Things to Do in Madrid
Plan your days in Madrid, your way
Start at Plaza Mayor with coffee, then wander wherever the arcaded streets decide to take you.
The Prado for a couple of hours, no guilt about what you skipped.
Lunch on tapas in La Latina, ordering whatever the table next to you is having.
Retiro Park for an afternoon amble: the lake, the buskers, the shade.
Climb to a rooftop bar before dinner, because Madrid's skyline deserves your attention.
Malasaña for the evening, vintage shops and a vermouth you didn't plan on.
One morning at El Rastro's Sunday flea market, one evening of flamenco you stumbled into.
A day trip to Toledo if the mood strikes, an extra hour in bed if it doesn't.
A little of everything, nothing too extreme, all of it genuinely good.
Next Escape balances the famous and the found so your Madrid feels entirely yours.
Top attractions and places to eat in Madrid
Museo Nacional del Prado
One of the world's premier art museums, showcasing European masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch. A cornerstone of any cultural visit to Madrid.
attraction · 4.7 rating · €15
Parque del Oeste
A landscaped hillside park in western Madrid known for its rose garden and the transplanted ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod nearby. Travelers come for green space, walking paths, and sunset views.
attraction · 4.7 rating · Free
Palacio de Cristal
A stunning glass-and-metal pavilion set beside a pond in Retiro Park, originally a greenhouse and now used for art installations.
attraction · 4.5 rating · Free
Las Ventas Bullring
Madrid's grand Neo-Mudéjar bullring, the most important in Spain, hosting bullfights and events and offering tours of its arena and museum.
attraction · 4.5 rating · €16
Royal Palace of Madrid
The official residence of the Spanish royal family, a vast Baroque palace with opulent state rooms, armory, and art collections. Travelers visit for its grand architecture and historic interiors.
attraction · 4.5 rating · €18
Círculo de Bellas Artes
A cultural center housed in a historic building, best known for its rooftop terrace offering panoramic views over central Madrid, plus exhibitions, a café, and film screenings.
attraction · 4.4 rating · €6
Plaza Mayor
A grand, arcaded central square dating to the Habsburg era, ringed by cafes and lined with historic facades. It is one of Madrid's most famous public spaces and a hub for visitors.
attraction · 4.2 rating · Free
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Home stadium of Real Madrid, includes a trophy room and museum.
stadium · 4.5 rating · €37
Restaurant La Campana
A simple central Madrid eatery famous for its bocadillo de calamares, the classic fried-squid sandwich. A quick go-to for a Madrid street-food staple.
bar · 4.5 rating
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century, spanning major art movements.
4.6 rating · €14
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, home to Picasso's Guernica alongside major works by Dalí and Miró. A must-see for modern and contemporary art lovers.
attraction · 4.3 rating · €12
BOTIN
Recognized as the world's oldest restaurant, this historic Madrid institution is famous for its wood-fired roast suckling pig and lamb. Travelers visit for traditional Castilian cuisine in a centuries-old setting.
restaurant · 4.3 rating
Mercado San Miguel
Covered gourmet market showcasing some of Spain's finest produce and regional specialties.
market · 4.3 rating · Free
Casa Labra
A historic 19th-century tavern near Puerta del Sol famous for its battered cod (bacalao) and croquettes. A landmark spot for classic Madrid bar snacks.
bar · 4.3 rating
Takos Al Pastor
A wildly popular, no-frills taquería in central Madrid serving inexpensive Mexican-style tacos, especially al pastor. Travelers go for authentic, affordable street-style tacos in a bustling casual setting.
restaurant · 4.5 rating