More about: 20 Best Things To Do in Madrid
Tourism in the Spanish capital ranges from a visit to the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace to a tour of its streets and squares, taking in a flamenco show or booking one of the excursions available from Madrid to places such as Toledo, El Escorial or Segovia. Here are 20 things you can't miss on your trip to Madrid.
1. Marvel at the Prado Museum
It is the most important museum in Spain and its collection of paintings and sculptures brings together works from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Among the best paintings in the Prado Museum are those by artists of the stature of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, El Greco, Rubens and Bosch.
I recommend that you consider visiting the Prado with a guided tour, as each of its paintings hides not only the technique that you can perceive aesthetically, but also a message and a story framed in a specific era and context. You can choose from several types of tickets, but here are the best options:
- Tickets for the Prado Museum in Madrid— from S$28
- Guided tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid— from S$49
- Paseo del Arte Pass: Tickets for the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Museum— from S$61
Getting to the Prado Museum is easy, as it is located a short distance from Madrid's famous Retiro Park. I recommend checking out this list of restaurants near the Prado Museum if you plan to eat out after your visit, as this way you can save a few quid that you can spend in the shop, where you'll find some fabulous items. This article provides information about the prices at the Prado Museum.
2. Take a historical tour of central Madrid
The most authentic way to experience any city is on foot. This is the most effective way to get a feel for the city's charm and learn about its history through its squares, buildings and monuments. I recommend trying:
- Historical tour of Madrid— from S$8
- Private walking tour of Madrid— from S$265
- Personalised private tour of Madrid— from S$74
You can discover the historic centre, the Barrio de las Letras, or the city's legendary bars on a tour accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you interesting stories and give you tips for your trip.
Save time and money with Madrid tourist cards
If you want to make the most of your trip, Madrid tourist cards are your best ally. With them, you can enter the city's top attractions without queuing and save money. Some even include public transport, so you can get around without any worries. It couldn't be easier!
3. Stroll through Retiro Park
The Retiro is probably one of the most beautiful parks in Spain. Each area is different, but they all share the same delicacy and order with which this park is maintained, which is also the green lung of the capital's city centre.
Personally, what I like most is sitting with my friends on the steps in front of the pond, letting the hours pass by while I watch families and couples getting into boats to have a good time. I also encourage you to have a drink at one of its kiosks or outdoor bars (although the food is quite expensive and not particularly good quality, you'll appreciate a nice cold drink if you visit Madrid in summer). What's more, if you go to Madrid with children, you'll find more than one free children's show for them.
4. Experience Spanish culture at a flamenco show
The art of flamenco is part of Spain's cultural heritage, and Madrid is one of the places with the widest variety of venues to enjoy a show. Flamenco is performed with guitars, singers and dancers in the famous tablaos, many of which are located in restaurants where you can order drinks and food during the show. Some options in Madrid are:
- Flamenco show at Torres Bermejas— from S$43
- Flamenco show at Corral de la Morería— from S$87
Tickets for flamenco shows sell out quickly, so I recommend booking your tickets online in advance.
5. Visit the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Whether you're a Real Madrid fan or not, having the opportunity to visit the stadium of one of the best football clubs in the world is something you can't do in every city.
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium itself organises a tour with panoramic views of the stadium, exclusive access to the changing rooms and dugouts, entry to the pitch and a tour of the trophy cabinets, the press room and the presidential box. And if you want an even more personalised experience, you can opt for:
- Tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and access to the Real Madrid Museum— from S$53
- Private tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and the Real Madrid Museum — from S$312
6. Immerse yourself in royalty by visiting the Royal Palace
Buying tickets to visitthe Royal Palace of Madrid is like stepping back in time and finding yourself in a period film. If the exterior of the palace, located opposite the Plaza de Oriente and flanked by the Campo del Moro and Sabatini gardens (free admission to both gardens), is majestic, the interior of the Royal Palace of Madrid houses fairytale rooms and valuable objects.
If you are planning a visit to the surrounding area, check the opening hours of the Royal Palace and take the opportunity to see this monument.
7. Discover contemporary art at the Reina Sofía Museum
While the Prado has one of the largest collections of classical art in Europe, visitors to the Reina Sofía Museum will be able to see one of the best collections of contemporary art. The jewel in the crown of this museum is Picasso's Guernica, but you will also find works by artists such as Miró, Dalí, Juan Gris, Delaunay, Yves Klein, and Francis Bacon.
To make sure you don't miss a thing, I definitely recommend taking a guided tour:
- Buy tickets for the Reina Sofía Museum— from S$19
- Guided tour of the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid— from S$61
Otherwise, to avoid waiting, it is best to book your tickets online. I also suggest that you carefully check the Reina Sofía Museum's opening hours before your visit to see if you can take advantage of the museum's restaurant or visit the shop, as both are well worth a visit.
8. Visit the surroundings of Madrid
As we have already seen, you don't have to leave Madrid to see different places (although with nearby cities such as Ávila, Toledo, Segovia and Salamanca, the temptation is great). You can explore the surroundings of the capital on a guided day trip from Madrid and discover places such as the Monastery of El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, the Palace of Aranjuez and the Granja de San Ildefonso, among others. These are the most popular excursions:
- Excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen from Madrid— from S$90
- Excursion to El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen and Segovia from Madrid—from S$133
- Excursion to Ávila, Segovia and Toledo from Madrid— from S$203
Discover El Escorial, just a stone's throw from the capital
If you have to choose, I recommend going to El Escorial from Madrid, as in addition to visiting the Monastery of El Escorial, you will be surrounded by nature and great restaurants to eat at, but also history just a stone's throw from the capital. There is a lot to see in El Escorial.
9. Refresh your Instagram feed at Ikono
Ikono Madrid is an installation art gallery where everything you see is interactive. You can immerse yourself in a pool of blue balls, lose yourself in a room of infinite mirrors, dance under confetti and neon lights, and much more that will delight your smartphone camera.
10. Go in search of the Crystal Palace
This impressive glass palace is, in my opinion, one of Madrid's best-kept secrets. It's located within the Retiro Park itself, but I think it deserves a special mention because it's a little way from the central area of the park, so not all tourists make it there, and it's a real treat for all the senses. There's always a musician playing to liven up the atmosphere and several peacocks bathing in the small lake at the entrance.
11. Marvel at the Aqueduct of Segovia
In addition to the advantages of Madrid as a city, its geographical location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring nearby cities, one of which is Segovia, dominated by its famous stone aqueduct and known for the suckling pig served in its restaurants (book in advance). Getting to Segovia from Madrid will take you less than an hour.
Visiting Segovia on an organised excursion will also allow you to visit other nearby cities, if you wish. In any case, you can go and return in a day and discover Segovia and Toledo and their places of interest, such as the cathedral or the alcázar.
12. Discover Toledo and its medieval atmosphere
Getting to Toledo from Madrid is also quick and easy. Toledo is located an hour away from Madrid, and attractions such as its impressive cathedral make it one of the most visited cities in Spain. The charm of taking a guided tour of Toledo is to walk through its narrow stone streets (most of them uphill) and observe in each of its corners the traces of the three cultures that shaped the city: Christian, Muslim and Jewish.
And if you want to make the most of your time, you can opt for a day trip to Toledo, Ávila and Segovia and discover two of the most emblematic cities in the vicinity of Madrid.
13. Explore the streets of Madrid in comfort on a tourist bus
Madrid is a huge city and walking around it in a few days is an exhausting experience. What's more, in each of its neighbourhoods there is a different shop to explore, a restaurant with a terrace where you can have a snack, or a square where you can sit and rest. To see everything Madrid has to offer without getting exhausted, the best thing to do is take a tour on a panoramic bus.
14. Stroll through Madrid's neighbourhoods
On your tour of central Madrid (whether guided or on your own), you'll surely discover the city's most emblematic places and monuments, but you'll still have a very important part left to see: its neighbourhoods. This is where you'll find its true essence, and that's why I recommend:
- Attend a theatre performance on Gran Vía
- Discover the most fashionable shops in Malasaña
- Eating at the trendy restaurants in Chueca and, if you're spending the night in Madrid, going out partying in the neighbourhood
- Go for a few beers in Lavapiés
- Taking a night-time gastronomic tour of Madrid
- Visit the luxury shops in the Salamanca district
- Visit the Rastro de La Latina flea market on a Sunday
- Browse the stalls in the Plaza Mayor if you visit Madrid at Christmas
15. Try Madrid's cuisine and markets
There's no doubt that there are spectacular restaurants in Madrid, but if you really want to try authentic local cuisine, the city's best-kept secret is its neighbourhood markets.
The well-known San Miguel Market is a delight for the eyes and the taste buds, with many options for foodies, and despite having become a tourist attraction, it has not lost any of its authenticity.
However, if you want something completely authentic, visit the Mercado de La Cebada, in the heart of the La Latina neighbourhood, or my favourite, the Mercado de San Antón in Chueca, where you won't find such large crowds and you can enjoy one of the best beers in the city with some papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), croquettes, and international delicacies. You also have the option of booking one of the wine and tapas tours available in Madrid.
16. Enjoy the exhibitions at Matadero
Don't be alarmed, as gruesome as its name may sound, Matadero is a cultural space in the legendary Legazpi neighbourhood, next to the river in Madrid. There you can see unique exhibitions, music concerts, have a snack or eat at one of its occasional food trucks or in its Cantina, and take a walk along the river. A perfect option for a Sunday morning.
17. Go shopping on Gran Vía
On Madrid's famous Gran Vía, you'll not only see the capital's most luxurious hotels, but you'll also stop at each of its spectacular shop windows. Whether you feel like treating yourself or you're into low-cost shopping, you'll find something for all tastes and budgets.
It's also a great place to buy souvenirs at one of its historic kiosks. Explore it from top to bottom and finish your walk in the beautiful Retiro Park.
18. Enjoy a musical
Whether you're a theatre fan or not, I guarantee that the musicals on Gran Vía are something else. For several hours, you'll forget about the hustle and bustle of the capital and you won't be able to take your eyes off the incredible costumes, dances and musical numbers of legendary works such as The Lion King.
If you don't feel like spending the afternoon watching a musical, there are other options such as going to a funny stand-up comedy show at the legendary Chocita del Loro. There are musicals all year round, but if you go to Madrid in winter, you'll find Christmas premieres, which are also a perfect way to escape the cold.
19. Take a stroll through El Capricho Park
Parque del Capricho, in Alameda de Osuna, is a romantic fantasy in the style of European folies such as the Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo. Inside, you'll see small palaces, promontories with sculptures inspired by Greek mythology and a fairytale atmosphere. Especially recommended if you visit Madrid in autumn.
It is open at very specific times and not all year round, so before you go, make sure you can visit it.
20. Experience pure theatre at the Teatros del Canal
One of Madrid's modern theatres, where you can see contemporary dance and theatrical performances. Its programmes are among the best in the city, and tickets are much more affordable than most shows in other European cities. It is located in the heart of the Chamberí neighbourhood, where you can also stroll after the performance and discover the trendy bars on Calle Ponzano.
Plan your visit to Madrid
In a capital city like Madrid, there are things to do all year round. In July, August and September, you will find the city less crowded as the high temperatures deter the locals, but if you go to Madrid in October, November or December, you will see that the streets are full of people, especially at the weekend. That's why I recommend that you take advantage of Saturday or Sunday to take a trip to the surrounding area.
If you are staying in Madrid for more than three days, you will have time to see the city and visit other parts of Spain. Here are some different itineraries so you can plan your visit in detail. However, if you are only going to spend a few hours in Madrid, I recommend that you check out the transfers from Barajas Airport beforehand so that when you arrive you know where to go, saving time and making the most of your visit.