What to do in Madrid? Madrid tourism

Discover the complete guide to visit Madrid during your future holidays in the Spanish capital.

Table of Contents

Every day we receive many e-mails from readers asking us: what to do in Madrid? When to visit Madrid? Which museum in Madrid to visit? 

After doing a lot of research we realized that there was no local guide about Madrid for travelers.

To help you prepare your stay in Madrid we have therefore decided to write a unique and authentic guide that will help you visit Madrid. This guide aims to share with you our good addresses, tips and all the useful information that will save you time when preparing your next stay in the capital.

In this guide you will find the TOP 20 things to do and see during your holidays in Madrid. We have detailed each of the recommendations to give you all the information you need to prepare your stay as you wish.

We encourage you to share this article with your friends, colleagues and relatives who would like to know where to visit Madrid.

Many of you write to us on social networks to thank us for our articles, it is with great pleasure that we read and respond to your messages.

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You will find at the end of this article a small insert with typical itineraries to visit Madrid in 1, 2 or 3 days. As for hotels and where to stay in Madrid, you will find on our blog the complete guide of hotels in Madrid, you will discover the TOP 10 luxury hotels, family hotels and the best LGBT hotels in Madrid.

We are currently working on the edition of a complete guide to the city of Madrid, this article is a small excerpt of our future guide. We take our time to give you the best addresses of the city. To be informed about the release of the guide subscribe to our newsletter.

Our article on maps of Madrid

1. Visit Madrid, plaza Mayor and puerta del sol

We start this guide to Madrid with the two biggest squares of the capital; Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.

Very lively, they are central squares from a geographical and social point of view. They are an integral part of Madrid’s life, with department stores, restaurants, historical shops and typical bars.

It is also a place for celebrations and festivities, especially with the New Year’s Day and the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market.

These are usually the first places you visit during a stay in the Spanish capital. There are many hotels in the area as well as very good restaurants.

They are also very nice places to take beautiful pictures.

Plaza Mayor – Visit Madrid

Visit Madrid, plaza Mayor

Located in the Sol district of Madrid and close to the puerta del sol, the Plaza Mayor is the oldest square in the city.

Entirely pedestrian, this square is a rectangle measuring 129m by 94m, surrounded by arcades decorated with paintings and you can enter through 9 doors. We advise you to visit it on weekends, you will discover coin and banknote vendors under the arcades, ideal for collectors!

Its construction dates back to the 16th century, at that time it housed the only market in the city under a large hall.

The plaza mayor will catch fire several times and each renovation will transform it to the current version that we know.

The current buildings are lower with only three floors instead of five for the original buildings.

A real living space, it evolves according to the seasons. Every winter the Christmas market is held here and in the summer the people of Madrid meet here for a drink.

Depending on the events organized in the city you will find something to do, during the final of the champions league a large football field came to cover it. Don’t hesitate to visit the website of the Madrid City Council to find out more about the programme.

What to do in Madrid, Plaza Mayor

Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is one of the liveliest places in the city and a must-see place to visit in Madrid, here’s what we advise you to do:

Take a 360-degree photo of the façade in typical Spanish style (in winter you can see magnificent illuminations). Two buildings stand out from the rest; the bakery house (decorated with frescos) and the butcher’s house (located to the south of the square). These two buildings face each other and are characterized by two small towers. To visit Madrid and get to know the secrets of the city we advise you to take part in a guided tour, which will give you a multitude of explanations.

Pass through the arco de cuchilleros to get to the Plaza Mayor or to go to the Calle de Cuchilleros where you will find the oldest restaurant in the world!

The Sobrino de Botin. Eat at the restaurant Sobrino de Botin and make a visit to the restaurant.

Website of the restaurant Sobrino de Botin.

Eat tapas and have a drink on Calle de Cuchilleros at the Ricla bodega. It’s in a Madrid atmosphere and authentic decor that you will enjoy good tapas, our favourites are the boquerones and the tortilla de patata! A must during your stay.Bodega Ricla address: Calle de Cuchilleros, 8, 28005 Madrid

If you wish to stay in a hotel with a view of the Plaza Mayor then we recommend the luxury Pestana Hotel Plaza Mayor, a very high standard of service awaits you. Visiting Madrid with the comfort of a luxury hotel will make your stay unforgettable.

What to do in Madrid. Plaza Mayor – Visit Madrid

Puerta del Sol de Madrid

La puerta del sol de Madrid is located a few steps from the Plaza Mayor.

It is very important in the life of the people of Madrid, you will always find something to do there and if you want to experience the New Year in Spain then this is the place to be, visiting Madrid at Christmas is a unique experience.

During the Christmas holidays the New Year is organized and the people of Madrid gather in this square to eat the 12 grapes to the sound of the bells. Very popular in Spain they even broadcast this moment live on television.

La puerta del sol has been shaped over the years, you will find historical and symbolic monuments.

Originally the puerta del sol was not pedestrian and many cars passed through it every day.

Here you will find the post office, a statue of the bear and the strawberry tree of Madrid or the kilometer 0 of Spain.

La puerta del sol appears in many Spanish films and in one of Goya’s most famous paintings: The Back of Mayo (to be found in the Prado Museum).

What to do in Madrid, Puerta del Sol

La puerta del sol offers beautiful perspectives to immortalize your holidays. Here is what to do at la puerta del sol:

Take a photo at kilometre zero, another with the bear and the strawberry tree or in front of the magnificent post office building.

Take a photo at night with the famous illuminated sign for Tio pepe wines, symbol of the Spanish capital.

If you plan to visit Madrid during the Christmas period then we recommend the following:

• Make the transition to the New Year with the famous twelve reasons to eat.
  If you are superstitious buy a lottery ticket, you will find plenty of vendors in the square.

• Buy turrón calle Mayor (very close to the puerta del sol).

If you take the metro you’ll find at the puerta del sol one of the largest stations in the city, very easy to use the Madrid metro will be a great ally during your stay in Madrid.

For lovers of the apple brand you will find a huge two-storey shop puerta del sol in front of the subway mouth Sol.

What to do in Madrid. Visit Madrid – Puerta del sol

Visit Madrid, the Santa Ana Square

We couldn’t talk about la puerta del sol without talking about plaza Santa Ana.

Located in Madrid’s emblematic literary district it’s only a few steps away from the puerta del sol you will find it, if you plan to visit Madrid you have to go through this beautiful square.

Very popular and trendy this square is made up of a large number of bars and restaurants.

It is a must visit during a stay in Madrid. There you will find the beautiful ME by Melia hotel with its rooftop bar the Radio. We advise you this high standing hotel very well located to visit Madrid, the Prado museum as well as the Thyssen and Bornemisza museums are less than 10 minutes away from the hotel.

• The Plaza Santa Ana has the particularity of regrouping a large number of typical establishments of the city that will make you spend a pleasant end of the day.

• Eat tapas at the restaurant Latéral. You’ll find a wide variety of tapas, it’s a restaurant very well known in Madrid that offers an irreproachable service.

Go to see a flamenco show at the tablao Villa Rosa, a true institution of the capital we advise you to attend a flamenco performance.

Have a drink at the Radio, the rooftop of the Melia hotel. You will have a breathtaking view of the Plaza Santa Ana.

There is another great square in Madrid, the Plaza de España, a true symbol of the capital, located just a few steps from the Royal Palace of Madrid.

2. Visit the Royal Palace in Madrid

One of our favourite monuments in the capital is the Royal Palace of Madrid, a real jewel that will take you back to the time of the Bourbons.

It is located in the historic centre of Madrid, in this area you will find the Madrid Opera House, the Plaza de Oriente, the Almudena Cathedral and the Cathedral Crypt.

Whether you come to visit Madrid in 1, 2 or 3 days, you must spend there. This place full of history will not leave you indifferent by its beauty.

Here are some more details about what we recommend you see in the historic centre of Madrid:

Plaza de Oriente

Located between the Royal Palace and the Opera House of Madrid this square is composed of a garden and the statue of Philip IV.

It offers a beautiful view of the Royal Palace and the rear side of the Royal Theatre of Madrid.

You will find a beautiful fountain in the middle of the square, an ideal place to take a picture of the royal palace.

Bars are present around this square forming an arc of a circle. We often advise our guests to have breakfast in one of the bars before starting their tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid.

This allows them to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Madrid while having a great time with their family.

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace in Madrid is one of the most beautiful and largest palaces in Europe.

With a surface area of 135,000 m2 and 3,418 it is twice the size of the Palace of Versailles.

Officially the residence of kings, it is now used to welcome presidents and diplomats from all over the world. The current king resides in the Palacio de la Zarzuela, 20km northwest of downtown Madrid.

The visit to the Royal Palace lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the number of visitors and the time you take in each of the rooms. During your visit you will have the opportunity to admire the following rooms:

The Royal Palace of Madrid can be visited on a tour where you will discover the rooms one after the other. Here are the main rooms to discover:

• The great palace staircase.
• You will discover the
• Hall of Columns.
• The bedroom of Charles 3.
• The porcelain cabinet.
• The dining room of Gala.
• The royal chapel.
• The throne room.

You will discover in one of the rooms of the royal palace an impressive collection of Stradivarius violin preserved in a near-new condition.

The Royal Palace Chapel and the Throne Room are two of the most impressive rooms.

It is important to note that taking pictures inside the royal palace is prohibited. You will be able to take a picture of the grand staircase and then two rooms after a sign will indicate that it will no longer be possible to use your camera. We recommend that you visit Madrid with a guide specialized in art history especially to visit this type of monument.

The armoury and kitchens of the royal palace

During your visit do not hesitate to ask one of the members of the royal palace if the kitchen is open, if so you will have the chance to visit it.

Composed of many utensils it lets you imagine the number of cooks who had to work to make food for the royal family.

In the back on the left side of the royal palace courtyard (looking at the Almudena cathedral) you will find the royal armoury. On two floors you will discover the royal arms and armour.

Good plan: Once out of the armoury you will pass on a staircase overlooking the western part of the royal palace, an ideal place to take a last picture with the setting sun (spring and late summer).

When to visit the Royal Palace in Madrid?

The Royal Palace of Madrid can be visited all year round, the opening time to the public is at 10:00 am. We advise you to visit the Royal Palace with a private English speaking guide, this will allow you to have the complete history of the palace explained in an authentic and confidential way.

We offer this service through our exclusive private tours of the Royal Palace of Madrid, our exclusive private services include the purchase of fast entrances, direct pick up at your hotel (if necessary taxi ride) and private English speaking guide.

Thanks to this exclusive service you will be able to enter the palace from 9:00 am before the general opening. This will give you the opportunity to be the first to visit the palace in the greatest peace and quiet.

For more information about visiting the royal palace do not hesitate to contact us by email.

Visit Madrid – Royal Palace

Royal Palace of Madrid – What to do in Madrid – Visit Madrid

Hotel near the Royal Palace

If you wish to sleep close to the Royal Palace in Madrid, we recommend the magnificent Gran Melia Palacio Los Duques Hotel.

This 5 star hotel will surprise you with its interior patio and its magnificent rooftop, visiting Madrid and sleeping in this hotel will make you live a very luxurious experience.

Hotel Gran Melia Palacio Los Duques

Campo del Moro

Campo del Moro is the garden of the royal palace, located behind it you will have to go around the royal palace by the calle vicente and then turn left to access it, you will have to walk about 10 minutes to get there, it is worth it when the weather is sunny, you will have one of the most beautiful views of the royal palace in Madrid.

Visit Madrid , the Almudena Cathedral

It is opposite the Royal Palace in Madrid that you will find this magnificent cathedral. Take advantage of your visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid to take a tour, you will be impressed by its dome. It is one of the only cathedrals in Spain to have been blessed by a pope.

The crypt of the Almudena Cathedral

If you have the time, we suggest you visit the crypt of the Almudena Cathedral. It is located behind the cathedral and you just have to go around the left side of the cathedral.

3. Assist in the changing of the guard of the Royal Palace

Visiting Madrid and witnessing the Changing of the Guard is a unique experience similar to the Changing of the Guard at the Palace of Westminster in London.

You will be able to watch the Changing of the Guard parade from the Plaza del Oriente right in front of the Royal Palace in Madrid.

During the year Spanish military graduation ceremonies are held in the courtyard of the royal palace, the palace closes its doors to the public.

We advise you to look at the programming and schedules of the Royal Palace to make sure you can visit it.

If you have any questions about the Royal Palace in Madrid, what to do in Madrid or what to visit in Madrid please do not hesitate to contact us, our team will be happy to answer you.

The Calendar of the Changing of the Guard in the Royal Palace of Madrid

The changing of the guard at the Royal Palace in Madrid takes place every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. (except for special events and unfavourable weather conditions). You will be able to attend the simple changing of the guard.

Every first Wednesday of the month at noon (except for special events) you can attend the solemn Changing of the Guard.

This is a show with the music unit that lasts a little longer than the simple changing of the guard. A unique experience not to be missed during your stay in Madrid!

During the year Spanish military graduation ceremonies are organized, the ceremony is held in the courtyard of the Royal Palace, so the palace closes its doors to the public.

We advise you to look at the programming and schedules of the Royal Palace to make sure you can visit it.

If you have any questions about the Royal Palace in Madrid, what to do in Madrid or what to visit in Madrid please do not hesitate to contact us, our team will be happy to answer you.

Royal Palace of Madrid – What to do in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid – visit Madrid

4. Visiting the museums of Madrid

Madrid is famous for its many museums and in particular for its art gallery located on the Paseo del Prado forming the literary golden triangle with the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum or the Thyssen & Bornemisza Museum.

This is one of the reasons why so many people come to visit Madrid.

You will discover rare and well-known works by Goya, Velasquez, El Bosco, Titian or Picasso and Dali.

It is possible to visit the Archaeological Museum of Madrid (very beautiful collection on Egypt), the Gallardo Museum or the Museum of Romanticism.

For lovers of painting we recommend a visit to the Sorolla museum. If you plan to visit Madrid for a weekend or less than 4 days then we recommend you to visit the most important museums of the city.

One of our exclusive addresses that is not very well known by tourists is the Liria Palace located near the Plaza de España. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about this palace.

Discover without further delay our private tours of the museums and the city. Live a unique and private experience in the company of an English speaking guide during your stay in Madrid and get off the beaten track with exclusive visits.

The Prado Museum in Madrid

The Prado Museum is one of the largest museums in the world, where you will discover mainly European paintings from the 14th to the 19th century.

The main works come from the private collection of the Hasbourgs and Bourbons.

The most represented painters are Goya, Velasquez, Bosch, Titian, el Greco or Tintoretto. For a successful visit we advise you to book a private tour with a guide, this will allow you not to wait to enter the museum and to be able to appreciate each painting and understand the history behind each of the paintings in the museum, the ideal time to visit it is 2 hours.

Le musée du Prado – Que faire à Madrid – visiter Madrid

Visit Madrid – What to see at the Prado Museum in Madrid?

The Triumph of Bacchus – Visit Madrid – Prado Museum

With the help of our team of historians we have made a list of the main works not to be missed during your visit to the Prado Museum.

• Bosch / The Garden of Delights.
• Rogier van der Weyden /
• The Descent from the Cross.
• Titian / Offering to
• Venus & The Bacchanal of the Andrians.
• The works of El Greco.
• Diego Velasquez / The Meninas, a work full of history.
• Diego Velázquez / The Triumph of Bacchus.
• Goya / 2 & 3 de Mayo, one of the most historic works in the Prado Museum.

For more information about private visits to the Prado Museum, please see our article dedicated to the Prado Museum.

You will discover rare and well-known works by Goya, Velasquez, El Bosco, Titian, Picasso and Dali.

It is possible to visit the archaeological museum of Madrid (very beautiful collection on Egypt), the Gallardo museum or the museum of Romanticism. For lovers of painting we recommend a visit to the Sorolla museum.

If you plan to visit Madrid for a weekend or less than 4 days then we recommend you to visit the most important museums of the city.

One of our exclusive addresses that is not very well known by tourists is the Liria Palace located near the Plaza de España. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about this palace.

Discover without further delay our private tours of the museums and the city. Live a unique and private experience in the company of an English speaking guide during your stay in Madrid and get off the beaten track with exclusive visits.

The Reina Sofia Museum

In contrast to the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum brings together modern works retracing the contemporary history of Spain.

Very complementary to the Prado Museum, it will help you understand the Civil War and the Cubist movement with paintings by Juan Gris or Picasso. Located in a former hospital, the Reina Sofia museum is composed of three floors and a magnificent garden.

Less touristy museum than the Prado Museum it is ideal to visit it in the afternoon for its coolness especially if you plan to visit Madrid in the summer.

Visiting Madrid, what to see at the Reina Sofia Museum?

It is in the Reina Sofia Museum that Picasso’s famous Guernica is exhibited, very imposing and rich in emotion this painting will not leave you indifferent.

Visiting it with a guide will plunge you into the history of Spain and will teach you the complete meaning of this work.

If you plan to visit the Reina Sofia Museum here is a selection of the works not to be missed:

• Smiling woman, Pablo Picasso.
• Portrait of Sonia de Klamery, Anglada Camarasa
• LLegada de la pesca.
• Joaquín Sorolla
• Bottle of Anise, Juan Gris
• Painting ( Snail, woman, flower, star), Joan Miró.
• Guernica, Pablo Picasso.
• Pavilion of the Spanish Republic.

It is important to point out that the Reina Sofia Museum is one of the only museums in the capital where women are the most represented.

You will find many paintings by women and some works by female and feminist artists.

It is also one of the only museums in the city where feminism can be explained through the works. (Visits on the theme of feminism are exclusive to Madrid Discovery, for more information do not hesitate to contact us by email: info@madrid-discovery.com). It will be possible for you to visit Madrid while learning about the history of Spanish feminism.

Visit Madrid – The Reina Sofia Museum

The Thyssen & Bornemisza Museum

The Thyssen & Bornemisza Museum completes the list of the three largest museums in Madrid.

This museum offers works from the 15th century to the 20th century. It is very complete and vast and you quickly get lost among all the works.

We advise you to visit it with a guide so that you don’t lose time and have a visit focused on the masterpieces of the museum. Once the visit is over you can go and have a drink on the terrace of the museum.

Visiting Madrid, what to see at the Thyssen & Bornemisza Museum?

As we told you before, the Thyssen museum is very large and you will find a multitude of works, to help you prepare your visit here are the important paintings to see:

• (15th) Retrato by Giovanna degli Albizzi Tornabuoni. Ghirlandaio.
• (16th century) Santa Catalina de Alejandría. Caravaggio.
• (18th century) El columpio. Fragonard
• (XIXth) The vessenots in Auvers. Van Gogh
• (XXth) Harlequin. Picasso

The Sorolla Museum in Madrid

It is not far from the Avenue de la Castellana that this magnificent museum is located. The museum was founded in the house of the painter Sorolla.

Very little known by the tourists it will transport you into the universe of the painter Sorolla. A visit of one hour awaits you, take advantage of the garden to rest.

For more information about the museum here is the website.

The Archaeology Museum of Madrid (MAN)

The Archaeology Museum of Madrid is very interesting for history lovers.

You will find a section devoted to ancient Rome, another to prehistory and a beautiful collection on Egypt, ideal for spending an afternoon with your family.

We recommend this museum for children, perfect to cultivate them and make them aware of art. If you are going to visit Madrid in the summer this museum will be ideal to spend a cool afternoon in the cool of the city.

 

The palace of Liria

Located a few steps from the plaza de españa the palace of Liria is a private palace. Visiting it is a more exclusive experience!

You need to book your entrance months in advance and visits are in small groups with a guide of the palace.

 

5. Visiting the bullring in Madrid

Bullfighting is a tradition rooted in Spanish culture, although boycotted for some years it is quite common to find bullrings in Spanish cities. Some of them are no longer in operation and others, such as those in Madrid and Marbella, offer bullfights throughout the year. This part of the guide is not intended to promote bullfighting but to provide information about visiting the bullring in Madrid as a historic building.

Visit Madrid, the Las Ventas Arena

Madrid’s main bullring is located in the north-east of the city on the edge of the ring road. It is possible to get there by metro by getting off at the Ventas stop (lines 2 and 5).

Las Ventas or “plaza de toros” are Madrid’s bullring where bullfights take place. It is interesting to visit the monument for its historical character.

This bullring can hold up to 23,798 people and is one of the largest bullrings in Spain and the 3rd largest in the world in terms of capacity.

It is possible to visit the bullring and audio guides are available in different languages.

6. Visiting Madrid’s parks

Visiting Madrid and strolling in its parks is the most pleasant thing to do on sunny days (from March to November).

To make the most of your stay and give yourself a short break, we recommend that you take a stroll in one of the city’s parks.

You will find 4 large parks in different parts of the capital, each area is different in its atmosphere and you will find a completely different atmosphere. Here are the details of the parks in Madrid to visit:

Visit Madrid – Retiro Park

Visit Madrid, the Retiro Park

The Retiro Park is the green lung of Madrid, located in the city center it offers a very large area to rest and do different activities. Very well known by the people of Madrid it is common to go there on weekends to enjoy the sunshine.

What to see at Retiro Park?

If you are coming to Retiro Park for the afternoon or just for a few hours, here is the list of things we recommend you do:

• Take a boat ride on the Retiro Park lake.
• Eat a good ice cream and recharge your batteries to go back to visit Madrid.
• If you have young children there is a puppet show that is very popular with young Madriders. You will find it near the main entrance puerta de Alcala.

• Cycling, scooter or rollerblading. The Retiro Park is very big, you will have plenty of space to enjoy it.

Once a year the feria del libro takes place, it gathers thousands of exhibitors and it is a good opportunity to bring back some souvenirs and to meet your favourite writer.

Visit Madrid, the temple of debod

The Temple of Debod is one of our favorite places to watch the sunset, it is a unique place in Madrid that will allow you to watch the most beautiful sunset of your stay.

Located a few steps away from the plaza de españa it is very easy to get there on foot. This park is named after the Egyptian temple that is present in its center.

The Temple of Debod also known as the Temple of Amun is an ancient Egyptian temple dating from the 2nd century and dedicated to the Egyptian god Amun. It offers a unique setting in one of the most relaxing parks in the city. It is possible to visit it, underground rooms retrace its history.

The temple was donated by Egypt to Spain to thank them for their help in conservation projects of Egyptian archaeological sites.

Visit Madrid

Visit Madrid, the temple of debod

• Visit the Temple of Debod.
• Attend the sunset.
• If you have time to attend a yoga class with the sunset.

Botanical Garden of Madrid

Located on the Paseo del Prado behind the Prado Museum, the Royal Botanical Garden has a very large collection of trees and plants.

Very relaxing it is pleasant to visit during the summer period to have the maximum number of flowers open.

Bonsai enthusiasts will be delighted and impressed by the garden’s magnificent collection of century-old bonsai trees. If you want to travel and feel like in the tropics, the botanical garden has a few greenhouses, one of which has rare exotic plants.

If you plan to visit Madrid in the spring you will have the opportunity to see the garden in bloom.

What to do in the Botanical Garden of Madrid?

• Visit the greenhouses with exotic and rare plants.
• Admire the bonsai collection.
• Take beautiful photos.

Visit Madrid Rio

You will find the green space of Madrid Rio along the Manzanares River. This place is ideal for living like a Madrid native, you will not come across a single tourist and can feel the very family atmosphere that and present.

If you live in Madrid and you have a dog, this is one of the best places to walk and play with him. You will find a skate park along Madrid Rio.

If you have the time and want to discover a place 100% Madrilenian we advise you to go to Matadero. Look online for information about the programming of this place to go there during a festival, a market or exhibitions.

What to do in Madrid Rio?

• To go jogging, you will find hotels not far from the zone with notably the NH.
• Visit el Matadero.
• Take a tour of Madrid by bike or segway.

We have presented the parks of downtown Madrid, if your hotel is off-centre or you are staying outside of downtown Madrid you will find beautiful parks. One of the most famous places in Spain is the casa de campo. This large forest to the west of Madrid is ideal for cycling and running. It is also possible to go bird watching with a specialist.

7. Attend a Real Madrid game

Real Madrid is an institution in Madrid, the world’s greatest players as well as legendary coaches have passed through the capital’s clubs.

Spaniards are well known to be good at sports and this is felt with the Real Madrid teams, between football, basketball and volleyball Real Madrid dominates most of the championships.

Football in Madrid

Football is deeply rooted in Spanish culture, it is a sacred sport and every part of Real Madrid transforms the city, it is possible to feel a festive atmosphere.

Located in downtown Madrid near the Torre Europa, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium welcomes thousands of visitors every day and can accommodate up to 80,000 people on a match day.

If you like football we recommend you to visit the Real Madrid stadium during your stay in the capital, it is a unique experience that will not leave you indifferent.

One of the most authentic experiences is to attend a football match and if possible the clásico between Madrid and Barcelona.

If you have any questions about the organization of your visit or wish to see a match at the football stadium del santiago bernabéu do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are an avid football fan you might want to visit the atletico stadium in Madrid. The stadium of the atletico de Madrid the Wanda Metropolitano is located outside the city centre of Madrid.

Visit Madrid – Real Madrid

Visit Madrid and watch a Basketball game

If you like basketball it is possible to attend a Real de Madrid game.

The games are usually played at the wixcenter and are very popular, we advise you to book your ticket up to two weeks before the game.

The national basketball championship is the ACB liga, the Real Madrid basketball team has won the championship 12 times behind FC Barcelona who won it 15 times.

It is therefore possible to attend a basketball match in the national league as well as in the European league. If you are visiting Madrid and you love basketball, you can find out about the upcoming games.

8. Attend a tennis match in Madrid

Experience a unique moment during your stay in Madrid and come to one of the most coveted tournaments in Spain, the Mutua. This tournament takes place every year in October in the Spanish capital.

It is one of the last tournaments of the season on the ATP men’s and WTA women’s tour. The winner of the 2019 edition is Djokovic for the men and Kiki Bertens for the women.

Tickets are leaving very quickly, so we advise you to book your tickets a few weeks before your stay. Whether you are a team Nadal or team Federer you will have the opportunity to see the world’s best players during your stay.

 

Visit Madrid – Tennis

9. Flamenco show and visit Madrid

Attending a flamenco show is one of the must-do things to do during a stay in the capital.

The offer is very large and it is difficult to find your way around, choosing a flamenco tablao is not so easy.

To help you organize your stay here is a practical guide to flamenco shows in Madrid:

Visit Madrid and attend a flamenco show in Madrid

If you are planning to visit Madrid and enjoy the flamenco culture then you will be delighted to be able to attend a flamenco show during your stay in the capital.

Flamenco originated in the south of Spain and more specifically in Andalusia. Flamenco performances mix dance, singing or music (guitar and percussion), they are very intense shows with a worked out and unique acting.

Madrid is famous for its shows and the quality of the performances. The most famous flamenco dancers are present in the tablaos of the capital.

Here is a selection of the three most famous flamenco tablaos in Madrid where you will be sure to attend a quality show.

Cardamomo Madrid – Flamenco Tablao de Madrid

This tablao is an institution in Madrid and you won’t be disappointed with the show.

EL Corral de la Moreria – Tablao flamenco Madrid

A little more touristic than the previous ones but offering a show and a quality welcome.

 

If you would like to live a unique experience in the company of a private English speaking guide and visit Madrid before attending a Flamenco show then do not hesitate to contact us for more information, you can also find our visits on our website.

Learn Flamenco

If you are planning to visit Madrid and would like to learn to dance flamenco with professionals during your stay in Madrid then you will have many options.

There are different tablao’s that offer this kind of service and will make you discover flamenco dance during a discovery session.

If you want to know more about the lessons to discover flamenco or learn to dance then please contact us and we will put you in touch with the best tablao in the city.

Our selection of Madrid tablaos

You will find in our blog a complete article about the best flamenco tablao in the city.

The offer is very large and it is easy to get lost in them. In order to help you choose the one that suits you best, we have detailed each of the establishments and what they offer (shows, meals, flamenco classes…).

Our guide to the best flamenco tablao in Madrid.

If you want to know more about lessons to discover flamenco or learn to dance then don’t hesitate to contact us, we will put you in touch with the best tablao in the city.

10. Visiting madrid as a family with children

We have thought of all the travellers who go to visit madrid with their families. In this guide you will find things to do with small children.

Madrid has something to occupy the youngest and oldest and whatever season you come to visit Madrid you will have something to do with the youngest.

Here is a list of the best things to do in Madrid with children. This list was made in partnership with Maria, one of our guides, mother of 2 children aged 4 and 6.

Find our complete guide of things to do in Madrid with children directly on our blog.

Our article: visiting madrid with your family

Visit Madrid Zoo

The Madrid Zoo attracts many visitors from all over the world every year, so if you’re going to visit Madrid with your family it will be a great opportunity to discover it.

Located in the Casa de Campo it will make you spend a good afternoon with your family discovering species from all over the world.

Madrid Zoo was opened in 1770, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world, it was originally in Retiro Park and was moved in 1972 to Casa de Campo de Madrid.

The zoo organizes different activities every day of the year, you can see dolphins, birds of prey and parrots.

We recommend that you look at the programming and the schedule before buying your tickets. We recommend that you allow a day to visit the park.

For the prices :

Adults: 23.85 € / Children from 3 to 7 years old and over 65 years old: 19.30 € / Under 3 years old: free entrance

Visit madrid with your family, the Raton perez Museum

All the children know the story of the little smile who comes to give them a coin in exchange for their tooth.

In Spain children know the little mouse under the name of Raton Perez, she is so famous that he has a museum dedicated to her life in downtown Madrid.

The museum of Raton Perez is the place where according to tradition the little mouse and her whole family lived.

The museum consists of two rooms where the history of the little mouse is explained, you will find many details about his life.

Ideal if you are visiting Madrid with young children, we recommend a visit from the age of 4. It will cost you 4€/p to visit it.

 

Visiting Madrid with your family, the city’s amusement park

If you prefer thrill rides then you will find what you are looking for during your stay in Madrid. Also located in Casa de Campo, Madrid’s amusement park will offer you an interesting alternative to the classic tours of the city.

The amusement park is one of the most complete in Spain with more than 45 attractions. There are roller coasters and a sensational ride through the rapids.

The park is made up of 5 large theme areas: Maquinismo, Gran Avenida, Naturaleza, Tranquilidad and Infantil.

The park has also developed attractions based on the theme of the TV series The Walking Dead, ideal for zombie fans.

Aquapolis for top family holidays

To finish this section on the unusual activities to do during a stay in Madrid with a family with children here is our last address; the Aquapolis water park. Ideal to cool off on a Spanish summer day.

 

In our blog you will find an article dedicated to Madrid’s swimming pools and water park, so don’t hesitate to visit it.

Practical information for travelling with small children :

Plan to take the necessary steps to obtain a European Social Security card for each of your children. The Spanish health system is very efficient.

11. Eating in the markets of Madrid

In the Spanish capital you will find many markets where you can buy fresh products, eat tapas, specialities or enjoy a good beer.

Some markets are very touristy and others are more intimate where the people of Madrid gather. Friday and Saturday afternoons are usually the busiest, but these are also the times when you will feel the Spanish atmosphere the most.

We’ve made a list of the three main markets to visit. You will find a selection of three markets located in three different areas of Madrid, each with its own atmosphere. If you like to eat and taste new things then visiting Madrid will be pure joy for you.

Visit Madrid, the Market of San Miguel – Historic Center of the city

The market of San Miguel is certainly the most famous market of the capital.

It is also the most touristic, but it is very interesting to go and visit it, you will not find such a wide range of fresh products and tapas.

You will find there great cooks specialized in their region such as a Basque chef, gallego or a chef from Madrid.

Whether you want to eat authentic Mexican cuisine you will find one of the best Mexican cooks at the San Miguel market. Located just a few steps from the Plaza Mayor it is a must stop during your stay in Madrid.

San Miguel Market Address: Plaza de San Miguel, S/N, 28005 Madrid

The market of San Antón – Chueca

This market is located in the heart of Madrid’s famous LGBT Chueca district. Composed of different floors you can buy your fresh food, enjoy tapas, but also enjoy one of the best terraces in the city.

Very popular with Madrid’s locals, it offers quality products and a chic atmosphere similar to the Bon Marché in Paris.

Address of the Mercado de San Antón: Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24, 28004 Madrid

Mercado de la paz – Goya

This address is not very well known by tourists and is the ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine after shopping in the chic district of Madrid.

Located on Calle de Ayala its entrance is very discreet. The Mercado de la Paz is one of the authentic and unique addresses in Madrid that we like to share with our clients and readers.

For more information about the Mercado de la Paz we recommend you to visit their website, where you will find useful information and the composition of the market:

Address of the mercado de la paz: Calle de Ayala, 28B, 28001 Madrid

12. Drinking on a roof top

If you like to have a drink on the rooftops, eat with friends with a beautiful view or party in trendy places then you will love Madrid!

With more than 20 rooftops in the city centre there is something for everyone.

If you would like to know more about the best rooftops in the city don’t hesitate to check out our blog which will detail the best rooftops in the city.

You will find rooftops with swimming pools, LGBT rooftops and party rooftops.

Many rooftops in the city are owned by hotels and are located in the city center. So it will be easy to test them all if you are a fan of these places.

To complete this guide we have made a selection of the two best rooftops in Madrid to go to during a short stay.

The Circulo de bella arte

We begin this list with one of the most famous rooftops in the city, the circulo de bella arte, a true institution that brings together Madrid’s inhabitants and travellers from all over the world. Expect an international and trendy atmosphere, with a magnificent view of the Retiro garden or Cibeles.

There is also a swimming pool on this terrace, if you visit Madrid in winter you can enjoy the terrace as well, they have a heated area for the cooler winter evenings.

Riu 360 skybar

The RIU hotel located on the plaza de españa is quite new and has the advantage of being the highest rooftop in the city. A 360° view awaits you with a relaxed atmosphere.

It is one of the rooftops of the city with the best view, very well located in Madrid it will be very easy for you to reach this rooftop to admire Madrid.

It is very often crowded at the entrance of the rooftop, we advise you to come early enough, the entrance to the rooftop does not include a drink so you won’t be able to use your entrance to buy a drink.

If you enter before 6pm then the price will be : 5€ and if you enter after 18h00 you will have to pay: 10€. You don’t need to make a reservation to enter the rooftop, the number of people is limited to 400, if the rooftop is full you will have to queue to wait for people to come out.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 2am and weekends and holidays from 11am to 2am.

If you are looking for an original and centrally located hotel we recommend the RIU hotel.

Our selection of roof tops

To discover the best rooftops in the city you will find a guide to the terraces of Madrid in our blog.

13. shopping in Madrid

If you visit Madrid you will surely want to go shopping, the prices are on average cheaper than in Europe, especially at Zara.

You will have many opportunities, especially with the sales which are very interesting in Spain. In this section we will give you an overview of the main places to go shopping in Madrid.

Visit Madrid and go shopping in Gran via

Calle Gran Via is one of the most central avenues in Madrid. Here you will find all the major clothing brands and a multitude of shops. Ideal for taking home a souvenir or to buy yourself some clothes. Here are the shops where you can go shopping.

-Primark

– Zara

– Benetton

– El Salvador faltering

– All

– Corte inglés de Callao

– Ale-Hop

– La casa del libro (book shop)

Malasana

If you like vintage fashion, second hand shops and fried then you will be delighted to discover Malasana. The Malasana district is the ideal place to buy vintage clothes, you will find a multitude of shops, here are the best ones :

Magpie, a very complete second-hand clothing store. You can find branded clothes, accessories and even handbags. There is a men’s section and a section for women. It is one of the most loved fripe shops in Madrid.Address: Calle Velarde 3, Madrid

Flamingos Vintage kilo, the concept is simple, you pay according to the weight, the prices are very low and you will find everything. This is the place not to be missed for fans of American vintage clothing.
Address: Calle Espíritu Santo 1, Madrid

If you like fripe then here is an address near the plaza mayor: Vintalogy, it is one of the biggest second hand shops in the city. They have just opened a part of the store to high-end second hand clothes. A golden opportunity to find a Chanel or Dior at an unbeatable price.

Visit the Goya / Salamanca district and do some shopping

For everything that is luxury shopping that happens in the Goya district, this district will make your head spin with the countless luxury stores. If you want to buy high fashion clothes, that’s where you have to go.

Las Rozas village

Las Rozas village is a 30 minute drive from downtown Madrid. This place gathers the factory shops of big brand. You will find a direct line from downtown Madrid.

You will find brands such as Lacoste, Mont Blanc, Hugo Boss and many others at unbeatable prices.

14. Tasting churros

One of the things to do in Madrid is to taste churros con chocolate. We won’t hide the fact that this is our favourite part of this guide and we’ve enjoyed tasting the best churros in the city for you!

We have made a selection of the two best places to taste them. There are plenty of places in Madrid to taste churros, but we have made this selection taking into account your limited time in the city.

St Gines

The San Gines Chocolate Factory is an institution in Madrid and is one of the oldest and most famous chocolate makers in Madrid.

You will find this churreria (Spanish term) right next to the puerta del sol. Enjoy churros in a late 19th century style bar.

Valors

You will find Valor chocolate shops all over Madrid. The products they offer are of very good quality and their churros are also very good. We recommend that you visit them to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate with churros.

Good tip: the churros break will be ideal during a stay in Madrid in winter.

15. Strolling around Madrid’s neighbourhoods

Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Malasana, admire the shops of the Salamanca district, stroll through the literary district of Madrid or have a drink in Chueca.

Madrid has the advantage of having a city centre on a human scale and offers a great diversity of places and atmospheres. Here is a list of the areas of Madrid where it is pleasant to stroll.

Visit Madrid, Gran via

The Gran Via district is also the most central district of the city of Madrid.

Very lively you will find a multitude of things to do there. If you want to go shopping, you will have a wide choice of big brands like Zara, H&M or Primark.

It is the ideal place to buy souvenirs and postcards. If you are hungry then you will find gourmet restaurants in the hotels on the avenue, fast food like five guys and mcdonald’s.

The Gran Via also has more intimate and secret addresses such as the Salvador Bachiller restaurant located in the basement of his shop not far from plaza de españa.

The Gran Via is illuminated with beautiful lights at Christmas time.

The chic district of Goya

The Goya district is the chic district of the city, located in the modern part of the city recognizable with its perpendicular and parallel streets.

Here you will find the famous Calle Serrano where you will find the city’s luxury shops, but also trendy restaurants and bars.

If you like luxury and shopping then this area is for you.

Situated close to the Retiro Park it is the ideal place to go after a short walk in the park.

Visit Madrid, the hipster district of Malasana

Malasana is one of the trendiest districts of the city, you will find everything and for all styles. Ideal for shopping, but also for enjoying tapas and having a good time on the terrace.

For more information about this area we advise you to visit our blog where you will find a complete guide to the activities to do in this area.

If you like Japanese, Chinese and Mexican food you will find many restaurants in this area.

Visit Madrid’s LGBT Chueca neighborhood

The Chueca district is a historic place for the LGBT community, you will find many shops, restaurants and bars.

Very popular with the Madrid people, this trendy area of Madrid will amaze you with its shops.

Latina and Rastro

The Latina district is the bohemian district of the city, it is here that you will find the Rastro market on weekends.

Lively and touristic area you will find a lot of things to do and very good tapas bars.

Lavapiés

The Lavapiés district is the multicultural district of Madrid. It is a unique neighbourhood with ethnic shops and African restaurants.

The Lavapiés and Latina neighborhoods are famous for street art, there is a lot of graffiti and it is even possible to follow a guide on a tour of the city’s street art. You will find many cultural and artistic centers in these neighborhoods.

16. Eating paella and tapas

Finding the ideal restaurant is never easy, especially when you don’t know a city. To make it easier for you to prepare your stay in Madrid here is a list of the best restaurants and bars in Madrid where to eat paella and tapas.

Visit Madrid and eat paella

Finding the ideal restaurant is never easy, especially when you don’t know a city. To make it easier for you to prepare your stay in Madrid here is a list of the best restaurants and bars in Madrid where to eat paella and tapas.

Bar la Gloria

Located in Malasana this restaurant offers traditional Spanish dishes, you can taste the famous paella.

Address: Calle del Noviciado, 2, 28015 Madrid

Restaurant Casa de Valencia

There are several types of paella is the most authentic of all is the paella valenciana. Book your table and taste the best in Madrid!

La Barraca

Located in the district of Chueca, this typical place will offer you a gustative trip with their paella. Ideal on a sunny day in Chueca.
Address: Calle Reina, 29

Visit Madrid and eat tapas

Eating tapas will be an integral part of your stay in Madrid. You will find a list of the following tapas bars. We have made a list of places known to Madrid’s locals and the least touristy as possible.

Latéral

You’ll find many tapas bars in madrid. Its service is of very good quality and the dishes served are very good. Their menu is very varied and the service is very fast, it is not possible to reserve a table.

 

Bodega la Ardosa

This bodega is more than 120 years old and is the ideal place to enjoy tapas in a 100% Madrid setting.

Address: Calle de Colón, 13, 28004 Madrid

Casa González

Casa Gonzalez is one of the bars to visit during your stay in Madrid. In addition to being a bar you will be able to buy local products. An institution known to all Madrid locals.

Address: Calle del León, 12, 28014 Madrid

17. Shopping at the Rastro

One of the most popular activities in Madrid is the antique hunting at the Rastro market. The mercado del Rastro is the oldest flea market in Madrid, it is located in the Latina district and is open every weekend.

There you can find antiques to decorate your home, paintings, fried goods and old vinyl records.

The prices are not very high and it is possible to negotiate, if you are going to visit Madrid during the weekend we advise you to go there on Sunday morning, this will be the best time to avoid the crowds.

The Rastro market is also known for the large number of restaurants and bars where it is possible to have brunch. If you prefer to have lunch then we recommend the churros of the Chucherilla santa ana, they are delicious and won’t cost you more than 4€.

18. Visiting Madrid and getting out of the city centre

Segovia

The medieval city of Segovia is very interesting to visit, historical heritage of Spain this city will amaze you with its famous aqueduct. A city to visit for the day from Madrid.

For more information about this visit do not hesitate to contact us and take a tour on our blog, you will find an article on visiting Segovia.

Toledo

Toledo is a very important medieval city in Spain, located 30 minutes by train from the capital. This will be an opportunity to visit this beautiful medieval city and relive the time of kings and queens.

For more information about visiting Toledo do not hesitate to visit our article dedicated to the city.

Visit Madrid and the Escorial

Located a few kilometers south of the city of Madrid l’Escurial is a city with a castle that belonged to the kings of Spain. There you will find a monastery famous for the tombs it contains.

We have published a guide about El Escorial to help you prepare your stay in the best conditions.

Aranjuez, a town not to be missed

A true medieval city, it is essential to visit it. Located north of Madrid it is easy to get there. For more information about visiting Aranjuez do not hesitate to contact us by email to organize your stay and we will be happy to answer.

19. Take a bike ride and visit Madrid

The city of Madrid is one of the European capitals where it is pleasant to cycle and enjoy the great green spaces. It is common to rent bikes directly from your hotel or from bike rental companies.

You will find self-service bicycles in the city, a small peculiarity is that they are electric bicycles, very practical for the many hills of the city.

Rent a bike or a segway to visit Madrid

Like every big tourist city it is possible to go on a guided tour by bike, very pleasant and friendly you will discover the city from another angle and enjoy a visit in the open air.

If you prefer the more modern and futuristic means of transport then you will be delighted with the segway tour offered in the city.

Most segway rental companies offer the latest generation models with very good performance. Ideal to visit Madrid in an unusual and unique way.

Los matadero, cultural centre

If you have the opportunity to take a guided tour by bicycle or segway, you may pass through this place known to all Madrid’s inhabitants.

Los Matadero is an old slaughterhouse converted into a cultural place where many artists exhibit and where many activities are organized, it is possible to find alternative markets, wine markets or markets of young creators.

If you would like to take a bike or segway tour and visit Madrid in a more unusual way then don’t hesitate to contact us, we will help you organize your activity.

20. Going out and visiting Madrid at night

Madrid is a capital that never sleeps, Spanish nights are famous for being long and partying in Madrid is one of the best experiences you can have at night.

Real party capital you will have the choice to go out, every style, every music is represented. Here is an overview of the trendy club bars and neighborhoods that live at night.

For more information about the city’s clubs don’t hesitate to visit our blog where we have written an article about Madrid’s nightclubs.

Madrid’s nightclubs – article

Madrid’s clubs

There are many clubs in Madrid that offer different styles of music, whether you like electro, house, hip-hop or bachata then you will find what suits you. The most famous club in Madrid is Kapital, located in downtown Madrid in an old theatre this 7-storey club will surprise you.

Top 3 of the most famous clubs in Madrid to spend an evening during your stay in Madrid :

Kapital – Nightclub on 7 floors calle Mayor.
Theatro Barcelo – Chic nightclub in Chueca.
Gotham – in the student quarter of the city.

Bars

If you want to go out for a drink with friends or to meet new people you will be spoilt for choice, there are so many different bars and neighbourhoods that it can be difficult to choose.

Here is a short list to help you:

To have a drink in a chic atmosphere: the rooftops of Gran Via will be perfect, you will also have the bars located in the Recoletos district.
If you want to meet people and party: Malasana and the Latina will be the perfect places.
If you want to have a drink in a trendy area then we recommend Chueca.

Visit Madrid, the unusual things to do in Madrid

At the end of this guide we have prepared a top 4 of the most unusual experiences you can have during your stay in Madrid. Whether it’s for a birthday, a wedding proposal, a bachelorette party, a seminar or any other event you will have the unique and exclusive activity to share. Here they are:

Visit Madrid and see a musical comedy

The Gran Via is famous for its many theatres offering unique shows and known all over the world. Treat yourself to a unique moment in the Spanish capital in the company of your family and friends.

Wine Tasting

An exclusive and authentic experience for wine lovers from all over the world. Discover Spanish wines during an oenology session with a WSET certified professional. For more information, please contact us by email:

Visit Madrid and go for a hot air balloon ride in Segovia

Who has never dreamed of taking a hot air balloon ride over beautiful landscapes? Highly appreciated by our clients, we have organised this type of experience especially for seminars. It is in Segovia that this experience starts.

A helicopter tour to visit Madrid

We end this guide with one of the most intense experiences of our guide, a helicopter tour over the Spanish capital. This unique activity will offer you one of the most beautiful views of the capital. It is also possible to visit the historical monuments of Aranjuez or El Escorial thanks to this service.

This is the end of this guide to Madrid, we hope it has helped you prepare for your stay in the Spanish capital. If you would like to visit Madrid with a private guide send us an email at info@madrid-discovery.com and we will be happy to organize your experience in the Spanish capital.

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See you soon in Madrid!