Things to Do in Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital, is a city that seamlessly blends royal grandeur with contemporary energy. Home to world-class museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía, magnificent palaces, and tree-lined boulevards, Madrid offers an unparalleled cultural experience in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. The city pulses with life from dawn to dusk, famous for its late-night dining culture, passionate flamenco performances, and some of Europe's most exciting nightlife. Beyond its cultural treasures, Madrid captivates visitors with its warm, welcoming atmosphere and distinctly Spanish way of life. From sipping café con leche at sidewalk cafés to exploring the sprawling Retiro Park, from browsing the eclectic stalls at El Rastro flea market to cheering at a Real Madrid match, the city offers endless opportunities for authentic experiences. Madrid's central location also makes it an ideal base for exploring other Spanish destinations, with high-speed trains connecting to Barcelona, Seville, and other major cities.

Top Things to Do in Madrid

Art Museum Tour

Explore Madrid's legendary Golden Triangle of Art, featuring the Prado Museum with masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya, the contemporary Reina Sofía housing Picasso's Guernica, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza with its diverse collection. These world-renowned museums contain some of humanity's greatest artistic achievements spanning centuries. Allow a full day to properly appreciate these cultural treasures.

Booking Tip: Purchase skip-the-line tickets online for €15-20 per museum, or get the Paseo del Arte card for €32 covering all three. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and consider guided tours for deeper insights.

Royal Palace Visit

Tour the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid, one of Europe's largest royal residences with over 3,000 rooms showcasing baroque and neoclassical architecture. Marvel at the throne room, royal armory, and stunning frescoes while learning about Spanish royal history. The palace gardens and nearby Almudena Cathedral add to the majestic experience.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online for €13-16 to skip entrance lines, especially during peak season. Visit on Wednesday or Saturday mornings to potentially witness the changing of the guard ceremony at noon.

Flamenco Show

Experience the passion and intensity of authentic flamenco in intimate tablaos or traditional venues throughout Madrid. Watch skilled dancers, guitarists, and singers perform this UNESCO-recognized art form that embodies Spanish culture and emotion. Many venues offer dinner packages combining the show with traditional Spanish cuisine.

Booking Tip: Expect to pay €25-60 for shows, with dinner packages ranging €60-100. Book authentic venues like Corral de la Morería or Casa Patas, and choose later shows (10-11 PM) for more passionate performances.

Food and Tapas Tour

Embark on a culinary journey through Madrid's vibrant food scene, sampling traditional tapas, jamón ibérico, Manchego cheese, and local wines. Explore historic neighborhoods like La Latina and Malasaña while visiting authentic taverns, markets, and family-run establishments. Learn about Spanish culinary traditions and regional specialties from knowledgeable local guides.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost €50-80 per person and include 4-6 tastings with drinks. Book evening tours starting around 6-7 PM to experience the authentic Spanish dining schedule and atmosphere.

Day Trip to Toledo

Venture to the medieval city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'City of Three Cultures' for its Christian, Jewish, and Islamic heritage. Explore winding cobblestone streets, visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, and discover the legacy of El Greco. The city's dramatic hilltop setting overlooking the Tagus River provides stunning panoramic views.

Booking Tip: High-speed train tickets cost €13-21 each way, or join guided tours for €60-90 including transportation. Allow 6-8 hours for the visit, and wear comfortable walking shoes for the hilly terrain.

Getting There

Madrid is easily accessible through Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located 13 kilometers from the city center and serving as a major European hub with direct flights from most international destinations. The efficient Metro Line 8 connects the airport to the city center in 30 minutes for €4.50, while the Express Airport Bus (€5) and taxis (€30-40) offer alternative transportation options. For travelers already in Europe, Madrid's Atocha and Chamartín train stations provide excellent high-speed rail connections to Barcelona (2.5 hours), Seville (2.5 hours), and other major Spanish and European cities.

Getting Around

Madrid boasts one of Europe's most efficient public transportation systems, with an extensive metro network covering 13 lines that can take you virtually anywhere in the city for €1.50-2 per journey. The integrated system includes buses, metro, and suburban trains, with tourist travel cards available for 1-7 days (€8.40-35.40) offering unlimited rides. The city center is highly walkable, and many major attractions are within walking distance of each other, while taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify provide convenient alternatives for longer distances or late-night travel.

Where to Stay

Sol and Gran Vía

Malasaña

Chueca

La Latina

Retiro

Salamanca

Food & Dining

Madrid's culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Spanish cuisine and innovative gastronomy, with dining typically starting later than most European cities—lunch around 2-3 PM and dinner after 9 PM. The city is famous for its tapas culture, particularly in neighborhoods like La Latina and Lavapiés, where you can hop between traditional taverns sampling jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and local wines. From Michelin-starred restaurants helmed by renowned chefs to century-old establishments serving cocido madrileño (Madrid's traditional chickpea stew), the city offers dining experiences for every budget and taste, with vibrant food markets like Mercado de San Miguel providing excellent opportunities to sample local specialties.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Madrid is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and the city enjoys clear skies and comfortable weather for sightseeing. Summer can be intensely hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, though this is when locals embrace the outdoor terrace culture and many festivals take place. Winter is mild compared to northern Europe but can be chilly and rainy, making it ideal for museum visits and enjoying the city's cozy indoor attractions, plus hotel rates are typically lower during this season.

Insider Tips

Take advantage of free museum hours: Prado is free Monday-Saturday 6-8 PM and Sunday 5-7 PM, while Reina Sofía offers free entry Monday and Wednesday-Saturday 7-9 PM and Sunday 1:30-7 PM

Embrace the Spanish schedule by having a light breakfast, substantial lunch around 2-3 PM, and dinner after 9 PM—restaurants often don't open for dinner until 8:30 PM

Visit El Rastro flea market on Sunday mornings in La Latina neighborhood for unique souvenirs, vintage finds, and a authentic local atmosphere with nearby tapas bars perfect for post-shopping refreshments

Things to Do in Madrid