10 Best Things To Do in Madrid, Spain [with Suggested Tours]

Are you planning to travel to Madrid soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Madrid with suggested tours!

A city known for its stylish boulevards and museums, Madrid is Spain’s capital. If you want to see a lot of European art collections, then you won’t regret going here.  Furthermore, its famous calamari sandwich is one of the reasons why people from all over the world decide to discover this city. So for your future reference, below is a list of the best things to do in Madrid, Spain.

List of Best Things To Do in Madrid, Spain

1. Prado National Museum

The second most visited museum in Spain and is considered one of the most important in the world. It houses the most important collection of European paintings in the world. It preserves paintings by Velasquez, Raphael, Caravaggio, Goya, etc. The museum is very well laid out and airy. The rooms are well maintained and the works are very well explained. Allow yourself a minimum of three hours to enjoy the visit calmly. Other popular museums you can visit in Madrid include:

• Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía – One of the most beautiful museums of modern art in Spain. Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is Madrid’s main contemporary art museum. It houses Picasso’s Guernica.
• Museo Sorolla – Well worth seeing museum, house, and exhibition. The museum is located in Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida’s former home with a beautiful garden and is an oasis of calm in busy Madrid. The works of the Spanish impressionist are impressively beautiful. Definitely visit!
• Museo Arqueologico Nacional – This museum, although it is not the most famous in Madrid, is one of the most important. Apart from the famous Lady of Elche, you can also find archaeological remains of all the civilizations that have passed through Hispania and even others such as the Egyptians. The ideal place for history lovers.

Suggested Tour: Prado Museum Guided Tour

2. Parque del Retiro

The most emblematic park in Madrid, ideal for taking a walk while discovering the beautiful corners it keeps. You can dedicate more than half a day to walk the long paths of this huge city park that offers many attractions to see. There are 125 hectares of greenery with many different types of gardens. The large lake is the most popular attraction because boats can be rented, but above all for the spectacular setting of the monument that overlooks it.

Suggested Tour: Private Sightseeing Segway Tour for 1, 2, or 3 Hours

3. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

One of the beating hearts of Madrid, the home of Real. A spectacular trip to one of the most beautiful stadiums in Europe, with the museum tour you can even sit on the chairs of Real Madrid players. A football fan cannot come to Madrid without visiting this stadium.

Suggested Tour: City Highlights and Bernabeu Museum E-bike Tour

4. Royal Palace of Madrid

Visit the Royal Palace to learn a little more about history. The Royal Palace is considered one of the largest in the world and is a National Heritage. It was ordered to be built by King Felipe V (French), so the palace has that Frenchified style. It is one of the largest buildings in Europe with just over 3000 rooms of which only 30 can be visited.

Suggested Tour: Royal Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-line Ticket

5. Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

 

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One of the three major museums in Madrid with a huge collection. It’s impossible not to go here. It is also quite close to the Prado so in one day you can do a full immersion in art. This museum has many impressionist works and there are a lot of famous works from famous artists such as Manet, Chagall, and Van Gogh. You can also find many works such as pop art since 1950, which are worth visiting. One of the best portraits was of His Majesty the former King and his wife, which overflowed with a noble atmosphere.

Suggested Tour: Prado, Reina Sofia & Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums Guided Tour

6. Gran Via

As in every big city, Madrid is also home to one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe. Probably one of the most beautiful routes in the world. Here, you get a shopping experience in a special atmosphere and the architecture is worth a look. Everything that your heart desires (especially a woman’s heart) is available. You should definitely visit this shopping street!

Suggested Tour: Full-Day Private History and Legends Walking Tour

7. Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is a very nice square in the heart of Madrid. There are many restaurants in the square and prices are higher than in cafes in the neighboring streets. It is a magnificent place, with many historical buildings but it can be very crowded as well. This is also a good place to eat a calamari sandwich overlooking the square.

Suggested Tour: Retiro Park 1.5-Hour Segway Tour

8. Barrio de Salamanca

An old town district that still retains a lot of small palaces and a bunch of luxury stores. The Barrio de Salamanca Madrid district is the most important residence in the city with its emblematic streets. A detour is highly recommended!

Suggested Tour: Madrid City Tour (Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour)

9. La Latina

La Latina’s streets have a medieval origin, narrow, winding streets that lead to squares. The commercial tradition has given name to many streets and squares, Plaza de la Cebada, de Los Carros, la Paja, or El Rastro itself, the most emblematic outdoor market in Madrid. It is located in the heart of the city and brings together a large multicultural population.

Suggested Tour: 4-Hour Walking Tour in Madrid

10. Plaza de Cibeles

The square is located at the crossroads of the main streets – Prado, Recoletos, and Alcala. In the center of the square is a fountain depicting the goddess Cybele in a chariot. The square is surrounded by the beautiful buildings Palacio de Buenavista, Palacio de Linares, Palacio de Cibeles, and Bank of Spain. The Palacio de Cibeles building, also known as the Palace of Communications, houses the City Hall and an excellent 360-degree observation deck. A must-visit in Madrid!

Suggested Tour: Private Skip-the-Line Prado Museum & Madrid Secret Gems Tour

Where to Stay in Madrid

Budget Hotel

Hostal Casa Sofia

Hostal Casa Sofia features views of the city. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and free WiFi. At the hostel, every room includes a desk. At Hostal Casa Sofia, all rooms come with a seating area. The Royal Palace of Madrid is 7 km from the accommodation, while Gran Via is 7 km away.

Price: Starts at $11 per night for a Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room, taxes and charges included, and it’s non-refundable.

Luxury Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

Attractively located in Madrid, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private parking, and room service. At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a desk and a flat-screen TV. Guests at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid can enjoy an American breakfast. The spa and wellness center at the accommodation features a hot tub.

Price: Starts at $714 per night for a Superior Courtyard Double, taxes and charges included, add $50 for breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

These are the possible things you can do in Madrid. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Madrid.

About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​​​​​​​

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