Madrid Travel Guide: Things to Do in Spain's Capital
Madrid Travel Guide: Things to Do in Spain's Capital
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Spain's capital is a city of grand palaces, world-class art, leafy parks, and late-night tapas. It started as a ninth-century Moorish fortress called Mayrit and grew into the heart of an empire, and you can still walk from its oldest walls to its royal palace in a single morning.
Add the Prado, Retiro Park, and churros con chocolate, and Madrid is a city that rewards curious walkers.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Madrid: A Walking Tour or Spain's Capital—A self-guided audio walk from the Arab Walls to the Royal Palace.
2. Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid—Explore the grand rooms of Europe's largest royal palace.
3. Visit the Prado Museum—See masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
4. Relax in Retiro Park—Row a boat on the lake and visit the glass Palacio de Cristal.
5. Eat your way through Mercado de San Miguel—Try tapas, seafood, and sweets in a historic iron market.
6. Have churros at Chocolatería San Ginés—Dip crispy churros into thick hot chocolate, day or night.
7. See Picasso's "Guernica" at the Reina Sofía—View one of the most famous paintings of the 20th century.
8. Watch the sunset at the Temple of Debod—See a real ancient Egyptian temple glow at dusk.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Madrid: A Walking Tour of Spain's Capital is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the viewing deck above the Arab Walls and ends in front of the Royal Palace. Along the way, it visits Almudena Cathedral, Plaza de la Villa, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, the Church of San Ginés, and the Teatro Real. The walk takes about an hour and a half.
Free Things to Do
1. Retiro Park—Stroll the gardens and see the Palacio de Cristal.
2. Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol—Explore Madrid's most famous squares.
3. Almudena Cathedral—Step inside Madrid's cathedral.
4. Temple of Debod—Visit an ancient Egyptian temple in a city park.
5. Prado and Reina Sofía free hours—Visit for free in the last hours of the day.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Royal Palace of Madrid—Tour the royal apartments (~€18 adult).
2. Prado Museum—See Spain's greatest art collection (~€15 adult).
3. Reina Sofía Museum—See "Guernica" and modern art (~€12 adult).
4. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum—Explore art from the Middle Ages to pop art (~€14 adult).
Food!
Sobrino de Botín
Known as the world's oldest restaurant still in business, famous for roast suckling pig and lamb.
Casa Lucio
A classic Madrid tavern known for huevos rotos, fried eggs over crispy potatoes.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Madrid's most famous churros con chocolate, served right behind the Church of San Ginés.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid—a five-star hotel in grand historic buildings near Puerta del Sol. Roughly €500-€900/night.
Moderate
Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor, Riu Plaza España—comfortable hotels close to the old town. Roughly €150-€250/night.
Budget
TOC Hostel Madrid—a modern hostel with private rooms, steps from Puerta del Sol. Roughly €60-€120/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take Madrid: A Walking Tour or Spain's Capital, starting at the Arab Walls, then tour the Royal Palace.
Afternoon: Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel, then visit the Prado Museum.
Evening: Stroll Retiro Park, then dinner at Sobrino de Botín and churros at San Ginés.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: See "Guernica" at the Reina Sofía, then catch the sunset at the Temple of Debod.
Extra Time: Take a day trip to Toledo or Segovia, each about 30 minutes away by high-speed train.
FAQ's
1. How many days do I need in Madrid?
Two or three days covers the old town, the palace, and the big museums.
2. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes. Book Royal Palace and Prado tickets online, especially in summer and on weekends.
3. Can I visit museums for free?
Yes. The Prado and Reina Sofía have free hours in the evenings. Check the times before you go.
4. Is Madrid walkable?
Yes. The old town is compact, and the metro makes it easy to reach the rest of the city.
5. What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and water in summer, and a jacket in winter.
6. What time do people eat in Madrid?
Late. Lunch is usually around 2 p.m., and dinner often starts at 9 p.m. or later.
7. Where should I stay in Madrid?
Around Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, or the Royal Palace puts you close to most sights.
8. When is the best time to visit Madrid?
Spring and fall have the nicest weather. Summer is very hot, and August can be quiet as locals go on vacation.
9. Is Madrid safe?
Madrid is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in busy areas like Puerta del Sol and the metro.
10. Can I take day trips from Madrid?
Yes. Toledo and Segovia are both easy day trips by high-speed train or bus.
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