Top Things to Do in Madrid

The Spanish capital is one of the most visited cities in the world. This magnificent city offers a great mixture of architecture, historic places, vibrant culture, international cuisine and much more. Palacio Real, the most famous royal palace, Gran Via, Retiro Park, El Rastro Market are just a small part of Madrid’s cultural and historic offer. If you ever find yourself wandering around this Spanish beautiful giant, check out its must see places!

1) Visit El Palacio Real

When visiting Madrid, you should definitely take a peek at its glorious palace, El Palacio Real or the Royal Palace. The most elegant museum in Madrid is also the largest royal Palace in Western Europe, although it is rarely used by spanish Royal family today. The Palace consists of 3 418 rooms with its most important highlight – the Royal Armoury, which holds a collection of ceremonial armour worn by Carlos V. You can also visit the grand Throne Room, the Hall of Halbardiers, the Hall of Columns and much more. If you want to learn more about the Spanish history and enjoy various art collection, don’t miss out this royal attraction!

2) Take a long walk along the Gran Via

Gran Via is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. This wide and perky street stretches for more than a kilometre and it is filled with shops, bars, restaurants and much more. Known as “Spanish Broadway”, the street is famous for its vibrant nightlife and various shops. If you prefer food over clothes, Gran Via is also the best place to try the most  famous spanish dishes such as Jamon Serrano – or Spanish ham and Spanish tapas.

3) Taste the most amazing churros at San Ginés

Between Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Ópera hides the chocolatier which serves the most famous churros in Madrid-San Ginés.  The warm dripping chocolate is served in a mug with churros-fried-dough pastry.  This traditional and delicious snack is made by the same recipe since 1894.  We dare you to try this chocolate dose of haven!

4) Enjoy the beauty of nature in Retiro Park

Originally created  for the Spanish Royal family, the Parque del Buen Retiro or Retiro Park, is the best place to go if you want to relax, read or maybe have a cold drink. You can also rent a rowboat and take a tour around the lake or take an enchanting walk along the La Rosaleda – circular rose gardens with over 4000 beautiful roses. The Park also hides a little part of the spanish history – the Statue Walk, a path decorated with statues from 18th century, which represents a great mixture of nature and culture.

5) Puerta del Sol

The Puerta del Sol or “the Gate of the Sun” is the epicentre of Madrid and also kilometre zero for all roads in Spain. This magnificent square, got its name because of how the rising sun was shining on the eastward-facing entrance. It’s most famous for its clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes – it is believed that after eating each grape you will have a year of prosperity. This tradition is held during the New Year’s celebration. You can also take a picture in front of the ‘El Oso y el Madroño’ or “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree”, which is 4 meters high.

6) Shop at El Rastro Market

If you consider yourself a real shopping addict, then El Rastro is a perfect place for you! Located between Calle Embajadores and Ronda de Toledo, El Rastro is theoldest and most popular open flea market in whole Spain. It is held every Sunday at 9 a.m. and public holiday through the entire year. The main street is mostly filled with market stalls with various second-hand and new clothing, while the side streets offer other goods such as jewelry, souvenirs, drawings and much more.

7) Grab a bite in La Latina

There’s nothing better than having a yummy lunch after a busy day of shopping! The best place to try authentic Spanish food is definitely in La Latina – Madrid’s quintessential neighbourhood. This place is filled with various restaurants where you can try famous tapas and enjoy beer and mojitos. Feels like heaven? We certainly agree!

8) Enjoy the Flamenco Show

Flamenco is Spain’s most famous dance, known for its energy and beauty. Every year artists from all over the Spain come to perform in Madrid. If you want to experience live Flamenco performances while staying Madrid, then you should definitely visit Corral de la Moreria. The oldest flamenco locale in the city offers daily performances for around 40 and special flamenco shows after midnight. Casa Patas is also a great place to enjoy live shows, and is also most famous for its flamenco school and flamenco foundation.

9) Museo del Prado

The Prado Museum is one of the must-see places in Madrid. Located in the city center, it is the main national art museum in Spain, which was originally founded as a museum of paintings and sculpture. It also holds one of the world’s best and finest art collections from the 12th to the 20th century, which is based on the former Spanish Royal Collection. This spanish attraction is considered one of the greatest art museums in the world. You can enjoy numerous and various arts from Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Titian, Peter  Paul Rubens and many more.

10) Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

If you think Madrid is all about historic places, then you are definitely wrong! The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid football club is a must-see attraction for every football fan. While visiting the stadium you get to see almost every part of it-the benches, the locker room, the presidential box and much more. You can also visit the Real Madrid museum which holds the club’s trophies and medals. Tickets can be found from 18€.

Most popular routes from Madrid:

Madrid to Segovia	Madrid to Toledo
Madrid to Barcelona	Madrid to Seville
Madrid to Lisbon	Madrid to Porto