The 17 things to do in Madrid

Visit Madrid: what are the best things to do and see in the Spanish capital?

Visiting Madrid on a weekend of 2 or 3 days is ideal. The Spanish capital is very well served on low-cost flights, it’s beautiful all year round or almost, and your wallet will not suffer too much. For the first time in Madrid, a long weekend is the perfect time to discover the must-see tourist sites (including a multitude of museums), and many things to do to imbue you with the culture and the rhythm of Madrid life.

To help you organize your stay, we have gathered for you the best things to do in Madrid for a weekend or longer stay.

1. ♪ museums in Madrid

The Prado Museum is one of the most important museums in the world and undoubtedly the pride of Madrid. It was inaugurated in 1819 and has over 9,000 works of art. In this museum you will find the largest collection in the world of Spanish paintings. If you are interested in art, it is absolutely necessary to see by choosing a guided tour for example. If you have time, don’t forget to visit the Thyssen Museum nearby, that of Reina Sofía and archaeological museums also.

2. Travel to the heart of Debod Templo

A gift made to the Spain In 1968, this 2200-year-old Egyptian temple, dedicated to Amon and Isis, is located on a hill overlooking the Casa de Campo (parc) and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful views of Madrid. The beautiful sunsets behind the illuminated temple reflected in the water make it a perfect place for the photos. On the day, the view of the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Madrid on one side, and the Casa de Campo and the mountains on the other are also worth a visit. It is a perfect place to go picnic.

3. Explorer El Palacio Real

The Royal Palace is a beautiful and very important site in Madrid. It is the largest royal palace in Western Europe. Unless there is an official event on the square, the Royal Palace is open to the public to discover it through a guided tour. Do not forget to pass through its beautiful gardens while you are there. The Palace is located on Place de l’Orient, where the Teatro Real is also located.

4. Tasting tapas

Latina is a good place to test tapas in Madrid. People like to go around bars, looking for the best of them (there are many). Know that in Madrid, and you will see it everywhere during a stay in Spain, the tapas are offered with your drinks. Taking a few drinks, you can eat before going out to Madrid for example. The most famous specialty in Spain is excellent and especially omnipresent. You can enjoy it all over the old town. The most greedy of them, will certainly choose a gustative ride!

5. Puerta Del Sol

You should start your Madrid visit here. The Puerta del Sol is the center of everything. It is from here that all the main streets begin. On the square you will find the famous statue of the bear and the garbage by the sculptor Antonio Navarro Santafe , inspired by the coat of arms of the city of Madrid.

6. Plaza Mayor

After the Puerta del Sol, walk to the Plaza Mayor which is a wonderful historic site to see. In the centre of the square stands the statue of Philippe III on horseback. The traffic on the square is completely pedestrian. It is surrounded by arches and buildings with remarkable architecture.

7. Stop at Mercado de San Miguel

Old traditional market transformed into modern gastronomic experience, the San Miguel market allows you to taste food samples for less than 1€, sometimes even for free, before deciding to buy this or that. There is a wide variety of foods: meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, sushi, seafood, chocolates, ice cream, fruit juice, sangria, wines... all deliciously fresh and tasty. The smells and flavors are appetizing and the glass structure of the building is highlighted by the daylight that passes through it, and it is an excellent place for lunch, close to the Plaza Mayor. If you have opted for the segway ride, you should know that a small stopover "Choice con Churros" is scheduled in this place!

8. Go through the library of the Athenaeum of Madrid

Practically unknown to the general public, Spanish included, this hidden gem is an ideal place to read, study and rest in Madrid. “Cache”, because the entrance is usually unnoticed in the eyes of passers-by. Founded in 1835, this institution has the second largest library in Spain (the National Library is the first) and has witnessed many historical events as it was the birthplace of liberal movements and Masonic meetings. Inside you immediately feel the smell of old books, wood and paintings. To see if you have time. L’ Ateneo is located 21 Calle del Prado .

9. A shopping session

Madrid is a city that will delight all lovers of shopping! On the one hand because prices remain affordable, but also because it is very popular during the balances. Gran Vía is full of popular addresses, Calle Serrano hosts the most luxurious and Fuencarral brings together a bunch of small boutiques in the typical Madrid style. Let yourself be blurred, the surprise is at every corner of the street!

10. Escape to El Retiro Park

If you need a little break or a moment to enjoy the beautiful weather, go for a walk through El Retiro and its gardens. On foot, by bike or even en segway , we like to discover the Palacio de Cristal and large spaces to sit in the grass or on a bench and look at the pond and people. The palace organizes modern art exhibitions that are interesting to see.

11. Attend a football match

If you're rather Real Madrid, you'd better go to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium which is another attraction to visit. You may also be able to observe the best players in the world to beat the ball in front of your bahish eyes. For an immersive experience alongside motivated supporters, join the Colchoneros at the Stade de La Peineta (Wanda Metropolitano), the new stadium of Atlético Madrid since 2017. Both teams compete in the European championships each year.

12. Dress a chocolate con Churros

Founded in 1894, the San Ginés chocolate factory is the ideal place to enjoy Madrid’s famous breakfast: chocolate with churros. Open 24 hours a day, this place is really worth the detour even if it’s almost always full. If you are patient, you will find a seat sooner or later. Try pastry too La Mallorquina , a few blocks away, to eat Napolitanas .

13. Dive in the heart of the Zoo Aquarium

This is the place that no doubt will delight small and large! It was in the heart of Casa de Campo that the Zoo Aquarium in Madrid elected home, challenging generations since 1770. An institution, a DNA that is worth it today to be ranked among the oldest zoos in the world. To find out, take a ticket and simply let yourself be carried by the magic of the place. From the land to the sea and to the sky, many species and exhibitions await you, promising a full discovery experience.

15. Have fun with the family Parque Warner

Like Port Aventura, the theme park Warner Madrid is a very popular place. With family or friends, visitors like to have fun with strong sensations or shows. This is where we find, among other things, the famous Superman Russian mountains and the show called “Batman Begins” in tribute to the superhero!

16. Make a getaway to Ségovie

Unique and above all historical, Ségovie is an essential parenthesis for living in Madrid. With an exclusive heritage, the city is above all renowned for its famous Roman aqueduct, which, as fixed by time, offers an exceptional state of conservation. Segovia is also the witness of a cosmopolitan Spain: that of the 3 religions. Thus, between the medieval vestiges, the Alcazar, the cathedral, the Jewish quarter or the Antonio Machado Museum, the city offers a sumptuous cultural blend that classifies it to the UNESCO World Heritage.

One whole day is necessary to fully enjoy this excursion which undoubtedly, is worth the detour!

17. Madrid and its surroundings

• Cathedral of Madrid
• Plaza de la Villa
• Puerta de Alcalá
• Plaza de Cibeles
• Board the Madrid cable car
• Attend a show or Flamenco concert
• Visit them Las Ventas arenas
• Go to the Rastro chip market on Sunday mornings in the Lavapiés district
• CaixaForum Museum
• The Goya Museum
• Have a day in Toledo

How to get to Madrid?

Go to Madrid by plane, you will have low-cost or classic flights from Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Brussels, Mulhouse, and many other cities. Find a Cheap flight to Madrid on our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to stay in Madrid?

Madrid is a big city and it is important to take its accommodation in the right neighborhood , to be close to the center and monuments to be seen. To find one Cheap hotel in Madrid , do a search on this Compare hotels in Madrid . The city is full of youth hostels, small charming hotels, but also luxury hotels, for the best prices.

Have you visited Madrid? Do you know any other things to do in the Spanish capital?