Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one bustling city that has much to offer its visitors. From great food experiences and flamenco performances to beautiful architecture and great shopping – Madrid has it all!
If you’re traveling to Madrid and not sure what to do and see there, then this is a great list for you!
Here’s the list of the top 11 things to do in Madrid:
Table of Contents
Museo del Prado
Museo del Prado is famous for being one of the world’s largest art galleries. Opened in 1819, this museum has collected over 9000 artworks during the years. Here you can see artworks by artists like Fra Angelico, Goya, and Ribera.
If you’re interested in art, then this is one of the top things to do in Madrid for you.
Walk along the Gran Vía
When it comes to things to do in Madrid, one can simply not miss taking a stroll along the famous Gran Vía. You will walk past hundreds of shops, restaurants, cozy cafés, and see lots of people. One of the best things with this street is its beautiful architecture, old theaters, and cinemas.
If you enjoy taking beautiful photographs, then this is a place for you.
Eat Tapas
When you’re in Madrid, or Spain overall, one has to sit at a local restaurant eating some delicious tapas. I can highly recommend you to visit the area “La Latina” since it’s here you’ll find some of the best places for tapas in town.
Enjoy some live music at Café Jazz Populart
One of the best ways to spend a night is to visit Café Jazz Populart. This place is located in the Huertas area, and here the locals play both jazz, blues, and reggae. Many of the shows at Café Jazz Populart are free, so make sure to check the event calendar on their website.
A tip is to show up early, so you’re sure to get a seat!
Parque del Retiro
One of my favorite things to do in Madrid is to take a stroll and chill in the beautiful park Parque del Retiro. This is the park where locals come to skate, walk their dogs, go for a jog, and having picnics.
In this park, you’ll find a large boating lake, plenty of cozy cafés and also the beautiful Palacio de Cristal (which is a great piece of art).
Visit Mercado de San Miguel
If you’re a food lover (like me haha), then you’re going to love Mercado de San Miguel. Mercado de San Miguel is an old traditional market that has become a modern food market with local delicacies over the years. Here you can sample delicious from as little as €1, and sometimes for free if you want to try before buying something.
Mercado de San Miguel offers a broad selection of cheese, fruit, veggies, cold meat, seafood, chocolate, juice, wine… and yeah, a little of everything to be honest.
Go shopping at El Rastro
Every Sunday a cozy flea market is held in the historic neighborhood of La Latina. It’s the biggest open-air flea market in town, and also one of the largest in the country. Here you’ll find thousands of stalls selling everything from local products, accessories, food and much more!
El Rastro is one of the best things to do in Madrid, so make sure not to miss it if you visit the capital on a Sunday!
Eat Churros at Chocolatería San Ginés
One of the most famous and popular spots for churros is San Ginés, a place that was founded in 1894. This place is open 24/7 and is well worth a visit during your stay in Madrid.
San Ginés is a great place to drink a hot cup of chocolate, eat some delicious churros, and people watch.
Lavapiés
One of my favorite neighborhoods in Madrid is Lavapiés. Here is 50% of the population non-Spanish and here you can find a great selection of international food like Chinese, Moroccan, Indian, Thai, Greek and much more.
Except for food, Lavapiés is a cozy area in Madrid that offers cool pieces of street art and also an excellent nightlife with both bars and cozy outdoor terraces.
Enjoy the lovely views at The Gourmet Experience
If you go to the top floor of the El Corte Inglés shopping mall, one will find one of the best free views in Madrid. The Gourmet Experience offers panoramic views of the Royal Palace, Gran Via, and the beautiful Almudena Cathedral.
After checking out the beautiful view, make sure to stroll through the food hall and sample some local delicacies!
See a Flamenco Show
When you’re in Spain, you have to see a Flamenco Show. Café de Chinitas and Flamenco Cardamomo is two excellent places with Flamenco performances. But since Madrid isn’t the capital of Flamenco, make sure to book in advance, so you’re sure to get a table!
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