Top 5 Can’t Miss
- Find one-of-a-kind antiques at El Rastro, Madrid’s open-air flea market.
- Immerse yourself in the city’s rich artistic past by visiting Picasso’s “Guernica” at the Museo Reina Sofía or the Museo Nacional del Prado.
- Sip on cocktails at one of Madrid’s most storied watering holes, the Bar Cock.
- Take a day trip to one of the city’s nearby parks including Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, known for birdwatching.
- Enjoy the Spanish sunshine at Casa de Campo, the largest park in Madrid.
Steeped in tradition yet brimming with creativity and innovation, Spain’s capital is alive with possibilities. See world-class art, wander through classical gardens, eat your way through bustling mercados (marketplaces), and follow in the footsteps of literary greats such as “Don Quixote” author Miguel de Cervantes, in the Barrio de las Letras. Once you’ve checked off the major sights, venture beyond the city to historic towns and villages on the fringes of the capital, where you can marvel at a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, sample mouthwatering cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), and even hit the beach—yes, really!
Not sure where to start? We tapped locals and experts from three of the city’s top hotels for their tips: Laura del Pozo, director of public relations and communications at the Rosewood Villa Magna; Bárbara Ramallo, manager at the newly opened Brach Madrid; and Rafael Pérez-Navazo, the Madrid-born founder of The Authentic Heritage Collection, a portfolio of independently owned boutique hotels, including Madrid’s Grand Hotel Inglés and Palacio de Atocha.
Here are the 24 best things to do in Madrid, according to locals who know it best.
Explore Madrid’s art history.
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One of the three institutions that form Madrid’s “Golden Triangle” of knockout art museums, the Museo Nacional del Prado houses more than 8,600 paintings and 700 sculptures, with highlights including Diego Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” and Francisco Goya’s “The Third of May.” While it has the most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings in the world, it’s also renowned for works by European masters such as Peter Paul Rubens, Jan van Eyck, and Hieronymus Bosch. Pro-tip: Arrive at 6 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sundays) to take advantage of free entry to the museum’s permanent collection during its final two hours.
Window-shop in Salamanca.
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Every weekend, fashionable locals and stylish visitors hit the streets of the Madrilenian district of Salamanca to stroll along its grand boulevards and pop into designer shops (think brands such as Loewe and Balenciaga) and made-in-Spain boutiques such as Malababa and Masscob. It’s the place to see and be seen, with fittingly upscale places to eat and drink, such as the newly opened The Library Wine Boutique & Cuisine vino emporium and the buzzy Amazónico restaurant.
Market-hop around Madrid.
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Most tourists know about Mercado de San Miguel, the century-old covered market in the center of the city, home to stalls by Spanish chefs such as Joan Roca and Rodrigo de la Calle. But it’s far from the only gourmet market in the city—and if you’re looking for a more “local” spot, consider the lesser-known (yet equally delicious stalls) at Mercado de Vallehermoso (don’t miss the stellar Peruvian restaurant Tripea) or the Mercado Antón Martín, where there are fruit shops and butchers alongside fabulous eateries like the Michelin-recognized Doppelgänger Bar.
Take in the grandeur of Plaza Mayor.
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An obligatory stop on any Madrid itinerary, the Plaza Mayor is a favorite spot to take a selfie against a backdrop of Herrerian-style architecture and landmarks such as the Cuchilleros Arch, the equestrian statue of Felipe III, and La Casa de la Panadería (once the city’s main bakery, now the headquarters of Madrid Tourism). One of the grandest squares in Spain, it has served as the backdrop of coronations, festivals, and even bullfights.
See peacocks in the heart of Madrid.
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While it hasn’t belonged to the Spanish monarchy since 1868, Retiro Park still has an air of royalty, spanning roughly 350 acres of manicured lawns, trimmed hedges, trickling fountains, rose and topiary gardens, and impressive monuments. Don’t miss the central boating lake, as well as the peacocks in the Cecilio Rodríguez Garden and the Palacio de Cristal and Velázquez palaces—both are extensions of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, showcasing modern art exhibitions free of charge.
Marvel at a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
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Just a quick train ride away from Madrid is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Segovia, known for its 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct and imposing alcázar (it’s said to have partially inspired the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World). Don’t leave without picking up judion de la granja beans (a regional specialty) at Tienda La Morena and sampling succulent cochinillo asado at Restaurante José María.
Explore a hidden gem of nobility—the Palacio de Liria.
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The 18th-century Palacio de Liria—the private residence of the House of Alba—is a treasure trove of art and historical artifacts scattered among 200-some rooms. “It’s one of my first ports of call on a day of sightseeing as it serves as a wonderful introduction to the city’s history and heritage,” says Pérez-Navazo. Among the highlights are paintings by Christoph Amberger and Joaquín Sorolla, as well as handwritten letters penned by Christopher Columbus addressed to Queen Isabella of Castile during his voyages to the Americas. “After a busy day, a contemplative stroll in the gardens is my go-to tonic for unwinding,” he says.
Catch a flamenco show.
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Madrid may not be the birthplace of flamenco (that honor belongs to Andalucía), but the capital is home to some of the most storied tablaos, intimate venues dedicated to the art form. Iconic spots include Corral de la Morería and the recently revived Candela, once a gathering place for legends like Camarón de la Isla and Paco de Lucía. Bárbara Ramallo of Brach Madrid also recommends Flamenco de Leones, where hotel guests can take a master class with the artistic director before enjoying a live performance and dinner.
Cheer on the home team.
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In Madrid, soccer never sleeps. Case in point: the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid CF, is open 363 days a year. Following a $1.9 billion revamp—including a retractable roof and a movable pitch—it’s now an ultra-modern stage for catching a match, ideally against archrival FC Barcelona.
Explore Madrid’s historic palaces.
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One of Europe’s grandest palaces—the home of the royal family until 1931—Madrid’s Palacio Real spans 1.5 million square feet and some 3,400 rooms. As one of the few official state residences open to the public, it offers a rare glimpse into the gilded life of the aristocracy, with its grand salons fitted with 16th-century armor, tapestries, frescoes, and artworks by the likes of Goya, Caravaggio, and Velázquez. Don’t leave without taking a spin through the classical Sabatini Gardens.
Enjoy a cocktail at one of Madrid’s most storied bars.
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Madrid has no shortage of stylish cocktail bars. But only at Bar Cock—an institution since 1921—can you enjoy a perfectly crafted G&T in a low-lit, wood-paneled space that remained open through the Civil War and hosted legends from Francis Bacon to Pedro Almodóvar.
Take a walk on the wild side at Casa de Campo.
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Often overshadowed by Parque de El Retiro, Casa de Campo is Madrid’s true green lung, spanning a vast 4,257 acres—roughly five times the size of New York’s Central Park. Families flock to the expansive green space for its kid-friendly attractions, such as a boating lake, zoo, and aquarium; it’s also a popular spot to go running or biking or meet friends for a meal at one of the lakefront restaurants.
See Picasso’s “Guernica.”
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Each year, millions of visitors pass through the doors of Museo Reina Sofía—Spain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art—to see Picasso’s monumental anti-war painting “Guernica.” But there’s plenty more to take in. The institution’s permanent collection also showcases works by Spanish and international masters including Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Louise Bourgeois.
Buy a cape—yes, really.
Courtesy of Capas Sesena
At Capas Seseña, Spain’s only shop dedicated exclusively to crafting traditional capes, each merino-wool garment takes three to seven weeks to make. Available in both classic and contemporary styles, these bullfighter-style capes have been worn by some of history’s greatest artists and thinkers—including Pablo Picasso, who was even buried in one.
Marvel at the Puerta de Alcalá.
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A symbol of Madrid, the Puerta de Alcalá is one of the city’s five former royal gates. Fun fact: it’s considered one of Europe’s earliest triumphal arches of the modern era, predating even Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. Pair a visit with a stroll through Retiro Park and a spin around the stylish Salamanca district.
Escape to Ávila for the day.
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“Ávila is a lesser-known but one of my favorite weekend getaways,” says Pérez-Navazo. The highlight? Exploring its charming old town and admiring its largely intact medieval wall—widely considered one of the best-preserved in Spain, if not all of Europe. He also raves about the local cuisine. “Be sure to check out the latest hotspot, Restaurant Caleña, for a contemporary take on the region’s traditional stews and fire cooking,” he says.
Sample a Spanish tortilla.
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Debates rage over where to find the best tortilla de patatas in Madrid, but our go-to is Casa Dani, a family-run institution inside Salamanca’s Mercado de la Paz. Serving up more than 200 orders a day (and over 300 on Fridays), it’s a must for anyone craving a perfectly runny, golden tortilla.
Pick up an made-in-Spain souvenir.
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Hidden in the charming streets of Barrio de Las Letras, Real Fábrica Española is one of the best places to find a Spanish-made treasure. The shop is packed with beautifully crafted goods showcasing the country’s rich artisanship and gastronomy—from bomba rice and organic vermouth to wool blankets by Mantas Ezcaray and distinctive green-glazed ceramics from Úbeda.
Take in sweeping views of the city skyline.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort.
Even if you’re not staying at the Four Seasons Madrid, it’s worth booking a table at the top-floor brasserie, helmed by acclaimed Spanish chef Dani García. From the terrace, you’ll get breathtaking views of the city, stretching from Calle Alcalá and Calle de Sevilla all the way to Puerta del Sol—plus some top-tier people-watching.
Catch a show at a theater.
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Madrid’s theatrical tradition dates back to the 16th century when corrales de comedia—Spain’s first purpose-built public theaters—staged productions starring Golden Age greats like Lope de Vega and Pedro Calderón de la Barca. One of the city’s oldest venues, Teatro Español in Barrio de Las Letras, continues to showcase Spanish classics. But theater thrives across Madrid, from the musicals on Gran Vía to Malasaña’s century-old Teatro Lara and Matadero, a former slaughterhouse turned contemporary arts hub along the Manzanares River.
Tour an Ancient Egyptian temple.
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The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that now stands in Madrid’s Parque de la Montaña, surrounded by a beautiful reflecting pool. It was a gift from Egypt to Spain, dismantled and reassembled, and now houses a small museum about ancient Egypt. This is also an especially romantic spot for enjoying the sunset, with panoramic views that look out over the city.
Peruse flea market finds at El Rastro.
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If you’re in Madrid on a Sunday, hit the legendary El Rastro flea market—a city staple since 1740—to browse antiques, vintage clothing, and other timeworn treasures. Pro tip: Some of the best deals can be found on the market’s outskirts.
Experience Madrid’s thriving gallery scene.
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Madrid may be famed for its world-class museums, but its gallery scene is just as compelling. Standouts include Galería Helga de Alvear, El Chico, and Albarrán Bourdais. Laura del Pozo also recommends the Opera Gallery on Calle de Serrano, which is set to debut a landmark exhibition featuring some of Spain’s most influential artists, from Pablo Picasso to Eduardo Chillida.
Hit the beach—or a national park.
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The Comunidad de Madrid is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Go birdwatching in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, home to 133 recorded species; explore the UNESCO-listed Sierra del Rincón, which protects one of Europe’s southernmost beech forest; or even hit the beach at El Pantano de San Juan, just 70 kilometers southwest of the city, which boasts a sandy shoreline along a scenic reservoir.