Best Things To Do In Madrid
There is something for everyone in Madrid, and you can find everything from incredible architecture to authentic Spanish food, art, nightlife, and even more!
As the central capital of Spain, Madrid is one of the most popular and enduring destinations for those taking holidays in Spain - whether for a day out, a three-day city break, or even a full week.
Here we dive into some of the best things to do in Madrid for every type of holidaymaker.
Find stunning photo opportunities
While snapping away with your camera isn’t going to be your top priority while exploring the many sights of Madrid, this city is absolutely ripe for beautiful sights that you won’t want to miss. Simply wandering the city on foot is a wonderful way to get familiar with it. Head to Plaza de Cibeles to see the Gothic fountain and the city hall that used to be a palace. While this is a bustling part of the city, it is stunning and allows you to stay in the populous downtown area while still exploring.
After seeing Plaza de Cibeles, you can easily head to the Puerta de Alcalá, which used to be the gateway to Madrid. If you love classic architecture, you won’t want to miss this former main entry point.
Marvel at the Temple of Debod
This might sound strange, but you can actually find a piece of Ancient Egypt in Madrid - and yes, it’s real! The Temple of Debod was gifted to Spain by Egypt, and this temple is a true relic of ancient history. Not only can you see many other stunning sights from the area, simply getting to view the temple reflected on the water that surrounds it is truly breathtaking.
Spend some time in the art triangle
Do you love art? Then you won’t want to miss out on visiting some of Madrid’s most beloved museums. Art aficionados around the world have heard of the “art triangle” in Madrid, which has three incredible museums full of beautiful art. Famous across the world for containing fine works, the Prado is perhaps the most well known, but don’t skip the Thyssen or the Reina Sofia either. You can easily stroll between these art hubs and enjoy the rich culture that Madrid has to offer.
Take in a Flamenco show
Anyone who knows anything about Spain, or even just dance, is aware of flamenco. Full of passion and flair, it simply wouldn’t be a visit to Madrid without enjoying this spectacular display of art in motion. While you might see flamenco performed across Spain, the Huertas area in Madrid is known for its historic love for the dance, as dancers have gathered here throughout history to demonstrate their skills. Make your way to Cardamomo to see a professional display, with talented dancers giving every performance their all.
Be awed by La Almudena Cathedral
Visiting this awe inspiring cathedral is on nearly everyone’s checklist when visiting Madrid. While it might be one of the younger cathedrals, its history is absolutely fascinating. Originally planned as a church in 1879, it was actually truly developed as a cathedral in 1885. However, due to delays and changes in project management, work on the cathedral carried on throughout the 20th century… and it was not fully completed until 1993.
This strange history has created a visually arresting cathedral which also contains a museum where you can learn more about the patron saints of the city.
Dine in the world’s oldest restaurant
Are you looking to tick off an unexpected bucket list item while you’re spending time in Madrid? The building that houses Sobrino de Botin was initially recorded in 1590, and it became an inn in 1725. Nowadays, it's still a thriving restaurant and tourist attraction. Stepping inside is like taking a trip back in time, with beams adoring the ceilings and classic Spanish tiling on the floors. Cool brick walls make this restaurant a wonderful place to while away the hours over a fine meal. Botin is considered to be one of the city’s most amazing attractions, so make sure you book your reservation early, and head there at lunchtime to enjoy the full experience of the longest and most lavish Spanish meal of the day.
Stroll through the park
When you have eaten your fill and spent time with culture and history, don’t forget about the natural beauty of Madrid. It might be a surprise to find that Madrid has a lot of lovely green spaces on offer for visitors and locals alike. Perhaps the most beautiful is Parque del Buen Retiro, which has a sparkling lake and crystal palace. With well manicured grass and splendid fountains, it’s easy to see how this park used to belong to the monarchy until it became a public space.
Shop at the El Rastromarket
You may not think that shopping would rank highly on your itinerary during your Madrid holiday, but if you happen to be spending a quiet Sunday in the city, make sure you head to El Rastro market. This is no ordinary market - there are over seven hundred stalls at this outdoor market, and the flea market is sure to have something to offer everyone.
It’s the perfect place to pick up unexpected treasures and souvenirs from your trip, from furniture and vintage records to beautiful ornaments and more. You will also find tapas bars around the area, so if you want to stop by and grab an authentic Spanish meal to fuel your shopping, this is the perfect place.
Enjoy an evening in Malasaña
There is a lot to do during the day in Madrid, but the city really comes alive at night. Visit the popular and thriving Malasaña area for tapas and churros from a range of bars before hitting one of the neighbourhood’s many bars. La Vía Láctea is perfect for drinking and dancing, and if you go at happy hour you will be able to enjoy half price drinks.
Visit the Royal Palace
There's even more history to discover in Madrid. The royal history of the city is put on full and beautiful display at the Royal Palace - but it isn’t just something from the past. This palace still functions as a home for royalty, and it is the largest palace in Europe that is still utilised by a royal family.
Believe it or not, the palace is over 100,000 metres large, with over 3000 rooms. While many of these aren’t open to the prying eyes of visitors, there is still plenty to see and explore. You can either take a tour with a guide or you can just simply go at your own pace and experience the extravagance for yourself. If you only visit one historical site in Madrid, this should be at the top of your list.
Holidays to Madrid can be incredibly busy if you decide to try and enjoy all of these amazing sights, tastes and experiences - and this is just a glimpse of the many adventures you can find in this impressive Spanish city. Scratch the surface and all kinds of treasures are just waiting to be found, so why not book your Madrid holiday here at Brightsun Travel and start planning?
