Discover the 16 best things to do in Madrid. The capital of Spain is rich in places and attractions that arouse the interest of many tourists from all over the world. Here are the main ones:
1. Visiting the Barrio de Las Letras in Madrid
The Barrio de Las Letras is one of the most charming areas in the city. It is surrounded by bookstores and streets that pay homage to literary greats such as Miguel de Cervantes. Perfect for lovers of Spanish literature.
2. Flamenco performances in Madrid
Flamenco performances, as well as being very beautiful, are a rich part of Spanish culture. Our tips for places to see a traditional flamenco show are Cardamomo Flamenco Madrid – which is surrounded by lots of music, castanets and tap dancing, and Flamenco Las Tablas, which offers a menu of delicious dishes, drinks, wines and snacks.
3. Going to the Retiro Park in Madrid
The Retiro Park is a real oasis for Madrid residents and tourists who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The place is very popular during the summer, as Madrid’s heat is very dry. For this reason, many people take advantage of the river that runs through the park and the shade of the trees to cool off and refresh themselves a little.
4. Going to the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid
The Almudena Cathedral is next to the Royal Palace and is the main church of the Archdiocese of Madrid. This monument is dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena and, although it was proposed by King Charles I in 1518, it was not built until 1883.
5. Discover Madrid’s museums
The city has a multitude of artistic and cultural centers, perfect for those who want to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
Prado Museum: this is one of the most important museums in the city, with a collection of great works of art, including “The Family of Charles IV” by Goya, “Las meninas” by Velázquez and many other famous artists such as Raphael, Titian, Bosch and Rembrandt.
Reina Sofía Museum: considered one of the most important modern art museums in the country. Its collection includes pieces by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Picasso. The Reina Sofía, named after the Spanish queen, is located in a building that used to house the city’s general hospital, built by Francisco Sabatini.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: this is considered to be one of the most diverse museums in the country, mainly because it houses great names from the most varied styles, such as Caravaggio, Degas, Manet, Picasso and Van Gogh.
6. Getting to know Gran Vía in Madrid
The Gran Vía avenue is surrounded by great restaurants and bars and is a reference point when it comes to shopping. There you can store in large stores such as H&M and Zara, as well as complete shopping centers such as El Corte Inglés.
7. Walking around Madrid’s La Latina district
A must for anyone visiting Madrid, the area is the most bohemian in the city and one of the most beautiful. It also has one of the city’s most traditional markets: El Rastro.
8. Visit Madrid’s markets
Another tip for places to visit in Madrid is its incredible markets. Some worth mentioning here are the Mercado de la Cebada, the Mercado de San Idelfonso and the Mercado de San Antón.
9. Going to the Temple of Debod in Madrid
The Temple of Debod is a magnificent monument with more than 2,000 years of history. It was a gift from Egypt to Spain for the country’s participation in international aid actions during the attacks in the Nubia region. This temple is located in Plaza España, another of Madrid’s major tourist attractions.
10. Visit the San Ginés Chocolate Shop in Madrid
One of the most traditional things to do in Madrid is to enjoy a good hot chocolate accompanied by delicious churros. And one of the most famous places for this activity is the Chocolateria San Ginés, which has been in the city since 1894.
11. Going to the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid
The Círculo de Bellas Artes was founded in 1880 and has become a famous arts complex in the Spanish capital. It has more than 1,200 works of art, ranging from sculptures and paintings to furniture. There you’ll also find a rich collection of books and historical documents.
The complex also hosts temporary exhibitions and other events, including recitals, films and concerts.
12. Visit the Puerta del Sol in Madrid
This is another of the city’s great tourist attractions renowned for its great beauty. The Puerta del Sol square is considered to be Spain’s kilometer zero, where all the country’s main roads start. There you’ll find El Oso y el Madroño, a sculpture from the mid-20th century and one of the city’s most famous sights.
13. Walking around the Plaza Mayor in Madrid
The Plaza Mayor is one of the city’s best-known squares, along with the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza de la Villa. Built in the 15th century and featuring a statue of Felipe III, King of Spain and Portugal, the square is one of Madrid’s greatest symbols.
14. Visit the Crystal Palace in Madrid
Located right in the center of the Retiro Park. The Crystal Palace was built in the 19th century and has a romantic and imposing style, making it one of the most admired iron architectures in the whole city.
15. Visit the Royal Palace in Madrid
Also known as the Palacio del Oriente, Madrid’s Royal Palace is the largest in Europe. It was built in 1738 and is still the official residence of the King of Spain, although it is only used for gala ceremonies and official receptions.
16. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid
This soccer stadium is owned by the Real Madrid club and was built in 1947 in the Spanish capital. It was named after the club’s president from 1943 to 1978. A landmark in the world of soccer, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was the venue for the 1982 World Cup final, the 1964 European Championship final and the 2018 Copa Libertadores.
How to save money on tickets to paid attractions in Madrid?
The Spanish capital is an incredible city with countless attractions to visit. That way, with so many unmissable activities, it’s worth buying tickets for these tours in Madrid on this Madrid Tickets website we use.
As well as being one of the largest ticket sellers in the world, the site is very secure and you can buy all your tickets in one place. It’s worth noting that it’s always cheaper to buy in advance, online, to avoid queues and to avoid wasting your travel time.
Save money on your trip to Madrid:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Madrid cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Madrid. You will find out the best areas and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
