15 Best Things to Do in Madrid, Spain

Planning a trip to Madrid and wondering how to make the most of your time in Spain’s exciting capital? I’m here to help! 

I visited Madrid while traveling around Spain and had so much fun exploring the city. There was always something new to see or do, from learning about its fascinating history to enjoying all of the incredible food. 

There are so many ways to experience Madrid’s world-famous culture, and I was lucky enough to try a lot of them out during my trip! I’ve rounded up my favorite things to do in Madrid to help you plan your trip, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for a little longer. Let’s go!

Madrid at a glance

Madrid is one of my favorite cities in Spain thanks to its incredible food scene, fascinating history, and endless things to do. With that said, there are a few things I wish I’d known before my visit!

Stay central and explore on foot: Madrid’s city center is surprisingly compact, and many of its top attractions are within walking distance of one another. Staying in neighborhoods like Sol (I loved this hotel!), Gran Vía, Barrio de las Letras, and La Latina puts you close to major sights, restaurants, and nightlife. I ended up walking far more than expected, so comfortable shoes are a must!

The Metro is excellent, too: Need a break from walking? Madrid’s metro system is affordable, easy to use, and connects all of the city’s major neighborhoods. We found ourselves hopping on and off it throughout our trip, but Uber and Bolt are also widely available if you prefer a ride.

Be prepared for late meal times: Many breakfast spots don’t open until around 9 am, lunch typically starts around 1 pm, and dinner often isn’t until 8 pm or later. It took me a little while to adjust, but if you get hungry earlier, you’ll still find plenty of cafés, bakeries, and tourist-friendly restaurants serving food throughout the day.

Reserve tickets early: Some of Madrid’s most popular attractions can sell out, especially during peak season. I recommend booking tours for the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and popular flamenco shows in advance so you can secure your preferred time slot and avoid long lines.

Don’t skip the day trips: One of the best things about Madrid is how easy it is to explore beyond the city. Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila are all easy day trips by train and offer a completely different perspective on Spain’s history and culture. If you have the time, I highly recommend adding at least one to your itinerary!

How I would spend 3 days in Madrid

Most travelers spend three days in Madrid, which is enough time to see the city’s top attractions while also fitting in a memorable day trip. Here’s exactly how I would spend three days in Madrid based on my own experience exploring the city!

Day 1: Start your Madrid adventure with a private tuk-tuk tour to get oriented and see many of the city’s most famous landmarks and neighborhoods. After, have lunch at the lively Mercado de San Miguel, then spend the afternoon exploring Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Gran Vía before ending the day on a guided tapas and wine tour in Barrio de las Letras.

Day 2: Begin the day with a skip-the-line tour of Madrid’s magnificent Royal Palace. Afterward, stroll through the beautiful Retiro Park and Botanical Gardens, before joining a guided tour of the world-famous Prado Museum and finishing your day with tapas and sangria on a patio.

Day 3: Take a full-day excursion to the UNESCO-listed cities of Segovia and Ávila, where you’ll see highlights like the Roman Aqueduct, Alcázar of Segovia, medieval city walls, and historic churches. Then end your trip on a high note by going to a flamenco show in the evening – Olé!

For even more details, check out my complete 3-day Madrid itinerary!

Things to do in Madrid, Spain

1. Take a day trip to Ávila and Segovia

One of my favorite things about visiting Madrid was discovering how many amazing day trips are within easy reach. This full-day tour to Segovia and Ávila was hands-down my favorite, and it made visiting both cities so much easier than planning the transport myself.

The tour left Madrid at 9 am, and our first stop was Segovia. I completely fell in love with the city! Our guide, Lola, led the group on a walking tour that included the Alcázar of Segovia, which is said to have inspired the castle in Disney’s Snow White. We also visited Segovia Cathedral before finishing at the incredible Roman Aqueduct, which has been standing since the 1st century.

From Segovia, it was around an hour’s drive to Ávila. Our guide, Beatriz, showed us the city’s beautifully preserved medieval walls, historic churches, and important religious sites. One of the most memorable moments was seeing a relic containing Saint Teresa of Ávila’s finger. It was definitely one of the most unusual things I saw during my travels around Spain!

This is a long and fairly active day, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. I’d also recommend bringing a jacket, as both cities sit at a higher elevation than Madrid and can feel surprisingly cool. A water bottle and sun protection are useful too.

Even though it’s a long day, for me it was 100% worth it. I loved being able to explore two of Spain’s top UNESCO cities in one trip without worrying about the logistics. It does tend to sell out, though, so make sure to book in advance!

2. Taste local wine and tapas

Now, visiting Segovia and Avila was my favorite day trip from Madrid, but this wine and tapas tour was definitely the best thing I did in the city itself! It was the perfect way to experience Madrid’s food scene without getting overwhelmed, and it helped me to avoid all of the tourist traps.

My guide, Muna, was a sommelier with an incredible knowledge of Spanish food and wine. She made everything feel fun and approachable, so there’s no need to be intimidated if you don’t know much about wine! 

Over the course of the evening, Maya took us to four local tapas bars, including a historic tavern that has been serving customers since 1906. At each stop, we tried authentic tapas paired with regional Spanish wines. Of course, I loved the Padrón peppers and patatas bravas, but one thing that really surprised me was the shark bites (cazón). I would never have ordered these on my own, but they were so good! 

I also learned more about the history of tapas, including the theory that the word comes from tapa, meaning “cover.” Apparently, small plates may once have been used to cover drinks and keep flies out!

What I loved most was that this felt like more than just a food tour. It was also a really fun and social experience, so I left with both a full stomach and some new friends, as well as plenty of recommendations for the rest of my trip. If you only book one food experience in Madrid, make it this one!

3. Tour the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of Madrid’s most impressive landmarks, but seeing it from the outside doesn’t prepare you for just how grand it is inside. I joined this guided tour to learn more about Spain’s royal history, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city for the first time!

Before entering the palace, our guide, Sergio, took us past a few of Madrid’s highlights, including the San Miguel Market and Calle de Codo. However, exploring the palace is definitely the best part! Sergio brought its history to life as we explored the lavish state rooms and beautifully decorated halls. With more than 3,400 rooms, it’s the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, and the scale of the building is a little bit mind-boggling. 

My favorite spaces were the intricate Porcelain Room, where the walls and ceiling are covered in porcelain decorations, and the opulent Throne Room. Both were every bit as extravagant as I’d hoped!

Skip-the-line entry is one of the biggest advantages of booking this tour. The regular queue was enormous when I visited, so walking straight inside saved a lot of time. The guided portion moves fairly quickly, but you’re free to remain in the palace afterward and revisit your favorite rooms.

Before you leave, don’t miss the Royal Armoury, located near the palace exit on the right-hand side. It wasn’t mentioned during my tour, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the visit! Just ask your guide for a copy of your ticket, as you may need to show it to enter.

4. Visit the Almudena Cathedral

Sitting directly opposite the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral is one of Madrid’s most important religious landmarks and an easy addition to your time in this part of the city. Entry is free, so I highly recommend popping inside before or after visiting the palace.

Although the cathedral looks historic, it’s actually much newer than many of Madrid’s other major landmarks. Construction began in 1883, but the project was delayed by funding problems, political upheaval, and the Spanish Civil War. It took more than a century to complete and was finally consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993.

The long construction period also explains the cathedral’s unusual mix of architectural styles. Its exterior was designed to complement the neighboring Royal Palace, while the interior has a much more colorful and modern feel than I expected.

I only needed around 15–20 minutes to explore, but I was really impressed by the bright painted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and decorative chapels. Make sure to look up, as the ceiling is easily one of the most beautiful features!

5. See a Flamenco Show

You can’t visit Madrid without experiencing a flamenco show, and this intimate performance was one of my favorite experiences in the city. If you’re looking for an authentic introduction to this iconic Spanish art form, I can’t recommend it enough!

Unlike some of the larger productions, this venue is small and cozy, so you’re incredibly close to the dancers and musicians throughout the performance. There are no microphones or amplifiers, which makes the singing, guitar playing, and rhythmic footwork feel even more powerful. I could really feel the emotion and passion behind every performance.

My ticket also included a welcome drink, which I enjoyed in the upstairs lounge before the show began. Then, the performance itself lasted for around an hour, which means it’s actually very easy to fit into your itinerary. It’s a really memorable cultural experience, but it doesn’t take up your entire evening. 

Seeing flamenco performed live is completely different from watching it on a screen, and I was honestly so impressed by this experience. It’s truly something that you have to experience for yourself while you’re in Madrid, and I’m not the only one who thinks so – just take a look at all of the glowing reviews!

6. Explore Madrid’s top sights in a tuk tuk

A private tuk-tuk tour is one of the best ways to get your bearings in Madrid because it allows you to see a lot without walking for hours – and trust me, that’s a real blessing during the warmer months! I booked this tour for my first day in Madrid, and it was the perfect introduction to the city. 

Since the tour was private, it was just me, my partner Jesse, and our guide, Nacho. He was hilarious, incredibly knowledgeable, and happy to answer all of our questions along the way. He also gave us some fantastic restaurant recommendations that we ended up using later in the trip. 

As we cruised through Madrid, Nacho explained the history behind major landmarks such as Almudena Cathedral, Neptune Fountain, and Cybele Palace. One of my favorite stops was Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple in Parque de la Montaña. We also hopped out to explore and admire the panoramic views across Madrid, with the Royal Palace visible in the distance. It was easily one of the best viewpoints I found in the city!

In just two hours, this tour gave me a really thorough overview of the city. It was so helpful in deciding which neighborhoods and attractions I wanted to revisit later, and all of Nacho’s recommendations were spot-on. This is truly an ideal experience for first-timers in Madrid!

7.  Eat at the world’s oldest restaurant!

If you’re a foodie or a history lover, eating at Botín is an experience you simply can’t miss. After all, it’s not every day that you get a chance to eat at the world’s oldest restaurant! 

Yes, really, Botín has been serving guests in the same location since 1725, earning it a Guinness World Record for almost 300 years of continuous operation! This place has welcomed everyone from royalty to famous writers over the centuries, including Ernest Hemingway, who even mentioned it in The Sun Also Rises. 

Despite Madrid changing dramatically over the centuries, the restaurant has pretty much stayed the same, which makes it really special. It’s a bit like a time capsule – only you can go and eat inside this one! 

Botín is famous for its traditional Castilian wood-fired oven, which has been burning since the restaurant first opened. Yep, it has never gone out, not even during the world wars, the revolution, or the civil war! 

The signature dish cooked in this oven is cochinillo, or roast suckling pig, which is slow-roasted until the meat is tender and the skin is perfectly crisp. If that’s not your thing, you’ll also find plenty of traditional Spanish dishes and tapas on the menu. 

Unsurprisingly, this is one of Madrid’s most popular restaurants, so I’d definitely recommend making a reservation well in advance. This is a chance to experience a living piece of Madrid’s history, so you can’t pass up the chance to eat here.

8. Visit the Prado Museum

Even if you’re not a huge art lover, I think the Prado Museum is well worth visiting. It’s one of Madrid’s biggest cultural highlights and is widely considered one of the world’s greatest art museums, thanks to its incredible collection of European masterpieces. Since it’s such a huge museum, it’s best to visit as part of this guided tour to help you get the most out of it.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t especially excited about visiting an art museum and wasn’t sure if the tour would be worth it. However, our guide, Stefi, completely changed my perspective! She spoke excellent English, explained the stories behind the paintings clearly, and made the artwork feel far more accessible and interesting.

Some of my favorite pieces were The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch and Las Meninas by Velázquez, which somehow feels as though everyone in the painting is staring directly at you. I also loved The Washing of the Feet by Tintoretto, which creates an incredible illusion of movement as you walk past it.

The museum is huge, so having a guide meant we could go straight to the most important works and understand their significance rather than wandering around aimlessly. Skip-the-line entry was another major bonus, especially at such a popular attraction.

The guided portion lasts around 90 minutes, but you’re free to stay afterward and continue exploring. Honestly, I’m so glad that I did this tour and I can’t recommend it enough. Even though I was a bit reluctant to begin with, I left with a much greater appreciation for art and a deeper understanding of Spanish history, so it was well worth it for me!

9. Stroll and Shop Along Gran Vía

Whether you’re planning to do some shopping or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, Gran Vía is one of Madrid’s must-visit streets. Often called the city’s main boulevard, it’s lined with everything from international fashion brands and flagship stores to department stores, cafés, theaters, and rooftop bars.

Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, Gran Vía is worth visiting just to admire the architecture. The street is lined with beautiful early 20th-century buildings, many topped with ornate domes and intricate facades that make it one of the most photogenic areas in Madrid. I found myself stopping constantly to look up!

It’s also a fantastic place to wander in the evening when the buildings are illuminated, and the street buzzes with locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re hunting for a few souvenirs, updating your wardrobe, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll between attractions, Gran Vía is a great place to experience the energy of Madrid.

If you have time, don’t forget to venture down a few of the surrounding side streets too. They’re home to plenty of independent boutiques, cafés, and hidden gems that are easy to miss if you stick solely to the main avenue.

10. Join a Paella Cooking Class

I don’t know about you, but whenever I think of Spain, I think of paella! So this paella cooking class with bottomless wine (yes, you read that right) sounded like an absolute dream. And honestly, the paella I made was just as good as anything I could have found at a restaurant, if I do say so myself! 

This class was super hands-on, but at the same time, it was about so much more than cooking! Our group got to know each other over a welcome drink, then tasted five different Spanish wines and enjoyed as much of each as we liked! There was a sparkling wine, two whites, and two reds on offer, so there was plenty of choice. 

My instructor, Eric, was such a fantastic teacher, and he paced the class perfectly, so that everyone could keep up. Making a perfect paella is no easy feat, but Eric made it super straightforward! Dance music was playing as we cooked, and there was such a fun and energetic atmosphere. 

At the end of the class, the group sat down to enjoy our paella, with tons of other local foods, including gazpacho, cheese and charcuterie, and churros with chocolate sauce for dessert. Oh, and more wine, of course! It was hands down the best meal that Jesse and I had in Madrid, and the class was so much fun that we didn’t want to leave at the end. Seriously, do not miss this class while you’re in town! 

11. Visit the Temple of Debod

I’ll be honest, I never knew that you could see an authentic Egyptian temple outside of Egypt itself until I found out that there was one right here in Madrid! The Temple of Debod is certainly one of Madrid’s most unique attractions, and I highly recommend visiting if you have time.

So, what’s an ancient Egyptian temple doing here in Spain? Well, the Temple of Debod was actually gifted to Spain by Egypt in 1968 as a thank-you for helping save several historic monuments that were threatened by the construction of a new dam. It was built in Egypt around the second century BC, and they managed to transport it all the way to Spain over 2,000 years later – crazy, right?

Entry to the temple is completely free, although only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside at once. I’d recommend reserving a time slot in advance so you don’t miss out, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s definitely worth stopping by to see the outside of the temple and visit the surrounding Parque de la Montana. This is where you’ll find one of my favorite viewpoints in Madrid, with fantastic panoramic views across the city and the Royal Palace in the distance.

If your schedule allows, try to visit around sunset. As the sky turns orange and pink, the temple and its reflecting pools create one of the most beautiful scenes in Madrid!

12. Take a day trip to the medieval city of Toledo

Toledo is a gorgeous ancient city with a fascinating heritage. It’s known as “the city of three cultures” because large communities of Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived in harmony here, up until the Spanish Inquisition.

Of course, I wanted to explore this richly historic city for myself, and so I booked this full-day tour from Madrid. The coach was super comfortable, and having all of the transport organized made life so much easier. Plus, visiting Toledo was so much better with a guide, as I learned all about how the three cultures have shaped the character and traditions of the city.

I especially loved visiting the Plaza de Zocodover. It has been the beating heart of Toledo for centuries, so it’s safe to say this square has some stories!

Exploring the Cathedral was also beautiful, and I especially enjoyed seeing the ornate, golden interior. Oscar also taught us a lot about Jewish history as we visited the synagogue, which dates all the way back to the 12th century. And of course, the city walls were just breathtaking. 

I’m so glad that I booked this tour rather than going it alone. It was the perfect way to really soak up Spanish history and culture. Plus, Toledo truly is a picture-perfect city and visiting delivers a very satisfying slice of old-school Spain – and don’t just take my word for it, because you can read THOUSANDS of glowing reviews here!

Related Read: To make the most out of your time in Madrid, have a look at our detailed 3-day itinerary, which goes over all the highlights, hidden gems, and best places to eat!

13. Explore Madrid by Bike

For those who love outdoor adventures, bike tours are such a great way to explore a new city! I think this 3-hour tour is perfect for those who are short on time and want a budget-friendly tour that will cover all of the main highlights. 

I loved the guide, Isaac, who taught us so much about Madrid’s history, which is super complex and interesting. He kept our small group moving at the right pace – we didn’t feel rushed, but we certainly didn’t get bored, either. His commentary was so interesting, and we had lots of time to take photos. 

I was super impressed with this tour’s itinerary because it really did hit all of the city’s top attractions. From the Royal Palace to Plaza Mayor, the Literary Quarter, and Santa Maria Cathedral, we felt as though we saw it all in just a few hours! 

One of my personal favorite stops on the tour was the colorful Mercado de la Cebada, which is a huge food, clothing, and art market. We had about 20 minutes to explore and grab a few snacks from the food stalls. Plus, the brightly painted exterior is very Instagram-friendly.

All in all, this tour is yet another great option for your first day in Madrid. I also really like the fact that you can choose between a regular bicycle and an e-bike on this tour. The e-bike option isn’t too much more expensive, and it definitely makes the ride a lot easier if you’re not an experienced cyclist!

14. People watch in Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor

No visit to Madrid is complete without spending some time in Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. These are two of the city’s most famous squares, and they’re the perfect places to soak up Madrid’s lively atmosphere!

Start in Puerta del Sol, which is considered to be the very heart of Madrid. It’s always buzzing with street performers, and it’s one of my favorite places to stop for a bit of people-watching. While you’re here, don’t miss the famous Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madroño), which is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. Make sure to snap a photo with it, and if you rub the bear’s foot or tail, it’s said to bring good luck!

From there, it’s just a short stroll to Plaza Mayor, a beautiful arcaded square that has been at the center of Madrid life for hundreds of years. Today, it’s surrounded by cafés and traditional restaurants, making it a great place to grab a drink and a few tapas while watching the world go by.

Neither square takes long to explore, but that doesn’t mean that you should rush through them! There are lots of bars where you can grab a table outside and enjoy the atmosphere with a glass of wine or vermouth in hand. Sightseeing is all well and good, but sometimes the best way to experience Madrid is to slow down for a moment and just watch city life unfold around you. 

15. Tour the Ribera del Duero wine region

If you love wine, then you should put this day trip to the Ribera del Duero wine region at the top of your list of things to do in Madrid! I had the best time exploring this picturesque region, which is famous for its excellent wine, and particularly its tempranillo grapes. 

I loved our guide, Ismael, who taught us so much about the region’s proud history of winemaking. In fact, at one of the wineries, we actually got to peek behind the scenes and witness the harvesting process! I also thought it was great that we got to visit three very different wineries, from a small boutique producer to one that makes wine for one of Spain’s biggest brands!

And as you’d hope for on any comprehensive wine tour, I got to try a ton of wine! I did three different tastings and tried so many different wines, from light and easy-drinking whites to aged, complex reds. At the third and final winery, we also got a guided tour of a wine cellar and had so much fun walking through the underground tunnels – especially as we had drunk quite a bit of wine by this point! 

This tour was an absolutely idyllic day out. As much as I love the city of Madrid, it was wonderful to leave urban landscapes behind for a while and enjoy miles of rolling hills, with a glass of wine in hand. I would definitely book it again!

Where to Stay in Madrid, Spain

Now that you have your Madrid itinerary sorted, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! There are tons of options in Madrid, so to help you out, I’ve listed my top three picks for each budget below: 

Luxury – $$$

Hotel Atlántico is a fantastic luxury stay right on Madrid’s iconic Gran Vía. This elegant hotel combines classic charm with modern comforts, and its rooftop terrace offers incredible views over the city. With Callao Metro Station just outside and top sights like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor within walking distance, it’s hard to beat the location!

Room prices start around €300 in the summer, and you can book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Hotel Moderno Puerta del Sol is a fantastic mid-range option just steps from Madrid’s famous Puerta del Sol. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and surprisingly quiet for such a central location. With Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, and plenty of restaurants and tapas bars all within walking distance, it’s an excellent base for exploring the city without stretching your budget.

Rooms start at around €150 during the summer season. Check availability and book this stay here on Booking.com.

Budget – $

If your priority is location, Hostal Lauria is hard to beat. Set right on Madrid’s famous Gran Vía, you’ll be surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and some of the city’s biggest attractions. The rooms are clean and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to spend their budget on experiences instead of accommodation.

Prices average around €100 per night. You can book this stay here on Booking.com!

Check out all of Madrid’s hotel options here!

Related Read: For an in-depth description of the top areas and the best hotels, check out our Where to Stay in Madrid guide here!

Thanks for reading!

Madrid, Spain is an enchanting city, and after you experience a few things on this list, I’m sure you’ll agree! Whether you spend your days strolling through the old architecture, taking a day trip to a charming city, or eating your weight in tapas and wine, you’re sure to experience the best of Madrid.

Thanks for reading our blog! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides. Our team has traveled all over the world and loves sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your travels!

Where to Stay in Costa Brava, Spain: 6 Best Areas & Hotels

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Malaga, Spain: 3-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Bilbao, Spain: 5 Areas & Hotels