Spain's capital exceeds most travelers' expectations and is buzzing, regal, and steeped in history—and yet still oddly underrated among Europe's capitals. Finding the best things to do in Madrid is easy for sightseeing enthusiasts, with tours of heavyweights like its Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, world-famous Prado, and other art museums here in force. Those wanting to explore in different ways can cycle verdant Retiro park, watch flamenco shows, sample tapas and wines on tasting tours, and head outside the city on day trips to the El Escorial monastery-palace, Avila, Salamanca, Toledo, and Segovia.
Madrid’s shoulder seasons are ideal for travelers; in the spring and fall, the city experiences warm, dry weather, which is better for sightseeing than the city’s baking summers. Early and late spring also bring numerous fiestas and cultural events, from February’s Carnival to May’s Dos de Mayo celebrations and San Isidro Festival, when concerts and parades hit the streets. While Madrid’s winters are chilly, it’s a good time to visit the city, as there are fewer crowds and the bright, clear days are conducive to exploring outside.
Madrid’s user-friendly metro, tram, and bus networks make it easy to get around, pretty much eliminating the need for a rental car. The key is to buy a Tourist Travel Pass (also called the Tourist Ticket), which lets you hop between the different modes of transport as many times as you wish for a fixed number of days. Other alternatives include cabs, hop-on hop-off buses, and walking—Spain’s capital is compact enough to explore on foot.
After mooching around Madrid’s gorgeous Plaza Mayor, duck into one of the lanes leading south from the square. Here, you’ll find cheap and cheerful cubbyholes serving classic Madrid bites perfect for lunch on the go. One of the best is La Campana on Calle de Botoneras, whose famous bocadillo de calamares (sandwich stuffed with deep-fried squid) will set you up for the afternoon.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +34 | Language(s) Catalan | Attractions 87 | Tours 1,287 | Reviews 81,177 |
Lara was born and raised in Madrid. You’ll find her exploring the world, tasting all sorts of local food, and playing with clay in her spare time.
hit the bars (or San Miguel Market) and try some tapas. Start with patatas bravas at Las Bravas, then head to Plaza Mayor for the best squid sandwich in La Campana.
starts with churros and chocolate for breakfast at San Ginés, includes a museum (both the Prado and Reina Sofia are fantastic), and ends with some shopping in the Salamanca neighborhood.
renting a rowing boat at the lake in Retiro Park.
take a walking tour to learn about the most historic neighborhood, Madrid de los Austrias. Then, recharge your batteries with tapas in the La Latina neighborhood.
head to the Faro de Moncloa Observation Deck, or catch the sunset on either the Círculo de Bellas Artes or Cibeles Palace terrace.
Madrid is known for its art galleries, architecture, royal palaces, buzzing nightlife, and its famous fried calamari sandwiches. People often flock to see the Golden Triangle of Art—an area that’s home to three art museums; the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
...MoreYes, a 2-day trip is a perfect introduction to Madrid. Take a stroll through Plaza Mayor; visit Mercado de San Miguel to feast on tapas and wine; admire artistic masterpieces at the Prado Museum; and if the weather’s nice, visit Retiro Park or Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid.
...MoreMadrid is famous for its bocadillo de calamares, or calamari sandwiches, made with deep-fried squid in a crusty baguette. It’s also known for cocido madrileño (a traditional chickpea-based stew), decadent donut-like churros with chocolate sauce, and its tapas scene as a whole. Be sure to visit Cava Baja—Madrid’s tapas street.
...MoreMadrid’s continental Mediterranean climate means a lot of favorite local activities center around spending time outdoors; such as meeting up at Retiro Park. Madrileños (Madrid locals) also live and breathe tapas culture, and it’s perfectly acceptable to sit outside and enjoy tapas and drinks at pretty much any time of day.
...MoreThe most visited attraction in Madrid is the Prado Museum, a world-renowned art museum that’s home to paintings and sculptures by European artists such as Botticelli and Bosch. Puerta del Sol—one of Madrid’s most famous squares—is one of the most visited outdoor spaces and a popular meeting point.
...MoreNo, Madrid isn’t dangerous. It’s seen as a safe city, but just like other European capital cities, pickpockets operate in crowded and touristy areas. Be sure to keep your belongings close to you and watch out for pickpockets in busy areas such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Gran Via.
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