Spain | The Top 15 Best Things to Do in Madrid

Madrid, the Capital and Heart of Spain

Madrid is the vibrant capital of Spain in Western Europe, and is also, surprisingly, Spain’s most visited city. Yep, you heard that right! Given what I’ve seen in the news and on social media this year, I was surprised and quite impressed to discover that Madrid is still Spain’s most visited city, yet to be outshone by the very famous capital of Cataluña, Barcelona.

The Spanish capital is packed full of culture, art and gastronomy, a modern city set against the surprisingly well-preserved backdrop of centuries-old architecture. When you walk around Madrid, you feel much more like you’re in Spain than you do when walking the streets of Barcelona. It feels more authentic, more historical, and is surely more densely populated with locals.

Like most great cities, Madrid has a huge city park, Parque de Retiro, as well as various other green spaces, particularly in the south.

Madrid has a well serviced public transport system, including an extensive metro network, which is incredibly cheap to use, even for tourists. As a visitor, accommodation in the heart of Madrid is expensive, but the public transport system makes it easy to stay outside of the city and commute in to discover what Madrid has to offer.

The city’s central location means that nowhere else in Spain is more than a few hours drive away, although this does leave it missing one key feature: a beach. With summer temperatures in Madrid soaring above forty degrees, and very little wind to bring relief, the lack of any body of water in the city is notable, to say the least.

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🇪🇸 Read more about Spain: What to Pack for Travelling in Spain

Tips for Visiting Madrid

When to Visit Madrid

In my opinion, the best times to visit Madrid are during spring and autumn. By Madrid standards the weather is pretty mild during these months, but by most other accounts, it’s still hot. If you want to take a guided tour of Madrid the crowds are likely to be smaller, the queues will be shorter, and best of all, you won’t literally melt in 45 degree heat.

(No matter when or where you’re going in Madrid, it is advisable to book in advance, from walking tours to dinner reservations. Madrid is quite a compact city so it’s not really the right place for last minute planning!).

➡️ Book your walking tour here

Getting Around Madrid and Travel Information

Getting around Madrid by public transport is really easy and surprisingly affordable. In the inner-city zones 1 and 2, I bought 10 rides on the metro or bus for just over 6€! That makes taking public transport less than 70c per ride. I’ve always stayed close to a metro station and I also love walking so I don’t have much experience with the buses in Madrid, but they seem frequent and reliable. The metro usually comes every 2-5 minutes, offering a great way to navigate the city.

If you’re arriving to or leaving Madrid, do be aware that Madrid has several major train stations and Chamartin is quite far out of the city. (That being said, there is a direct line from there into the centre.)

🎫 You can book tickets for Spains inter-city trains on Trainline, or Flixbus is my favourite company for inter-city bus travel.

Top Attractions and Landmarks in Madrid

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is one of the busiest and most famous squares in Madrid. It’s often considered the heart of Madrid, and it’s a great place to start when you’re finding your feet in the city. You’ll notice that it’s the starting point for walking tours, and a reference point if you ask for directions or how far outside of the city something is. Here you’ll also find one of Madrid’s busiest metro stations, simply named Sol.

Known for its lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to soak in the energy of Madrid.

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid, or Palacio Real, is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. It has a well-photographed main staircase, beautifully landscaped royal gardens and a rich history to match.

🎫 Skip the queue by booking a guided tour

Parque El Retiro and the Crystal Palace

Parque El Retiro, or El Retiro Park, offers a peaceful escape from the city. Walking through the gates of El Retiro Park is like stepping into another world. The park is home to a huge pond, a stunning glass pavilion (officially named the Palacio de Cristal or Crystal Palace), as well as a rose garden.

Although there are plenty of other green spaces around Madrid, this one is by far the most impressive and is somewhere I will escape to in any free hours I find myself with.

Plaza Mayor

I have to be honest, after all of the Plaza Mayors I’ve seen in my time, I find Madrid’s Plaza Mayor less impressive than many. This could be because the first time I visited I was met with rain and a very unlively Christmas market, or because it’s simply drowned out by more interesting sights to see in Madrid, but the one good thing is that there’s almost always something going on here.

Plaza Mayor is generally known for it’s beautiful architecture, and iconic Casa de la Panadería, which is a beautiful building façade but actually occupied by the Madrid tourist board and not a bakery (I know, disappointing, right?).

You’ll always find something spectacular to eat here, but personally I find that the vibe and the prices are much friendlier in smaller squares in Madrid.

Art Museums in Madrid

Museo Nacional del Prado

The Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado) in Madrid is a world famous museum that showcases pieces from of the greatest artists around the world including El Greco and Van Gogh. The Prado Museum is a cultural cornerstone and a must-see in Madrid, offering a journey through the history of art just not in Madrid or Spain but Europe as a whole.

Reina Sofía Museum

The Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid is another highlight, especially if you’re a fan of modern art. Home to Picasso’s famous “Guernica,” it’s among the best things to do in Madrid. They have an impressive list of people who qualify for free entry including students, over 65s, teachers, and unemployed people.

Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

I have yet to visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza myself, but I had to include it on this list because it makes up the famous “golden triangle of art” in Madrid alongside the Prado Museum and Reina Sofía Museum. It has more of an eclectic mix of artwork, attempting to showcase the history of art around the world from the 13th to 20th centuries.

Historical and Cultural Sites in Madrid

Templo de Debod

The Templo de Debod, or Temple of Debod, is an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to the city of Madrid by the Egyptian government. It makes for quite a unique attraction in Madrid, and it’s location makes for stunning views. It’s especially great at sunset, although its popularity does draw in quite a crowd around this time.

This attraction is also free entry, meaning you can go as many times as you need to to catch the perfect sunset!

Catedral de la Almudena

The Catedral de la Almudena is a cathedral located near the Royal Palace. It is one of many historic buildings in Spain that are part of the Spanish monarchy’s religious history. Its design is a blend of architectural styles, making it a unique building and a testament to the cultural history of Madrid.

Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá

Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá are two famous landmarks in Madrid, connected by the famous calle de Alcalá (street of Alcalá). The 17th century Puerta de Alcalá, located at the Plaza de la Independencia, is a striking gateway or series of arches in the neoclassical style, built by Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel. Plaza de Cibeles is a famous square (and roundabout) filled with neoclassical sculptures and a fountain centrepiece.

If you’re travelling during December, calle de Alcalá that connects these two monuments is one of the best places to see the Christmas lights in Madrid.

Food and Gastronomy in Madrid

Tapas Bars and Local Markets

The best neighbourhood for tapas is known to be La Latina, the latin quarter, but no matter where you are in Madrid, you will find good tapas bars. (You’ll also find a fair share of mediocre ones, but let’s not dwell on that for too long.) Depending on where you go you’ll find a range of traditional food or a more modern twist on Spanish tapas. Whatever you go for (and wherever you are in the world, to be honest) food is one of the best ways to connect with a local culture.

Mercado de San Miguel

The Mercado de San Miguel (or San Miguel Market) is a bustling food market close to Plaza Mayor. It offers a variety of traditional Spanish food, including cured meats and seafood, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables and freshly prepared food. It’s the biggest of one of many local markets you can visit in Madrid.

Outdoor Activities and Day Trips from Madrid

Casa de Campo and Cable Car

Whilst Retiro Park is the biggest in Madrid’s inner city, Casa de Campo is Madrid’s largest park just a little further outside of the city. It’s not easy to get to by public transport, but it’s really worth a visit. For really incredible views of the city and the palace, you can take a cablecar that transports you across the park.

Day Trips from Madrid

There are tonnes of day trips you can take from Madrid. As I mentioned earlier, Madrid’s central location in Spain means that nothing is more than a few hours drive away, so day trips really depend on how adventurous you’re feeling!

Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of my favourite places to visit in Spain, and is less than two hours from Madrid by train. You can also get to Barcelona by high speed train in just 2.5 hours. For both of these cities I’d recommend a weekend trip, but you can see each one as a very full day trip if your itinerary is tight.

FAQs About Things to Do in Madrid

Is 2 days enough for Madrid?

Yes, 2 days in Madrid is enough to visit major attractions like Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, and El Retiro Park. I’d recommend four or five days to truly experience the city, visit key museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía, and enjoy the city’s vibrant gastronomy and nightlife.

What is Madrid best known for?

Madrid is best known for its world-class museums, royal landmarks, bustling squares like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and its rich culinary scene, including tapas and traditional markets like Mercado de San Miguel.

Is Madrid or Barcelona better?

It depends on your interests. Madrid offers a more traditional Spanish experience with royal history and art, while Barcelona combines modernist architecture and beach vibes.

Is Madrid good for tourists?

Absolutely! Madrid is a tourist-friendly city with excellent public transport, iconic attractions, rich culture, and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

What is the most visited place in Madrid?

The Royal Palace of Madrid is among the most visited places in the city, offering stunning architecture, royal history, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

What are the best day trips from Madrid?

Top day trips from Madrid include visiting Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca, and even Barcelona via high-speed train. Each offers unique historical and cultural experiences.

What is the best time to visit Madrid?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal times to visit Madrid for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.