Craving the best things to do in Madrid? Great, because with my bucket list you’ll discover top places to eat and drink, must-see museums, cool attractions and more.
But first things first…
When will you travel to Madrid? Depending on the time of year, you’ll have different options:
- If you’re still not sure, find out with my guide to the best time of year…
- If you want the short answer, have a look at a very personal (and insider’s guide) of the best things to do in Madrid.
Or maybe you need advice on a specific month?
To help you organize your trip as best as possible, in my Madrid calendar you’ll find a guide for each season and for each month of the year with things to do, temperatures and recommendations of what to pack according to the weather.
Start with my 17 best things to do in Madrid
Well, if you like a city that never sleeps, has more art than you can shake a paintbrush at, and food that’ll make you question your life choices, then Madrid is your jam. Plus, the nightlife is so good, you’ll need a vacation from your vacation.
- Madrid is like the Louvre of Spain. To be honest, it’s better… You’ve got the Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. If you don’t know these names, just know they’re packed with masterpieces. Picasso, Goya, Dalí… it’s like an art history class on steroids.
- Tapas, tapas, and more tapas. Ever had a croqueta that made you question your existence? You will in Madrid. And don’t even get me started on the churros with chocolate. It’s basically a foodie’s paradise.
- Madrid’s nightlife is legendary. We’re talking about clubs that open at midnight and close when the sun comes up. Whether you’re into swanky rooftop bars or underground clubs, Madrid’s got you covered.
All things considered, it’s tough to decide what to do first. But don’t worry, I’ve made it easy by putting together a list of the best things to do in Madrid!
There’s so much to see in Madrid, but the best thing you can do is to embrace the local vibe. My itinerary of things to do in Madrid will guide you to the city’s must-see spots, and more importantly, help you experience the authentic local flavor of this vibrant city.
Oh! One last tip: avoid booking a free walking tour in Madrid.
Visit the main attractions
With its top-notch museums and historic landmarks, Madrid effortlessly blends the old with the new!
- First off, you can’t miss the Prado Museum: it’s the best art museum in the world. Period.
- If you’re into modern art, the Reina Sofía Museum is where you’ll find Picasso’s famous “Guernica”.
- The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has a bit of everything, from medieval art to modern masterpieces. It’s like a greatest hits album of art history.
- For a taste of royal history, check out the Royal Palace. It’s absolutely stunning and gives you a glimpse into Spain’s regal past.
Watch a live flamenco show
Experiencing flamenco in Madrid is more than just a night out, it’s a deep dive into the passionate soul of Spain.
Madrid offers numerous venues, known as tablaos, where you can watch live flamenco shows. However, my favorite is one of the most famous and historic tablaos, offering traditional flamenco shows and fine dining.
Flamenco shows are very popular, so it’s wise to book your tickets ahead of time to secure a good seat.
By having a close look at my full guide on flamenco, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of this passionate art form before attending a live show.
Experience a bullfight
If you’re curious about the controversial yet traditional spectacle of bullfighting, dress smartly and be prepared for a mix of emotions. Bullfighting is a deeply rooted cultural tradition, so respect the local customs and the gravity of the event.
If you’d like to experience a bullfight in Madrid, check my essential guide about bullfighting.
But if you want a quick summary, here’s the lowdown:
- Las Ventas bullring. This is the most famous bullring in Madrid and one of the most important in the world. It’s a stunning piece of architecture and the epicenter of bullfighting in Spain.
- Bullfighting season. The main season runs from March to October, with the most significant events happening during the San Isidro Festival in May and June. This is when you’ll see the top matadors in action.
- Tickets. The best option is to buy your tickets online. Prices vary depending on the seating and the importance of the event. The closer you’re to the action, the pricier it gets.
- Guided Tours. If you’re not ready to witness a live bullfight but still want to learn more, you can take a guided tour of Las Ventas. They offer insights into the history, the art of bullfighting, and even a peek behind the scenes.
Go to a football match
Madrid is a paradise for football lovers…
Knowing this, do you want to experience a Spanish league game? Yes? Then read my complete tutorial about football in Madrid.
They city is home to many football clubs, but two of them are part of the world’s most famous ones, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid. As you can imagine, most fans are divided between the two teams.
- Real Madrid has a rich history, having won numerous domestic and international titles. It plays its home matches at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Get your tickets online to secure the experience!
- Atlético de Madrid matches are known for their passionate fans. It plays its home matches at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. Book early your match tickets for big matches.
The teams have a long history of intense matches, and their rivalry continues to be one of the most talked-about in world football. It dates back to 1929, when Real Madrid won the first match between the two teams (known as “el Derbi madrileño”).
Chill out in one of the city’s parks
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax, a scenic spot for a picnic, or a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll, Madrid’s parks have something for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most beautiful and beloved parks in Madrid that you won’t want to miss.
- El Retiro Park. This is the big daddy of Madrid parks. You can row a boat on the lake, visit the Crystal Palace, or just lounge on the grass. It’s perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
- Madrid Río. A modern park along the Manzanares River with playgrounds, sports facilities, and beautiful bridges. It’s ideal for a bike ride or a riverside walk.
- Jardines de Sabatini: Located next to the Royal Palace, these gardens offer a regal atmosphere with manicured hedges and fountains. It’s a peaceful place to unwind.
- Parque del Oeste. Known for its rose garden and the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple. It’s a serene spot with stunning sunset views. It’s is linked to the Casa de Campo by the Teleférico de Madrid, a gondola lift.
- Casa de Campo. This massive park is five times the size of Central Park or twice the size of Paris’ Bois de Boulogne. It has a lake, a zoo, an amusement park, and plenty of trails for hiking or biking. It’s a great escape from the city hustle.
- Real Jardín Botánico. Located near the Prado Museum, this botanical garden is perfect for plant lovers. It has a vast collection of plants and flowers from around the world.
- Quinta de los Molinos. A lesser-known gem, especially beautiful in spring when the almond trees are in bloom. It’s like stepping into a floral wonderland.
- Parque de El Capricho. A bit off the beaten path, this park is a hidden treasure with romantic gardens, a labyrinth, and even a bunker from the Spanish Civil War.
Go on a getaway from Madrid
Madrid is like the ultimate launchpad for day trips and getaways. It’s got that perfect mix of central location, killer transport links, and a ton of cool spots just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Here’s why Madrid is your go-to base for exploring:
- Central location. Madrid is literally in the heart of Spain, making it super easy to reach other parts of the country.
- High-speed trains. The high-speed trains are fast, comfy, and connect Madrid to major cities like Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia in no time.
Here are just a few destinations that you can easily reach from Madrid…
- Toledo. Just 30 minutes by train, this medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture and history.
- Segovia. About an hour away, famous for its Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale castle (Alcázar), and delicious roast suckling pig.
- Ávila. Known for its well-preserved medieval walls and charming old town, about 1.5 hours from Madrid.
- El Escorial. A massive historical residence of the King of Spain, just an hour away by train.
- Aranjuez. Known for its royal palace and beautiful gardens, about 45 minutes by train.
- Seville. Known for its flamenco dancing, magnificent Moorish architecture, and lively tapas bars, Seville will captivate you.
- Córdoba. It’s a city that beautifully merges its Roman, Islamic, and Christian heritage.
- Granada. Home to the world-famous Alhambra. This palace and fortress complex is a jewel of Islamic architecture, with intricate carvings and serene gardens.
- Barcelona. In this cosmopolitan city, you’ll be dazzled by Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
- Salamanca. A bit further at 2.5 hours, but worth it for its stunning Plaza Mayor and historic university.
- Cuenca. About 1.5 hours away, known for its “hanging houses” and dramatic landscapes.
- Ribera del Duero. A couple of hours away, this region is famous for its red wines. Perfect for a wine-tasting day trip.
Find out other things to do in Madrid
If you’re not up for racing through the crowds to see every tourist attraction in Madrid, here are some alternative ideas to make the most of your trip:
- Get the inside scoop on the city’s hidden gems and top neighborhoods in Madrid with my insider guide. I’ll show you where to stay, what to see, and what to avoid in this beautiful city.
- Want to explore some amazing sights without breaking the bank? I’ve got you covered. Discover how to see the best of Madrid without spending a single Euro.
- Madrid is a museum lover’s dream come true. From art and history to science and culture, this incredibly long list of museums includes something for everyone in this eclectic city.
- Looking for things to do in Madrid with kids? I’ve got some great ideas for you.
- Ready to escape the tourist traps and discover some hidden gems? Check out my list of things to do in Madrid that are definitely off the beaten path.
