Things to Do in Madrid
50 curated spots from Madrid itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Museo del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, housing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and other European greats.
2h 30m · $18-22
Templo de Debod
Relocated ancient Egyptian temple set in a park with one of Madrid’s best sunset views over Casa de Campo.[2][8]
1h 30m · Free
Almudena Cathedral
Climb dome for city views; explore neoclassical interior and crypt.
1h · $8
El Retiro Park
Wander shaded paths, visit the Crystal Palace, and photograph the lake and monuments; sit on a bench for a relaxed nature break.[1][2][6]
2h · Free
Plaza Mayor
Grand arcaded square dating from the 17th century, lined with cafés and traditional shops.
45m · Free
Royal Palace of Madrid
Tour the grand rooms and formal squares around Spain’s most famous royal residence, then take photos from Plaza de Oriente.
2h · $15-18
El Rastro Flea Market
Browse antiques, souvenirs; Sunday only.
2h · Free
Flamenco at Corral de la Morería
Live passionate flamenco show; opt for basic seating with drink.
1h 30m · $25-35 incl. drink
Gran Vía
Stroll 'Spanish Broadway'; photo Metropolis Building.
1h 30m · Free
La Latina Tapas Crawl
Wander cobbled streets sampling tapas; visit oldest bar Sobrino de Botín.
2h · $20
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
See Picasso’s “Guernica,” Dalí, Miró, and other 20th‑century Spanish masters; use the glass elevators and inner courtyard for interesting architectural photos.
2h · $12-15
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spend your first major cultural block with Spain's most important art museum and its highlights.
2h 30m · $15-20 or Free on select hours
Museo Reina Sofía
Modern art museum housing Picasso’s “Guernica” and key works by Dalí and Miró, with airy courtyards.[3]
2h · $12-15
Parque del Retiro
Walk the landscaped paths, lake, and formal viewpoints, then time your visit for late afternoon or golden hour for the best photos. The park is ideal for clean skyline, tree-lined, and lake reflections; on cloudy days, shift to nearby indoor museum time.
1h 30m · Free
Puerta del Sol
Central plaza and kilometer zero of Spain’s radial road network, surrounded by shops and historic buildings.
45m · Free
Retiro Park
Row boats on lake, Crystal Palace, and gardens; free explore time.
2h · $8 boat rental or Free
Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid)
Official residence of the Spanish royal family, with lavish interiors, armory, and impressive courtyard facing the Almudena Cathedral.
2h · $15-20
Royal Palace of Madrid & Almudena Cathedral Exteriors
Walk from Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace square, admire the palace, Sabatini gardens, and Almudena Cathedral from outside; visit interiors if you like.[3]
2h · $0-18 (palace interior ticket optional)
Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter) Stroll
Charming area with quotes from Spanish writers inscribed on the streets, lined with bars, cafés, and bookshops.[3]
1h 30m · Free
Barrio de las Letras Stroll
Wander the pedestrian streets where writers once lived, peek into small shops, and read the literary quotes embedded in the pavement.
1h · FreeBarrio de las Letras Walk
Stroll the literary quarter’s narrow streets, plaques, plazas, and evening terraces before or after dinner.
1h · Free
Catedral de la Almudena
Madrid’s main cathedral right next to the Royal Palace; visit the interior and, if energy allows, the dome for city views.
45m · $2-8 or donation (main nave often free)
Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería
Intimate flamenco performance with powerful singing, guitar, and dance; arrive 20–30 minutes early to settle in.
1h 30m · $35-60 (often combined with dinner)
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
See a broad collection that bridges old masters and modern art, making it a good complement to the Prado.
2h · $15 or Free on Monday timing if applicable
Parque de El Retiro
Large city park with monuments, a boating lake, and the Palacio de Cristal glass pavilion.[2][5]
2h 30m · Free (small fee if renting a rowboat)
Prado Museum
Explore Spain’s world-famous museum, focusing on highlights like Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” and Goya’s Black Paintings.[3]
2h 30m · $18-22
Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor Stroll
Walk from Puerta del Sol (kilometer zero and the bear-and-tree statue) through surrounding streets to Plaza Mayor’s grand arcades, soaking up street performers, shops, and historic façades.[2][1]
1h 30m · Free
Reina Sofía Museum
Focus on modern art highlights and the museum's major works.
2h · $12-15Royal Palace of Madrid & Almudena Cathedral
Tour the opulent Royal Palace and visit Almudena Cathedral next door to see grand interiors and city views.[3][4][5][6]
2h 30m · $15-20 per person
Almudena Cathedral & Plaza de la Armería
Step into the neo-Gothic cathedral, admire the modern vault paintings, and enjoy views over the palace square and to Casa de Campo from the exterior terraces.
1h · $5 or donationRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Mercado de San Miguel
Historic iron-and-glass market by Plaza Mayor with numerous stalls; graze on tapas, seafood, and wine while standing at the bar.[3]
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Chocolatería San Ginés
Go for churros with chocolate and coffee as an easy central start.
45m · $8-14 per person
Café Murillo
Cozy café just off Paseo del Prado; order a café con leche and tostada with tomato and olive oil.
45m · $8-15 per person
Casa Lucio
Classic Spanish; try huevos estrellados (fried eggs on potatoes) and revuelto de setas.
1h 15m · $15-20 per person
Café de Oriente
Have breakfast near the palace district before a day trip departure.
1h · $12-20 per person
Juana La Loca
Popular spot for inventive pintxos and tortillas, including an excellent tortilla de patatas by the slice.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Casa Lucas
Cozy tapas bar on Cava Baja known for modern takes on classic dishes; share raciones like rabo de toro, inventive toasts, and a glass of Rioja.[2]
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Mercado de San Antón
Modern multi-level market with various food stalls and a rooftop area in the lively Chueca neighborhood.
1h 15m · $18-28 per person
Café Comercial
Historic café at Glorieta de Bilbao serving reasonably priced coffees, tostadas, and churros in a classic setting.
1h · $6-12 per person
Casa Labra
Order cod croquettes and other simple Spanish classics; keep it casual and eat early-ish for Madrid standards.
1h 15m · $12-22 per person
Casa Revuelta
Tiny, traditional bar near Plaza Mayor famous for its battered bacalao (cod) and simple tapas; stand at the bar with a small beer or vermut.
1h · $10-18 per person
La Sanabresa
Traditional restaurant known for generous portions and excellent value menú del día and daily specials.
1h 30m · $20-30 per person
Sobrino de Botín
World's oldest restaurant; roast suckling pig.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
El Perro y la Galleta (Retiro)
Charming, design‑forward spot; order eggs, toast, or yogurt bowls and verify which items are free of nuts and potential cross‑contamination.
1h · $12-20 per person
El Tigre
Generous free tapas with drinks.
1h · $15-25 per person
Mercado de Antón Martín
Compact local market with modern food stalls; try a menú del día, sushi, or contemporary Spanish dishes at the second-floor eateries.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Taberna el Sur
Casual, well-loved tavern; share patatas bravas, tortilla española, and boquerones with a glass of house wine.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
Bodega de la Ardosa
Order tortillas, vermouth, and a few classic tapas at the bar.
1h 30m · $18-30 per person
Café de la Luz
Homey café with mismatched furniture and affordable coffees and simple breakfasts near Gran Vía.
1h · $6-10 per person
Café del Art
Specialty coffee and pastries near La Latina station to fuel up for a market morning.
45m · $8-12 per person