Things to Do in Madrid
50 curated spots from Madrid itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Museo del Prado
See Goya's Black Paintings, Velázquez's Las Meninas; 2-hour focus.
2h · $16
Templo de Debod
Ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid, set in a park with city views.
1h · Free
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
Plaza Mayor
Grand arcaded square surrounded by cafés and street performers; good for photos and a quick stroll.
30m · Free
Royal Palace of Madrid & Almudena Cathedral Exteriors
Walk 5–10 minutes from Plaza Mayor to the palace and cathedral; choose either a brief interior visit or just enjoy the plazas and views.
2h · $18 or Free (exterior only)
Almudena Cathedral
Climb dome for city views; explore neoclassical interior and crypt.
1h · $8
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
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)
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
Modern art museum home to Picasso’s “Guernica” and works by Dalí and Miró; focus on one floor with kids.
1h 30m · $12-15 (children often free, some free entry hours)
Museo Reina Sofía
Picasso's Guernica and modern art.
2h · $12
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)
Puerta del Sol
Central square and transport hub; see the “Oso y el Madroño” bear statue and Madrid’s Kilometer Zero plaque.
30m · Free
Retiro Park
Row boats on lake, Crystal Palace, and gardens; free explore time.
2h · $8 boat rental or Free
Royal Palace of Madrid
Guided skip-the-line tour of opulent rooms, throne hall, and gardens—prime photography spot with panoramic city views.
1h 30m · $20
Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid)
Lavish royal residence with ornate rooms, armory, and expansive courtyard; book timed tickets to minimize waiting.
2h · $15-20 (children often reduced or free)
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 donation
Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter) Walk
Wander the pedestrian streets reading writer quotes in the pavement, browsing small boutiques, and snapping photos of colorful facades.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)Barrio de Las Letras & Retiro Park Walk
Wander the literary quarter’s pedestrian streets then continue to El Retiro Park for the Crystal Palace, boating lake, and shady paths.[3]
2h 30m · Free
Barrio de Las Letras Free Explore
Wander pedestrian streets filled with quotes on the pavement, small shops, and cozy bars between Plaza de Santa Ana and Calle Huertas.
1h 30m · FreeBarrio de las Letras Free-Explore (Literary Quarter)
Meander cobbled streets once home to Cervantes and Lope de Vega, reading literary quotes set into the pavement and browsing independent boutiques and wine shops.
1h 30m · Free (plus any shopping or drinks)
Basílica de San Francisco el Grande (exterior and area)
Impressive basilica with a large dome; even a quick pass by and walk around the nearby streets is rewarding.
45m · Free to walk outside; small fee for interior at times
Bernabéu Stadium Tour
Self-guided Real Madrid tour; must-have sports. Metro 20 min.
1h 30m · $25
Calle Cava Baja Tapas Stroll
After (or before) dinner, wander along Cava Baja, popping into a couple of tapas bars for a caña (small beer) or vermut and extra bites as the street comes alive at night.[2]
1h · $10-20 (extra drinks/tapas)
Casa de Campo Park
Vast park west of the center with trails, a lake, and viewpoints; easily reached by metro or from Templo de Debod.[7][9]
2h 30m · Free
Cava Baja Tapas & La Latina Nightlife
After dinner, stroll Cava Baja and nearby streets, popping into bars for a glass of wine or vermut and enjoying the lively, social atmosphere.
2h · $10-20 per person for drinks
Cercedilla Zipline Day Trip
Train 1hr to Cercedilla, zipline via Navacerrada operator; wear layers, medium fitness. Backup: park hike.
4h · $40/person
Chueca & Gran Vía Shopping
Browse fashion and design shops in Chueca, then walk down to Gran Vía for larger brands and department stores.[3]
2h 30m · Free (shopping extra)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Mercado de San Miguel
Indoor gourmet market with tapas stalls; graze pintxos, jamón ibérico, seafood, and vermut from different vendors.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic churros con chocolate spot; order the thick hot chocolate and fresh churros.
45m · $5-10 per person
Café Murillo
Pastries and coffee near Prado; try tostada con tomate.
45m · $10-15 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
Casa Lucio
Classic Spanish; try huevos estrellados (fried eggs on potatoes) and revuelto de setas.
1h 15m · $15-20 per person
Café de Oriente
Elegant café with terrace overlooking the Royal Palace and Plaza de Oriente, serving pastries, toasts, and coffee.
1h · $12-20 per person
Mercado de San Antón
Modern, less touristy market with food stalls and a rooftop area offering Spanish and international options.
1h 15m · $15-30 per person
Café Comercial
Historic café with high ceilings, good coffee, and pastries at the edge of Malasaña and Chamberí.
1h · $10-15 per person
Casa Revuelta
Tiny, classic tavern famous for bacalao (fried cod) and simple tapas eaten standing at the bar.
1h · $15-20 per person
El Perro y la Galleta (Retiro)
Stylish, vintage-inspired bistro with patterned floors; try the croquetas, seasonal fish, and their signature cookie-based desserts.
1h 15m · $22-40 per person
El Tigre
Lively tapas with free bites per drink; try calamari.
1h 15m · $10-15 per person
El Tigre Sidra Bar
Order a drink and receive generous free tapas in a lively sidra bar; expect a standing-room, social vibe.
1h · $12-18 per person
La Rollerie (Atocha)
Family-friendly café with pancakes, toasts, eggs, and pastries close to the Prado and Retiro.
1h · $10-18 per person
La Sanabresa
Budget fabada stew and cocido madrileño.
1h · $12-18 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
Mercado de la Reina
Market bites; fresh zumo and bocadillo de calamares.
45m · $7-12 per person
Pez Tortilla
Elevated tortilla española variations.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Sobrino de Botín
World's oldest; roast suckling pig to share. 10 min walk.
1h 15m · $20-25 per person
Txirimiri
Creative tapas like croquettes and Iberian pork.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person