Things to do in Madrid

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with ornate architecture and a dome, surrounded by modern buildings and a busy street with light trails from moving vehicles.
A busy urban street with historic buildings, including a prominent curved structure with a Vodafone advertisement and a large brick building with a sign for 'S' on the ground floor.
A historic cathedral with domes and towers, surrounded by modern buildings and lush greenery.
A wet city street at night with illuminated buildings and outdoor seating at cafes.
A densely packed urban area with historic buildings, terracotta rooftops, and a prominent church with a dome.

Things to do

Madrid City Tour – Hop On Hop Off Bus

Madrid City Tour – Hop On Hop Off Bus

RM146
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Madrid City Tour – Hop On Hop Off Bus
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace

Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace

RM181
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour Royal Palace
Toledo Half-Day Guided Tour with Cathedral included

Toledo Half-Day Guided Tour with Cathedral included

RM274
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Toledo Half-Day Guided Tour with Cathedral included
Skip-the-Line with Madrid’s Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour

Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas

RM163
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Madrid: Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Optional Tapas
Guided Tour in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Guided Tour in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

RM229
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Guided Tour in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Skip-the-Line Royal Palace Tour

Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour with expert guide

RM181
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-line Royal Palace Tour with expert guide
Big Bus Madrid Hop-on, Hop-off Open-top Sightseeing Bus Tour

Big Bus Madrid Hop-on, Hop-off Open-top Sightseeing Bus Tour

RM97
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Big Bus Madrid Hop-on, Hop-off Open-top Sightseeing Bus Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Gran Via

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.
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A cityscape at dusk with historic buildings, a prominent Rolex store, and a busy street.

2. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol began its days as the site of one of Madrid's easternmost gates. The gate was adorned with a figure of the rising sun – hence the name Puerta del Sol, which translates as “Gate of the Sun”. Today, the square is the throbbing heart of the city and provides a backdrop for political marches and public celebrations, while also being a popular place for people to meet.
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A public square with a fountain, surrounded by lush greenery and historic buildings.

3. Plaza Mayor

Once a marketplace, then a bull-ring and even an execution square, Plaza Mayor has transformed and evolved significantly through the ages. Felipe II commissioned a public square to be built here, which was completed according to the designs of the architect Juan Gómez de Mora in 1619. Having been destroyed by a series of enormous fires, it was finally rebuilt in 1790 and has managed to survive in this incarnation until the present day.
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A statue of a man on horseback in front of a red building with white windows and balconies.

4. Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid is one of the most internationally recognized soccer teams and their Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is among the sport’s finest. Watching a match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a lifetime dream for both long-term Madridistas and soccer enthusiasts. Walk on the hallowed turf of the playing field, browse the clubs impressive trophy hall and relive historical moments via multimedia exhibits.
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A large, empty stadium with blue seats and a green field.

5. El Retiro Park

El Retiro, or El Parque de Retiro, was once a place of retreat for the Spanish royal family who had a palace in its grounds. Although it was opened up to the public in the 1860s, many of the original features have been retained, making this a remarkable place to visit as a sightseer as well as a nice, quiet spot to relax in. There are all sorts of interesting sites dotted about the grounds here so you’re sure to find plenty to keep you occupied over its 140 hectares.
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A park with topiary trees, a paved walkway, and people walking.

6. Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid’s Royal Palace is no longer where the Spanish royal family resides but one peek inside is enough to tell you that this place has seen its share of royalty over the ages. The enormous palace was built in 1738 after its predecessor was destroyed by fire in 1734. It boasts some 3,400 rooms and is packed with extravagant ornamentation and an impressive collection of furniture, paintings, musical instruments, books and weapons.
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A grand palace with a symmetrical garden and a central fountain.

7. National Prado Museum

The Prado Museum has gained a reputation as one of the leading repositories of Western art in the world. It is an enormous space with an enormous collection, and you'd do well to devote at least a day of your stay in Madrid to the perusal of its many halls. The permanent collection here boasts some 20,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints, and of these there are roughly 1,300 on display in the halls at any given time. You'll see the best collection of Spanish art here that you're likely to ever come across, alongside works by French, Italian, Dutch and Flemish masters. There are also a handful of works from Germany and England.
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A historic building with classical architecture, a well-maintained lawn, and a statue.

8. IFEMA

IFEMA is the benchmark in excellence for those travelling to Madrid for work. Its location in the Barajas district, just on the outskirts of the capital and a short distance from the airport, is ideal for enjoying a comfortable stay, with the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll have all the services you need at hand, as well as a metro station just a few minutes’ walk away, ready to take you off to the city centre. There, you can enjoy the culinary delights of the most fashionable restaurants, take in the latest musicals on the Gran Vía or admire one of the many interesting exhibitions at the Prado or the Reina Sofia Museum.
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What to do in Madrid

Stay near popular Madrid attractions

A cityscape at dusk with historic buildings, a prominent Rolex store, and a busy street.
Photo by National Tourist Office of Spain
Open Photo by National Tourist Office of Spain

Gran Via

9.4/10 (23,455 reviews)
Madrid's most iconic avenue showcases stunning early 20th-century architecture and vibrant city life. Explore its historic theatres, upscale shops, and elegant cafés as day transitions to illuminated evening splendour.
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Where to stay in Madrid

Find the best Madrid areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Madrid
Learn more about Madrid
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Madrid Centro

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

A grand archway with statues and inscriptions, surrounded by vibrant pink flowers.

Salamanca

Salamanca is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like El Corte Inglés and La Caixa Foundation. See more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Serrano Station or Velazquez Station.

A glasshouse with a fountain in a park.

Retiro

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Retiro. You can visit top attractions like Glass Palace and Royal Observatory of Madrid, and jump on the metro at Sainz de Baranda Station or Conde de Casal Station to see more of the city.

A sunset over a body of water with illuminated structures and trees.
Photo by Jesus Ortega
Open Photo by Jesus Ortega

Moncloa-Aravaca

Travellers choose Moncloa-Aravaca for its lively bars. Hop aboard the metro at Ciudad Universitaria Station or Aravaca Metro Station and check out top sights like Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

A grand historic building with a large central courtyard, columns, and a flag.

Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

A historic town with white buildings and terracotta roofs, a central square, and a green-roofed building.

Chinchon

A bridge with a central monument and two people walking on it.

Alcobendas

An isolated tower amidst a dry, hilly landscape with sparse vegetation and distant industrial structures.

Arganda del Rey

A snow-covered urban area with residential buildings, roads, and distant mountains.

Las Rozas de Madrid

A cityscape with a large airport and a cloudy sky.

San Sebastian de los Reyes

A plaza with a central fountain, surrounded by white buildings with arches and balconies.

Majadahonda

A sunset over a field with tall grasses and red flowers.

Pinto

A modern urban street with tram tracks, green spaces, and high-rise buildings.

Parla

Frequently asked questions

Is Madrid worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Madrid is explore Gran Via. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's markets and culture.
How do I spend a day in Madrid?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Gran Via and Príncipe Pío Shopping Centre, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Madrid.
What is the top tourist attraction in Madrid?
Don't leave without exploring Gran Via, rated the top tourist attraction in Madrid.
Is three days enough to stay in Madrid?
Three days in Madrid is plenty of time to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests book for three days on average. Gran Via, Prado Museum and Lope de Vega Theatre are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Alcobendas.
Is Madrid a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Madrid is a great destination to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between Gran Via and Prado Museum. Then take a stroll around Sol, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Barrio de las Letras, which is about 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Madrid with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all of your group, we've got some awesome ideas for what to do in Madrid with kids.

What to do in Madrid for adults?
Paseo de la Castellana and Calle de Alcalá are just two of the things to do in Madrid. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Madrid?
In Madrid, Gran Via is a must-see spot for anyone looking to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Madrid.

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