Here it is— my curated list of the best things to do in Madrid! It’s based on insights developed over the course of nine trips to the Spanish capital, during the spring, summer, and autumn months. On two of those visits I led high school students through the city, and my recommended sites meet even their tough standards!
This list offers first-time visitors the best of Madrid, whether you’re traveling alone or with a group. And while just a couple of these activities are under-the-radar, there’s something here for everyone. Best of all… everything in Madrid is easily accessible by metro.
Puerta del Sol (Metro Stop: Puerta del Sol)
Puerta del Sol is the heart of Spain’s capital and a popular gathering spot for residents and tours. It’s a large open plaza surrounded by restaurants and shops, including El Corte Inglés— a huge department store for one-stop shopping.
With its own metro station and side streets that radiate from the plaza like spokes on a wheel, Puerta del Sol is an easy point from which to begin your exploration of the city. You’ll often encounter great street performers here, too.
Plaza Mayor (Metro Stop: Ópera or Puerta del Sol)
A five-minute walk takes you from Puerta del Sol to the 15th-century Plaza Mayor. This plaza is literally shaped like a square. Unlike Puerta del Sol, it has an abundance of open-air cafes and a more intimate feeling, thanks to the quintessentially Spanish low-rises that surround it.
The ground-floor colonnades of these four buildings house a wide assortment of cafes and shops. In my opinion, it’s the best area to find quality artists selling their work and to shop for souvenirs. The square once hosted executions and bullfights and still boasts occasional concerts— and of course, more street performers.
The Royal Palace (Metro Stop: Ópera)
Another 10 minutes on foot takes you to the Royal Palace, or Palacio Real. After a while, Europe’s palaces and grand estates can start to feel very familiar. This one stood out to me and remains one of my favorites— and not just because it’s the largest palace in Europe. Take the palace tour but skip the anemic changing of the guard. Focus instead on the armory, which has an interesting collection of weapons, suits of armor, and the like. Click here to plan your visit and tour.
Templo de Debod (Metro Stop: Plaza de España)
A 10-minute walk from the Royal Palace takes you to ancient Egypt— or at least a remnant of it. The Temple of Debod, or Templo de Debod, was a gift from the Egyptian government in appreciation for Spain’s help relocating antiquities jeopardized by construction of the Aswan dam. There’s no charge to enter the temple. Outside, a small park offers panoramic views of Madrid’s western outskirts. I recommend an evening visit, too, when the illuminated temple’s reflection in the surrounding pool is particularly striking. (Like ancient Egypt? Check out this article!)
El Retiro Park (Metro Stop: Retiro or Estación del Arte)
In the opposite direction from Puerta del Sol sits El Retiro Park, or Parque del Retiro. (You’ll sometimes see it referred to as Parque del Buen Retiro. Same place.) The 350-acre former royal enclave near the city center is now open to the public for free.
Highlights include an extensive rose garden, art exhibitions in the Crystal Palace, and a man-made lake on which you can rent paddle boats. It’s a beautiful, quiet place for strolling, jogging, picnicking, and people watching. Keep an eye out for the freely roaming pride of peacocks, too. If you’re visiting in the summer, check the schedule of Sunday concerts. Food vendors are throughout the park.
The Prado Museum (Metro Stop: Banco de España or Estación del Arte)
A 10-minute walk downhill from Retiro Park takes you to the Museo Nacional del Prado. The Prado is among the best and most visited museums in the world. It’s famous for good reason.
Founded on the royal collection, the museum houses the best compilation of Spanish art to be found anywhere. My favorite piece is Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez, but there’s plenty to keep even a museum-hater entertained. Plan your visit and buy your tickets here. Note the times when admission is free.
There are other great museums in Madrid, but if time is short— the Prado is the one to see.
Real Madrid Stadium (Metro Stop: Santiago Bernabéu)
Soccer (aka football) fans will get a kick from touring Santiago Bernabéu stadium in the northern part of the city— home of the Real Madrid football club. The tour includes a birds-eye view of the interior of the stadium, the museum, and an up-close look at the trophy collection. A photo with the Champions Cup and other optional novelties can be added for a fee. Plan a visit and purchase tickets here.
Las Ventas Bullring (Metro Stop: Las Ventas)
Bull fighting isn’t for everyone. Spaniards themselves are deeply divided over the practice, which has been an integral part of Spanish culture for centuries. It’s now common to see protests against animal cruelty outside bullrings, and some jurisdictions have banned bullfights altogether. Proponents of bullfighting feel just as strongly about preserving the tradition. The debate continues.
Las Ventas: Tours and Tickets
For those who are interested, the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, or simply Las Ventas, is Spain’s largest bullring and the third largest in the world. The bullfighting season here runs from March to October, but tours of the facility are available year-round and offer some unique opportunities. If you choose a guided tour, you’ll be allowed into the ring itself and see up close where the carefully scripted stages of a bullfight play out. A tour includes entry into the museum, as well. There’s an optional side visit to a fighting bull ranch. To learn more about tour options and to buy tickets, click here.
You can purchase tickets to an actual bullfight from Servitoro or Localidades Galicias. Seats in the sombra (shade) section are much cooler on a hot day. Pay the few extra Euros for a cushion at the bullring— the hard cement benches take their toll after a couple of hours.
Segway Tour
We had a ball touring Madrid on Segways. The company we used was bought out, and now there are several firms from which to choose on Viator.
Consider a tour that includes more than just one park or neighborhood. Madrid has plenty of off-road areas to maneuver safely on a Segway. Why not take advantage of your expanded mobility to see as much of the city as you can?
And if it’s your first time with a Segway, fear not— learning to use one is easy, and just a bit of pre-tour practice will give you the confidence to start exploring.
Tapas Tour with Adventurous Appetites
No trip to Madrid is complete without sampling the local cuisine. I’ve twice booked the tapas tour with Adventurous Appetites. (Tapas are traditional Spanish “small plates” or appetizers that range from simple snacks to exotic dishes. There’s something to suit all tastes, and of course you get to sample the drinks menu, as well.)
The company was founded by British expat James Fraser, who curates a 4-hour tour of local restaurants known for their specialty foods. The night typically runs from 20:00 to midnight and stops at four establishments, each of which is about a 15-minute walk from the next stop. Along the way James or one of his colleagues answers all your questions, shares entertaining stories, and educates you about Spanish food and culture. It’s a fun night out that appeals to all ages, and along the way you get to see Madrid by night.
Day Trip to Toledo
And finally, if your schedule permits, there are several easy day trips from Madrid that are well worth your time. The walled city of Avila and Segovia— with its Roman aqueduct— are both picturesque and enjoyable. But if had to pick just one, I’d go with the ancient city of Toledo— home of damascene artwork, traditional sword-makers, and narrow, winding cobblestone streets. As a bonus, swing by Consuegra on your way to or from Toledo and see the windmills of Don Quixote fame. All of these sites can be visited easily by train (or rental car) from Madrid. Book train tickets here.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy your time in Spain— it’s obviously one of my favorite places to visit. If you find yourself there in May, be sure to check out Cordoba’s spring festivals with another easy side trip from the capital. And since I’ve encouraged you to use Madrid’s extensive metro system, review my tips to protect yourself from pickpockets. (They haven’t gotten me yet!)
Traveling to Spain in July? Check out my guide to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona!
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