Madrid: Top 25+ Best Things to See & Do

This list took way too long to post. But, I have shared it a gazillion times on message boards and groups, copying and pasting it from my Notes. Anyway! If you don’t already know, I live part of the year in Madrid in a cute little flat close to Atocha. And because I have plenty of time on my hands while I’m there, I’m able to explore my absolute most favorite city on the globe. This list is broken into two parts: MUST SEE and DEEPER CUTS. If you’ve never been to Madrid, or you’re only there for a short time, the MUST SEE list is, well, a must. Three days should give you enough time to check most of these off your list, although, technically, you could probably do everything on this list in 24 hours. That would so Spanish of you!

MUST SEE!

1. The Plaza Mayor: I know, I know, while technically “Puerta del Sol” is the geographic center of Madrid (for the most part), and where most people can and will end up via public transportation to get to the center, I’ve put the Plaza Mayor at the top of the list for its structural, historical and cultural significance. It is, after all, Madrid’s most iconic square. And besides, it’s right around the corner from Sol anyway. Most importantly, when we think of Madrid, I believe this is the most quintessential structure that embodies our ideal vision of the city. With its solid arches, umbrella’ed terrazas and old shops along the arcade how can you not feel like you’re in España. For more details, read Madrid’s official tourism site.
2. Drink: Summer time? Have a late afternoon caña con limón (lemon beer) or a tinto de verano (red wine with either La Casera or lemon-lime soda like Sprite) at an outside cafe in the Barrio Las Letras. If it’s fall or winter, dip into the famous sherry bar La Venencia, for a truly old world Madrid vibe on Calle Echegaray 7.
3. Meander through The Retiro: Though not its largest, the Retiro is definitely Madrid’s most popular park, any season. Rent a boat on the lake, play hide and go seek in the boxwood maze, try to find the Palacio de Crystal I can’t go to Madrid without strolling through this beautiful garden.
4. Shop at Corte Inglés in Puerta del Sol; if you’re a diehard shopper, make sure to hit the Calle Fuencarral. The whole street is shops galore.
5. Visit the Plaza Oriente and the Royal Palace. A good walking tour will take you on the best paths!
6. Stroll around La Latina, the oldest part of the city. There are some pretty cool self-guided walking tour apps here. Or you could do a traditional group or private tour. And while we’re in La Latina, (if you’re still there after 8:30pm) head over to calle Baja y Alta for tapas.
7. If you’re in Madrid on a Sunday make sure to get up early and visit the Rastro, Spain’s largest outdoor flea market. I try to go every time I am in town of only for the excitement. There are heavy crowds, so watch your belongings.
8. Have a cocktail on any rooftop bar on a warm summer night. If you have kids, you can pay a fee at The Circulo de Belles Artes and go up and enjoy the scenes. Remember to book tickets for the “azotea” in advance. Winter, spring and fall Che k websites to see if the rooftops are open.
9. Want to party on a rooftop? Club-style nightlife usually doesn’t begin until after midnight. The Tour Guy has a great up to date list. “Azoteas” can be classy, packed, vibrant and all with great views. If you’re on a budget and for younger crowds, try The Hat.
10. Prado and Reina Sofia museums are must sees. The Prado is Spain’s most important museum. It houses all the classics from Goya to El Greco and Velazquez’s famous Las Meninas. The Reina Sofia on the other hand, had more modern art with a lot of the famously known works of Salvador Dalí and Picasso. Without a doubt, buy tickets in advance.
11. Visit Toledo. If you have a half day to spare, Toledo is worth the 40-minute train ride. Buy tickets the night before, especially in high season. It’s a gorgeous medieval town with a fabulous cathedral. Also check out the botanical garden in Atocha station before you depart for Toledo!
12. Have a chocolate con churros at Chocolatería San Ginés on Pasadizo San Ginés, 5 This is the most famous chocolateria in Madrid. It’s open 24/7 except on holidays. Not only do they really have the best chocolate con churros, but the interior (the basement specifically) is classic and stunning.
13. Mercado San Miguel (close to the Plaza Mayor) a huge glass-enclosed market for a large array of tapas and drinks. If you’re a picky eater (literally) this is the place to be.
14. Pez Tortilla (any of them) is a great spot for (apparently) one of the best Spanish tortillas in Spain!

DEEPER CUTS:

1. The Joaquín Sorolla museum is possibly my favorite museum in the world. It was the artists house and holds his most spectacular works. It’s the perfect small museum visit.
2. Take the cercanias train to Alcala de Henares. It’s a 40-minute train ride to a stunningly ancient town where you can visit the university and the birth place of Miguel de Cervantes which has been converted into a museum.
3. Back in Madrid, stroll around Malasaña the birth place of the underground 1980’s arts and film movement, to check out the history, hip cafes and vintage stores
4. Matadero: a renovated meat processing plant that’s now an art gallery along the Manzanares River is worth a visit if you’ve got extra time or want to see a specific installation.
5. Bathe in the Al Andaluz Hammam Get a babysitter (children under 16 not permitted) and head to this gorgeous, ancient Arab bathhouse. With three separate soaking pools, a steam room + an array of massages to choose, your experience will put to shame every other spa you’ve been to.
6. Shop or watch a show or eat at outdoor food trucks at Mercado de los Motores, Museo del Ferrocarril, Paseo de las Delicias, 61, 28045 Madrid But! It’s only open the second weekend of every month. So check their schedule.
7. Go to new Oasiz beach and theme park. Shop, play, eat, whatever. This place has it all and some super cool things for kids too!
8. Treat yourself to dinner at Bodegas de los Secretos
9. Do a personalized food, history or shopping tour My personal fav is Devour Tours
10. Do lunch at Villa Verbena in the Casa de Campo or simply stroll around the lake and bring a picnic lunch! You can also rent boats.
11. It might surprise you, but Madrid has a great Saturday/Sunday brunch culture. Bendita Locura is a great choice (book in advance!) and El Nomad Cafe, a laidback spot with a classic brunch menu on Calle de los Tres Peces, 22 (my favorite spot).
12. Visit the Caixa Forum exhibits or at least their green wall
13. Stroll around the Templo de Debod and check out the awesome overlook in the adjacent park.
14. Walk the glass catwalk at the RIU Plaza España hotel. It’s 28 stories up!
15. Check out Chueca. Madrid’s renown 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ neighborhood, which is packed with stylish places to eat, drink and shop. Just a hop off at the Chueca Metro line will put you right in the center of its buzzing plaza.