Things to do in Madrid

Activities, attractions and tours

Madrid
Madrid
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Madrid
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Top places to visit

1. Gran Via

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.
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Gran Via showing night scenes, landscape views and a city

2. Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid is one of the most internationally recognized soccer teams and their Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is among the sport’s finest. Watching a match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a lifetime dream for both long-term Madridistas and soccer enthusiasts. Walk on the hallowed turf of the playing field, browse the clubs impressive trophy hall and relive historical moments via multimedia exhibits.
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Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

3. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol, or “Sun Gate,” is Madrid’s beating heart. It was once at the eastern extremity of the city and the location of a medieval gate decorated with the rising sun, from which it gets its name. Today it’s the city’s main public square, hosting everything from political demonstrations to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
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Puerta del Sol which includes a city and a fountain

4. Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s best-known public places. Its cobbled courtyard is surrounded by stylish restaurants, boutiques, bars and cafés. It was a chaotic market back in the 16th century until King Felipe II commissioned a proper public square. The plaza was completed in 1619 under the supervision of architect Juan Gómez de Mora, but would burn down three times before the present version was constructed in 1790.
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Plaza Mayor featuring a monument, an administrative building and a square or plaza

5. Royal Palace of Madrid

The Spanish Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is one of the biggest palaces in Western Europe. The palace is known for its extravagant interior and the staggering collection of furniture, artwork, weapons, armor and accessories found throughout its 3,400 rooms. Construction of the building you see today started in 1738 after the previous royal residence burned down on the same site in 1734. Nowadays the Spanish royal family does not live in the palace.
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6. El Retiro Park

El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro) is one of Madrid’s favorite parks and occupies nearly 350 acres (140 hectares) of land in the city center. It was once a royal retreat and the site of a large palace, but was opened to the public in the 1860s. There are statues and monuments all throughout the park, as well as two ponds, art galleries and fountains. It’s a popular retreat for Sunday afternoon picnics and you’ll notice street performers plying their trade in the busiest areas.
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El Retiro Park which includes a park

7. Prado Museum

The Prado (Museo Nacional del Prado) is one of the world’s most prestigious art museums. It was commissioned in 1785 by King Carlos III to showcase Spanish talent and taste. The royal collection has formed the core of the museum’s inventory since it opened to the public in 1819. The collection has expanded over the years to include works from other European nations and even ancient Greek and Roman statues.
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Prado Museum featuring a garden and heritage architecture

What to do in Madrid

Popular places to visit

Gran Via showing night scenes, landscape views and a city

Gran Via

Madrid’s famous shopping strip has boutiques and international brands, an exciting nightlife and an impressive display of early 20th-century architecture.

Gran Via
Bernabéu Stadium

Bernabéu Stadium

Cheer on the superstar players of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the colossal 81,000-capacity stadium.

Bernabéu Stadium
Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol

Stand at the very center of Madrid and feel the buzz as thousands of people meet and greet before a night out, gather for protests, or start out on a tour of the city.

Puerta del Sol
Plaza Mayor featuring a monument, an administrative building and a square or plaza

Plaza Mayor

This square has seen everything from markets and public celebrations to bullfights and executions. Today you’ll find street performers, artists and plenty of shops.

Plaza Mayor
Royal Palace featuring château or palace, a city and a park

Royal Palace of Madrid

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Royal Palace of Madrid
El Retiro Park which includes a park

El Retiro Park

Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.

El Retiro Park
Prado Museum featuring interior views and art

Prado Museum

An art museum to rival the Louvre or the British National Gallery, this is the place to see some of the finest art Europe has to offer.

Prado Museum
IFEMA

IFEMA

Few venues for fairs, exhibitions and conferences can compete with IFEMA - Feria de Madrid, Madrid’s trade fair venue, for comfort, amenities and its modern style.

IFEMA
Plaza de Castilla

Plaza de Castilla

Iconic dark skyscrapers surround the golden obelisk and gardens of this plaza at the heart of one of Madrid’s principal commercial thoroughfares.

Plaza de Castilla

Areas of Madrid

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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(745 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Gran Via and Puerta del Sol, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
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Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Gran Via or Puerta del Sol and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
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Salamanca

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Contemporary fashion, gourmet cuisine, fine art and upscale residential living await discovery in one of Madrid’s most stylish neighborhoods.

Salamanca
Chueca featuring a city and café scenes as well as a large group of people

Chueca

4.5/5(65 area reviews)

This avant-garde part of Madrid is known as the gay quarter because of its numerous LGBT shops and bars, a Gay Pride march and an open-minded populace.

Chueca
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Malasaña

4/5(42 area reviews)

Loved by hipsters and students for its coffeehouses and nightlife scene, this creative neighborhood also has excellent art museums, theaters and shopping.

Malasaña
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Ibiza

During your stop in Ibiza, check out the parks, and jump on the metro at Ibiza Station to see more of the surrounding area.

Ibiza
Alcala de Henares

Alcala de Henares

Chinchon

Chinchon

Photo "Alcorcon" by Concepcion AMAT ORTA… (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Concepcion AMAT ORTA… (CC BY)

Alcorcon

Arganda del Rey

Arganda del Rey

Photo "Getafe" by velomartinez (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by velomartinez (CC BY-SA)

Getafe

Photo by Raul Grande Revilla

Pozuelo de Alarcon

Photo by Juan Antonio García Molina

San Sebastian de los Reyes

Majadahonda

Majadahonda

Frequently asked questions

Is Madrid worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Madrid is explore Gran Via. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's markets and culture.
How do I spend a day in Madrid?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Gran Via and Príncipe Pío Shopping Centre, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Madrid.
What is the top tourist attraction in Madrid?
Don't leave without exploring Gran Via, rated the top tourist attraction in Madrid.
Is three days enough to stay in Madrid?
Three days in Madrid is plenty of time to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests book for three days on average. Gran Via, Prado Museum and Lope de Vega Theatre are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Alcobendas.
Is Madrid a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Madrid is a great destination to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between Gran Via and Prado Museum. Then take a stroll around Sol, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Barrio de las Letras, which is about 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Madrid with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all of your group, we've got some awesome ideas for what to do in Madrid with kids.

What to do in Madrid for adults?
Paseo de la Castellana and Calle de Alcalá are just two of the things to do in Madrid. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Madrid?
In Madrid, Gran Via is a must-see spot for anyone looking to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Madrid.