Madrid is the vibrant capital of Spain and sits in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a city known for its world-class art museums, grand boulevards, and lively social scene. You will find many interesting things to do in Madrid while exploring its historic neighborhoods.
This guide helps you plan your visit by highlighting the most popular spots and local favorites. We provide details on timings, prices, and locations to make your trip easier.
1. Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. It has over 3,000 rooms and served as the home of Spanish kings for centuries. The building features a stunning mix of Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
You can tour the Throne Room, the Royal Armory, and the grand Royal Pharmacy. The interior is filled with frescoes, porcelain, and gold decorations. It is one of the must-see places in Madrid for any history lover.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Centro, 28071 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Price: For adults, €18/ INR 1,960 for self-guided visits and €26/ INR 2,832 for guided visits; set aside 2 to 3 hours to visit the palace
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2. Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the most important art galleries in the world. It houses a massive collection of European art from the 12th to the early 20th century. You will see masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco inside.
The museum is part of the “Golden Triangle of Art” in the city center. Its corridors are filled with royal portraits and religious paintings. It is an essential stop for things to do in Madrid for tourists who love art.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, (Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
- Price: €15/ INR 1,633 for general admission and extra charges applicable for guided tour and audio guide, free admission for young people under 18; set aside around 2 to 3 hours to completely explore the museum
3. Retiro Park
Retiro Park is a massive green space that once belonged to the Spanish Monarchy. It features a large lake where you can rent rowboats for a relaxing afternoon. The park is filled with beautiful statues, fountains, and themed gardens.
You must visit the Crystal Palace, a stunning glass and iron pavilion near the center. It is a favorite spot for locals to exercise and socialize. This park offers many fun things to do in Madrid for families.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore this park
4. Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is a grand central square surrounded by historic three-story residential buildings. It was built during the reign of Philip III and has nine entrance archways. The statue of King Philip III sits right in the middle of the plaza.
The square has hosted everything from markets to royal ceremonies and bullfights. Today, it is lined with traditional cafes and shops selling old coins and stamps. It is a great place to start your walk through the old city.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Pl. Mayor, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore this attraction
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5. Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is the busiest and most famous public square in the city. It contains the “Kilometer Zero” stone, which is the starting point for all Spanish roads. You will also find the iconic statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree here.
The square is a major hub for public transport and a popular meeting point. It is famously the site where Spaniards gather to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Many top things to do in Madrid start from this central location.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; plan to spend a couple of days in this town
6. Mercado de San Miguel
The Mercado de San Miguel is a historic iron-structured market located near Plaza Mayor. It has been transformed into a gourmet tapas destination for foodies. You can find everything from fresh oysters to Iberian ham and local cheeses.
The market is a perfect place to sample different types of Spanish cuisine in one spot. It is a very social environment where you can enjoy a drink with your meal. It is a highlight for things to do in Madrid, Spain.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Friday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Price: Free entry; pay for food; set aside 2 to 4 hours to completely explore this market
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7. Reina Sofía Museum
The Reina Sofía Museum is the national museum of 20th-century art. Its most famous piece is Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” which depicts the horrors of war. The museum is located in a former hospital building with modern glass elevators.
The collection focuses on Spanish artists like Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. It offers a deep look into the modern history of the country through its art. It completes the art circuit for most visitors in the city.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Closed on Tuesday
- Price: €12/ INR 1,307 per individual; set aside around 2 hours to explore this museum
8. Temple of Debod
The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was rebuilt in a city park. It was a gift from Egypt to Spain for helping save monuments from flooding. The temple is surrounded by water and sits on a hill near the Royal Palace.
It is one of the most unique sites in the city and offers a great view of the sunset. You can walk through the stone chambers to see the original carvings. It provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the city’s noise.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: C. de Ferraz, 1, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, closed on Monday
- Price: Free entry; set aside 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore this tourist attraction
9. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the home ground of the famous Real Madrid football club. You can take a stadium tour to see the trophy room, dressing rooms, and the pitch. It is a holy site for fans of the “Beautiful Game” from all over.
The museum inside showcases the club’s long history of success in Europe. Even if you are not a sports fan, the scale of the stadium is impressive. It is a major part of the modern identity of the city.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Av. de Concha Espina, 1, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Price: Starting from €35/ INR 3,814 (€38/ INR 4,141 from box office); set aside around 2 hours to explore this stadium
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10. Gran Vía
Gran Vía is the most famous street in the city and is often called the “Spanish Broadway.” It is lined with grand buildings, theaters, cinemas, and large department stores. You will find a mix of international brands and local shops here.
The street is always busy and full of energy at any time of the day or night. It connects the Argüelles neighborhood to the central city areas. Walking down the Gran Vía is one of the best things to do in Madrid today.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Centro, Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Open 24/7 (Shops usually 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Price: Free entry; set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore the nearby area
11. El Rastro Flea Market
El Rastro is a massive open-air flea market held every Sunday in the La Latina neighborhood. You can find everything from vintage clothes and antiques to housewares and art. The streets become packed with stalls and shoppers looking for a bargain.
After shopping, it is a local tradition to go for tapas in the nearby bars. The market has a very lively and authentic atmosphere. It is a great way to experience the local lifestyle on a weekend morning.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Location: Pl. de Cascorro, 4, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
- Timings: Sundays and Public Holidays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; plan to spend an entire day in this market
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Madrid for first-time visitors?
The Royal Palace welcomes you with grand rooms that speak to centuries of Spanish royalty. The Prado Museum houses masterpieces worth hours of your time, while Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol pulse with local energy. These spots offer the best things to do in Madrid for tourists seeking history and culture together.
What shouldn’t you miss in Madrid?
Picasso’s “Guernica” at the Reina Sofía Museum delivers an emotional experience that stays with you long after leaving. The sunset view from the Temple of Debod paints the sky in colors you will remember fondly. Tasting authentic tapas at Mercado de San Miguel rounds out the must see places in Madrid.
What are the best things to do in Madrid during the day?
Retiro Park invites you to stroll its shaded paths or rent a rowboat on the peaceful lake. Football fans can tour the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to walk where their favorite players have competed. Both locations offer fun things to do in Madrid with plenty of space for relaxed exploration.
What are the best things to do in Madrid at night?
A flamenco show in the Las Letras neighborhood brings Spanish passion to life through dance and guitar. Walking down the brightly lit Gran Vía leads you past theaters offering evening performances worth catching. Rooftop bars across the city serve drinks with stunning views of Madrid’s glowing skyline.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Madrid?
Madrid Zoo Aquarium and the Faunia nature park keep young visitors happily engaged for hours. Retiro Park offers wide open spaces for children to run and a beloved puppet theater that delights families. The Museum of Illusions provides interactive fun things to do in Madrid, Spain for curious younger minds.
What are the best cultural things to do in Madrid?
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum reward art lovers with remarkable collections. A traditional zarzuela performance connects you with a uniquely Spanish musical tradition still thriving today. The historic literary quarter reveals where famous writers once lived and worked, making these top things to do in Madrid for culture seekers.
What are the top food experiences in Madrid?
Chocolate with churros at the legendary San Ginés creates a sweet memory every visitor deserves. Cocido Madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew served at traditional taverns, warms you from the inside out. Sampling aged cheese and cured ham at local markets introduces you to flavors that define Spanish cuisine.
What are the best shopping areas in Madrid?
Serrano Street in the elegant Salamanca district draws shoppers seeking high-end luxury brands. Gran Vía buzzes with international fashion stores and grand theater facades worth admiring between purchases. Fuencarral Street offers more modern and alternative fashion choices for those wanting something different.
What’s the best time of year to visit Madrid for sightseeing?
Spring and fall bring pleasant weather perfect for walking through parks and plazas at a comfortable pace. May, June, September, and October offer ideal conditions for outdoor things to do in Madrid without extreme temperatures. Summer can be quite hot while winter stays bright but chilly, so plan your things to do in Madrid, Spain accordingly.
