Madrid Travel Guide
After living in Madrid for over 3 years, I can definitely say that the Spanish capital is one of my favorite cities. It has so much to offer from art, hip and charming neighborhoods to the city center Sol and Gran Vía. If you come to Spain, you can’t miss it. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and eat.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book through these links. Thanks for your support!
1. The Prado Museum
The Museo del Prado is a world class art museum, home to pieces by Velázquez (Las Meninas), Goya, and El Greco. Even if you’re not an art expert, being in the Prado is an experience. Plan for at least two hours, then you can really soak it all in.
During late fall early winter, the city becomes full of life size Meninas. Artists from around the world design the Meninas and they change every year. One year I went to see all 40 statues placed around the city. It took all day, but finding them was a good way to explore the city and lots of fun.
Local Tip: Entrance to the Prado is free during the last two hours of the day, but it can get busy. There is usually a long line at the end of the day so plan to wait a bit to get in.
2. Retiro Park
Parque Retiro is the perfect spot to relax and take a break from the buzzing city. You can stroll through the park, admire the fountains, and visit the Crystal Palace. The palace is a beautiful glass structure in the middle of the park and it’s normally used for art exhibitions. As of now it’s under construction so you can’t go inside, but the outside is just as beautiful to see.
In the spring the rose garden is in full bloom. It’s a small part of the park that hosts many different colors and species of roses. Great place to smell the roses and take some of those Instagram pics to post. On most weekends, the park is filled with street performers, musicians, and people enjoying picnics.
Don’t Miss: Renting a rowboat on the park’s central lake for a peaceful view of the city’s skyline.
3. The Royal Palace
The Palacio Real is the official residence of the Spanish royal family (although they now live elsewhere). It’s one of Europe’s largest palaces with over 3,000 rooms, each more elaborate than the last. The interior has fancy chandeliers, intricate tapestries, and gilded ceilings. The gardens outside are also worth a visit.
Pro Tip: The terrace of the palace is a great place to watch the sunset.
4. Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is surrounded by red-brick buildings and arched walkways. Cafes, shops, and restaurants line the square. It’s a great place to grab a coffee, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere.
Local Tip: Stay away from the restaurants in the square, instead grab a bite at a little restaurant in the side alley ways. It’s usually less crowded and has better food.
5. Mercado de San Miguel
Just a short walk from Plaza Mayor, is Mercado de San Miguel. It’s a glass and iron food building where you can try everything from Iberian ham to oysters and churros. Perfect for sampling a little bit of everything.
Best Strategy: Don’t fill up at the first stall. Walk around first, see what looks good, and then slowly make your way through your favorites. Think Minnesota State Fair style eating.
6. Temple of Debod
Received from Egypt to Spain in the 1960s, the Templo de Debod is a 2,000 year old temple in the middle of Madrid. The surrounding park has amazing views over the Casa de Campo park and you can sometimes see the mountains in the distance when it’s clear enough.
When to Go: About an hour before the sunset to enjoy the sun going down and take photos before the crowds arrive.
7. Gran Vía
Madrid’s most famous avenue, Gran Vía, is full of theaters, shops, and amazing architecture. During the day it’s a busy shopping destination, by night, lights lite up the street and it’s full of people.
Don’t Miss: A rooftop terrace for panoramic views and sunset over the city. One of my favorite places to watch the sunset is the Círculo de Bellas Artes. They do charge a small fee to go up to the rooftop, but it’s worth the view.
8. Reina Sofía Museum
If you love modern art, the Museo Reina Sofía is a can’t miss. It holds Picasso’s famous Guernica and includes art by Dalí and Miró. While the Prado focuses on classical art, the Museo Reina Sofía is full of modern art. Both museums are beautiful and unique to their own art pieces.
9. The Madrid Nightlife
Madrid, and other cities in Spain are known for late nights, with clubs staying open until about 6am. Going out starts with drinks or tapas, dinner and then going out to the clubs. Most people don’t start dinner until around 9-10 and then don’t get to the clubs until about 1:00am.
10. Day Trip to Toledo or Segovia
If you want a day or two out of the city, Madrid’s central location makes it easy to explore other cities in Spain. Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures,” is a mix of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage. My first trip to Toledo included a short zip line across the river and back. I highly recommend it.
Segovia is known for the enormous Roman aqueduct and its fairytale castle. Either city is a great day trip from Madrid and only 30-40 minutes away by train.
How to Get Around Madrid
Madrid’s Metro system is clean, safe, and affordable connecting almost every part of the city. Walking is also a great way to explore central neighborhoods. For quick trips, you can use taxis or ride sharing apps.
When to Visit Madrid
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) have mild weather, perfect for sightseeing.
- Summers can be hot, but the city is still lively. The heat doesn’t keep people inside.
- Winters are cooler and less crowded, making it a great time for museums and cozy cafés.
FOLLOW ME ON
Most Recent Post
Looking for other great big cities to explore? Check out my posts on Amsterdam, Istanbul or Lisbon. All great cities for solo travel and with tons of things to do.
Local Tips
- Meal times: Lunch usually starts at 2 or 3 while dinner begins at 9 or 10.
- Siesta time isn’t really a thing anymore, but some small shops can be closed from 2-4. Many places are closed on Sundays and banks are only open until 2pm during the week.
- Most restaurants have a menu del día, which is a three course, fixed price menu and it’s usually a better deal than ordering separate plates.
- Lunch and dinner are social events, not just meals. You come to eat and stay long after your meal is finished.
- Many tapas restaurants give away free little starters, like olives or chips to go with your beer and wine.
- Christmas in Madrid is unforgettable. Christmas markets are all around the center of the city. Plaza Mayor and Sol are filled with Christmas lights and decorations.
- Make sure you see a Flamenco show and try paella, both are unique to Spain.
Final Thoughts
Madrid is a city where you can find everything from art museums and palaces to classic neighborhoods and plazas. There is always something in the city to do, whether you spend days or a week there. Madrid has my heart and no matter where I end up, Madrid has left an impression on me.
Traveling to Madrid? Check out my Where to Stay in Madrid post.
Looking for other destinations in Spain? Don’t miss Córdoba and Cádiz.
