Top 10 Things To Do in Madrid
Madrid is considered one of the most exciting destinations in Europe for the holidaymakers. Reason being, it offers a plethora of things to do, cuisines to savor, and places to visit for every-kind-of-wanderlust. It may get tedious for you to choose from a wide range of things that Madrid offers. Therefore, we have carefully curated a list of top-notch activities that you can add to your to-do list.
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1). See Masterpieces at Museo Del Prado:
No trip to Madrid is complete without visiting the magnificent Prado Museum, housing one of the world’s finest art collections. Wander its vast halls to admire iconic masterpieces like Goya’s Black Paintings and Velázquez’s Las Meninas. Additionally, it contains works by other famous painters such as Raphael, El Greco, and Rubens.
You can spend at least half a day to properly see the Prado’s extensive collection spanning centuries of European art.
2). Wander through Parque del Buen Retiro:
When you need a culture break, escape into the lush greenery of Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid’s iconic central park. It entices visitors with shady trees, grand monuments, boat-filled lakes, open-air cafes and plenty of space to unwind.
You can rent a rowboat and coast across the sparkling water with a view of Madrid’s cityscape. Or have a picnic on the massive lawn and indulge in the rose garden’s floral scent. It’s the ultimate way to experience a serene natural oasis in the bustling city.
3). Marvel at the Royal Palace of Madrid
No other site embodies the splendour of historic Spanish rule quite like the Royal Palace of Madrid. This stunning palace impressively combines lavish Baroque and Neoclassical details across an expansive campus in central Madrid.
You can explore the Throne Room and Royal Armory to envision the luxurious life of Spanish royalty across centuries. Don’t miss the palatial exterior fronted with tall columns and intricate embellishments. With nearly 3,000 opulent rooms, the palace offers a look inside Spain’s fascinating royal history.
4). Watch Flamenco Show at Las Tablas
What better destination than Spain to experience an authentic, fiery flamenco show? Madrid’s Las Tablas theatre is renowned for outstanding performances showcasing this traditional dance combined with soulful Spanish guitar and song.
You can sit right beside the intimate stage to see the dizzying footwork and passion from the dancers in whirling dresses. Through the pulse-pounding music and movement, you’ll develop an appreciation for this beloved Spanish art form. Flamenco Shows are one of the best things to do in Madrid in December.
5). Stroll Down Gran Vía – An Interesting Place to Visit in Madrid
Madrid’s most famous street, Gran Vía, captivates visitors with its grand early 20th-century architecture and bustling urban energy. Take your time strolling down this iconic boulevard while gazing up at the ornate exteriors of buildings now occupied by major banks, department stores and theatres.
For some retail therapy, you can duck into the shops and fashionable boutiques along Gran Vía. At night, you can find prime people-watching patios for an evening drink. Towards the day-end, you can see Madrid locals filling the street’s lively bars and restaurants. The magnificent Gran Vía is one of the top places to visit in Madrid.
6). Shop at El Rastro Flea Market
For a quintessentially Madrid morning, visit El Rastro flea market to uncover hidden treasures while experiencing local culture. Every Sunday, this massive open-air market transforms the historic La Latina district’s streets into a vibrant maze of vendors.
Wander through stalls hawking everything from antiques, books, crafts, clothes and more as you brush shoulders with locals. Be sure to peck at delicious local tapas and immerse in the eclectic finds in the city’s most famous flea market.
7). Hop Through Tapas Bars
In Madrid, hopping between tapas bars is a rejuvenating way to spend evenings socializing over small plates and drinks. You can graze through regional specialities like grilled pintxos, ham croquettes, savory tortillas and patatas bravas dripping in aioli.
Go on a tapas crawl through neighbourhoods like La Latina or Chueca to mix and match bites with new flavours. Add in the signature sangria or tinto de verano to have an ideal night enjoying Madrid’s celebratory tapas culture.
8). Take a Day Trip to Toledo
Just a quick train ride south, the magical city of Toledo makes for an unforgettable day trip from Madrid. You can explore this fortified hilltop town’s maze of medieval lanes and stone architecture. This stunning architecture dates back to Toledo’s time as the capital of Visigothic Spain.
Marvel at Toledo’s crown jewel, the Gothic cathedral glowing in stained glass. Or observe artists meticulously crafting the city’s iconic Damascus steel at traditional workshops. For stunning views, cross the Roman bridge stretching over the Tagus River. With its rich mix of Jewish, Moorish and Christian influences, Toledo is an easy and essential excursion.
9). Party at Plaza Mayor
At the heart of Madrid’s old city, the 17th century Plaza Mayor still serves as the perfect gathering point. By day, grab an outdoor table for coffee on the plaza’s perimeter to watch people mingle beneath its arched walkways.
As night falls, Plaza Mayor transforms into a major hub for revellers hopping between bars and nightclubs. Friends meet over pre-party cocktails before hitting the city’s top nightlife spots just steps away. Any time of day or night, the vibrant Plaza Mayor buzzes with Madrid’s infectious energy.
10). Watch Sunset Views from Templo de Debod
At the end of an action-packed day, take in a Madrid sunset with panoramic city views from the Templo de Debod. This recreated Egyptian temple in the Parque de Oeste, offers a stunning backdrop as the sun dips behind Madrid’s cityscape.
Bring a bottle of wine and snacks to watch the day fade into the night from these tranquil grounds. During summer months, stick around for film screenings at this moonlit urban oasis overlooking the glittering city below. It’s among Madrid’s most romantic spots and the perfect place to conclude your Spanish getaway. And, a Spanish Schengen Visa Appointment is all you need to bring your Spanish excursion to reality.
FAQs
1). What is the best way to get around Madrid?
Madrid has excellent public transportation including metro, buses, and local trains. Purchase a multi-day public transport pass or tourist travel card for unlimited access. Affordable taxis are available for shorter distances.
2). Where should I stay when visiting Madrid?
Popular areas to stay include Sol, La Latina, and Barrio de Las Letras for central locations with abundant nightlife and restaurants. Chueca and Malasaña offer trendy boutique lodging. For high-end luxury, try the Salamanca district.
3). How many days do you need to stay in Madrid?
With world-class museums, historic sites, parks and lively neighbourhoods, Madrid rewards visitors who spend around 4-7 full days. This allows enough time to see top attractions while also unwinding into the local pace and culture.