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In this blog, we’ll show you the top things to do Madrid. This blog is based on our fun trip to Spain’s capital city. If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid, you’ll find plenty of ideas here. Don’t forget to comment on this blog, subscribe to our blog page, and enable notifications. And share your own experience or ask a question in the comments below.
Top 10 Things to Do Madrid
In this blog, we’ll show you the top 10 places to visit in Madrid.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is one of the most important public spaces in Madrid. The square, which once hosted coronations and executions, was first constructed in the 16th century. The square’s name and functions changed several times over the course of history, but it started out as a popular marketplace. Today, Plaza Mayor is famous for outdoor cafes and restaurants, the statue of Philip III on a horse, and the much-anticipated Christmas market. Don’t skip one of many entrances to Plaza Major, such as Arco de Los Cuchilleros, the most famous one.
The square is home to the historic Casa de la Panaderìa, which served as the town’s main bakery hundreds of years ago. It is now also home to The Madrid Tourism Center. Visit other squares in Madrid, like the famous Puerta del Sol dating back to the 15th century, to discover more Madrid things to do.
Food & Markets Madrid
When it comes to things to do Madrid Spain, food lovers are in for a treat. The city is packed with exquisite bars, elegant restaurants, colorful markets, and sophisticated outdoor terraces. Start your day with a serving of tasty churros dipped in hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés. Spaniards are known for going big for lunch, so huevos rotos, paella or any other typical Spanish meal is a great option.
Enjoy your lunch or dinner at authentic places like Casa Toni and order one of many delicious food options. And finish your day at the most popular food market in Madrid, Mercado de San Miguel, and try delicious appetizers called tapas with a glass of authentic Spanish wine.
This century-old food hall is famous for its cast-iron structure, convenient central location, and flavors from every corner of Spain. Mercado de San Miguel attracts over 10 million visitors annually and tops the list of things to do in Madrid for foodies.
El Retiro Park
El Retiro is a vast green space, home to expansive gardens, beautiful lakes, and numerous historic buildings. Once a royal park designed for King Felipe IV in the 17th century, El Retiro is now a popular public area. If you’re searching for what to do in Madrid on a sunny day, rent a boat at El Retiro Pond, visit the magnificent Palacio de Cristal, or enjoy local musicians and performers entertaining the public, especially on weekends.
Don’t miss the Monument to Alfonso XII, the Rose Garden with over 4,000 roses, and Puerta de Alcalá, once the main entrance to the city, located just outside the park. Madrid offers other beautiful parks as well, and our travel guide covers them along with the top things to do Madrid.
Matadero Madrid
Matadero Madrid is a cultural arts center located in a former slaughterhouse and cattle market built between 1911 and 1925. The complex is now home to contemporary art studios, museums, exhibition areas, and theaters. After its successful renovation in 2006, Matadero Madrid caters to various fields of art interests with numerous programs you can visit, including ongoing art exhibitions across the complex.
We visited a unique immersive experience in Madrid Artes Digitales, exploring the works of Gustav Klimt through virtual reality, exhibition spaces, and interactive rooms. While in the area, explore Madrid Rio Park and the banks of the Manzanares River—two more fantastic Madrid things to do.
Palacio de Cibeles
The Palacio de Cibeles, inaugurated in 1919, is an exquisite example of Neoclassical architecture. This iconic building once housed the city’s main post office and telegraph and telephone headquarters. Today, it serves as Madrid City Hall and a public cultural center.
Don’t skip the Glass Gallery, a multi-purpose venue for events, or the Mirador observation deck offering stunning views of the city. If you want things to do in Madrid Spain with great photo spots, this one is perfect.
Atocha Train Station
Madrid’s central station, the Atocha Train Station, built in the mid-19th century, is a sight worth visiting even if you’re not traveling by train. This unique transportation hub is also a gateway to Madrid for travelers heading to other parts of Spain and Europe.
Over a century after it was constructed, Atocha’s old train shed was transformed into a luxury hub in 1992 and now includes the Greenhouse Atocha, a botanical garden composed of an extensive collection of tropical plants. Did you know Gustave Eiffel, the engineer of the Eiffel Tower, collaborated on the renovation? Atocha is one of those Madrid things to do you shouldn’t skip.
Templo de Debod
Experience a piece of Egypt in Madrid at Templo de Debod, a 2,000-year-old temple relocated from Egypt as a gift to Spain in 1968. Visiting this temple is among the top things to do in Madrid for history lovers.
Admire its hieroglyphics and sculptures inside or enjoy its beauty at sunset from the outside. The surrounding parks are also perfect for scenic strolls, picnics, or even yoga.
Queen Sofia Arts Center
From classical collections to modern installations, Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art is a mecca of culture. Visit Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, named after Queen Sofia, which houses works by Picasso and Salvador Dali.
The museum also offers interactive exhibits, a library, an auditorium, and a café. If you’re looking for things to do in Madrid Spain that combine art and culture, this is a must.
Gran Vía
Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous street, is known for shopping, nightlife, and entertainment. Built between 1910 and 1930, it played a key role in Madrid’s modernization.
With its theaters, designer stores, and iconic buildings like the Metropolis, Gran Vía truly represents the city’s energy. No list of things to do in Madrid is complete without a walk here, especially to see Spain’s first skyscraper and the biggest Zara store in the world.
Palacio Real
A visit to the Palacio Real will take you through Spain’s royal history. This official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, though no longer a home, is still used for state ceremonies.
With over 3,000 rooms, including the Throne Room and Royal Armoury, plus nearby Catedral de Almudena and Sabatini Gardens, it’s one of the most iconic Madrid things to do for history enthusiasts.
