Things to do in Madrid

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with ornate architecture and a dome, surrounded by modern buildings and a busy street with light trails from moving vehicles.
A busy urban street with historic buildings, including a prominent curved structure with a Vodafone advertisement and a large brick building with a sign for 'S' on the ground floor.
A historic cathedral with domes and towers, surrounded by modern buildings and lush greenery.
A wet city street at night with illuminated buildings and outdoor seating at cafes.
A densely packed urban area with historic buildings, terracotta rooftops, and a prominent church with a dome.

Things to do

Madrid: "Emociones" Live Flamenco Performance

Teatro Flamenco Madrid: Live the Flamenco Experience

€27
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Teatro Flamenco Madrid: Live the Flamenco Experience
Madrid: Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drinks Options

Madrid: Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drinks Options

€25
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Madrid: Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drinks Options
Skip-the-Line Royal Palace Tour

Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour with expert guide

€37
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour with expert guide
Madrid: Flamenco Show at Tablao La Carmela

Madrid: Flamenco Show at Tablao La Carmela with Optional Dinner

€39
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Madrid: Flamenco Show at Tablao La Carmela with Optional Dinner
Skip-the-Line with Madrid’s Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour

Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas

€35
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas
Guided Tour in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Guided Tour in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

€49
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Guided Tour in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Local Flamenco Show at El Cortijo

Madrid: Local Flamenco Show at El Cortijo

€15
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Madrid: Local Flamenco Show at El Cortijo
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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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A cityscape at dusk with historic buildings, a prominent Rolex store, and a busy street.

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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A large, empty stadium with blue seats and a green field.

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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A statue of a bear holding a tree with the inscription "50 AÑOS EN SOL".

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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A statue of a man on horseback in front of a red building with white windows and balconies.

5. 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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A park with topiary trees, a paved walkway, and people walking.

6. IFEMA

IFEMA is the benchmark in excellence for those travelling to Madrid for work. Its location in the Barajas district, just on the outskirts of the capital and a short distance from the airport, is ideal for enjoying a comfortable stay, with the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll have all the services you need at hand, as well as a metro station just a few minutes’ walk away, ready to take you off to the city centre. There, you can enjoy the culinary delights of the most fashionable restaurants, take in the latest musicals on the Gran Vía or admire one of the many interesting exhibitions at the Prado or the Reina Sofia Museum.
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An empty escalator in a public space with glass railings and directional signs.

7. 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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A grand palace with a symmetrical garden and a central fountain.

8. National 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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A grand building with classical architecture, featuring columns, statues, and a flag.

What to do in Madrid

Stay near popular Madrid attractions

A cityscape at dusk with historic buildings, a prominent Rolex store, and a busy street.
Photo by National Tourist Office of Spain
Open Photo by National Tourist Office of Spain

Gran Via

9.4/10 (23,455 reviews)
Madrid's most iconic avenue showcases stunning early 20th-century architecture and vibrant city life. Explore its historic theatres, upscale shops, and elegant cafés as day transitions to illuminated evening splendour.
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Where to stay in Madrid

Find the best Madrid areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Madrid
Learn more about Madrid
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Madrid Centro

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.

A grand archway with statues and inscriptions, surrounded by vibrant pink flowers.

Salamanca

Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and La Caixa Foundation. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.

A glasshouse with a fountain in a park.

Retiro

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Retiro. You can visit top attractions like Glass Palace and Calle de Alcalá, and jump on the metro at Sainz de Baranda Station or Conde de Casal Station to see more of the city.

A sunset over a body of water with illuminated structures and trees.
Photo by Jesus Ortega
Open Photo by Jesus Ortega

Moncloa-Aravaca

Travellers choose Moncloa-Aravaca for its lively bars. Hop aboard the metro at Ciudad Universitaria Station or Aravaca Metro Station and check out top sights like Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

A historic building with a clock tower and a statue of a man on horseback.
Photo by Fernando García
Open Photo by Fernando García

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.

A family walking on a paved path with a Ferris wheel and a clock tower in the background.

Alcala de Henares

A historic town with white buildings and terracotta roofs, a central square, and a green-roofed building.

Chinchon

A panoramic view of a city with a dense urban area, a river, and a large park with autumn foliage.

Alcorcon

An isolated tower amidst a dry, hilly landscape with sparse vegetation and distant industrial structures.

Arganda del Rey

A statue on a tall column with snow-covered trees around it.

Getafe

A calm lake reflecting city lights at dusk with a prominent building and trees along the shore.

Pozuelo de Alarcon

A cityscape with a large airport and a cloudy sky.

San Sebastian de los Reyes

A plaza with a central fountain, surrounded by white buildings with arches and balconies.

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.

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