Things to Do in Madrid
There are dozens of places to visit in Madrid, and the city is chock-full of hidden corners just waiting to be discovered. Whether you're into iconic spots like the Royal Palace, Retiro Park, the Prado Museum, or Templo de Debod, Madrid offers a wide variety of incredible experiences to fill your trip with memories.
Though it is far from an 'undiscovered gem', Madrid is a city that has only begun to receive the attention it truly deserves in recent years. It's a city that represents Spanish culture in its entirety, with endless historical landmarks, fantastic art galleries, bustling neighborhoods, great bars, and restaurants, and much more.
So, you're visiting Madrid, what are the must-sees? The Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor, Cibeles Palace, the Puerta de Alcalá, and Retiro Park are among the most iconic landmarks, but there's so much more to see in the city. If you're planning on hitting up a few of the main sights, and you want to do so at the best price, check out the Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass, and the Go City: Madrid All-Inclusive Pass.
Discover the Most Iconic Spots in Madrid
Start your adventure of Madrid in the heart of the city, at the lively Puerta del Sol, home to the Kilometer Zero, as well as the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, a symbol of Madrid, and a popular photo spot. A few minutes walk away, the city's main square, Plaza Mayor, is known and loved for its beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere.
Be sure to walk down Madrid's main thoroughfare, the iconic Gran Via, along this architecturally beautiful, bustling street. You'll come across iconic squares, and restaurants, as well as theaters showing musicals—currently, you can go see such shows as Aladdin and The Lion King.
Another of the most emblematic spaces of the Spanish capital is the Plaza de España, recently renovated to become a modern and pedestrian meeting point. Surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Madrid Tower and the Edificio España.
There's an endless amount to see and do in the city, if you want to see it for yourself, check out the following options, which will bring you to some of these iconic sites:
Enjoy Madrid's Architectural Splendor
Continue your adventure with a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, dating 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. Also, check out the Almudena Cathedral, which sits just across from it. The most important religious building in Madrid was the first cathedral to be consecrated outside of Rome. Check out this Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral tour to learn all about both!
Definitely check out the Temple of Debod, the only open-air Egyptian temple outside of Egypt, which was given as a gift to Spain. Located in Cuartel de la Montaña Park, this is a great place to watch the sunset fall over the city as buskers play music.
Visit Madrid's most famous bullfighting ring with a tour of Las Ventas Bullring. Along with gorgeous Neo-Moorish architecture, you'll learn about this tradition which has been a part of Spanish culture since Roman times.
Finally, see Madrid's most famous fountains. First, Cibeles Fountain, which sits just outside Cibeles Palace. Aside from its beauty, this neoclassical masterpiece has become a gathering place for fans of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team after a big win. Nearby, check out the Fountain of Neptune. You can see and learn more about these fountains, and much more as part of this modern Madrid tour!
Madrid's Museums and Galleries
With Madrid's fascinating, deep-rooted cultural heritage, it should come as no surprise that the city is home to some fantastic museums and galleries. There are three main art galleries in Madrid, known as the Golden Triangle of Art, all located within close proximity to one another. First, you have the national art museum, the Museo del Prado, which is home to works by such greats as Velázquez, Raphael, Bosch, and Goya. Next, Spain's national museum of 20th-century art is the Museo Reina Sofia. Here, highlights include works from the eccentric Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso, most notably the 1937 painting Guernica, one of the most famous anti-war paintings in the world. Finally, you have the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which features 700 years of European painting.
Art not your thing? There are plenty of fun, alternative museums to check out in Madrid. Grab a ticket to the Museum of Illusions, enjoy a sensory experience in Ikono Madrid, or meet the world's biggest stars at the Madrid Wax Museum.
Big football fan? Grab a ticket to LEGENDS: The Home of Football, a fantastic football museum in the heart of Madrid. Here, you'll see an incredible selection of merchandise, including match-worn kits from Pelé, Cruyff, Messi, and more... Also, be sure to check out this Bernabéu Stadium tour, the home of Real Madrid, as well as this Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium & Museum tour, at the stadium of Atlético Madrid.
Must-Do Experiences in Madrid
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.
For an adrenaline rush, we'd recommend you grab a ticket to Parque Warner—Madrid's finest theme park. Wander Hollywood Boulevard, Movie World Studios, the Old West Territory and more, and go on rides like the Batman Gothic City Escape, which reaches speeds of up to 60 mph (100kmph)!
Escape to Madrid's Tranquil Green Spaces
In a bustling city like Madrid, you might not expect to find expansive green spaces—but you will, if you know where to look! One of the highlights of any visit to Madrid, and a fantastic place to escape the rush of the city is the serene Retiro Park. This historic park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) once constituted the grounds of a palace, until it became a public park in the late 19th century. This is a great spot to go walking, running, cycling, and enjoying picnics, and is often used for cultural events and open-air performances.
The next most famous green space in the city is Casa de Campo, once a royal hunting ground and now a vast natural oasis for both locals and visitors. Here, you can enjoy leisurely bike rides, scenic walks, and a range of outdoor activities. The park also hosts attractions such as the Madrid Zoo and the Parque de Atracciones amusement park, making it a perfect blend of nature and entertainment.
