Things to Do in Madrid: A Stylish Spin Through Spain’s Capital

Madrid, where every street hums with energy and every plaza invites you to stay a little longer. Spend your morning wandering through the Royal Palace or the Prado, grab lunch in a bustling tapas bar, then dive into a wine tour in Madrid to taste the capital’s take on Spanish terroir. From flamenco shows that shake the floor to sunsets over the rooftops of La Latina, Madrid delivers culture, flavor, and surprises around every corner. Planning a quick getaway or a full two-day adventure? This guide brings you the top things to do in Madrid, curated for food lovers, art fans, and curious travelers who want to feel the city, not just see it.

What are the best things to do in Madrid?

Stroll through the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Madrid

Start your royal adventure in Madrid where it all begins, at the Palacio Real. This isn’t just another historic building, it’s Europe’s largest royal palace still in official use, and it’s as grand as it sounds. Inside, you’ll wander through a maze of opulent halls, velvet-draped salons, and ceilings painted by the likes of Tiepolo. The Royal Armory showcases centuries of gleaming armor and ceremonial swords, while just outside, the Almudena Cathedral stands proudly across the plaza, a striking contrast of styles and a perfect second stop on your cultural stroll.

Marvel at masterpieces in the Museo del Prado

If you love art, the Prado Museum is your must-visit masterpiece. As one of the most prestigious museums in the world, the Museo Nacional del Prado puts you face-to-face with Spanish legends like Goya, Velázquez, and El Bosco, all under one roof. It’s here that you’ll truly grasp the brilliance of the Spanish Golden Age. Located along the elegant Paseo del Prado and just steps from Retiro Park, this cultural heavyweight is not just a museum, it’s a deep dive into the soul of Madrid through centuries of artistic genius.

Head to Puerta del Sol and soak in the city’s pulse

At the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is more than just a square. This iconic spot connects you to vibrant streets like Calle Mayor and Calle de Preciados, making it the perfect launch point for your Madrid itinerary. Don’t miss the statue of the bear and strawberry tree (El Oso y el Madroño), a symbol of the city that’s as photo-worthy as it is meaningful. From here, Madrid unfolds in every direction.

Wander at Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s most elegant square

Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s grand stage, a vast, elegant square surrounded by red-brick buildings, arched walkways, and lively terraces. Grab a seat at a café, order a glass of wine or a plate of crispy patatas bravas, and soak in the atmosphere of one of Spain’s most iconic public spaces. At the center, the statue of Philip III on horseback adds a royal touch (and a great photo op). Street performers, local chatter, and the hum of clinking glasses make this plaza a must-stop on any Madrid stroll.

Explore the culinary paradise at Mercado de San Miguel

If you’re into food, wine, and a lively vibe, the Mercado de San Miguel is your spot. Just steps from Plaza Mayor, this historic iron-and-glass market is one of Madrid’s most famous culinary hubs. Inside, you’ll find gourmet stalls dishing out everything from Iberian ham and croquetas to fresh oysters and pintxos, all perfectly paired with a glass of Spanish wine. It’s the ultimate place for a casual lunch, a tapas crawl, or just soaking up the buzzing local energy.

See modern art at Reina Sofía Museum

The Reina Sofía Museum is Madrid’s go-to for modern and contemporary art, and it’s home to one of Spain’s most powerful masterpieces: Picasso’s Guernica. Dedicated largely to 20th-century Spanish artists like Dalí, Miró, and Tàpies, the museum offers a thought-provoking dive into the country’s artistic soul. Located in the city’s famed Art Triangle, right alongside the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, this former hospital turned museum is a must-see for anyone curious about Spain’s creative evolution.

Relax at El Retiro Park, Madrid’s green heart

Parque del Buen Retiro, or simply El Retiro, is Madrid’s most beloved green escape. Once reserved for royalty, this elegant park is now everyone’s backyard, perfect for slow strolls, shady picnics, or a lazy rowboat ride on the central lake. Snap a photo by the grand Monument to Alfonso XII or wander into the dreamy Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), which hosts rotating contemporary art exhibits under its shimmering glass dome. It’s a peaceful, art-filled break right in the heart of the city.

Shop and stroll down Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous street

Gran Vía is Madrid’s answer to Broadway, a lively boulevard where iconic architecture, big-name shops, and buzzing theatres all collide. Framed by early 20th-century buildings like the stunning Edificio Metrópolis with its winged statue, this avenue is a photo opportunity at every turn. Come for a spot of shopping or catch a musical, then stay for dinner and cocktails in one of the countless rooftop bars or tapas joints nearby.

Spend your evening immersed in Flamenco

No visit to Madrid is complete without experiencing the raw emotion of Flamenco. Grab a seat at a traditional tablao in La Latina or near Huertas and get swept up in the rhythm of this UNESCO-listed art form, all clapping hands, stomping heels, and soul-stirring guitar. Pair the show with a glass of local wine and a spread of tapas, and you’ve got yourself a night that’s as unforgettable as it is authentically Madrileño.

Discover vintage treasures at El Rastro Flea Market

Every Sunday, El Rastro transforms La Latina into Madrid’s liveliest open-air market. Stroll through stalls packed with vintage treasures, quirky antiques, secondhand clothes, and street art finds. Go early to beat the crowds, then reward yourself with a tapa or two and a cold drink on nearby Calle de las Huertas. It’s the perfect mix of chaos, charm, and local flavor.

Walk through Plaza de España and honor literary legends

Plaza de España in Madrid blends cultural charm with iconic storytelling. At its center stands a striking monument to Miguel de Cervantes, flanked by his legendary characters Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, perfect for a quick photo and a quiet moment. You’re also just steps from the western edge of Gran Vía, so after soaking in some literary history, dive into nearby shops, cafés, or theaters for the next chapter of your Madrid adventure.

Admire the Cybele Palace and the Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is one of Madrid’s most iconic spots, anchored by the magnificent Cybele Palace, part city hall, part cultural hub. Out front, the famous Cibeles Fountain steals the show, especially when Real Madrid fans flood the plaza to celebrate big wins. For one of the best views in town, head up to the palace’s rooftop terrace and take in sweeping panoramas of the city.

Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Soccer fans, this one’s for you, welcome to the legendary home of Real Madrid CF. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium isn’t just a stadium, it’s a shrine to football history. Take the self-guided tour to walk through the trophy room, peek into the players’ locker rooms, and even step pitch-side for that epic fan moment. You’re a die-hard Madridista or just love the beautiful game, this is one stop you can’t skip in Madrid.

What are the best things to do around Madrid?

Explore the Tempranillo trails of Madrid’s wine region

Less than an hour west of Madrid’s center, the Madrid Wine Region, especially around towns like Navalcarnero, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, and Arganda del Rey, offers the perfect countryside escape. This DO (Denominación de Origen) region is known for its bold Tempranillo, fruity Garnacha (Grenache), and crisp Malvar whites, all grown in sun-drenched vineyards rooted in centuries of tradition. Book a guided wine tour from Madrid and enjoy intimate tastings, strolls through historic bodegas, and long lunches of tapas under the vines. After the buzz of Gran Vía or the masterpieces at the Prado, it’s the ultimate way to slow down and sip your way through local culture.

Visit Toledo, a medieval escape

Toledo is one of the best day trips you can take from Madrid, just under an hour by train, yet it feels like stepping into another era. Perched on a hill above the Tagus River, this UNESCO World Heritage city blends Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage in its architecture, streets, and spirit. Get lost in medieval alleys, stand in awe beneath the soaring Gothic cathedral, and explore the imposing Alcázar fortress. Between artisan sword shops and hidden tapas bars, take a break for a wine tasting in Toledo, where local varietals meet centuries-old winemaking tradition in atmospheric cellars. It’s history, culture, and flavor all wrapped into one unforgettable visit.

Plan your medieval journey with our guide on the top things to do in Toledo Spain.

Discover the vineyards of Castilla-La Mancha

Swap Madrid’s city buzz for wide skies and windmills in Castilla-La Mancha, just 90 minutes away by car. This sun-soaked region is where Spanish wine takes center stage, think bold Tempranillos, crisp Airén whites, and storytelling bodegas tucked between olive groves and vineyards. It’s also the land of Don Quixote, where literary legends and winemaking heritage go hand in hand. Touring Castilla-La Mancha wineries isn’t just about the tasting (though that’s reason enough), it’s about stepping into the rhythm of rural Spain, slow lunches, sweeping views, and wine poured with passion. If Madrid gave you a taste of royalty and art, this is where Spain lets its hair down, and hands you a glass.

Stroll through Alcalá de Henares

Just about 22 miles northeast of Madrid, Alcalá de Henares offers a perfect literary escape from the capital. As the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with charm and history. Start your visit at the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, then wander through Plaza de Cervantes and down Calle Mayor, where arcades, tapas bars, and old-world bookstores invite you to linger. This university town pulses with culture, but without the rush of Madrid. If you’re already exploring heavyweights like the Prado or Reina Sofía, a day trip to Alcalá adds a delightful, bookish twist to your Spanish itinerary.

Dive into Spanish historic and discover the best things to do in Alcalá de Henares!

Good to Know before visiting Madrid