Visiting Madrid for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

From the centuries-old Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace to the famed Puerta del Sol and Almudena Cathedral, Madrid has no shortage of historical sites, lively squares, and charming architecture (think art nouveau and wrought-iron Juliet balconies). It’s easy and safe to walk around the city on your own, but you can also consider a walking or bike tour, during which a guide can explain more about Madrid’s most important attractions.

The city’s most beloved green space is home to a massive lake, the Crystal Palace (a monument made of glass), endless manicured gardens, and plenty of sprawling, grassy areas for relaxing, wandering, playing, and picnicking.

While you can easily see the Retiro’s main attractions on foot, by bike, or even via Segway, don’t skip the quieter, lesser-known highlights, like the former zoo, the peacocks that roam around the Cecilio Rodríguez Garden, or the rose garden in bloom.

Madrid is a city steeped in art, thanks to its Golden Triangle of museums: the Prado, where you can see works by Velázquez and Goya; the Reina Sofía, with works by Picasso and Dalí; and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, home to more than 1,000 pieces of art.

But besides the city’s most famous art museums, there’s also plenty of street art to see, as well as a number of galleries, cultural centers like the CaixaForum, and plenty of tinier art hubs like the Sorolla Museum, which is also the eponymous artist’s former mansion.

Enjoying Madrid’s aforementioned art museums is a must, but for those with other interests, Madrid is home to dozens of other museums and cultural spaces, too. There’s the Railway Museum, which hosts the monthly Mercado de Motores event to explore antique trains and shop for vintage and new items; the Museo de Traje, dedicated to fashion; and the Madrid Wax Museum, ideal for families. You can also see artifacts and learn the secrets of prehistory at the National Archeology Museum.

Related: Must-See Museums in Madrid

Tapas, now popular around the world, are small plates of food served all over Spain. Try some of the best in Madrid, like a portion of tortilla (a Spanish omelet) or a squid sandwich. Pair your tapas with a caña (a small beer) or a glass of wine.

Not sure where to go for tapas? Start at one of Madtrid’s food markets—you can choose between the more touristy Mercado de San Miguel or the more local Mercado de la Cebada, among others. Or, sign up for one of the city’s many food tours, where a guide will take you to all the top spots and make sure you order the right dishes.

Madrid has all the big-name brands, but there are also a number of smaller shops and family-owned stores worth visiting. For vintage items, head to the Malasaña neighborhood, home to many thrift stores. If it’s handmade Spanish goods you’re after, visit Seseña for capes or Casa Hernandez for espadrilles.

And plenty of gourmet shops in all areas of the city sell local wine, olive oil, cured meats and cheeses, or other items you may want to bring home for a taste of Spain. A private shopping tour may be the way to go if you want a guide that can create a shopping experience tailored to your needs.

While there’s plenty to do and see in Madrid proper, getting out of the city for a day is a great way to understand more about Spanish culture, history, and traditions. Consider a trip to Segovia, famous for its massive Roman aqueduct; Toledo for a hilly, medieval adventure; or Chinchón to explore its famous central square. Families may opt for Aranjuez to visit the iconic Aranjuez Palace, while history buffs will appreciate the medieval walls that circle Ávila.

Soccer (or fútbol, as the locals say) is one of Spain’s most enjoyable pastimes. And one of the most famous teams is Real Madrid (though some might argue FC Barcelona wins that award). You can try to get tickets to a match during your trip to Madrid, but another way to enjoy soccer and its famous presence in the city is by touring the stadium, Bernabeu. Visits often include the chance to check out the stadium’s locker rooms, the bench, the pitch, and even the presidential box.

Get a different perspective on the Spanish capital by flying over treetops and red roofs on Madrid’s cable car (Teleférico de Madrid). The sky vehicle takes you over the verdant areas of Madrid Río and the massive Casa de Campo park during a short-but-enjoyable 11-minute narrated ride. Afterward, you can explore the sprawling park and its surroundings on foot or by e-bike, before riding the car back to Pintor Rosales Plaza España and the famous Templo de Bod.

Flamenco song, music, and dance hails from southern Spain, but some of the best artists come to the capital city to share their art with tourists and urban locals. So, get in on the soulful, passionate stomps and claps by seeing a flamenco show. Most shows come with a drink and entrance ticket, though you can also enjoy dinner and a show at world-famous venues including Corral de la Morería. This particular venue has delicious, quality Spanish cuisine and some of the oldest sherry bottles in all of Spain.