Are you planning a trip to Madrid and wondering what the Spanish Capital has to offer? Look no further! After years of exploration and researching/testing recommendations, I have compiled a list of the best things to do in Madrid. Tested and approved by numerous visitors and locals (including myself), these experiences are sure to make your trip unforgettable. As one of my favorite cities in the world, Madrid has captivated me with its charm, vibrant culture, and incredible food. So, let’s dive into the must-see attractions, delectable culinary delights, practical tips, day drips, hotels, and more!

Best food of Madrid

No visit to Madrid is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Here are some culinary gems you shouldn’t miss:

• Mercado de San Miguel: Explore this incredible food market and indulge in a wide variety of mouthwatering treats. If you only have a day, or an hour, in Madrid, this is where you should go!

• Taberna el Papelón: Start your day with a humble yet delicious Spanish breakfast, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This is our absolute favorite place for breakfast when in Madrid. It’s simple and delicious! There are multiple locations but I always go to the one linked here.

• Aarde Restaurante: Another great café, and this one is right on the Puearta de Alcalá and next to the El Retiro park. This place is special to me because it is where I ate my very first meal on the continent of Europe. Sleepy from the overnight flight I forgot that you have to ASK for the check so I waited for an hour hoping they would bring it because I was too afraid to try and speak Spanish (my how things have changed).
• Orio Gastronomia Vasca or Orio Fuencarral: Experience creative tapas and delicious food at this cool and innovative eatery. You pay per individual item at the end when they add everything up and the options are so fun! Check it out at oriogastronomiavasca.com.
• Honest Greens:(Multiple locations) For a healthy option, head to Honest Greens and savor their nutritious and delicious offerings.
• Museo del Jamón or the Museum of Ham – Delight in the flavors of jamon iberico or jamon serrano at this lively spot. Throw your napkins on the floor and mingle with interesting locals and fellow travelers at the bar. I’ve met some interesting characters at this bar!
• Taberna el Buo: Sample amazing Spanish tortillas (below) and croquetas at this authentic establishment.

• La Pescaderia: We enjoyed the Vermouth and Jamon among other delicious tapas. Great location too!
• Tizanna Fruteria: Treat yourself to a cup of Venezuelan “tizanna” on a hot day. Tizanna is made with watermelon and other fruit juices with big chunks of fruit in it. So refreshing!
• Majaderitos: Enjoy a scrumptious (and affordable) breakfast at this spot. Sit outside on the street and feel like a local.
• Casa Alberto: Step into history at Casa Alberto, founded in 1827, and savor their tapas, (my favorite was the potato salad) and a cerveza or vermut!
• Vides Vinoteca: Spain has some of the best wines in the world and this wine shop/bar has incredible offerings at mind-boggling affordable prices. Truly, if you drink wine, you need to visit here and see what you can get for 12 Euros (bottles) or a couple Euros for a glass.

• GuisaOh: Venezuelan cuisine is spreading through the world and GuisaOh shouldn’t be slept on. A must-visit for Venezuelan food enthusiasts, or anyone looking for some great food.
• Parrilla el Embarcadero – Great meat, and you can grill it yourself right at your table which is part of the fun. After you eat, be sure to enjoy a walk around the Lago de la Casa de Campo Lake.
• Botí Restaurante – The oven in this restaurant has been running since 1725 (that’s longer than the USA has been running) and has had visits from the World Guinness Book.
• Chocolateria San Gines: For dessert, treat yourself to the best churros and chocolate dipping sauce in Madrid. And I’ve tried a LOT of Churos in Madrid.

Unforgettable Things To Do in Madrid

Beyond the gastronomic adventures, Madrid offers a wealth of cultural and scenic attractions. Here are some must-visit places:

• Flamenco in Madrid: Immerse yourself in the passionate rhythms and captivating movements of flamenco, a vibrant and soulful Spanish art form. Madrid offers a thriving flamenco scene that will leave you spellbound. From intimate venues to grand theaters, the city resonates with the haunting melodies of the guitar, the rhythmic clapping of hands, and the impassioned vocals of the performers. We saw the best of the best at Tablao Flamenco 1911 and the tickets came with a free drink as well. Nothing like sipping Spanish wine while watching Flamenco.

• Circulo de Bellas Artes: Head to the rooftop bar at Circulo de Bellas Artes and witness incredible views while sipping on drinks and savoring snacks. Arriving an hour before sunset ensures a truly magical experience.

• Templo de Debod: Discover the ancient Egyptian temple and take in the sunset from the surrounding park, which offers picturesque views of the city from its hill. The temple is free to visit and does not require reservations.
• Plaza Cibeles: Marvel at the stunning architecture in Plaza Cibeles, known for its neo-classical sculptures and fountains. This square is an iconic symbol of Madrid and should not be missed.
• Plaza Mayor: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Mayor and be sure to snap some great photos for Instagram and Facebook.
• Kilometer Zero: Steps away from the Plaza Mayor, in the Puerta del Sol, check out the iconic Kilometer Zero marker, which signifies the center of the city and serves as a starting point for measuring distances through the entire city.
• Retiro Park: Spend leisurely hours in Retiro Park. Take a boat ride, and if it’s open, don’t miss the chance to visit the Crystal Palace (below). This lush oasis offers tranquility amidst the bustling city.

• Puerta del Sol: Explore the bustling heart of Madrid at Plaza del Sol, a vibrant square brimming with shops, cafes, and entertainment.

• Gran Via: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Madrid’s most famous street, Gran Via. Marvel at the architectural wonders and enjoy the plethora of shops, theaters, and restaurants along this iconic avenue.
• Theatre: Catch a theatre performance in the Gran Via district!

Top 3 Enchanting Day Trips from Madrid

Venture beyond the city’s limits and embark on unforgettable day trips. Here are some exceptional destinations near Madrid:

NUMBER ONE: Segovia: Explore the historical wonders of Segovia, known for its enchanting Roman aqueduct and the fairy tale-like Alcazar Castle. Great for photos!

NUMBER TWO: Toledo: Step into the past in the town of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting magnificent medieval architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Great for architecture enthusiasts!

NUMBER THREE: Avila: Discover the medieval charm of Avila, a fortified city with remarkably preserved walls that encircle the old town. Take a golf cart ride around the outside of the wall for easy access to different viewpoints, and the tourguide will share some fun information with you about the city. Don’t skip on the food either! Great to avoid big crowds.

You can choose to rent a car and explore these destinations at your own pace or book a tour through platforms like Viator or other tourist websites.

The Top 5 Museums of Madrid

1. Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real): (Pictured above) Step into a world of opulence and majesty as you explore the grand halls and regal rooms. You have two options: explore the interior (book in advance to avoid long queues) or enjoy the stunning views from outside. Sunset is an ideal time to appreciate the architecture and enjoy the breathtaking sky.
2. Prado Museum (Museo del Prado): Brace yourself, art aficionados! The Prado Museum is an absolute feast for the eyes. With masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch.
3. Reina Sofia Museum (Museo Reina Sofia): Prepare to be served a heaping plate of contemporary art goodness at the Reina Sofia Museum. Picasso’s “Guernica” is the queen bee here.
4. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza): Picture this: from the captivating brushstrokes of Rembrandt to the dreamy landscapes of Monet, it’s a visual smorgasbord that’ll leave you hungry for more. So put on your fancy pants and get ready to enjoy this fusion of European art.
5. Sorolla Museum (Museo Sorolla): Get ready to savor a hidden gem. The Sorolla Museum is like a cozy café where you can indulge in the artistic delights of Joaquín Sorolla. It’s like having a dessert for the soul, leaving you with a sweet and satisfying aftertaste.

Where to Stay in Madrid

Finding the perfect accommodation can greatly enhance your experience in Madrid. Here are some recommended options:

1. H10 Puerta de Alcalá Hotel: Situated next to El Retiro Park, this hotel offers a rooftop pool and convenient proximity to the city’s attractions.
2. Ilunion Alcalá Norte: Experience comfort and convenience at Ilunion Alcalá, a well-regarded hotel option. A little farther from all the hustle and bustle of the city center.
3. Airbnb: We have used Airbnb in Madrid for a more casual experience but have found that you can usually get a hotel room for just a little bit more and hotels are usually more comfortable.
4. The Axel Hotel in Madrid is another favorite which also has a rooftop pool and bar. The rooms are small but nice.

Shopping in Madrid

If you’re a shopping enthusiast, Madrid won’t disappoint. Explore these popular shopping destinations:

1. Corte Ingles: Indulge in retail therapy at Corte Ingles, one of Spain’s most well-known department stores.
2. Primark: Discover affordable fashion finds at Primark, a favorite among budget shoppers. This is one of my favorite places to visit and I go every time I’m in Madrid. Lots of great (cheap) shopping!
3. Gran Via: Stroll along Gran Via, where you’ll find a myriad of shops catering to various styles and tastes.

Tips for Visiting Madrid

• Public Transportation: Madrid’s public transit system is convenient and user-friendly, but if you prefer, you can also opt for affordable Uber rides compared to the United States.

• Safety: Just like any big city, be smart, and stay alert. That being said – I have never had any issues in Madrid.
• Vermouth or Vermut: Drink a lot of red (sweet) Vermouth! 12pm / noon is called “la hora de vermut” or “the hour of vermouth”. It’s a refreshing lunch drunk that I am obsessed with!
• Sangria or Tinto de Verano: The locals are going to tell you to order a Tinto de Verano which is basically a Sangria without the fruit, and better! Skip the sangria and enjoy the Tinto!
• Paella: Locals will say don’t eat paella in Madrid since it’s not a coastal city but if you’re just dying to get some, I’m sure you’ll find some great stuff, otherwise, get it in Barcelona.
• Ask for the check! “la cuenta porfavor” – If you don’t ask for it, it will never come. Remember that while dining in Spain!
• The Siesta is real! The Spanish don’t want to be overworked and they take their free time very seriously, check Google Maps to make sure your destination is open before just heading there. Most restaurants will be closed from 3-7.
• Eat the ham! Eat as much jamon as you can. Spain is known for it, and it’s much cheaper there than it is in the US.
• Stay up all night! Jet Lag? Don’t worry about it. Madrid is the place to stay up until you see the morning sun. Enjoy the culture. It’s too hot during the day anyway. If you’ve ever taken an Uber to the airport at 6am, you’ll know that half the city is still awake and just starting to make their way home… remember what Ernest Hemingway said about Madrid…

“To go to bed at night in Madrid marks you as a little queer”

-Ernest Heminway

Madrid offers an abundance of delights for every traveler. Whether you’re a food lover, a culture enthusiast, or an avid shopper, the city has something to satisfy your desires. So, pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Madrid’s sights, sounds, and flavors. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime and enjoy your journey!