Activities to Do in Madrid
Explore Prado Museum, Relax at El Retiro Park, Visit Reina Sofía, Visit Matadero Madrid, Have Fun at Museum of Illusions, Admire art at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and many more.Being the capital of Spain, there are numerous things to do in Madrid. Beginning with visiting the historical art museums to purchasing fashionable clothes at high-end shopping promenades, there is no dearth of activities to do in Madrid. Indulge in a Day Excursion to Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía to get a sneak peek of the masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and other renowned painters. Keep aside day in your itinerary to explore the Museum of Illusions and witness the fascinating optical tricks.
Catch a glimpse of the setting sun and capture some amazing photographs at Cerro del Tío Pío and wind up your day with exhilaration. Inhale fresh air and relax at open-air spaces like El Retiro Park and Espacio Abierto. If you are wondering what to Do in Madrid at night, then head to Flamenco Shows or go for a Night City Tour. Flamenco Shows which are full of energy and vigour are a must-have in your itinerary.
Food lovers must try Madrid's most famous food, Bocadillo De Calamares which is made with crusty bread and flour-coated fried Squid rings. Lastly, one must not miss out on purchasing clothes from high-end brands like Zara from popular shopping esplanades like Gran Vía and Serrano. Or else, if you are particularly looking to shop for souvenirs, look no further and visit Casa de Diego.
Things to Do in Madrid
People Also Ask About Madrid Things To Do
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What are the best romantic things to do in Madrid?
- Enjoy a candlelit dinner at a cozy Spanish restaurant: Having a candlelit dinner at a Spanish restaurant can be a romantic and memorable experience for you and your significant other. The soft light from the candles create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. El Jardín Secreto, Casa Solla and La Trainera are some famous restaurants you can look for in Madrid.
- Visit the Temple of Debod: One of the best things to do in Madrid is to stroll through the temple of Debod, where you will get to witness the intricate carvings and decorations of the temple walls. You can also admire the rich cultural history of the temple, and learn about the city’s culture. Discover the surrounding of the temple, and witness the amazing sights and enjoy an outing with your partner
- Watch a performance at the Teatro Real: Watching a performance at the Teatro Real (Royal Theater) in Madrid is a very unique experience. During entrance to the theater, you will be struck by its ornate interior, which features marble staircases, gilded balconies, and elaborate frescoes. Once you are seated in the theater, you can look forward to an evening of top-quality entertainment.
- Enjoy a candlelit dinner at a cozy Spanish restaurant: Having a candlelit dinner at a Spanish restaurant can be a romantic and memorable experience for you and your significant other. The soft light from the candles create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. El Jardín Secreto, Casa Solla and La Trainera are some famous restaurants you can look for in Madrid.
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What are the top things to do in Madrid for families?
- Visit the Parque de Atracciones: The amusement park features a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. As you enter the park, you may anticipate your day and choose which rides to go on first based on a variety of rides for each age group.
- Take a trip to Warner Bros. Park Madrid: Spending a day at Warner Bros, Park Madrid with your family is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. As you explore the park, you may feel like you are stepping into the world of your favorite characters and stories. In addition to the attractions, it also offers parades, live shows and performances which add an extra level of excitement to your visit to the park. This is one of the best activities in Madrid to add in your bucket list.
- Visiting the Prado Museum: One of the best family-friendly activities in Madrid include strolling through the Prado museum. You will get to admire some of the world's richest and most comprehensive myriads of Spanish painting along with schools of European painting.
- Visit the Parque de Atracciones: The amusement park features a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. As you enter the park, you may anticipate your day and choose which rides to go on first based on a variety of rides for each age group.
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What are the adventure things to do in Madrid?
- Rock climbing in the Guadarrama Mountains: Rock climbing in the Guadarrama Mountains is one of the most challenging activities in Madrid. It offers you the opportunity to test your skills and push yourself to new heights while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
- Rafting in Guadalquivir River: Rafting in Guadalquivir river can be a fun and exciting experience. You get to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of southern Spain while also testing your skills on the challenging rapids.
- Tandem paragliding in Madrid: Tandem paragliding in Madrid lets you soar through the skies and take in the beautiful views of the city and surrounding landscape. It involves flying with a trained instructor in a two-person paraglider, allowing you to enjoy the experience of flight without the need for extensive training.
- Rock climbing in the Guadarrama Mountains: Rock climbing in the Guadarrama Mountains is one of the most challenging activities in Madrid. It offers you the opportunity to test your skills and push yourself to new heights while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
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What are the best things to do in Madrid?
1. Explore Prado Museum: Exploring the Prado Museum is one of the excellent things to do in Madrid. Officially known as Museo Nacional del Prado, it was established in 1819 and is recognized as one of the illustrious art museums in the world. Prado Museum houses an extensive collection of European Art from the 10th-20th century including paintings, sculptures and prints. Las Meninas, a 1656 painting by Velázquez is the highlight of the Prado Museum.
Location: Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Price: Single Entry + Guide Book = 24 €/ Person
Timing: 10 AM- 8 PM
2. Relax at El Retiro Park: Among prime attractions in Madrid, relaxing at El Retiro Park is one of the activities to Do in Madrid. The Park was opened to the public after the 19th century. It has a dedicated space for both old and young people for engaging in outdoor activities like jogging and exercise. El Retiro Park also houses shelves where citizens can leave their old books, newspapers, and magazines for others to read.
Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Timing: Monday-Friday : 6 PM- 9 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM- 2 PM
3. Visit Reina Sofía: Exclusively dedicated to 20th-century Spanish art, Reina Sofía is Spain's national museum. If you are wondering what to Do in Madrid, visiting Reina Sofía would be an excellent option. It houses a large collection of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí's masterpieces.Reina Sofía's most priced display is Guernica by Pablo Picasso. The museum also has a sprawling library that offers complimentary access to Books, Audios and Videos.
Location: Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Price: €6/ Person
Timing: Wednesday- Saturday: 10 AM -9 PM | Sunday: 10 AM -2:30 PM |Tuesday: Closed
4. Visit Matadero Madrid: Initially a slaughterhouse, Matadero Madrid has been transformed into an Arts Centre in the 21st century. For art-enthusiasts, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Madrid. Beginning with exhibitions to cinema, you will get everything under one roof. Matadero Madrid also has an on-site restaurant where you can try sumptuous delicacies after exploring the place.
Location: Plaza de Legazpi, 8, 28045 Madrid, Spain
Timing: 9 AM- 10 PM
5. Have Fun at Museum of Illusions: If you are in search of what to Do in Madrid, the Museum of Illusions will come to your rescue. From 8- 80, people of all ages are bound to have fun here. So, what all does it offer? Museum of Illusions has a Rotated Room, Anti-Gravity Room, Infinity Tunnel and numerous forms of Optical Illusions. Out of all, the Rotated Room is the most unique. Overall, it will take 40-60 minutes to go explore the place.
Location: Calle del Dr Cortezo, 8, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Price: Adults: €12.00 | Children (4 -12 Years): €9 | Family Ticket: €36
Timing: Wednesday- Sunday: 9:30 AM- 10 PM | Monday- Tuesday- Closed
6. Admire art at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: One of the prominent Art Museums in Madrid, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a wonderful place to marvel at beautiful creations by renowned artists. The museum has a huge assemblage of paintings from the 13th- 20th century. Works by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Antonello da Messina, Winslow Homer, John Singleton Copley, Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and other reputed painters are put on display.
Location: Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Price: €6– €9 / Person
Timing: Tuesday -Sunday: 10 AM -7 PM | Monday: 12 PM- 4 PM
7. Stroll at El Capricho Park: Away from the urban chaos, strolling at El Capricho Park is one of the exhilarating activities to Do in Madrid. Inspired by the 18th-century design, El Capricho Park is landscaped in a similar style. It houses a variety of trees, bushes and a lake inside the premises. El Capricho Park also has a Bunker that belongs to the era of the Spanish Civil War. The ideal time to visit the Park is in Autumn and Spring when the trees bloom and spring to life.
Location: Paseo de la Alameda de Osuna, 25, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Timing:
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays (October-March): 9 AM-6.30 PM
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays(April-September): 9 AM-9 PM
8. Watch the sunset from Cerro del Tío Pío: One of the enthralling things to Do in Madrid is watching the unobstructed sunset from Cerro del Tío Pí. As the sun sets below the horizon, it illuminates the sky in a multitude of colours. Don't forget to carry your camera with you for capturing some stunning photographs. In addition, Cerro del Tío Pí is a lovely locale for hanging out with pals and indulging in picnics with the family.
Location: Calle de Benjamín Palencia, 2, 28038 Madrid, Spain
9. Espacio Abierto: Espacio Abierto offers a splendid atmosphere and a large space. If your kids are coming along with you on the Madrid trip, this place is a must-have in your itinerary. Let them freely run and play on the ground while you gorge into lip-smacking delicacies at the on-site cafeteria.
Location: Calle Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena, 20, 28027 Madrid, Spain
Timing: Wednesday- Sunday: 10 AM- 8 PM | Monday-Tuesday: Closed
10. Shop at San Miguel Market: Shopping at San Miguel Market is one of the iconic activities to Do in Madrid. It is quite popular among travellers and lures 10-11 million visitors every year. Here, one can easily spot vendors selling items like Hams, Olives, Baked Goods, Beer and Champagne.
Location: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Timing: 10 AM- 12 AM
Checkout & Book: Alhambra Tickets -
What are the best things to do in Madrid at night?
1. City Tour: One of the best things to do in Madrid at night is to explore the city. It is an altogether different experience to see the city illuminated with lights. Since Madrid is known for its bustling nightlife, visiting popular pubs is another great option.
2. Enjoy the Flamenco Show: When in Madrid, you must not miss attending a Flamenco Show. Flamenco is an iconic form of dance in Spain which dates back to the 18th century. Some of the best places in Madrid where you can attend a Flamenco Show are Corral de la Morería, Casa Patas, Torres Bermejas and Cardamomo.
3. Visit Sunset Lockers: Get a panoramic view of Madrid's nightscape from Sunset Lockers which is one of the popular rooftop bars in the city. Sip signature cocktails, dig into sumptuous delicacies and marvel at the peerless view.
Checkout & Book: Sagrada Familia Tickets -
Which are the best shopping places in Madrid?
1. Gran Vía: In Central Madrid, Gran Vía is one of the best shopping places in Madrid. Clothes from reputed brands like Zara and H&M are available here. Other than clothing stores, Gran Vía is also lined with restaurants and bars.
2. Serrano: Channel your inner shopaholic at Serrano, a well-known shopping esplanade in Madrid exclusively dedicated to luxury brands.
3. Casa de Diego: Casa de Diego in Madrid is a perfect place to shop for souvenirs like hand-painted fans, fancy umbrellas and shawls. -
How to reach Madrid?
Madrid, the capital of Spain is well-connected to prominent international cities of the world.
By Air: To reach Madrid via air, one needs to reserve flights that ply passengers to the Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas Airport. Major airlines like Turkish Airlines, British Airway, Lufthansa and Etihad Airways operate flights to Madrid.
By Rail: Having 2 Railway Stations i.e. Atocha Station and Chamartin Train Station, Madrid can be conveniently reached via trains. Atocha Station mainly receives trains from Southern Spain while Chamartin Train Station receives trains from Northern Spain. Chamartin Train Station also receives trains from France, thereby serving as an International Railway Station.
By Road: In order for easy connectivity, Madrid has an extensive network of roads which operate buses to other parts of Spain like Barcelona and Malaga.Madrid’s road network is also well-connected to international destinations like France, Portugal, and Ukraine. -
What is the best time to visit Madrid?
Although it is a year-round destination, the ideal time to visit Madrid is during the Autumn (September-November) or Spring Season (March-May). Especially during Autumn, the climate remains pleasant and offers a great opportunity to visit different sights without any hassle.
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How safe is Madrid at night?
It is completely safe to roam around the streets of Madrid at night. People in Madrid are extremely tourist-friendly and keep women in high regards. The crime rate is exceptionally low. However, it is advisable to stick to known-places and avoid venturing into unknown territory without any proper guidance.
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What is Madrid’s famous food?
Madrid’s famous food is Bocadillo De Calamares which is nothing but a Fried Squid Sandwich. It is made with crusty bread and flour-coated fried Squid rings.
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What should I not miss in Madrid?
On your trip to Madrid, you must not miss visiting the Art Museums like Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and Reina Sofía which are recognised internationally for housing a large collection of classic, modern and contemporary art.
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What is Madrid best known for?
Madrid is best known for its historical art museums like Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and Reina Sofía. Lip-smacking Calamari Sandwich is another specialty of Madrid where battered squids are sauteed in olive oil and served inside a sliced sandwich, topped with garlic, mayonnaise and tomato sauce.
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How many days do you need in Madrid?
An itinerary 5 Nights 6 days is enough to explore Madrid. It must cover Prado Museum, El Retiro Park,Reina Sofía,Matadero Madrid, Museum of Illusions, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, El Capricho Park,Cerro del Tío Pío,Espacio Abierto and the San Miguel Market.
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Which are the best Europe tour packages?
Here is the list of best Europe tour packages:
- Spain Holiday Trip Packages
- Europe Holiday Tours
- Greece Packages
- Paris Tours
- Switzerland Packages
- Italy Holiday Tour Packages
- Netherlands Tour Packages
- Turkey Holiday Trips
- Istanbul Trips
- France Holiday Tour Packages
- Amsterdam Tour Packages
- Germany Packages -
Which are the best Europe honeymoon packages?
Here is the list of best Europe honeymoon packages:
- Spain Honeymoon Packages
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- Greece Honeymoon Trip Packages
- Paris Honeymoon Tour Packages
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Madrid Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Madrid
Faunia is a very popular zoo that has 4 different zones, the Poles, the Amazon jungle, the Mediterranean Woodlands & the African rainforest where you can meet many animals and learn more about their life. One of the most popular zones is the artic ecosystem where you can meet hundreds of penguins in an area that resembles their natural environment. Witness these adorable creatures playing and swimming on ice. You can also visit the zoo during the night and observe bats, owls, lynxes, and other animals after dark. A zoo is also a perfect place if you are looking to enjoy shows. Some of the most popular shows are the birds of prey and the sea lion show. You can go on an educational tour and learn more about marine life and other animals such as penguins, manatees fur seals, and more.

The Catedral De Sta Maria La Real De La Almudena is a beautiful cathedral known for its architecture. The crypt in the cathedral was opened for worship in 1911, however, because of the Civil War, the construction was stopped. The cathedral was opened again in 1993 and was inaugurated by his Holiness Pope John Paul II. You can witness the beautiful architecture of the cathedral with gothic interiors and classicist exteriors. The church has beautiful glass-stained windows which makes it look more modern when compared to other historical buildings in the city. The chapels located inside the church are owned by many Spanish families and you cannot miss visiting the crypt which is located below the cathedral. The cathedral was also known to be the venue for marriages that took place in the family of the royals. The marriage of King Felipe VI, who was the crown prince to Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano took place at this beautiful cathedral.

The Royal Site Of San Lorenzo De El Escorial is a beautiful renaissance building that is known for its architecture. Witness the beautiful facade which describes the solemn unornamented appearance and was very popular as it started architectural forms on the Iberian Peninsula. The building has four stories with rectangular towers at each corner. The building also has 11 courtyards and three service courts where you can stroll around and learn the history of the building. You can also visit the beautiful gardens and take a stroll admiring the beautiful plants and flowers. The royal site also includes many other buildings such as the monastery monks’ gardens, the House of Trades, and the Company Quarters where the monastery services took place. The structure is also home to many artworks from some of the most famous Flemish paints such as Hieronymous Bosch, at El Escorial.
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