Are you looking for what to do and where to go in Madrid? Our TOP 10 list includes all the must-see sites and activities: monuments, museums, neighborhoods, excursions around the city, and more. You’ll also find great tips on how to optimize your visits, book your tickets and save money.
So if you’re planning on visiting the capital of Spain any time soon, don’t go anywhere as we will provide everything you need to know about the city and 10 best things to do in Madrid.
Table of Contents
Take a walk in the Retiro Park
- Free: Park & Crystal Palace
- Paid: boats & segway ($)
The most famous park in Madrid, which was created almost 4 centuries ago, has great walking opportunities. Its gardens are beautiful and well maintained, and you will find several remarkable sites (large pool overlooking the monument to Alfonso XII, Crystal Palace, sculptures and fountains, etc.).
Tips & Useful Information
If you want to do something in the Retiro Park, you can rent a boat to go for a ride on the big pond. There are also guided segway tours in the park. Segway is an original way of transportation that allows you to move without effort. Do not hesitate to test it!
In the park, there is also a rather original structure: the Crystal Palace. Built in 1887, this building of metal and glass has a beautiful architecture and fits perfectly in the scenery. You can visit it for free, to observe different exhibitions.
During our visit, the exhibition consisted of names inscribed with water on a special looking floor. To be perfectly honest, we didn’t really understand the meaning of this work and decided to see the building from the outside rather than the visit itself. Exhibitions change frequently, so be sure to check it out during your stay!
Visit the historical cities around Madrid (Segovia, Tolede and etc.)
- Free: city walks
- Paid: on-site activities / excursions ($)
If you are spending a few days in Madrid, you should not miss the opportunity to visit two of the most beautiful places in Spain: Segovia and Tolede. These two historic cities, classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, are located about 1 hour from Madrid. The city of Ávila is also worth a visit.
Tips & Useful Information
Choosing between Segovia and Toledo is difficult, since both cities are really beautiful and very different from each other. Unfortunately, they are located on opposite sides of the city… If you have enough time, you can plan to spend a whole day in each city. You can get there by bus, with a rental car or with a group tour.
As for us, we only had one day to spare so we opted for a group tour of both cities. We were concerned that it would be a busy day and that we wouldn’t have enough time on site, but in the end everything was very well organized!
We visited Toledo in the morning, with a first stop at a site with a beautiful panoramic view (about 1 hour drive from Madrid). We spent 3 hours there, while a one hour guided tour was offered (we didn’t participate and preferred to walk around freely). This is a charming medieval city, with narrow streets that go up and down.
We got there early in the morning, which gave us the opportunity to discover Toledo almost without any other tourist. We went up to the top of the bell tower of the church of San Ildefonso Jesuitas, to get a good view of the whole city.
We then moved to Segovia (after about 2 hours of travel) and enjoyed 3 hours of free time there (once again, a guided tour was offered but we did not participate). The city has 3 great monuments: the best preserved Roman aqueduct in the world, the cathedral and the Alcazar (the city’s castle). The tickets to visit the Alcazar were included with our tour.
The visit was nice, but it was the waterworks that really caught our attention. It is a really beautiful and impressive historical monument! After a nice walk, we went back to Madrid (about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive).
In short, it is not in our habit to book excursions but this one was really good! The bus was comfortable and well equipped (with a double USB plug), the travel guides were nice (even if we didn’t participate to the walking tours, they give a lot of information during the trips), and the timing was good. We recommend it if you have little time!
You could also go to discover Ávila, a city surrounded by huge medieval walls. It is probably less interesting than Toledo and Segovia, but the walls are still impressive.
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Visit the art museums of Madrid: Prado, Reina Sophia & Thyssen
- Free: Late day tours
- Paid: Morning or afternoon tours ($)
The city of Madrid is very popular with art lovers. It has 3 world-renowned museums, all within walking distance of each other on the “Paseo del Arte”: The Prado (large collections of European paintings), the Reina Sofia Museum (modern art collections, including Picasso’s famous painting Guernica) and the Thyssen-Bornemisza (collections of ancient, modern and contemporary art).
Tips & Useful Information
All these museums can be visited for free, at certain times and days of the week (only for the permanent collections). It would be a shame not to take advantage of them, even if you are not an art lover…
- Prado: Free entry from 6pm to 8pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 5pm to 7pm on Sundays.
- Reina Sofia Museum: Closed on Mondays. Free from 7 to 9 pm on Monday and from Wednesday to Saturday, and from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday.
- Thyssen-Bornemisza: Free on Mondays from 12 to 4 pm.
We did the free visits because we are not fans of museums. Nevertheless, if you want to make the most of one or more of these museums, we advise you to pay your entrance fee. By doing the visit outside the free hours, you will have more time and the number of visitors will be much lower (the museums are crowded during the free hours).
Furthermore, temporary exhibitions are only accessible with a ticket. If you intend to visit during the paid hours, the best thing to do is to book in advance, and you will not have to wait in line at the entrance.
Discover the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace
- Free: Cathedral
- Paid: Palace (except at the end of the day) ($)
These two beautiful monuments are located right next to each other. The Cathedral, whose construction began in 1883, is truly impressive. As for the Royal Palace, it was built between 1738 and 1755, and notably served as the residence of King Charles III. This is one of the largest palaces in Europe!
Tips & Useful Information
You can visit the palace every day. Entry is free from Monday to Thursday, from 4pm to 6pm between October and March, and from 6pm to 8pm between April and September. Obviously, there are more people at these times… During the visit, you can discover different rooms (including the impressive banquet hall) as well as the royal furniture.
We also observed a magnificent collection of armors used by the royal family, the Spanish knights and the conquistadors since the 12th century! There are guided tours for less than 30€ but we didn’t try them.
This ticket also gives access to the main courtyard, offering a very nice view of the palace and the cathedral. Moreover, it is possible to visit the cathedral for free, although a donation of one euro is recommended.
Visit the Real Madrid Stadium (or go to a match!)
- Paid ($) – Booking is advised.
FIFA has named Real Madrid the greatest soccer club of the 20th century. Therefore, it would be a shame not to take advantage of a stay in the Spanish capital to see a match of this mythical club. You can also visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to see all its facilities!
Tips & Useful Information
Visiting the stadium allows you to get a glimpse behind the scenes of a soccer club. You can really see what goes on behind the scenes! In particular, it is possible to discover the stands, the changing rooms, the benches, the pitch, the conference rooms…
Naturally, the visit also allows you to observe the gallery of trophies collected by the club (probably the most impressive in the world with all the European cups)! It is a must-see activity for soccer fans.
Should you wish to visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, we recommend that you book your ticket in advance. If you take a few minutes to reserve your ticket, you will save a lot of time during your stay in Madrid by avoiding the line of people who buy their ticket directly at the stadium (the advance ticket is available at the same price as the standard ticket sold at the stadium).
Walk, bike or take an evening stroll in the trendy neighborhoods
- Free: walks
- Paying: bars ($), bike tours ($)
Madrid is a great city for walking, drinking and partying. Some of the most popular neighborhoods are Chuenca, Huertas, Malasaña, and La Latina. Besides walking, don’t hesitate to try cycling around the city. This mode of transportation is perfect for discovery!
Tips & Useful Information
To take advantage of the atmosphere, just walk around and improvise! If you want to know what to do in Madrid in the evening, the above-mentioned neighborhoods are very lively and frequented by Madrid’s inhabitants! There are plenty of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes.
For example, the Meson de la Guitarra, located near the Plaza Mayor, offers a relaxed atmosphere with live bands playing. There are several nice rooftop bars such as The Roof Bar, Hat, El Viajero and Circulo de Bellas Arte.
If you wish to ride a bike around Madrid, you can rent one in the stores in the center, or take a guided tour. The tours only cost about 20 euros and are offered in English, so don’t hesitate to join them.
Stroll through the large squares (Porta Del Sol, Plaza Mayor…)
- Free
It would be impossible to make a Top 10 list of activities in Madrid without mentioning its huge squares! All Spanish cities are known for their large squares, including Madrid! There are over 20 of them, all offering different charms and attractions. These are great places to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Tips & Useful Information
The most famous squares in the city are the following:
- Porta Del Sol: Without a doubt, this is the best known and most touristic square, but also the one which charmed us most. This square is a must-see because it is located in the heart of the city and is full of people from morning to night. You can see many street shows as well as the famous sculpture of the Bear and the Arbousier.
- Plaza Mayor: It is one of the largest squares in the city, entirely pedestrian and surrounded by buildings. This is an impressive place, where it is pleasant to walk around.
- Place de Cybèle : This place is mainly known for two magnificent monuments : the Palais de Cybèle and the fountain of the same name. However, be careful, it is not a pedestrian square but rather a huge roundabout. Close by, you can also see the imposing building of the Bank of Spain and the beautiful Alcalá Gate (one of the most famous monuments in the city).
There are other squares in the city, and it is difficult for us to describe all of them… So we recommend that you simply walk around and pass by the squares that you can find nearby. Each of them has its own charm!
Discover the Spanish cuisine (tapas bars, markets…)
- Free: access to the Mercado San Miguel
- Paid: tapas & meals ($ or $$)
Madrid (and more generally Spain) is a great place to eat! The city has plenty of tapas bars (small snacks that accompany drinks, and can be a whole meal if you order several) and good restaurants.
Tips & Useful Information
In Madrid you can find the oldest restaurant in the world (according to the Guiness Book of Records): the Sobrino de Botín. It was opened in 1725 and offers excellent regional dishes, but of course they are more expensive than elsewhere…
If you wish to combine the pleasures of taste with the discovery of the city, you can go to the Mercado San Miguel. This charming covered market is located right in the center of the city and offers many delicious fruits, cooked dishes and other tapas. The only drawbacks are that the place is very crowded and the prices are relatively high.
Lastly, for ham lovers, the “Museo del Jamón” restaurants offer dozens of varieties of hams and cold cuts with really fine tastes. However, these restaurants are also crowded…
Alternatively, we recommend that you simply walk around and stop at the tapas bars that seem to be the most welcoming!
Shopping in the boutiques or at the market (El Rastro and others)
- Free: access to markets & stores
- Paid: purchases ($, $$ or $$$)
The world’s largest apparel group, Inditex, is Spanish. They own brands such as Zara, Pull and Bear, Bershka and many others. Therefore, there are many stores of these brands all over the capital, with an unbeatable choice. For something more unusual, you can also go to the “El Rastro” market, a flea market that takes place every Sunday in the Latina district!
Tips & Useful Information
You can find stores on almost every corner, although the main shopping areas are Salamanca, Chueca and Sol. Another example is the famous Gran Via avenue, the Madrid equivalent of the Champs Elysees.
When it comes to the “El Rastro” market, you can’t expect to find the latest gadgets or clothes! It is more like being in the 90’s, with lots of “old stuff” and knick-knacks, but the market’s atmosphere makes it really nice. And who knows, you might find something you like among the countless stalls!
See a real Egyptian temple in the heart of Madrid
- Free
You don’t have to go to the land of the pharaohs to see a real Egyptian temple! The Temple of Amun (also called the Temple of Debod) was donated by Egypt in 1968. It was offered to Spain, in appreciation of the help given to save the Egyptian historical sites impacted by the construction of the Aswan Dam. Nowadays, it can be seen in the heart of Madrid!
Tips & Useful Information
Of all the things to do in Madrid, this is without a doubt one of the most original! Who would ever expect to see an Egyptian temple in the heart of a European city? This temple is not huge, but you can visit it, especially to see hieroglyphs. The place itself is very nice, with a beautiful pool where the trees and the elements of the temple are reflected.
Note: The site is accessible all day long but the visit of the temple is only possible at certain times (variable). Please check the opening hours if you are interested in visiting. It is not however essential to appreciate the beauty of the place, and we strongly advise you to go there at the end of the day. Indeed, you can observe beautiful sunsets while enjoying a magnificent panorama of the city.
Other things to do in Madrid
Are you looking for other ideas on what to see and do in Madrid besides the activities presented in our TOP 10? Below is a selection of other attractions and activities that might spice up your stay:
Flamenco Shows
Beautiful flamenco shows are offered in Madrid. This Andalusian dance is very popular in the capital and is very typical and lively. These shows are offered in the evening, with or without dinner, so it’s easy to add them to your program!
Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
The new Atlético Madrid stadium can also be visited (stands, press rooms, dressing rooms, etc.).
Hammam Al Ándalus
This superb traditional hammam is located in the center of Madrid. You can enjoy hot baths, as well as massages and skin cleansing. With its wonderful architecture and unique atmosphere, this is one of the most renowned spa centers in the country.
Parque Warner
If you want to know what to do in Madrid with children, this theme park is for you! It is dedicated to Warner’s characters, such as Batman, Superman or the Looney Tunes. There are rides for the whole family, but also extreme roller coasters! It is located in the southern suburbs of Madrid.
Parque de Atracciones
This is the oldest amusement park in Madrid and offers roller coasters, children’s games and a free-fall tower (63 meters)! It is situated near the zoo.
National Museum of Archaeology (MAN)
This is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world! Its collections present many objects and utensils used by the civilizations of the Mediterranean basin, from prehistory to the 19th century (amphorae, ceramic pieces, etc.). Admission is free on Saturday from 2 pm, as well as on Sunday morning.
Zoo-Aquarium of Madrid
As the name suggests, this animal park offers the opportunity to see both land and water animals. This is the only zoo in Spain where you can see pandas!
Naval Museum
This free museum allows you to see beautiful models of ships and historical objects used by the Spanish armada.
Atocha Station
Spain’s largest train station has beautiful architecture and an unusual decor, with enormous exotic plants in the building. There is also a memorial dedicated to the victims of the March 11, 2004 bombing.
Las Ventas bullring
This is the largest bullfighting arena in the world, impressive from the outside. We do not like the practice of bullfighting, where the bulls are put to death, so we did not visit this building.
What do you think about our list of top 10 best thing to do in Madrid, the capital of Spain? If you know any other cool activities in Madrid, let us know in the comments section below.
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