Things to Do in Madrid

Stroll through Retiro Park, see the iconic Puerta del Sol, discover bustling Gran Vía, and much more. Enjoy your holiday in the Spanish capital, visiting the 10 top attractions in Madrid.

The Spanish capital city of Madrid is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and for good reason. Steeped in history, you'll discover the city's fascinating heritage and culture alongside its buzzing atmosphere and hard-to-beat cuisine.

If you're visiting (or thinking of making the leap), check out our must-dos on your visit to Madrid.

What is there to see in the City Centre (Centro)

The centre of Madrid is actually a reasonably small area, though it has a lot packed into it! Check out the top things to do and see

The Royal Palace

The official residence of Spanish royalty, this wonderful piece of Baroque architecture in the centre of Madrid dates back to the 1700s when it replaced the Alcazar of Madrid. It consists of over 3000 rooms, making it one of the largest in Europe, surpassing Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Versailles! Today, the palace is often used for official ceremonies.

We recommend visiting for yourself as part of this guided tour of the Royal Palace, during which you'll get to stroll through its magnificent rooms, including the Throne Room, the Mirror Room and the Porcelain Room, as well as the Patio de Armas, home to the Royal Armoury of Madrid. While you're there, be sure to take a stroll through the Sabatini Gardens just beside the palace, and enjoy the views!

Almudena Cathedral

Directly opposite the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral is certainly the most important religious building in Madrid. The structure was built over the course of 100 years, with neoclassical and neo-Gothic influences.

In 1993, after construction was finally completed, Pope John Paul II consecrated Almudena Cathedral, making it the first cathedral to be consecrated outside of Rome. Book your visit to the Almudena Cathedral & Royal Palace to enjoy the cathedral's impressive architecture, stunning glass windows, paintings and the Almudena Crypt, where several revered Spaniards are buried.

Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of Madrid, was built in the 17th century and has been host to a multitude of historically significant events, from royal coronations to Inquisition trials to bullfights and festivals.

A visit to the Plaza Mayor is a must when visiting Madrid. We recommend strolling through the plaza and enjoying the wonderful architecture before sitting down to enjoy a traditional bocadillo de calamares (breaded squid sandwich). At Christmastime, you'll also find some cool markets in the plaza, selling various ornaments and gifts.

Puerta del Sol

Perhaps the liveliest plaza in the city, the Puerta del Sol is a popular meeting point, with plenty of fantastic cafés, bars, restaurants and shops in the surrounding area to choose from. The square is particularly important as it is the 'Kilometre Zero', meaning that it is the starting point from which Spain's radial roads are measured, and is considered the centre point of the country.

One of the most popular photo spots in the city is the sculpture of El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree). Interestingly, the bear has long been associated with Madrid—the first known use of this majestic animal as a symbol of the city was in 1212!

Gran Vía

Madrid's most famous and bustling street is undoubtedly the iconic Gran Vía. Renowned for its beautiful architecture, luxury stores, theatres and lively nightlife. It is considered one of the city's main arteries, linking Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de España.

Along Gran Vía, you can admire a mixture of architectural styles, ranging anywhere from Vienna Secession to Plateresque to Art Deco. Favourites in the city  Telefónica Building, the Edificio Grassy and the Edificio Metrópolis. Discover Gran Via for yourself with a ticket for the Madrid Hop on Hop off Bus.

Cibeles Fountain

One of Madrid's most famous landmarks is undoubtedly the Cibeles Fountain, located in the square of the same name. Designed by the architect Ventura Rodríguez in 1782, the fountain represents the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by lions. Initially, the fountain provided clean drinking water to the city's residents. However, in 1895, the fountain was moved to the centre of the square and it is now purely decorative.

The Cibeles Fountain is also strongly associated with the Real Madrid football fountains and is frequented by fans after their beloved team wins a major title. At the fountain, players will wrap a club scarf/flag around the neck of the goddess Cybele.

Fountain of Neptune

Not quite as famous as the Cibeles Fountain, the Fountain of Neptune is considered another of Ventura Rodriguez's masterpieces and a Neoclassical gem, built between 1780 and 1784. This fountain is more closely associated with the Atlético de Madrid football fanbase and is where the colchoneros go to celebrate after their team wins a big game.

Discover these and more of the city's sights by taking a free tour of Madrid or, if you prefer more convenience, you can choose to book a sightseeing bus tour of the Spanish capital.

Retiro Park

One of the highlights of any visit to Madrid, and a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is the serene Retiro park in the city centre. This historic park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was once, until it became a public park in the late 19th century.

The park is a popular space for walking, running, cycling and picnics, and is often used for cultural events and open-air performances such as concerts and theatre shows.

In Retiro Park, you can go rowing on the lake at the monument to Alfonso XII, venture along the Statue Walk and make a visit to the Palacio de Velázquez, a neoclassical exhibition building. Discover this stunning natural space in the heart of Madrid by booking a guided tour of Retiro Park.

Temple of Debod

Did you know that Madrid has an Egyptian temple? The Temple of Debod was donated to Spain after Spain provided assistance in saving the Abu Simbel temples. which were threatened by the construction of the Aswan Dam. The temple was dismantled, transported and rebuilt in Madrid, where it is located today.

The Temple of Debod is one of the few examples of ancient Egyptian architecture that can be seen outside Egypt, and the only open-air Egyptian temple outside of Egypt, making it a must-see in Madrid.

Other Experiences in Madrid

Hammam Al Ándalus (Arab Baths)

Hammam Al Ándalus is a traditional Arab-style spa located in Madrid and inspired by the ancient baths that were an important part of the culture at the time of Al-Andalus, when much of Spain was under Arab rule.

For a unique experience in the Spanish capital, grab a ticket to the Hammam Al Ándalus Spa and treat yourself to various relaxing treatments, including massages, scrubs and baths in hot, warm and cold water pools, each said to have unique therapeutic properties.

Museums to see in Madrid

If you're a lover of the arts, history and science, Madrid is home to a wide selection of internationally renowned museums.

The most popular museums to see in Madrid are:

• Prado Museum: one of the most important art museums in the world, home to a vast collection of works by artists such as Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens and Bosch. Enjoy a guided tour of the Prado Museum!
• Reina Sofía Museum: dedicated to 20th-century Spanish art, the museum houses masterpieces such as Picasso's “Guernica”, as well as works by Dalí, Miró and other contemporary artists. With Civitatis, you can skip the notoriously long wait for the museum with this Museo Reina Sofía Fast Track Ticket the Reina Sofía Museum here. Or, combine your trips to both with this Prado Museum & Reina Sofía Museum Combo Ticket.
• Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: offers a comprehensive collection of European art, from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with works by Van Eyck, Dürer, Caravaggio, Renoir, Van Gogh, among others. Buy your ticket to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum here.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

For soccer fans, one of the must-sees in Madrid is the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid Football Club. By booking this Bernabéu Stadium tour, you'll be able to go behind the scenes, soak in the atmosphere of the changing rooms, and walk through the player's tunnel to the pitch. Also enjoy the Real Madrid Museum, where trophies, signed shirts and other items related to the team's history are on display.

See a Flamenco Show

A visit to Madrid wouldn't be complete without enjoying a traditional flamenco show! The Spanish capital has several tablaos, as flamenco shows are called, where you can admire how the bailaores (dancers) use vigorous foot, hand and body movements to express their emotions while the cantaores (singers) and musicians tell stories through music.

Below are some of the flamenco show options you can book during your stay in Madrid:

• Flamenco show at Torres Bermejas (+ Dinner)
• Flamenco show at the Teatro Flamenco
• Flamenco show at Las Carboneras tablao
• Flamenco show at Corral de la Morería
• Flamenco show at the Cardamomo tablao
• Flamenco show at Tablao La Quimera

In Madrid, there's so much to choose from. Make the most of your trip to this unforgettable capital city with this Civitatis guide!