Things to Do in Madrid

Things to Do in Madrid, Spain - Madrid Attractions

Things to Do in Madrid

Book a cultural tour for access to museums, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and day trips to Toledo. Fuel up on food (tapas, anyone?) before checking out the nightlife. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Madrid.

Top Attractions in Madrid

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Tranquil park featuring rowboat rentals on a picturesque lake, scenic gardens with a rose collection, and the historic Crystal Palace amidst lush greenery.
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Baroque palace featuring panoramic views, an extensive art collection, and historic royal carriages. Includes an audio guide for a deeper understanding of royal traditions and history.
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Iconic stadium with a focus on its trophy room and pitch views, displaying rich football history and club achievements. Limited behind-the-scenes access.
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Iconic avenue lined with Baroque architecture, a vibrant hub for shopping and dining amid street artists and a lively crowd. Ideal for architectural admiration and urban exploration.
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Diverse US American art collection ranging from medieval to modern works, including pieces by Van Gogh and Picasso, set in a well-curated gallery space.
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Modern art museum with a focus on 20th-century Spanish artists, housing notable works like Picasso's "Guernica" and revealing insights into the nation's history.
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Intimate museum set in a renowned Spanish painter's former home showcasing his mastery of light, family life, and lush Andalusian-inspired gardens. Includes a tranquil outdoor retreat.
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Authentic Egyptian temple dedicated to Amun and Isis, set amidst tranquil gardens and offering insights into ancient architecture and history with original carvings and artifacts.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Central hub brimming with cultural landmarks, including the iconic bear statue and Kilometer Zero marker. Lively plazas and streets invite exploration and local immersion.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.


*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
A mini guide to Madrid
Siobhan R
Siobhan R
Travel Expert
Will find any excuse to visit Madrid
  • What’s one thing visitors shouldn't miss?
    A stroll through El Retiro Park is a must. The park is a wonderland of fountains, rose gardens, and vast lawns where you can cool down on hot days. There are also multiple art spaces within the park, including The Glass Palace and the Palacios de Velazquez.
  • What do you wish tourists knew about Madrid?
    Don’t visit Madrid in August! The heat is unbearable and the city empties out. I’d recommend visiting in the spring or fall instead.
  • Let us in on your favorite restaurants—what makes them great?
    The restaurant scene in Madrid is off the charts. For the best tortilla de patatas in the city, you have to dine at the counter of Casa Dani in Mercado de la Paz. I also love the laboratory-like Sala de Despiece, where the thing to order is the zenital steak and the eggplant stuffed with smoked herring. And for dinner with a view of the city’s most iconic landmarks, you can’t top the rooftop Dani restaurant at the Four Seasons Madrid.
  • Are there any activities that are better done on weekends vs. weekdays?
    On the weekends, I recommend hitting the El Rastro flea market in the Embajadore area. I never leave empty-handed! I’d probably save a visit to the top museums including El Museo Reina Sofía and the Prado for a weekday, as the weekend crowds can detract from the experience.
  • Which top tourist attraction is worth the hype?
    It’s touristy, but I still love visiting Plaza Mayor whenever I’m in Madrid. It’s the largest square in Spain and it’s always buzzing with life!
  • Why is Madrid special to you?
    I’ve been visiting Madrid for four years. At first, I went solely to spend time with my in-laws, but I love the city so much that I’ll find any excuse to take the train from Barcelona.
  • About
    Born in Canada and currently based in Barcelona, Siobhan Reid is a freelance travel writer who contributes to Vogue, Departures, and Condé Nast Traveler.

What travelers are saying

  • Zoe W
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The park is vast, beautifully landscaped, and packed with a variety of attractions. While it’s mostly very peaceful, it can get crowded, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons. The hustle and bustle can sometimes detract from the tranquil experience, but it’s still a lovely place to visit.
    Written January 30, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MObelf
    Belfast, UK617 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I really don't know what to say. The Prado is world famous and renowned for its huge collection. It really needs a few days (with rest days in between!) My advice would be to choose carefully the works you really want to see or should see - the guide leaflet is a great help! The guides around the museum are so helpful. One small thing - the room numbers are up high on the walls inside each room! I expected them to be at eye-level!
    Written February 5, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mg4567smthlou
    Birmingham, UK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience!!
    Lovely building with great history behind. Will definitely visit again when back in Madrid!!!!
    Written January 30, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joanna
    Bucharest, Romania160 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s been on my bucket list to visit the stadium. Very interesting history. Good tour.

    You can either book tickets online or you scan the QR code at the entrance to pay your tickets.
    Written January 26, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bekah
    Homburg, Germany22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This Mercado has so many great choices to enjoy amazing food and drinks! Everything we tried was incredible! I really enjoyed the spicy chorizo empanadas, dumplings, and sangria!
    Written January 22, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Barbara B
    County Antrim, UK12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed window shopping, indulging in delicious tapas, and soaking up the lively street performances. As night fell, the lights transformed the street into a dazzling spectacle.
    Written January 18, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The_Traveling_Expat
    Chicago, IL422 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum is located very close to the Prado and can easily be done one after another, but be careful not to get overwhelmed with everything. This museum has many different masterpieces, and it is easy to spend a couple hours or more checking out the galleries.
    Written January 31, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ZAYGON
    104 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice Plaza with a lot of people! It’s christmas but Puerta del Sol is better! Is a place to go but for me wasn’t that great!!
    Written December 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sharon m
    Winnipeg, Canada231 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the famous art museums in the world. Well worth the price of admission. Saw so many famous artists. Nice to go in October so that it was not too crowded. During the week was best, and we decided not to go during free time as the line up when we got out would have taken an hour to get in.
    Saw many of the greats of Spanish art including Guernica by Picasso, Salvadore Dali, Juan Gris and more
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