Things to do in Madrid

Take a trip through art, culture, flamenco, opera and football 

Madrid is more than just a holiday destination; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. Whether you’re there for the art, food, culture, history or golf, Madrid has a way of drawing you in, inviting you to be a part of the story. From Madrid’s most famous tourist hotspots to its hidden gems, this charming Spanish destination leaves visitors smitten, and it is little wonder with so much to see and do. Here are some of Madrid’s most popular attractions. 

Catch a flamenco show
Dubbed the world capital of flamenco and birthplace of flamenco tablaos, there is no better place to catch a flamenco show than in Madrid. For the most authentic experience, head to Corral de la Morería, Spain’s most prestigious ‘tablao’ – a place where flamenco shows are performed. The iconic venue is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the world to offer a captivating flamenco show, making it an unforgettable culinary and cultural experience. Another tourist-friendly option is Tablao de la Villa, a lively venue dedicated to this mesmerising art form. www.corraldelamoreria.com/en; tablaodelavilla.com/en/

Corral de la Morería

Appreciate opera at Teatro Real
Setting a benchmark in the European opera scene, Teatro Real is the pride of Madrid’s performing arts scene. Beautifully restored in 1997, the theatre marries cutting-edge technology with 19th-century décor. Beyond its world-class opera, classical music concerts and flamenco performances, Teatro Real offers guided and self-guided tours in five languages, providing insights into its rich history and stunning architecture. www.teatroreal.es/en 

Teatro Real

Stroll around El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park is part of the Landscape of Light, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Paseo del Prado, from Plaza de Cibeles to Plaza de Atocha, and the historic neighborhood of Los Jerónimos.This area blends science, nature and culture forming a landscape of universal significance. Be seduced by the luscious green tranquillity of El Retiro Park thriving with 15,000 trees. The park is decorated with statues of Spanish heroes, ornate fountains and gazebos, and is home to open-air cafés, making it the perfect spot for a coffee or a picnic. Don’t miss a romantic boat ride on its serene lake or a visit to the La Rosaleda rose garden, where 4,000 roses bloom between May and June, and try to catch an art exhibition in the stunning Palacio de Cristal, a 19th-century conservatory located in the Buen Retiro Park, built in the shape of a Greek cross and made almost entirely of glass set in an iron framework. www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/parque-del-retiro 

Palacio de Cristal

Visit Madrid’s Royal Palace
Madrid’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish monarchy and the largest functioning palace in Europe, is a landmark that can’t be missed. Located near Gran Vía, the palace opens 50 of its over 3,000 rooms to the public, showcasing everything from antique clocks to suits of armour. For the full experience, visit during the biweekly changing of the guard on Wednesday and Saturday, or the Solemn Changing of the Guard, showcasing a parade of horses and the Spanish Royal Guard, on the first Wednesday of each month. www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-madrid 

Royal Palace

See a Real Madrid game at Santiago Bernabéu
Football is a national passion in Spain, largely thanks to Real Madrid, the world’s most successful football club. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, recently revitalised with a near €1 billion renovation, is regularly voted the best in the world. Visitors can explore the team’s history and access exclusive areas through daily tours. If you’re visiting between August and May, you might even snag a ticket to a game. bernabeu.realmadrid.com/en 

Madrid's eclectic shopping: from handcrafted gems to modern finds
Madrid offers a diverse shopping scene, catering to every taste and preference. For those seeking unique, handcrafted items, Madrid is home to a vibrant array of artisanal shops, each showcasing unique craftsmanship and creativity. Shoppers can find beautiful ceramics, handwoven fabrics, and unique jewelry, all made with care and skill. Exploring these charming stores immerses visitors in the destination's artistic spirit and showcases the craftsmanship that defines Madrid's identity.

For a more contemporary shopping experience, head to the stylish Salesas district. This vibrant area is home to a variety of unique design boutiques and concept stores. Notable shops include DO for stylish items from international brands, Despacio Concept Store for unique bags and home décor, Gion offering Japanese fashion and décor, and González & González with its collection of vintage devices. You’ll also find specialized shops like Lumas for affordable graphic art, Cacto-Cacto for charming cacti, and Cacao Sampaka for chocolate lovers. Finally, book lovers will find treasures at Antonio Machado, while Compañía Fantástica showcases its unique clothing designs in the area. To discover more shopping destinations in Madrid, click here.

Take a trip through Western art history 
The behemoth museums of Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional form Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, a must-see for art connoisseurs. This trio of world-class museums boasts the world's highest concentration of artistic beauty. A combination pass allows visitors to enjoy all three venues seamlessly. El Prado houses masterpieces by Spanish artists such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya, while Reina Sofía is famous for its Surrealist and Cubist collections, including Picasso’s monumental Guernica. The Thyssen-Bornemisza rounds out the trio with nearly 1,000 works by European and American masters from the 13th to the 20th centuries. www.museodelprado.es/en; www.museoreinasofia.es/en; www.museothyssen.org/en 

Museo del Prado

Wander around the Royal Botanic Gardens
Just steps from the Prado Museum, Madrid’s Royal Botanic Gardens are a magnet for plant lovers. Home to more than 5,000 species, the 20-acre space was once used to grow medicinal herbs and classify new plants. Today, it’s a place for the people of Madrid to reboot and study nature. Guided tours are available to help visitors get to know the multitude of species – from roses to onions – that inhabit this green corner of the city. If visiting during the holiday season, don’t miss the spectacular Christmas light show. www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/real-jardin-botanico 

Royal Botanic Gardens 

Dive into Spain’s history at the UNESCO Triangle
An essential stop on any history tour of Madrid is the UNESCO Triangle, comprising three towns: San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Aranjuez and Alcalá de Henares. Begin at El Escorial, the historic residence of the King of Spain in the Guadarrama mountains where you’ll find the Monastery of El Escorial complex of Renaissance buildings, courtyards and fountains and the Royal Library containing 15th- and 16th-century manuscripts.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Next, explore the Royal Palace of Aranjuez with its opulent Renaissance architecture. Admire its elaborate facade and lavishly decorated interior and be sure to see the porcelain room. Outside, the lush ornamental gardens include neoclassical Casa del Labrador mansion and a picturesque pond within the Chinese Pavilion.

Finally, visit Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language, and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, the University of Alcalá, as well as a wealth of museums and monuments. Be sure to snap a selfie with the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, characters from Cervantes’ most famous novel.

Explore Madrid’s picturesque towns
While in Madrid, don’t miss the chance to explore the charming, picturesque towns of the greater region. Start with Chinchón, a postcard-perfect town 50km from the city, transporting visitors to a bygone era with its tableau of cobblestone streets and geranium-filled balconies. Its iconic town square has starred in many a film, including John Wayne and Rita Hayworth’s Circus World. 

Next, discover the unique charm of Patones, nestled 60 km from Madrid. This quaint town is famous for its rural Baroque architecture and distinctive slate-stone houses. 

Then head to Rascafría, about 100km north of the city, where you can explore the historic Monastery of El Paular, hike through lush forests, and relax by the serene Lozoya River. Also visit Buitrago del Lozoya town on the Lozoya River, known for its well-preserved Moorish town walls and 15th-century Castle of Buitrago del Lozoya built in the Islamic-Spanish Mudéjar style.

Buitrago del Lozoya

Squeeze in a round (or three) of golf
Beyond its many attractions for history, culture and food lovers, Madrid is also an excellent destination for golf enthusiasts boasting year-round pleasant weather and some of the world’s best courses. In the city, Centro Nacional de Golf and La Moraleja offer world-class facilities, while Real Club de Golf La Herrería in El Escorial and El Robledal in Alcalá de Henares provide scenic backdrops for a more relaxed round. www.centronacionalgolf.com; golfmadridlaherreria.com; 
robledalgolf.com 

Real Club de Golf La Herrería

For more information, visit onlyinmadrid.me/en