Madrid Sightseeing; 15 Amazing Things To Do And See

Spain’s capital city, Madrid, is what every capital city should be like. Amazing architecture, vibrant districts, large open parks, spectacular cuisine and tons to see and do, Madrid can keep anyone entertained for at least a few days, longer if you let it. Wandering through the city, impressive buildings, monuments and museums are everywhere, but there’s still plenty of chance to relax in parks, squares and some of the best restaurants in Spain. In fact, there is so much to do in Madrid, that it can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we have put together this list of 15 of the best things to do and see in Madrid so that you can get the most out of your Madrid sightseeing experience. We have covered everything you need to know about visiting these Madrid attractions so get reading to find out what to do in Madrid, Spain:

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1. Visit The Royal Palace Of Madrid

Located in the centre of Madrid, the Royal Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. It was completed in 1755, after 17 years under construction and features heavily ornate detailing on the exterior and interior. Covering 135,000sqm, with 3418 rooms, it is the largest Palace by floor area in Europe. Although the palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, it is now only used for state ceremonies. As a result, the palace is open to the public with a selection of rooms open and available for visitors to admire.

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2. Stroll Through El Retiro Park

The green heart of Madrid, El Retiro park is a 350 acre park that includes a lake, several impressive monuments, the crystal palace, event spaces, exercise parks and bars, restaurants and cafes. It is one of the best Madrid attractions and should be high priority on any Madrid sightseeing list. The park was created in 1680 and was formerly owned by the Royal family. In 1868, it was put under public ownership and has since flourished as an important part of Madrid. The park became a world UNESCO heritage site in 2021. Check out the park beforehand and the route we walked in our El Retiro walking tour video.

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3. Eat at San Miguel Market

San Miguel market is one of the best markets in Madrid. It is not a produce market but a gourmet tapas market with over 30 vendors offering a range of Spanish dishes including tortillas, ham, cheeses, croquettes, fish and empanadas. Set in a beautifully industrial building, dating back to 1913, the building was restored in the 2000’s and reopened as San Miguel market in 2009. It’s location next to Plaza Mayor has established it as a popular tourist attraction. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is buzzing. We recommend heading there for lunch or dinner and sampling as much food as possible!

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4. People Watch At Plaza Mayor

Originally Built in 1580-1619, Plaza Mayor is one of the most important squares in Madrid. It has been reconstructed many times over its history but is now seen as a cultural icon of the city. The square is home to a selection of shops, restaurants and bars and is a place for people to enjoy themselves. In the centre of the square, a statue of King Philip III stands proud. Many events throughout the year are held in the square, as well as, markets every Sunday.

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5. View Art At Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is Spain’s national art museum and contains one of the finest collections of European arts dating from 12th century to the early 20th century in the world. It also holds the best collection of Spanish art. The museum began in 1819 and is widely considered one of the best art museums in the world. There are approximately 1300 works on display at the museum, but the collection is much larger with many items in storage or on loan to other museums. Located in the centre of Madrid, if you only visit one museum in the city, this should be it.

• Opening times: Mon-Sat 10:00 – 20:00, Sunday and public holidays 10:00 – 19:00
• Entry/Tickets: Standard tickets €15, concessions €7.50. Entry is free to all visitors at 18:00 – 20:00 Mon-Sat and 17:00 – 19:00 Sundays and public holidays
• Where to buy: On entry, on the official website or buy guided tour tickets from Viator

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6. Walk Madrid’s Gran Via

Gran Via is the heart of Madrid. At 1.3km long, the street runs from Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de España. Alongside the shops, restaurants and hotels that the street has become well known for, there are also some of the most magnificent buildings in Madrid. The most architecturally impressive building on the street is the Metropolis building, completed in 1911. Connecting so much of the city, Gran Via is a must for any Madrid sightseeing list, and one of the best places to head towards for the city’s 24 hour nightlife scene. You can also explore Gran Via with us and follow our walking route from our Gran Via walking tour video.

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7. Explore La Latina

Located in the heart of Madrid city centre, La Latina district is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Madrid. The area was once occupied by an Islamic fort and some of the old city walls from this still remain today. Small, narrow streets, large squares and street names from the middle ages are all throwbacks to the area’s rich history. Alongside many churches and a few interesting museums, La Latina is also well known for the El Rastro flea market and it’s high concentration of small, authentic tapas bars.

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8. Visit The Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía

Officially called the Queen Sofia National Museum Art Centre, the Reina Sofia, as it is commonly referred to, is Spain’s national museum of 20th century art. Opened in 1990, the museum is one of Spain’s most visited museums and holds predominantly Spanish art. Two of the museum’s most popular and well known collections are those of Spanish artists Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. The museum is situated in the centre of Madrid on the Golden Triangle of Art.

• Opening times: Monday and Wed-Sat 10:00 – 21:00, Sunday 10:00 – 14:30, closed Tuesdays
• Entry/Tickets: General tickets €10, children under 18, students under 25 and adults over 65 go free. Free entry for all visitors on Mon and Wed-Sat 19:00 – 21:00 and Sundays 13:30 – 14:30
• Where to buy: On entry, on the official website or on Viator for guided tour tickets

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9. Marvel At Amazing Architecture At Plaza Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is yet another iconic square in the city of Madrid. The square is the meeting point for 3 major roads in the city, as well as 3 different districts; Centro, Retiro and Salamanca. Sitting central in the square is the fountain of Cybele which is surrounded by some of the most architecturally impressive buildings in Madrid, including the Bank of Spain Building, the Palacio de Buenavista, the Palace of Linares and the Cybele Palace. The square is an excellent example of the grandeur of Madrid and is just one of the many reasons why it has become a symbol for the city.

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10. Explore Salamanca

Salamanca district is one of 21 districts that make up the city of Madrid, and is the most luxurious and upmarket area of the city. The area was built in the late 19th century as a place for the aristocracy and the wealthy to reside. As a result, the streets are filled with gloriously lavish buildings with ornate architecture. It is still one of the most desirable areas in Madrid too, with most of the city’s designer shops being here, as well as many high end and Michelin star restaurants. Wander the area and its grid style streets and tree lined avenues to get a feel for how the other half live.

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11. Get A Rooftop View Of The City At Dear Hotel Madrid

What better way to enjoy any major city than by seeing it from up high. One of the best views of the city can be seen from the rooftop of Dear Hotel Madrid on the corner of Gran Via and Plaza de España. The hotel has incredible 360 degree views from its bar, Nice To Meet You, on the 14th floor. Guests at the hotel can also enjoy the pool on this floor too, one of the best rooftop pools in Madrid. However, you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the views and have a drink so take an hour or so out to go up and enjoy the views and a cocktail.

• Opening times: Sun-Thurs 12:00-01:30, Fri-Sat 12:00-02:30

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12. Visit Almudena Cathedral

Despite its exterior, Almudena Cathedral was completed in 1993, having started construction in 1883. During its construction, work on the Cathedral stopped and restarted due to the Spanish civil war. It’s interior is unique, with its neo-gothic modern styling and chapels and statues of contemporary artists. There is a museum inside the cathedral as well as a crypt.

• Opening times: September to June, Mon – Fri 10:30 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 20:00, Saturday and Sun 10:30 – 20:00. July and August, Mon – Sun 10:00 – 21:00
• Entry/Tickets: Free to enter but a €1 donation is appreciated. Entry to the museum is €6 each
• Where to buy: Museum admission to be bought on entry

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13. Order The Menu Del Dia

Introduced in the 1960’s as a menu that was designed to offer all Spaniards an affordable meal at lunchtime, the menu del dia is one of the most economical ways to eat in Spain and usually involves some of the best local Spanish cuisine. A typical menu del dia includes a starter, main meal, dessert and drink, usually for €13 or under. Restaurants all over the city serve a menu del dia at lunchtime from 13:00 until 15:00. This isn’t an attraction to visit in Madrid but is certainly one of the best things to do and tick off for any Madrid sightseeing itinerary.

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14. Marvel At The Glass Palace In El Retiro Park

Sitting next to a lake and beautiful trees and plants, the Glass Palace in El Retiro park is not to be missed. The structure is made almost entirely of glass, which is set into an iron frame and sat on a brick base. Originally built for the 1887 Philippines Exposition, the conservatory is now owned by the Reina Sofia museum and is used for art exhibits.

• Opening times: Daily from Oct-Mar 10:00 – 19:00, Nov-Feb 10.00 – 18:00 and Apr-Sep 10:00 – 21:00
• Entry/Tickets: Free entry

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15. Visit Puerta del Sol

One of Madrid’s most famous and important squares, the Puerta del Sol should be high on any visitors Madrid sightseeing list. The square is a junction for many of the busiest roads in the city and is also the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain. In front of the Casa de Correos, there is a stone slab saying kilometre 0, to mark the start of the radial roads. The square is also home to three important statues, the Teatro Real Opera House and a famous clock. For the past century, it has become tradition for locals to gather under the clock on the square at New Year’s and eat 12 lucky grapes to the twelve chimes of midnight that the clock strikes. Walk Puerta del Sol and the Cortes area of Madrid with us in our Cortes walking tour video.

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Wow, what a list! These are just 15 of the best things to do in Madrid, Spain, but there are so many more things to do in this epic city! Another great thing about sightseeing in Madrid, is that many attractions are free or have times where you can visit them for free, making the city perfect for any budget. To find out everything you need to know about travelling to Madrid, including how to get in, out and around the city, where to stay, when to go and what to eat, check out our Madrid travel guide.

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