Top Things to Do in Madrid Spain
FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Madrid Spain will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. Short on time? Here is a ready to go 48 hours in Madrid itinerary. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Madrid Spain.
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100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Madrid Spain
Top 5 Things to Do in Madrid Spain
- Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid
- Browse the art collection at the Prado Museum or Reina Sofia Museum
- Watch the flamenco show at Corral de la Morería
- Picnic next to the Crystal Palace in Retiro Park
- People watch in Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor
Must See Madrid Spain Landmarks
- Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family
- Stroll through Plaza Mayor, an arcaded square filled with cafes and history.
- Stand in Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid.
- Photograph the beautiful Cibeles Fountain, a symbol of Madrid.
- See the neoclassical Puerta de Alcalá, once the eastern gate entrance to the city.
- Check out the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod.
- See the Cervantes Monument and gardens of Plaza de España.
- Photograph the iconic Metropolis Building’s dome and statues.
- Walk along Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous street for architecture and shopping.
- See the famous statue of the bear and the strawberry tree in Puerta del Sol, the symbol of Madrid.
- Check out the dome of Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena.
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Madrid Spain
- Tour the Royal Palace and watch the changing of the guards.
- Watch a football game at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, the home of Real Madrid.
- Visit the historic bullring, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, and its museum.
- Enjoy an Arabian bath.
- Catch an opera or ballet performance at the historic Teatro Real.
- Look up at the famous Tio Pepe neon sign, a Madrid icon in Puerta del Sol.
- Visit Circulo de Bellas Artes for art exhibitions and a rooftop terrace with stunning views.
- Experience a Flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, one of the best venues in Madrid.
- Try a Spanish dance workshop to learn Flamenco or Sevillanas.
- Check out the frescos on Casa de la Panaderia at Plaza Mayor.
- Explore the street art at Tabacalera in Lavapies or the Malasana District.
- Ride the roller coaster at Parque de Atracciones de Madrid.
Best Museums in Madrid Spain
- See the works of Velázquez, Goya, and more at Museo del Prado.
- See the frescos painted by Goya at the Royal Chapel of St Anthony of la Florida.
- See a performance at Teatro Compac Gran Via.
- Experience the daily life and customs of the high bourgeoisie at Museo Romantico.
- See contemporary art and Picasso’s “Guernica” at the Reina Sofia Museum.
- Explore the impressive art collection at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
- Visit the Sorolla Museum to see works by Joaquín Sorolla in his beautiful former home.
- Discover Spain’s maritime history at the Naval Museum.
- Enjoy modern art exhibitions at CaixaForum Madrid.
- Learn about Spain’s ancient history at the Archaeological Museum.
- Step back in time at the Cerralbo Museum, a historic mansion filled with art and antiques.
- Visit the Lázaro Galdiano Museum for a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
- Explore the history and culture of the Americas at the Museo de América.
- Check out the sculpture gallery at Museo Arte Publico.
- Learn the history of bullfighting at Museo Taurino.
Parks, Gardens, and Outdoor Activities in Madrid Spain
- Walk across the Puente de Toledo.
- Relax on a patio in Plaza de Olavide and people watch.
- Wander the gardens at the Real Jardin Botanico de Madrid.
- Rent a boat and row past the Monument to Alfonso XII on El Retiro’s pond.
- Have a picnic next to the Crystal Palace.
- Walk Gran Via from the Edificio Metropolis Building to the Plaza de Espana and take in the city.
- Escape the city bustle at Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park with a lake, amusement park, and zoo.
- Walk or bike along Madrid Río, a park that follows the Manzanares River.
- Stop to smell the roses at Rosaleda Gardens in Parque del Oeste.
- Enjoy the almond trees in bloom on Quinta de los Molinos.
- See the indoor garden at the Atocha Train Station.
- Explore Parque de Juan Carlos I, which features modern sculptures and a large lake.
- Check out the sculptures at Parque de las Naciones and relax next to its ponds.
- Relax in the historic Campo del Moro Gardens behind the Royal Palace, and the formal Sabatini Gardens next to the Royal Palace.
- Visit the romantic El Capricho Park, filled with manicured gardens and hidden corners.
- Admire the colorful dahlias at Dalieda de San Francisco.
- Enjoy the views from Jardines de las Vistillas, a beautiful garden overlooking the city.
- Find a quiet spot in the Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona, a small historic garden in La Latina.
- Explore the botanical garden at the Complutense University of Madrid.
Where to Eat in Madrid Spain
- Eat churros and chocolate at San Gines.
- Go tapas tasting at Mercado de San Miguel.
- Eat a Spanish omelet, Paella, and Gazpacho.
- Have lunch with a view at the Gourmet Experience of El Corte Ingles Shopping Center.
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Spanish dishes like paella.
- Join a tapas tour to sample a variety of delicious small plates at local bars.
- Buy biscuits from the nuns at Corpus Christi’s Baked Goods.
- Eat at Sobrino de Botin, the oldest restaurant in the World, famous for its roast suckling pig.
- Try the famous “huevos rotos” at Casa Lucio.
- Splurge at DiverXO, Madrid’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Or, try the street food at StreetXO, the sister restaurant of DiverXO.
- Order the tasting menus at El Club Allard.
- Snack on cod croquettes at Casa Labra, a historic tavern near Puerta del Sol.
- Have a farm-to-table meal at La Vaca y La Huerta.
- Treat yourself to a meal at Ramon Freixa Madrid, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Madrid Spain Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Enjoy a wine-tasting session to discover Spanish wines.
- Have a cocktail with a view at Terraza Cibeles rooftop bar.
- Spend a night out on Calle Cava Baja.
- Have a drink at Azotea del Círculo and take in the cityscape.
- Head to Plaza de Santa Ana for a night out.
- Have a cocktail at Torre del Oro and explore the Revenge of the Bulls memorabilia.
- Spend an evening bar hopping the alleyways of Barrio de las Letras.
- Dance the night away at Teatro Kapital, a seven-story nightclub with different music on each floor.
- Enjoy cocktails with a view at the Sky Bar at Riu Plaza España.
- Experience the nightlife at Joy Eslava, a historic theater turned nightclub.
- Enjoy live jazz music at El Junco Jazz Club or Café Central.
- Hop from bar to bar in La Latina for a lively tapas crawl.
- Discover the underground club scene at Medias Puri.
- Party in a 19th-century palace at Palacio de Gaviria.
- Dance the night away at Sala Sol, Siroco or Taboó.
Shopping in Madrid Spain
- Shop along Gran Vía, Madrid’s Broadway full of stores and theaters.
- Check out the massive Primark store on Gran Vía for affordable fashion.
- Hunt for treasures at El Rastro, the famous Sunday flea market.
- Browse luxury boutiques in the upscale Salamanca District.
- Find trendy fashion and unique shops on Calle Fuencarral.
- Take a day trip to Las Rozas Village for designer outlet shopping.
- Shop for gourmet foods and fresh produce at Mercado de San Antón.
- Visit ABC Serrano, a chic shopping mall housed in a historic building.
- Stroll down Calle Preciados, a shopping street near Puerta del Sol.
- Explore El Corte Inglés, Spain’s largest department store.
- Browse the high-end boutiques on Calle del Conde Duque or Salamanca’s Golden Mile.
Instagrammable Places in Madrid Spain: Lookouts, View Points and Selfies
- Check out the city view from the top of Circulo de Bellas Artes, Cerro del Tio Pio, the Palacio de Cibeles terrace, Parque de las Siete Tetas, Torre Europa observation deck, and Faro de Moncloa.
- Take a ride on the Teleférico de Madrid for panoramic views of the city.
- Snap a selfie with the Templo de Debod at sunset.
- Photograph the Monumento a Felipe IV in Plaza de Oriente Square, the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue in Puerta del Sol, the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, Palacio de Cristal, Palacio de Cibeles, the Cibeles Fountain, the tiled dome of the Church of Santa Teresa and San Jose, the Puerto de Alcala Monument.
Special Events
Check the Madrid Spain Board of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening this weekend.
Day Trips from Madrid Spain
- Discover the medieval city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit Segovia to see the famous Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale castle, Alcázar of Segovia.
- Explore El Escorial, a historic royal residence and monastery.
- Walk along the ancient city walls of Ávila.
- Visit the royal palace and gardens in the charming town of Aranjuez.
- See the famous hanging houses in Cuenca.
- Explore Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Cervantes and a historic university town.
- Discover the village of Chinchón with its picturesque square and old-world charm.
- Visit the castle and stunning natural surroundings in Manzanares el Real.
- Enjoy hiking and nature in Guadarrama National Park.
Plan your Trip to Madrid Spain
Why Visit Madrid Spain
Madrid Spain had approximately 85 million international visitors last year. Madrid is the Capital of Spain, the seat of government, and is full of history. The city is known for its palace, gardens, plazas, fountains, tapas, and the best churros and chocolate in Spain.
How Many Days in Madrid Spain is Enough
3 days is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.
Is Madrid Spain Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Madrid Spain is low. Purse snatching and pickpockets are common in crowded areas and on public transportation. Avoid gypsy women who offer to read your fortune, the “shell game” and always double check your bill at restaurants. Check their website for more information.
How to Get to Madrid Spain
Several airlines fly nonstop to the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. A nonstop flight from LAX to Madrid is 11 hours; nonstop JKF to MAD is 7.5 hours. Prepare for your flight!
How to Get Around Madrid Spain
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is 30 minutes from the city by train. The C1 train costs 2.60€ and stops at the Atocha train station. There is also an express bus, line 203, that transports to the Atocha Station for 5€. If you are not staying near the Atocha Station, the Metro is the next most convenient and economical option. A taxi ride costs 30€ and gets you to the city center in 20 minutes.
The Madrid Metro runs 15 lines with 300 stations. It is easy to use and the most economical way to get around the city. Purchase a Tourist Pass for unlimited bus and metro rides to save money and hassle at the stations. Passes are valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days.
Where to Stay in Madrid Spain
I stayed at SLEEP’N Atocha. It was budget friendly, near the train station, several attractions, and many restaurants.
What Should I Budget for Madrid Spain
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $147 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for Madrid Spain
Temperatures can reach 104°F during the summer months in Madrid. Pack cool, light-colored clothing. Winters are cold and snow is possible. Pickpocketing is common in Madrid, a secure cross-body purse or money belt is a great idea. Comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and sunglasses are a must in Madrid.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Madrid Spain
Madrid Spain is full of romantic restaurants, great rooftop bars, and places to watch the sunset. Rent a rowboat in Retiro Park, watch the sunset at the Temple of Debod, wander around the Royal Palace and Gardens, or share an order of churros with thick hot chocolate at San Ginés.
Things to Do in Madrid Spain with Young Children
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium, amusement rides at Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, interactive animal experiences at Faunia, watching a performance at the El Retiro Puppet Theatre, or spending an afternoon at the interactive Museo de América or Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales are a few of the best things to do with young children in Madrid Spain.
Things to do in Madrid Spain with Young Adults
Young adults will enjoy exploring the street art in the neighborhoods of Lavapiés or Malasaña, a bike ride along the Madrid Río, a DIY tapas tour of Mercado de San Miguel, shopping on Gran Vía, or watching a flamenco show.
Visiting More Cities in Spain?
Check out our Madrid Spain Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!
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