17 Things You Must Do in Madrid
Madrid is essentially a big, typical European city… but then it has its moments where it screams the mountains and streets of Spain, cause, well, you know… it is.
However, given it’s the biggest and capital city of Spain, with Madrid attracting over 10 million visitors every year – it can be hard to figure out the best things to do in such a massive city, especially one that is often penned as “Europe’s New York City.”
Luckily, I was able to find my way around Madrid pretty quickly – and after chatting with lots of locals on public transport and friends who had lived there, I think I was able to find all of the best things to do in Madrid without second guessing myself.
Discovering the colorful side streets of Madrid; June 2019
Is Madrid Worth Visiting?
Yes, Madrid is without a doubt worth visiting. Even though it’s often mistaken as a fast-paced city and nothing more, but in reality – it’s an amazing, alive place with something for everyone. From beautiful and relaxing parks to bustling shopping streets, Madrid is an incredible city fit for solo travel or group trips alike – regardless or more introverted or extroverted personalities.
Discovering the colorful side streets of Madrid; June 2019
Is 3 days Enough for Madrid?
Yes, 3 days is enough for Madrid to see all of the major tourist sites while also exploring a bit beyond the surface.
I really think that to do Madrid justice, you should spend a minimum of 3 days there – otherwise, you run the risk of rushing the city too much and missing over some of the smaller, less touristy places in Madrid that make it so special.
Getting lost in Madrid; June 2019
Is Madrid Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, Madrid is an incredibly safe place for solo female travelers – alongside other cities in Spain. I never once felt unsafe while in Madrid, even with my limited Spanish – and I was traveling in Madrid as a 20 year old!
View of Madrid; June 2019
What is Madrid Like?
I once met a woman from South Africa who married a man from Madrid while I was in Italy. I never forgot what she said about her initial impression of Madrid,
“At first I thought Madrid, was a big, dirty, really ugly city… but then after I was there for a while I saw that it’s actually a really beautiful place.”
As I got to know Madrid as well, I realized that she was exactly right. Madrid, on the surface – only sells itself as a massive metropolis… but as you walk it and stray from the tourist prone parts of the city, and find it’s hidden surprising spots…
… you’ll realize the same.
Coming across the most sudden and random corners of beauty in Madrid; June 2019
🇪🇸✨ Which Part of Madrid Is Best for You? ✨🇪🇸
| If You Like... | Visit... |
|---|---|
| 🌳 Big parks with paddle boats, gardens, and charming hidden corners | El Retiro Park |
| 🌱 Funky neighborhoods with vegan food, local cafés, and a younger crowd | La Latina |
| 🏙️ Big-city energy, street performers, crowds, and a vibe reminiscent of Times Square | Puerta del Sol |
| 🛍️ Lots of shopping, department stores, and bustling city streets | Gran Vía |
Near Plaza de Espana in Madrid; June 2019
Where Should I Stay in Madrid?
I stayed at SLEEP’N ’Atocha near Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía while I was in Madrid, and I found it to be the perfect location – as it was between El Retiro Park and major streets like La Gran Vía.
🏨🇪🇸 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Madrid 🇪🇸🏨
🌱 La Latina
Stay in La Latina if you love funky neighborhoods, local cafés, vegan food, and a younger crowd. It has some of the most personality and charm of anywhere in Madrid.
🚆 Near Atocha Station
Perfect for travelers planning day trips or arriving by train. Staying near Atocha makes it easy to explore Madrid while keeping the rest of Spain within easy reach.
🏙️ Puerta del Sol
The best choice if you want to be right in the center of everything. You'll be within walking distance of major attractions, shopping, restaurants, and Madrid's biggest city energy.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Madrid?
I think 3 nights, and 2 to 3 days is the perfect amount of time in Madrid – as it’ll let you see all of the cities major sights, neighborhoods, and enjoy some tapas or a la siesta without feeling rushed. Given it’s Spain largest city and capital – there’s a lot to see and do.
Not sure where to start?
Let me help you out with a list of what I think you must do while you’re in Madrid:
17 Best things to see & do in Madrid On A First Trip
If it’s your first time in Madrid, I’ve got you covered – here’s a complete Madrid “bucket-list” to follow if it’s your first time visiting the Spanish capital:
1. Plaza Mayor
A red and vibrant plaza worth seeing. It’s definitely one of the more touristy parts of the city, but it could be your opportunity to see some Spanish dancing as you grab a bite at one of the many restaurants here.
Plaza de Mayor; June 2019
2. Spot the Atocha Monument
Writing this now, I finally realize what this reminded me of… the Sydney Harbour Bridge… but with a Spanish flag!
The Atocha Monument in Madrid; June 2019
3. Plaza de Santa Ana
Not the prettiest of plaza in Madrid, but there are several tapas places here if you’re looking for one.
Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid; June 2019
4. Royal Palace of Madrid
One of my favorite spots in found in Madrid. The garden on the not-cathedral-side enables the sweetest of silence; besides a bird chirping here and there, but I have no complaints about that!
Royal Palace of Madrid; June 2019
It’s a really good place to sit, reflect, write, and soak it up.
The other side of the Royal Palace of Madrid; June 2019
5. Plaza de Oriente
Plaza de Oriente is behind the Royal Palace and the Cathedral beside it.
Plaza de Oriente in Madrid facing the Royal Palace; June 2019
There’s not much there, but it makes for a good place to take pictures of the other two famous landmarks in front of you.
6. Cathedral de la Almudena
Neighbor to the Royal Palace with the mountains of Madrid behind it: the steps of this cathedral make for the perfect place to people watch.
Cathedral de la Almudena; June 2019
7. Walk Gran Via
It’s basically Madrid’s most exquisite and extensive shopping street: anything you want; it’ll be here.
The Primark on Gran Via is literally bigger than the one I went to on Oxford Street in London.
It has moments of excessive advertising that’ll trick you into thinking you’re in Manhattan for a moment.
If you’re not a shopper like I am, you won’t last long – but you should still see it, because it’s one of the liveliest parts of the city.
8. Plaza de Cibeles
Cybele Palace reminded me a bit of the Duomo in Milan off hand… I think it’s one of the prettiest buildings I saw, in Madrid.
Cybele Palace in Madrid; June 2019
9. Take a La Siesta
I didn’t do this when I was in Barcelona, so I was determined to take a la siesta on my three-day trip to Madrid.
If you think you’ll look goofy doing it… don’t think twice about it.
Madrid’s parks have many fences for you to take a la siesta.
In all honestly, you’ll stand out more if you sit in one of Madrid’s many parks and don’t take a la siesta. Many locals are trying to get an afternoon nap on the benches, just like you.
10. Eat Tapas
Again, I didn’t do this in Barcelona because I was more into the La Boqueira and fresh food atmosphere of that city… and I’m glad that I saved it for Madrid.
Are There More Tapas Places in Madrid or Barcelona?
There are way more tapas places to choose from in Madrid because it’s so much bigger than Barcelona.
I think I saw a Tapas place every fifty feet in Madrid… you think I’m kidding, but I’m not.
Where Are The Best Vegan Tapas in Madrid?
I went to a hole in the wall place called ‘La Encomienda’. The best place for vegan tapas in Madrid is without a doubt La Encomienda.
Outside La Encomienda near La Latina in Madrid; June 2019
Oh. My. Lord…
… it was the best meal I had during my three and a half week Europe trip.
The most unfathomable part?
My three-course tapas meal only costed me €7,90!
… €7,90!!!!!!!!
I had some sort of fried eggplant ball, a fennel salad, the best bread…
Eating at ‘La Encomienda’ in Madrid; June 2019
… and chocolate cake for dessert… ugh, I’m remembering the fudgy, rich texture of this as I’m writing this.
Chocolate cake at ‘La Encomienda’ in Madrid; June 2019
Besides superb food, the restaurant itself has the coziest character and the friendliest staff. I even tipped them…
… and it takes a lot, for me to want to tip someone.
I highly recommend coming here if you’re near la Latina and looking for some plant-based tapas. Which brings me to…
11. Explore Barrio de la Latina
This is hands down, the cutest neighborhood I saw I Madrid.
It’s quiet, yet still funky.
Barrio de La Latina in Madrid; June 2019
Best of all, it’s mostly locals, thus – it’s a great place to go for when your craving separation from the tourist attractions.
Where Can I Find Vegan and Gluten-Free food in Madrid?
Vegan and gluten-free eaters should head down to Madrid’s Barrio de la Latina for a bite. If you’re looking for the neighborhood with all of the hip, gluten-dairy-free food… this would be it.
12. El Retiro Parque
El Retiro Park is another giant European Park that’s reminiscent of Regent’s Park in London – but the difference was that I walked through this one on a Saturday, meaning, I got to see all the Europeans picnicking and enjoying their weekend together.
Entering El Retiro Park in Madrid; June 2019
Inside Buen Retiro Park; June 2019
There are plenty of places to eat and sights to see, but my favorite spot that I found, was at Estanque grande del Retiro – where I found families paddle boating.
I don’t know why I found this view so enchanting, captivating… but I did.
Paddle Boating in Buen Retiro Park; June 2019
Probably because I was at the point in my trip where I knew it was time to be highly cognizant of everything I was seeing and doing... after all, you never know when your luck will change.
I realized in that moment how privileged I was to have a body that is able to walk 7+ miles (11+ km) a day, to not have to worry about other complications.
I never realize these things when I’m in my day to day life in the states, but my eyes never cease to open wide when I’m abroad.
Watching everyone enjoy their weekend whilst paddle boating reminded me to never take these moments of capability for granted.
13. Find Palacio de Cristal
The Palacio de Cristal really does look like its name in Spanish – a Crystal Palace. I walked by people getting their wedding pictures done against this…
Palacio de Cristal in El Retiro Parque in Madrid; June 2019
… now you know why.
Can I Go Inside Palacio de Cristal in El Retiro Park?
You can go inside as well, but just be prepared (especially if you go in the summer) that it’s hace calor del diablo!
Meaning… it’s hot like the devil, in there.
Inside the Crystal Palace in Buen Retiro Park; June 2019
Inside the Crystal Palace in Buen Retiro Park; June 2019
Still – make sure to take a peak regardless of the heat.
14. Puerta de Alcala
This is like the Arc de Triomphe of Madrid. I didn’t expect it to be much, because is there a city that’s really going to do an arc better than Paris?
But to my surprise, I was impressed by its aesthetic… it’s color scheme is different. The gate itself is grey, and it sits on a green bed of grass with bright pink flowers.
The Alcala gate in Madrid; June 2019
15. Plaza de Espana
When I was there in June 2019, Plaza de Espana was under construction… so, hopefully when you go – it’ll be up and running again.
Plaza de Espana under construction in Madrid; June 2019
It was a shame; from what I could see, looked like it would’ve been the perfect place to journal or take a la siesta!
16. Puerta del Sol
Okay, this is the main hub for tourists, and is reminiscent of Times Square in Manhattan – as there are giant characters (Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob…) that will try to hassle you for a picture.
Puerta del Sol in Madrid; June 2019
Is Puerta Del Sol Crowded?
Puerta Del Sol is always crowded – whether it be eleven in the morning or five in the afternoon.
Puerta del Sol in Madrid; 2019
Is Puerta Del Sol Worth Seeing?
I think you should see it, but I don’t think you should stay for too long. The other plazas I listed above are less congested and easier to enjoy.
17. Go up Círculo de Bellas Artes
In all of my travels… this perhaps was the best (not including the stellar views I have seen for free), least expensive view I have ever paid for.
View from the top of Círculo de Bellas Artes; June 2019
How Much Does a Ticket Cost to Go Up the Círculo de Bellas Artes?
It’s only €4 for a ticket for students and €5,50 full-fare to go up to the top of the Círculo de Bellas Artes and enjoy the views of Madrid.
The view is spectacular.
If you want a drink, no Spaniard is going to stop you from relaxing a little before five o’clock – however, be warned, it’s expensive up there… but the price to go up is almost nothing, so it all evens out.
View from the top of Círculo de Bellas Artes; June 2019
☀️🇪🇸 Madrid Travel FAQs 🇪🇸☀️
I hope this helped you plan your upcoming trip to Madrid! If you’re looking for other things to do in Spain, click here.
Want to see all of the things I just talked about for yourself? I vlogged all three days of my trip to Madrid – click to watch it below!
Need help planning the rest of your trip to Spain?
I’ve been traveling all over Spain for almost a decade, having visited almost every major city in the country – meaning I can help you plan the perfect trip to Spain.
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Last updated: June 24, 2026