is on the site of Madrid’s Moorish Alcázar fortress-palace, which burned down in 1734. It’s the largest royal palace in western Europe, and has a blend of baroque and neoclassical styles.

You have to go inside for the full experience because the royal collections and frescoes are sublime.

There are works by Goya, Caravaggio and Velázquez, as well as stunning displays of watches, tapestries, porcelain and silverware.

You can see the only string quartet of Stradivarius instruments in the world, and the Royal Armoury that includes the personal weapons used by Charles V in the 16th Century.

Available tour : Royal Palace of Madrid Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

4. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Whether you’re a supporter of the club or not, the truth remains that Real Madrid are Europe’s most successful football team with a record-breaking 11 European Cups to their name.

So any fan of the game should consider a pilgrimage to their gargantuan 85,000-seater stadium, where history has been made many times down the seasons.

A tour will grant you panoramic views of the stadium, you’ll step inside the dressing room, visit the dugouts and see all sorts of interesting bits including the trophy collection, press room and presidential box

Available tour : Bernabeu Stadium and Panoramic Tour With Tapas

5. National Archaeological Museum

With invaluable pieces gathered from across Spain, this museum is a trip through Spain’s rich history.

What may surprise you is the wealth of magnificent items that predate the Roman period.

The best of these Iberian treasures and sculptures look almost new, despite being at least 2,500 years-old.

The Lady of Elche is a bust of a woman with an incredibly detailed headdress and coils over her ears.

Much later but no less impressive is the Treasure of Guarrazar a Visigothic  set of crosses and votive crowns dating to the 600s.

6. Puerta del Sol

This grand square next to the Casa de Correos (Post Office Building) is a popular meeting place, suffused with meaning for  both city and country.

Nearly every Spanish person will recognise the clock at the top of the Casa de Correos, as this marks the televised countdown on New Year’s Eve.

There’s a tricky ritual involved too: With every chime you’re supposed to eat a grape for good luck (12 in total). Also in the square the is El Oso y El Madroño statue, a symbol for Madrid since the Middle Ages.

7. Gran Vía

If you’d like to get a sense of the city,  a walk along the Gran Vía is a superb place to start.

It’s Madrid’s entertainment, shopping and cultural nerve centre, a buzzing avenue often full of life until dawn.

By day it throngs with shoppers stopping by the many malls, high-street stores like H&M and Zara and luxury boutiques.

In the evenings there are couples arm-in-arm, stepping out to the cinema or a musical.

And after dark the street pulses with many of Madrid’s top nightclubs.

Sights to spot as you stroll include the vast Telefónica Building, built in 1928 and an early example of a skyscraper.

8. Plaza Mayor

Another of Madrid’s “musts”, Plaza Mayor is a handsome renaissance square, laid out in the early-1600s and completely sequestered by historic three-storey-high residential buildings.

There are nine entrances to the square and within the porticoes at the bottom of the buildings are several cafes.

Order a coffee (overpriced but necessary because of the location!) at an outdoor table and watch Madrid in action for a few minutes.

After that you could wander up to the 400-year-old bronze statue of King Philip III, who was in power at the height of the Spanish empire.

9. Mercado San Miguel

An easy walk from Plaza Mayor is this gorgeous art nouveau marketplace that dates to 1916.

It’s less of a fresh produce market (although there are grocery stalls) and more of a gastronomic destination to purchase the best that Spain has to offer, like cava, pimenton (parprika) and saffron.

There’s a host of tapas bars here serving all the favourites like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo and boquerones, with a glass of beer, rioja or vermouth.

To do your food shopping like a real Madrileño head to the vast Mercado de Maravillas in Cuatro Caminos.

It’s Europe’s largest municipal market with 200 stalls.

10. El Rastro

On Sundays it will seem like the entire city has descended on Ribera de Coritodores and Plaza de Cascorro.

This is when some 3,500 stalls are open, hawking pretty much anything you can think of, whether used or new.

It’s the largest flea market in Madrid and gets pretty hectic, so it’s always a good idea to show up early.

Even though it’s a Sunday the antique shops on the streets branching off Ribera de Cortidores will be open, and there are also cafes if you’re in need of a pick-me-up after wading through the crowds.

11. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art

If you still have an appetite for art after the Prado, amble over to this museum, which is also part of Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”. You shouldn’t get bogged down, because the attractions in the Triangle are complementary, each covering schools and periods that the others do not.

So at Thyssen-Bornemisza you can see works from the English and German schools by artists like Hans Holbein, Hans Baldung Grien and Albrecht Dürer.

These are accompanied by pieces from other renaissance masters like Tintoretto, Veronese, Rembrandt, van Dyck and many more.

There’s also a big collection of American abstract expressionism, and a host of impressionist and post-expressionist pieces by the likes of Monet, Renoir and Degas.

12. Reina Sofia Museum

Round off your journey through Madrid’s art collections with the third museum on the Golden Triangle.

This museum focuses mainly on Spanish art, and is more modern in scope than the others.

The best reason to come is to the many works by the 20th-century artists Picasso and Dalí.

Just to show that isn’t overkill: Picasso’s epoch-making Guernica is on display, so it’s an opportunity you really shouldn’t miss.

Among the other Spanish greats represented at Reina Sofía are Joan Miró, Juan Gris and the important abstract sculptor Eduardo Chillida.

13. Churros at San Ginés

Perfect in winter, Spanish hot chocolate is one of the most luxurious things you’ll ever taste.

It can be so rich and thick you sometimes need a spoon to drink it.

And the perfect pairing is a sugary churro, which if you don’t know, is piped dough, deep-fried.

Just off the Puerta del Sol, visit the Chocolatería San Ginés, which has been serving churros and hot chocolate since the 19th century and does it as well as any joint in the city.

If you can’t make it to San Ginés there are loads of stalls on the streets in the cooler months of the year.

14. Beer at a bar terrace

In the summer many of Madrid’s bars and restaurants spill out onto the city’s pavements and squares.

This an essential part of going out and socialising in the city.

On Plaza de la Cebada on balmy summer evenings it can even be difficult to work your way through the throng.

On the rooftops are terraces of a different kind.

These bars enjoy jaw-dropping views of the city and are a fine way to usher in the sunset.

Close to Plaza Mayor is The Hat, which like many of these bars doesn’t give you much of an indication of what you’ll find on the rooftop, where tables sit beneath a glass canopy and you can feast your eyes on Madrid’s cityscape.

Experience the nightlife of Madrid with this 5-hour Pub Crawl

15. Flamenco tablaos

Flamenco is a dance that originated in Andalusia, Murcia and Extremadura, and even if it’s not strictly native to Madrid the city has some of the most famous tablaos in the country.

These are special halls that cropped up in the 1960s, and here you see a show over a candlelit meal with sangria.

It’s a fine way of killing two birds with one stone: Tucking into Spanish specialities like jamón ibérico, migas (fried bread seasoned with paprika) or roast suckling pig, while seeing one of the country’s most famous art-forms expressed by some of the best dancers in the flamenco world.

Further reading: The best locations to visit in Spain

15 Best Things to Do in Madrid (Spain):

• Retiro Park
• Royal Palace
• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
• National Archaeological Museum
• Puerta del Sol
• Plaza Mayor
• Mercado San Miguel
• Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art
• Reina Sofia Museum
• Churros at San Ginés
• Beer at a bar terrace
• Flamenco tablaos

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Explore Madrid on a guided tour to see Madrid attractions, national museums, and enjoy excursions to Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial, Avila, and Salamanca.

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Toledo & Segovia Tour from Madrid with optional Avila

Visit Toledo and Segovia on a full-day tour where you can admire the main attractions of two of the most visited cities in Spain. If you choose the option you can also visit Avila

• Map Marker Spain

Route of Don Quijote: Consuegra windmills, Toledo and Alcala de Henares from Madrid Tour

Enter the fascinating route of Don Quijote, where fiction and reality intertwine. This tour will immerse you in the world of the most famous knight-errant, Don Quijote de la Mancha

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Prado & Reina Sofia Museums Tour

Don’t miss the opportunity to see two of Madrid’s most spectacular museums, Spain’s National Art Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum!

• Hour Glass 12 hours

Rioja and Ribera del Duero Wineries from Madrid Private Tour

Try the most famous wines of Spain and the World: Rioja and Ribera del Duero! Visit two important wineries from Spain, the country with the largest cultivated areas of vines in the world. Get to know how wine is made in the third country in the world with the most wine production.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Royal Palace of Madrid Tour

Skip the lines and get inside one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid, on this afternoon tour.

Guided Tour to Prado Museum

While you are visiting Madrid, you cannot miss the Prado National Museum. Learn about the museum’s history as you walk around admiring the artwork.

Reina Sofia Museum Tour

Visit the Reina Sofía Museum and discover the  great Spanish masterpieces of the 20th century. Admire the paintings of Dalí, Picasso and Miró!

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Cibeles Palace & Retiro Park Tour

Visit two of the most incredible places in Madrid, Cibeles Palace and Retiro Park, on this unique walking tour!

Avila & Salamanca Tour

Visit Ávila and Salamanca and learn about the legends and the history of these important cities.

• Hour Glass 15 hours

Visit Puy du Fou España theme park by bus from Madrid

Visit Puy du Fou, a theme park known for its shows representing the History of Spain located in Toledo

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Madrid at Sunset with Optional Flamenco Show

Visit the most important places in Madrid as the night begins and have the opportunity to enjoy a flamenco show!

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• Hour Glass 13 hours

Private Toledo, Segovia + Avila

Discover three of the most visited destinations in Spain and let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful views these three cities offer you on a tour where you will learn about architecture and history from the hand of an expert guide.

Private Tour to Toledo & Segovia

Visit Toledo and Segovia on a tour where you can admire the main attractions of some of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

• Hour Glass 1-2 hours

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour

If you are staying in Madrid, you cannot miss the opportunity of visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium ! A unique place where you can take a look at the fourteen Champions won by the best football club of the 20th century, the Real Madrid football club!

• Hour Glass 9 hours

Ham warehouse and walking tour in Salamanca from Madrid private tour

Learn about the ham culture in Spain while visiting an iconic warehouse with a 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham tasting! Finish your day walking around the charming Salamanca. 

• Hour Glass 7 hours
• Map Marker Madrid

Drive a Mustang and Discover Toledo with a professional guide

Combine tradition, culture, and a walk through the millenary streets of Toledo with a totally innovative experience, drive a jewel of motorsports, the Ford Mustang, and live an unforgettable experience.

Toledo, Alcala and Aranjuez, one day Private Tour from Madrid

Enjoy the outsides of Madrid with this tour that takes you to three cities in one day. Visit the traditional Toledo, walk through the imperial Aranjuez, and discover the literary Alcalá de Henares!

Private Tour to Prado and Reina Sofía Museum

While you are visiting Madrid, you can not miss two of the most important collections of Spanish and worldwide artworks. Discover these two museums in a private experience!

Private Tour to Reina Sofía Museum

While you are visiting Madrid, you cannot miss the Reina Sofía Museum, Spain’s national museum of 20th-century art!

Private Thyssen Museum Tour

Discover the highlights of the vast history of Spain’s art with a private guide. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is known as part of the “Golden Triangle of Art”.

• Hour Glass 5 hours

Private Tour to El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos

Visit two of the most important monuments located on the outskirts of Madrid, their history and architecture with our guided private tour.

• Hour Glass 8 hours

Private Toledo Full Day

Visit Toledo and all its monuments with this private tour from Madrid. Discover the Cathedral, synagogs and the history of the three cultures.

• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Private Madrid Highlights walking tour

Discover Madrid and its wonders! A private tour to enjoy the city center and the most famous highlights, like `Plaza Mayor´ and `Puerta del Sol´.

Private Toledo Half Day

While visiting Madrid, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Toledo on a half-day tour. Discover some of its most famous landmarks, like the Cathedral or the Alcázar!

Private tour to Avila and Salamanca

Your private tour will start by visiting Salamanca and after 3 hours there we will head over to Ávila. Enjoy this tour at your own pace with an expert guide!

Private tour to Avila, Segovia and El Escorial

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get to know these three must-haves around Madrid in a single day! Discover two of the most historically important cities on the Spanish plateau and a World Heritage Site.

Private Tour to Retiro Park and Cibeles Palace

Experience in an exclusive way two of the most iconic places in Madrid. The Retiro Park, its most famous lunge, and the city hall, the Palace of Cibeles!

Private Tour to Toledo and Cuenca

Explore something beyond the typical tourist places, and enjoy a full-day trip from Madrid to two medieval cities with great historical and cultural heritage.

Private Madrid at Sunset with Optional Flamenco Show and Dinner

Get to know the most important places in Madrid as night falls. Meet and take unique pictures of the main buildings at night and enjoy a different way of knowing the capital of Spain.

• Hour Glass 10 hours

Private Tour to Segovia and La Granja

While in Madrid, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Segovia, one of the most visited cities in Spain, and the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso.

• Hour Glass 7 horas

Private Walk of Art: Prado, Reina Sofia & Thyssen

During your visit to Madrid, get to know Spanish art up close and walk around the most important works in the history of the art of all times!

Private Tour to Prado Museum

Witness iconic artwork as you dive into an eye-opening guided tour of one of Madrid’s best museums, the Prado Museum. See masterpieces by famous Spanish artists along with many different art movements represented.

Private Royal Palace of Madrid Tour

Private tour to sorolla museum.

In this tour with a private guide, you will visit the workshop and the last house of the painter Joaquín Sorolla, along with his temporary exhibitions.

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The 11 best things to do in Madrid in 2024

Feb 10, 2024 • 7 min read

From traditional tapas bars to frenzied flamenco shows, Madrid has so much to offer © RgStudio / Getty Images

The Spanish capital is a cultural and social behemoth that attracts visitors from around the world and they keep coming back for more. Madrid has something to tempt every traveler and will have many of them dancing until sunrise thanks to its thriving nightlife.

With architectural wonders, world-class gastronomy, famed art museums and even an Egyptian temple within the city limits, Madrid offers sights and attractions to satisfy all visitors. Here are 11 experiences not to be missed when you get there.

This article was first published Mar 2, 2020 and updated Feb 10, 2024.

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17 Best Things to Do in Madrid

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.

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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.

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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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Madrid sightseeing: the best tips at a glance

M adrid has so much to offer. Sometimes you don’t even know where to start. Luckily, you’ve landed here. We have the best insider tips when it comes to great Madrid sights. Let’s get started!

Sightseeing in Madrid: The top addresses at a glance

Of course, we only want to experience the best on our travels. That’s why we go on holiday, isn’t it? If only to reminisce about unforgettable memories later. To achieve this, however, it usually takes little but a certain amount of advance planning. After all, you want to enjoy your city holiday, don’t you? That’s why we’ve taken the trouble to list the best places to visit in Madrid. Did you know that Madrid is the third largest city in Europe after London and Berlin? A flight to Madrid usually only costs a few hundred euros. Several flights depart daily from German cities such as Frankfurt and Munich. So travelling to Madrid is relatively easy. 

You will also find a packing list further down in this text. So, let yourself be inspired. Perhaps this city trip will be the trip of a lifetime. Let yourself be surprised and immerse yourself in the vibrant city of the Iberian Peninsula.

The National Museum of Spain

If you are interested in the history, but also the culture of the city and the country, this visit will be at the top of your list. In the “Prado” you will be able to marvel at world-famous, breathtaking exhibits. As the opening times are also very visitor-friendly, you won’t be overwhelmed by the crowds in the Spanish National Museum. Give yourself plenty of time, you are on holiday and therefore not in a hurry. This visit will be a great addition to your holiday that you will certainly never forget.

Our tip: It’s best to book a tour of the Museo del Prado in advance. Then you won’t have to queue. On a guided tour, you can experience the great works of art up close. Afterwards, stroll through the historic neighbourhoods with your guide and learn all about famous artists and infamous kings.  Click here for the tour.

Monumental and Bustling: The Plaza De Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is magnificent as it can be seen right away how large it is. The square is beautiful where there are many activities taking place such as at the intersection where the Calle de Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado meet where they number twelve lanes each. Get ready to experience an exhilarating and colourful ambience that is akin to the pulsating life of Spain’s main urban streets. However, one should not miss visiting the square. There is something magical about it and particularly so whenever Real Madrid is coming back from conquering an away match. Don’t forget to take photos of Fuente de la Cibeles fountain and the grandiose Palacio de Comunicaciones.

Therefore, as you seek the energetic mindset of Madrid, why not add a touch of thrill to spice up your adventure? Dare yourself and experience a new level of entertainment at https://www.staycasino.com/ . StayCasino becomes your entrance route to the digital world on Plaza de Cibeles that are exciting and lively. Visit this site for exciting adventures in gambling. Let the life of Madrid drive not only your urban adventures but even your gaming experiences!

Madrid sights

Since the end of the 18th century, the residents of Madrid have been relaxing in the beautiful botanical gardens. To this day. You too can relax here during your city trip to Madrid – surrounded by all kinds of plants. We also recommend a guided tour through the botanical garden. Here you can learn all about the long history, the care of the various plant species and the use of some ancient medicinal herbs.

The best time to visit the Botanical Gardens in Madrid is in spring. Everything around you is in bloom and you can literally bathe in a sea of flowers.

Luxury shopping on the Grand Via

The 1.5 kilometre long promenade, the Gran Vía, is magnificent and beautiful. The boulevard stretches right through Madrid’s historic centre. The Gran Vía was built back in the 1920s. Paris, with its boulevards for the haute élite, served as a model when attempts were made to turn the Spanish capital into a fashionable metropolis. The city planners of the time certainly succeeded. Here, high-end boutiques, department stores, theatres, cinemas and restaurants are lined up side by side. The façades are particularly splendid. It’s fun to stroll along the boulevard with a coffee in your hand and watch the colourful hustle and bustle. The small side streets are also pretty. There are often great little owner-run shops and boutiques hidden away here. 

An exploratory tour of the royal palace is a must!

When it comes to sightseeing in Madrid, this one is a must. The Palacio Real in Madrid is a truly unforgettable sight, so why not visit it in a spare minute? This unrivalled architectural feat is a great place to take souvenir photos, but you will also be able to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and wander through the different eras of architectural history. You will also find many sights and pop-up restaurants in the vicinity of the Royal Palace. You can spend a whole day in the neighbourhood around the Royal Palace, you will always discover and get to know something new. An ideal place to better understand Madrid.

The Almudena Cathedral

Now turn your back on the Palacio Real. And you are already standing in front of another highlight of Madrid’s sights. The Almudena Cathedral, right at the other end of Armería Square. The ornately designed cathedral is relatively new compared to many other buildings in the city – it was only completed in 1993. By the way: from the forecourt you have a wonderful panoramic view over the old town. 

Culinary delights: The best Tapas Bars In Madrid

When you think of Spain and Madrid, the many different tapas immediately spring to mind. No wonder: there is no shortage of these typical, local restaurants in Madrid, which give you a welcome break from the many fast food chains at any time and where you can really enjoy the authentic flavours of the city. The choice of delicious delicacies is huge and after an invigorating aperitif, you will be able to savour your way through the city’s delicacies. One thing is for sure: you won’t regret this culinary evening. In our opinion, one of the best restaurants for tapas in Madrid is Taberna Tempranillo. Not only does it serve the best wine in the city. The rolls with chorizo, the vegetables baked with cheese or the fresh crispy prawns are simply delicious.

Immerse yourself in the city`s nightlife

Madrid, like many other metropolises around the world, is in many ways a city that never sleeps. This is especially ideal for night owls, and for those who want to become one, to spend the hours after midnight in style. You can sample the local cocktails in the countless bars and then have a great time learning basic blackjack strategies in one of the many thriving local casinos. We can highly recommend the Malasaña neighbourhood in particular. Just a stone’s throw from Gran Vía, you’ll find pubs, bars and clubs of all kinds. Why not dance late into the night and then fall into your hotel bed exhausted but happy. 

Perhaps the most beautiful neighbourhood in the city: the letter district

The Letters Quarter (Barrio de las Letras in Spanish) was once the meeting place of Madrid’s great writers. Quotes from various poets are embedded in the floor of this beautiful, winding neighbourhood for good reason. You can lose yourself in the colourful maze of alleyways. The Letter Quarter is also a great place to go out, full of bars and clubs. You can easily party here until 7 in the morning.

Top 3 excursion options for Madrid

Can’t get enough of sightseeing in Madrid and want to discover even more? Then how about the city’s surrounding area? As well as great sights in Madrid, there are also wonderful excursion options that usually involve a maximum one-hour journey. We present our top 3:

1. Toledo & Segovia

The historic cities of Toledo and Segovia are not far from Madrid and are perfect for a guided day tour. Segovia, for example, is home to the imposing Alcázar, an impressive castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The royal palace was built on a rock above the confluence of two rivers near the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. In Toledo, you can marvel at a beautiful cathedral and stroll through the alleyways of the old imperial city. The town is situated on a hill and offers a marvellous view over the flatlands of Castilla-La Mancha.  Click here for the tour.

2. The monastery of El Escorial

About 50 kilometres from Madrid is the monastery of El Escorial. A gigantic building in creamy white, built in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding valley from the monastery. You will also learn about the history of the region – from the reign of Philip II to the current democracy. Click here for the tour.

3. To the wineries of the Ribera del Duero wine region

The Ribera del Duero region is famous for the Tempranillo grape variety. You can experience three different wineries if you book a day tour from Madrid. You will be picked up in a minivan and taken into the wonderful world of Spanish wine by an experienced guide. Of course, snacks with cheese and Iberico in the wine cellars are also provided.  Click here for the tour.

General tips for your stay

Everything packed? Great. Then we have a few general tips for your city trip to Madrid. Let’s get going:

Buy your tickets cheaper in advance

We’ve already recommended this above. If you plan your trip in advance and buy tickets online, you can usually save a lot of money. You’ll also avoid queues 100 metres long. The museums in Madrid are rightly very popular. So you save time and money.

Rely on sightseeing passes in Madrid

Another tip for your Madrid city trip: buy a City Pass for the sights in Madrid. This will get you from A to B in a relaxed manner, as you can use public transport free of charge. We recommend two passes here: Venture Pass or Madrid City Pass.

Travel to Madrid in spring or autumn

In summer, it is insanely hot in the Spanish capital. This is when Madrilenians usually flee to seaside destinations. So the city is empty, many restaurants take a break for the summer and you have to sweat from one Madrid attraction to the next. Not a good idea. We recommend a visit in spring or early autumn. Then the city is in its full splendour. Even in winter, Madrid is wonderful. Then, in the off-season, the hotels are usually particularly cheap.

Book at least two days – or more

As you can see, the sights in Madrid are many and varied. Two days are hardly enough to experience the city in all its splendour. It should be the absolute minimum for your Madrid city trip. It’s better if you have a little more time. Four or even five days is ideal. Also to experience the city’s surroundings.

Travel by direct flight

Barajas International Airport is located just 12 kilometres from the city centre. This makes travelling to Madrid relatively convenient. Especially if you are travelling by direct flight. You will be at your hotel in just a few hours. From the airport, it is best to use the Airport Express Bus or a TAxe. 

Travelling by bike, taxi or public transport

The public transport network in Madrid is very well developed. The best way to get around is by metro from Hotspot Hotspot. But be careful: There are many pickpockets on the move. So keep an eye on your bags and luggage. The hop-on hop-off tourist bus is also ideal for anyone travelling to Madrid for the first time for a city trip. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city on your first day. If you like pedalling, you should take a look at the city’s bike hire service BiciMAD. You can download the app at home and register. This means you can start cycling as soon as you arrive. One hour costs around EUR 2. A deposit of EUR 150 is charged to your credit card for the bike.

Get yourself a good guidebook

If you want to get serious about Madrid, its sights and history, a good guidebook is recommended. The Bruckmann travel guide “500 Hidden Secrets Madrid” will give you extraordinary insights during your city trip to Madrid. A great guide with the best hotspots and great insider tips from the locals. A warm recommendation.

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