Lonely PlanetOct 2
12 Top Things to Do in Madrid
Madrid is one of Europe
Street with vibrant bars, taverns, and restaurants for tapas.
25 things in this story
- Plaza MayorMarketHistoric plaza, stage for ceremonies, markets, and executions.
- Centro de Arte Reina SofíaArts centreSpain's national museum for 20th-century art.
- Museo Thyssen-BornemiszaMuseumShowcases 13th to 20th-century European and American artists.
- Museo del PradoMuseumDisplays works by Spanish artists like Velázquez and Goya.
- Parque del Buen RetiroParkMadrid’s most famous park with fountains, statues, and cafés.
- Palacio RealSightOfficial residence of the Spanish monarchy, largest functioning royal palace.
- Templo de DebodMuseumGenuine Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BCE.
- Golden Triangle of ArtNeighborhoodArea with three renowned museums: Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza.
- Palacio de Capricho MuseumMuseumPalace museum in Barajas district, set to reopen by 2027.
- Museo BanksyMuseumPermanently displays reproductions of the artist's important works.
- El RastroMarketEnergetic bazaar selling clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, and antiques.
- Calle Cava BajaNeighborhoodStreet with vibrant bars, taverns, and restaurants for tapas.
- Plaza de la Puerta del SolSightMadrid’s busy central public square, symbolic center of Spain.
- Restaurante BotínRestaurantWorld’s oldest restaurant with a 16th-century cellar.
- La VenenciaBarDimly lit sherry bar frozen in time.
- Palacio de CristalArts centreArchitectural marvel of iron and glass in El Retiro park.
- Estadio Santiago BernabéuSightStadium for Real Madrid, offering guided tours.
- Riyadh Air Metropolitano StadiumSightStadium for Atlético de Madrid, offering guided tours.
- CardamomoBarTablao flamenco en el centro de Madrid, a un paso de Sol.
- Teatro FlamencoTheatreEspectáculo flamenco en Madrid en directo.
- Las TablasTrain stationIntimate venue attracting big-name flamenco artists.
- Corral de la MoreríaPlaceIntimate flamenco space with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- PrideFestivalCelebrations in late June or early July with high-heel race and parade.
- San Isidro FestivalFestivalFestival around May 15 honoring the city's patron saint.
- Madrid OrgulloFestivalPride spectacular with high-heel race, conference, music, and parade.