17 Top Things to Do in Madrid, Where to Stay, Dine and Explore
Our travel guide has the top things to do in Madrid, the best places to eat, and where to stay in Madrid to make the most of your visit.
Madrid is a city that sweeps you up in its rhythm from the very first stroll, whether you are exploring elegant neighbourhoods, dining in the coolest tapas bars, or enjoying sundowners at one of its many rooftop bars. In this travel guide to the top things to do in Madrid, I share the top attractions Madrid is famous for, including the Royal Palace and the Museo del Prado, as well as some of my personal recommendations, such as visiting the nearby city of Toledo.
You will also find the best neighbourhoods to explore, the liveliest markets, and the tapas bars locals love, alongside recommendations for the best place to stay in Madrid Spain and the best hotels in Madrid for every budget and travel style.
About Madrid
Madrid is the capital city of Spain and the largest in the country with a population of 3.4 million, expanding to 6 million when you include its metropolitan area. Yet despite its massive size, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to explore. While it has a superb public transport system, most of the top attractions in Madrid are easily accessible by walking.
Madrid is a historical city with lots of cultural offerings, but it also boasts vibrant nightlife, superb shopping, and is well laid out with plenty of open green spaces.
The elegant streets of the Salamanca neighbourhood, known for their designer boutiques, are a complete contrast to the lively atmosphere of La Latina, where traditional tapas bars spill into bustling plazas. This variety reflects the character of the city, where each neighbourhood offers its own distinct appeal.
From the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Madrid to the world class collections of the Museo Nacional del Prado, and from the relaxing El Retiro Park to the vibrant Plaza Mayor, the city reveals a different experience at every turn.
Be prepared for a much more authentic Spanish experience than you might get in the holiday resorts on the coast – some basic Spanish will get you further, and will be welcomed by the locals who don’t all necessarily speak English.
The Best Time to Visit Madrid
At an altitude of 2,000 metres, Madrid has a dry climate with temperatures in summer months of up to 40 degrees, although you will find air conditioning indoors.
In winter average temperatures are between 10 and 15 degrees. The beauty of the winter is that while it may be cold, the sun shines in a clear sky most of the time. So the best time to visit Madrid is autumn through to spring, and there are plenty of flights to Madrid all year round. I visited in February and we had great weather ranging from 14 – 18 degrees with blue skies!
Getting from Madrid Airport to City Centre
There is a Metro from Madrid airport to the city centre, that leaves from Terminal 2. However, Madrid Barajas airport is huge, so check which terminal you are flying into before you decide whether to get the metro. We flew with Ryanair into Terminal 1 and it took us about 15 minutes to get to Terminal 2. We also had to change trains and walk 7 minutes to get to our hotel. The total journey time was about 50 minutes.
There is a fixed rate of €33 to the city centre by taxi, regardless of the time of day, so this is probably a better option if travelling with friends or family – approx journey time is 20 minutes.
Getting around Madrid
Notwithstanding the above, the Madrid metro is superb. We never waited for more than 3 minutes for a train, and used it regularly. It is clean, efficient and great value.
Tourists can get public transportation passes for 24 or 48 hours (or longer) in the metro stations and tourist offices. We found it best to buy one Metro Card (€2.50) and put 10 passes on it, which we could use between us. We topped it up during our stay with another 10 passes and it worked out better value than purchasing a 2 or 3 day tourist pass.
That said, most of the time we walked between neighbourhoods, we only used the metro on a few occasions. The old part of the city centre is very easy to get around as it is quite compact.
A main street which will serve as a reference point for the more modern city centre, is the Paseo de la Castellana. At over 6 kilometres long it leads from Plaza de Castilla in the business district and turns in to the Paseo del Prado in the Art district (el Triangulo del Arte). The 27 bus whizzes up and down this street every few minutes, and can be a great way to get a feel for the various districts – from modern office blocks to palaces and grand historical homes.
Top Things to do in Madrid
1. Book a Tuk Tuk Tour or Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
As in most European cities a good starting point to get your bearings is to take a hop on hop off bus or a tuk-tuk tour. We pre-booked the latter for our first day and it was a great introduction into the city. We took a two hour Welcome tour and saw most of Madrid’s famous neighbourhoods and drove past many of top Madrid attractions.
2. Visit the Royal Palace
In 1560 Madrid became Spain’s capital city, when Philip II of Spain moved his court to Madrid and built its palace, the Palacio Real. The Royal Palace is now the largest functioning royal palace in Western Europe, and almost twice the size of Buckingham Palace. It is the official residence of the royal family, although it is mainly used for state functions, as the King stays primarily in the Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid.
A visit to the Royal Palace is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Madrid, yet the self-guided tour only takes about 45 minutes. I naively thought I didn’t need to pre book tickets during a midweek visit in February, but I was mistaken. It was booked out for the full week of our visit, I was very disappointed that I didn’t get to go inside.
It is worth noting that the Palace (and many state owned museums and attractions), is free for EU citizens to enter from 4pm – 6pm during the winter months, and 5pm – 7pm during the summer. I tried to avail of this and queued for an hour only to find out that the free entry stopped one hour before closing time! Top Tip: I strongly recommend you book tickets in advance!
I am also told a visit the Royal Kitchens, which must be booked separately, is worthwhile, and take time to wander around the Sabatini Gardens outside the palace.
3. Have a Drink on the Plaza Mayor
If you are wondering where to start exploring in this huge city, I suggest going straight to the Plaza Mayor. This is the main square in Madrid’s old town which was built in the early 1600’s, and its red coloured buildings make it one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks.
It once hosted royal ceremonies, markets, and even bullfights, but today it is a lively gathering place filled with cafés and street performers. It is not the cheapest or most authentic place to dine but it is worth visiting for the atmosphere and views alone, and a must visit in Madrid.
4. Go to La Latina for Tapas
The Plaza Mayor may have the glamour but if you want to dine where the locals dine, and get better value, walk 10 minutes further to the tapas bars in the La Latina neighbourhood. If you happen to be there on a Sunday morning the El Rastro flee market is on, but it is a great place to visit at any time.
The famous street, Cava Baja, is lined with tapas bars and pubs but there are numerous squares surrounding it where locals sit out and catch the sun.
Top Tip: Visit the rooftop terrace in the famous El Viajero (meaning The Traveller) restaurant for epic sunset views of the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande and surrounding area.
5. Relax at Retiro Park
Retiro park is one of the largest parks in Madrid at 1,500 square metres. It originally belonged to the Royal Family and it has a botanical garden and a rose garden.
It has a large lake in the middle, where many locals go on Sunday to take out rowing boats. It is only €6 midweek and €8 weekends to rent a boat for 45 minutes, making it one of the top things to do in Madrid for families. The Park is very animated at the weekends, with outdoor bars as well as entertainers and artists around the lake.
A segway tour of the park is another great family activity in Madrid and one of the top things do in Madrid in summer.
6. Walk the Golden Mile
In the nearby district of Salamanca, the elegant 19th century streets have many upscale restaurants. On Serrano street, Ortega y Gasset street and Claudio Coello street (known as the Golden Mile), there are many designer boutiques as well as old classical shops such as glove shops and pharmacies.
Pay a visit to the 19th century market on Ayala street to see the lively and vibrant fish, and fruit and veg stalls, where local housewives and maids have shopped for years.
This market, as many markets in Madrid, now has bars and restaurants indoors and around the sides, where you can people watch while eating all wonders of tapas and dishes.
7. Marvel at the Triangle of Art
We didn’t get an opportunity to visit Madrid’s Triangle of Art (el triangulo del arte) but a regular visitor to the Spanish capital advised me on the best museums to visit in Madrid.
The Prado Museum is one of the world’s most famous art museums with works by the Spanish masters – Goya, Velazquez and El Greco, and more. It is busy so it is recommended that you book tickets online, as you will be given an admission time, particularly as entrance is free for EU citizens from 4pm or 5pm, depending on the time of year. It can take four hours to visit the Museum.
The Thyssen Museum, across the road from the Prado, is a little less busy, more accessible and smaller. It is a beautiful, bright and airy building with wondrous paintings collected by the late Baron Thyssen, Rubens, Caravaggio, Van Gogh and an American collection.
The third art museum in the triangle is the Reina Sofia Museum with mainly modern and classical Spanish art, as well as Pablo Picasso’s famous Guernica. If you had to pick one and you are pressed for time, the Thyssen is the most convenient.
This tour that includes entrance to Prado and the Royal Palace is also very popular.
8. Visit the Mercado de San Miguel
Located just a short walk from Plaza Mayor, the Mercado San Miguel is widely regarded as the best market in Madrid. Originally built in 1915, this elegant iron structure has evolved into a paradise for food lovers, where traditional market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat, and cheeses sit alongside counters serving freshly prepared tapas, seafood, and sweet treats, that can be enjoyed at lively bar stools.
It is currently closed for renovations, so I was disappointed not to experience it in person, but it is one of the top things to see in Madrid. Be sure to add it to your list for when it reopens, as it remains a favourite among both visitors and locals.
9. Book a tapas and wine tasting tour
I have listed some of my favourite restaurants in Madrid below, but a tapas food tour is also a great way to discover local delicacies and dining recommendations. There are day tours available but this night tour which includes wine pairing with Iberian ham, salted cod, and lots more, is a great way to kick start your evening in Madrid. Tour includes 12 different tapas in 4 bars, with a drink at each bar.
10. Book a Rooftop Bar for Drinks or Dinner
Madrid is blessed with many rooftop bars, but most of them need to be booked in advance – especially if you want to dine or visit around sunset.
The rooftop bar at the 5* RIU Plaza Espana Hotel is one of the most popular, but it can get very crowded and is expensive to visit – the price for one drink and one tapa is €38.50 per person at sunset. We made an attempt to go without a booking, but the queues were extremely long!
However, we did find what must be one of the best rooftop bars in Madrid – the Azotea del Circulo at the top of the De Bellas Artes building, just minutes from the Gran Via.
You can pay an €8 fee to access the lift and just go for drinks, or dine there – there is an indoor restaurant as well as a tapas / snacks menu for outside dining. We enjoyed a drink outside and dined inside and had a fabulous lunch. It was pricey, but worth it. It was without a doubt our best meal in Madrid.
11. Spend the day in Toledo
Toledo has been on my bucket list for many years so when I discovered it was only 34 minutes from Madrid, I knew I had to visit! It is one of the best day trips from Madrid and with the regular high-speed train service it is easily accessible.
Spain’s former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Toledo is perched dramatically above the River Tagus, and it feels as though you are stepping into a fairytale. For centuries, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities lived side by side within its protective walls, shaping a rich cultural legacy that is still visible today.
Our first stop was to the Jesuits Church San Ildefonso where you can catch epic views of the city from its bell tower for just €4. We also visited the stunning Toledo Cathedral – the €12 entry fee is worth it! We didn’t go inside the imposing Alcázar of Toledo, but did the next best thing and admired it from the nearby Bu Terrazza – this offers epic views of the countryside, and a great resting point.
Each landmark offers a different perspective on Toledo’s layered history, but for me beauty lies in wandering through its narrow medieval streets and exploring its local shops, bars and restaurants. I only wish we had more time here – you can see more on my Instagram highlights here.
Top Tips for visiting Toledo: If travelling on a day trip by train, catch a taxi from the train station to the town centre (€7) and ask them to bring you to the Jesuits Church San Ildefonso – the highest viewing point in the city, then work your way back down through the town.
We were very short on time but if you have a full day to explore I suggest getting a guided tour which will bring you to some of the best viewing points and the famous bridge, Puente de Alcántara, which are located outside the city walls.
If you can extend your visit by a couple of days there are many more day trips from Madrid to consider. El Escorial, Segovia or Cuenca can be visited by train or by tour.
I also visited some of the wine regions of Castilla y León last year, many are reachable by train from Madrid. Read: A Spanish wine trip though Castilla y Leon
Alternatively combine your visit with another of Spain’s great cities. You can get to Malaga in two and a half hours and Seville in three hours by train.
12. Take a tour of Real Madrid Bernabéu Stadium
I suggest taking the popular 27 bus route near the top of the Castellana street or metro, to the famous Real Madrid Bernabéu stadium at the Plaza de Lima. The stadium was originally built in the late 1940’s when this part of Madrid was still countryside!
With a capacity for over 80,000 spectators it has an impressive museum and interpretative centre full of interesting facts, figures and mementoes that anyone would find interesting, even if you are not a football fan.
Football fans though will be really impressed to be able to walk through the players’ dressing rooms. There are bars and restaurants in the stadium which you would probably be advised to pre-book.
13. Ride the cable car to Casa de Campo
Take a taxi or the metro to Paseo del Pintor Rosales, 28088 Madrid and you will find the the Teleférico de Madrid. This cable car will take you over 2 kilometres across the Manzanares River and the Royal Palace, to the Casa de Campo Park.
This massive park is not only the leisure hunting grounds of the Royals, is it also the location of the Parque de Atraccciones theme park, and the Zoo, which are some of the top things to do in Madrid with kids. Make sure to enjoy a drink in the snack bar at the other end before you make your return
Note this is temporarily closed for renovations but due to reopen this year, 2026.
14. Shop the Gran Via
If shopping is more your style, you won’t be left wanting in Madrid. We loved shopping on Madrid’s most famous street, Gran Via, where there are countless high street shops for everyone to enjoy, including the second largest Primark in the world, and Spanish favourites Zara, Pull & Bear, Stradavarius and Bershka – all 20% less than what you will find at home. My teenagers had a ball shopping here – just make sure you take a spare bag with you and account for it on your luggage allowance!
If designer shopping is more your style, take the metro to the Salamanca district, where all the designer shops are located, and if the weather is not on your side, you can always visit Spain’s largest department store, El Corte Inglés.
It is known for its clothing (with many designer brands), and its supermarkets with upmarket gourmet sections. Today the company has over 90 branches nationwide. Catch the 27 bus or the metro at Nuevos Ministerios and it will bring you right there.
15. Visit the Temple of Debod at Sunset
One of the unique things to do in Madrid is to visit the Temple of Debod – an authentic ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain in 1968. Dating back to the second century BC, the temple was originally built in Egypt before being relocated stone by stone and carefully reconstructed in Parque del Oeste.
Parque del Oeste is a popular park to watch the sunset over Madrid’s skyline. We visited in the afternoon where crowds were gathering before sunset, and the golden hour light lit up the monument beautifully.
Top Tip: It is a free monument to visit but you must pre book tickets if you want to get up close to it and catch those epic sunset shots.
16. Have dinner in the oldest restaurant in the world
Located on a narrow street near Plaza Mayor, is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, having opened its doors in 1725.
Stepping inside feels like travelling back in time, with low wooden ceilings and a cosy dining room that preserves its eighteenth century charm. It is vital to book in advance as it was booked out during our visit, but I am told that the star of the menu is the traditional roast suckling pig, slow cooked in the original wood fired oven.
17. Visit the Almudena Cathedral
Standing opposite the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral is one of the free things to do in Madrid, and is a convenient attraction to visit before our after the Royal Palace.
Although it appears historic, construction only began in the late nineteenth century and was completed in 1993. The exterior blends seamlessly with the palace, but the interior has modern ceiling designs, and chapels. You can also climb to the dome (€7) to enjoy epic views across the city.
Where to stay in Madrid
Unlike many capital cities, it is not essential for tourists to stay in the very centre. In fact, it can feel far more authentic to base yourself in one of the surrounding neighbourhoods, all of which are within easy reach of the main sights. Each area has its own distinct character and atmosphere.
Malasaña, where I stayed, has a lively, creative energy, with colourful cafés, vintage boutiques and relaxed tapas bars lining its streets. Chueca offers a similar style and is especially known for its inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.
La Latina is renowned for its traditional bars and strong tapas culture, particularly on weekends. For a more refined experience, Salamanca is the elegant, upmarket district, home to designer boutiques and sophisticated cafés.
There are, of course, many other neighbourhoods to consider. However, these tend to be the best places to stay in Madrid for visitors who want to remain close to the main landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, while still enjoying a more authentic, local feel.
Madrid is blessed with so many great hotels to suit budgets of all ages. I have listed some of the best Madrid hotels below to suit all price ranges as well as some great value boutique hotels and also some self catering options.
4 Star Madrid Hotels
Soho Boutique Congresso
The Soho Boutique Congreso Hotel in the historic centre is a great value choice for a central 4 star hotel in Madrid. This newly built hotel is housed in a 19th-century building and blends modern and traditional styles seamlessly.
NH Collection Madrid Colón
This popular hotel is located near the Plaza de Colón (Columbus’ Square). NH Collection is a good Spanish chain, this four-star hotel and well located for the shopping area of Barrio de Salamanca. Top Tip: If travelling during the summer time, check out their junior suite rooms with terrace – pictured above.
Petit Palace Plaza Mayor
Petit Palace hotels are located in refurbished old buildings in city centres, and this one is no exception. This 4-star hotel is located next to the Plaza Mayor and the San Miguel Market.
5 Star Madrid Hotels
Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel
This luxury five-star hotel happens to be over one hundred years old. It is very centrally located on the Plaza de la Lealtad close to the beautiful Neptune fountain, and halfway along the Paseo del Prado. It has recently reopened after three years of refurbishment works.
NH Collection Palacio de Tepa
Originally a 19th century palace, the five-star NH Collection Palacio de Tepalocated in the Literary quarter, close to the Royal Palace. This romantic location is where writers and poets lived, and Cervantes’ remains are buried in the convent across the road from the hotel.
Hotel Urban
A five-star plus luxury hotel, this is located in the political and financial area of Madrid, a few minutes walk from the Triangle of Art – Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia museums. It was once a 19th century palace and boasts a distinctly art theme. Its rooftop bar is also very popular and fashionable.
Rosewood Hotel Villa Magna
If money is not an object then you must stay in this luxury hotel located on the main street of Paseo de la Castellana – it backs on to Serrano street in the heart of the Golden Mile, Barrio de Salamanca.
It is a classical hotel of Madrid and as such the location is central to the offices and embassies belt, designer boutiques and good restaurants. It is a walking distance to the Retiro Park and to the Paseo del Prado. This is one of the best five star hotels in Madrid.
Where to stay in Madrid, self catering and value options
Madrid has so many great neighbourhood cafés and tapas bars, that I almost feel its better to stay in an apartment, and as the saying goes, live like a local. In the morning, you will see locals stand at the bar for a quick café con leche and a pincho de tortilla – a slice of potato omelette, or a tostada con tomate – the classic Spanish breakfast of toasted bread rubbed with tomato and finished with olive oil.
You will get a coffee and one of these snacks for €2.90, and while simple, it is satisfying and will keep you going till you find a nice tapas bar for lunch.
Casa Malasaña Apartments ****
We stayed in a two-bedroom superior apartment at Casa Malasaňa and found it ideal family apartment in Madrid. It was spacious and very well equipped with good WiFi, Netflix and extremely comfortable beds! The host was very attentive and was easily contactable via What’s App. We arrived early and left late and there was a place to leave our luggage.
There are cool brunch spots and cheap cafés around the corner, the metro station is a 2 minute walk and It is just a 7 minute walk to the Gran Via.
Limehome Madrid Calle de Fomento Apartments ****
Located in the heart of the city, near Gran Via, these are a great choice for a self catering stay in Madrid. One and two-bedroom apartments are well equipped with WiFi, coffee machine, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Hotel Mora **
This is an old favourite, and is ideal if you are looking for a good value option for a one- or two-night stay. The rooms are small and functional, but it is well priced and well located on the Paseo del Prado, across the road from the museum.
It is about three-minutes walk from the railway station Atocha, the main railway station in Madrid, with connections to the whole country, and where the high speed AVE trains operates from.
The hotel has a cafeteria on street level open to the public so you can see all types of locals having breakfast and dinner here.
Where to eat in Madrid
From tapas bars to traditional restaurants, I have listed some of my personal recommendations below, as well as top picks from a regular visitor to Madrid.
Azotea del Circulo is a stunning rooftop restaurant with amazing view and food to match. I usually find rootop restaurants are only good for views and cocktails, but not this one. The sharing plate of monkfish, chicken cannelloni and skirt steak were all delicious, as were our mix of starters and desserts. A must visit in Madrid, but make sure to pre book.
Ultramarinos Quintin is a grocery store turned restaurant, and is a fabulous place to soak up the atmosphere in Madrid. Located in the fashionable Salamaca district, the price tag matches the location, but if you want an upmarket restaurant with a lively atmosphere, then this is the place. Top Tip: Order a plate of Jamon ( pictured above ) to start – it is not on the menu, but they will happily produce it for you.
Ochenta Grados is a modern tapas restaurant in the trendy Malasana district. With unusual flavours that actually work well together, this is the perfect place to go when you fancy a break from the typical Spanish local cuisine. Top Tip: Make sure to order the Gnocchi!
Café de Oriente is a good choice for lunch and is located close to the Royal Palace. This is located in the basement of a 17th century convent. Apart from the views of the Royal Palace opposite you, can also see the remains of the city walls of Madrid through a glass floor in the restaurant.
Casa Mingo is a 20 minute walk away from the Royal Palace. This is a very famous traditional cider house from the 1880’s. Be sure to try their roast chicken, and their Cabrales blue cheese from Asturias in the north of Spain.
Casa Botín boasts a more classical and traditional experience. Located close to the Plaza Mayor, this claims to be the oldest restaurant in the world (established in the 1750’s). It is a quaint ramshackle building in Cuchilleros Street, a very atmospheric part of the old town. The specialities here are roast suckling pig or roast baby lamb, and is one of the best dishes from Castille – the region Madrid is located in, according to a regular visitor.
Jose Luis Serrano (no. 89, Serrano Street) is a classical tapas bar and restaurant for well–heeled Madrid residents for decades.
Bar el Tomate serves delicious, well prepared food and wood fired pizzas from brunch to dinner.
I hope this insiders guide to Madrid will help you plan a trip there soon. While every effort is made to insure accuracy, please note information is subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
