Best Things to Do in Madrid, Spain, for First Time Visitors
If you’re reading this, please know I’m internally screaming out of excitement for you! Madrid is genuinely one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited, and one that personally feels like a breath of fresh air. As someone who’s obsessed with this city and is a frequent visitor, I cannot wait to share with you all the best things to do in Madrid!
Before we dive into the list, I wanted to tell you a bit more about the capital of Spain. First off, as it happens with major cities like London and Tokyo, Madrid is not just a big city – it’s a Metropolis with 21 districts, which all combined house 131 barrios (neighborhoods).
Compared to London and Tokyo, Madrid is much smaller — so no stress there!😉
Besides being Spain’s capital, Madrid is famous for many things. It is home to the Bernabéu Stadium and the Real Madrid team, the oldest restaurant in the world, the Royal Palace, Museo del Prado, and more.
People often want to know what the one best thing to do in Madrid is, and honestly… it’s experiencing the whole city. But if you’re looking for the very main attraction of the city, there are two that tie at the first spot: Palacio Real and Museo del Prado.
Another thing to know is that Madrid is a very international city, and English is spoken pretty much anywhere. With that said, I still recommend learning some basic sentences and words to help you, but to also show respect to the locals.
Okay okay okay… let’s get back to why you’re here! Keep reading to discover all of the best things to do in Madrid – especially if it’s your first time visiting.
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊
All the Things You Must Do and See when in Madrid
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🇪🇸 Guides: One Day in Madrid, 3-day Itinerary, Hidden Gems, Gluten Free Restaurants
🏡 These are the Best Areas to Stay in Madrid
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Puerta del Sol
There is no better way to say “hello Madrid” than by starting your day in Puerta del Sol – the main square of the city.
In this square you will find the iconic Tio Pepe sign, two important statues, the Clock Tower, Kilómetro 0 plaque, and the city’s incredible architecture.
The two important statues are the El Oso y el Madroño and the Estatua Ecuestre de Carlos III. El Oso y el Madroño is the symbol of Madrid: a bear with an apple tree.
Kilómetro 0, “Kilometer Zero”, is the starting point of the 6 national, radial streets of Spain. You can find this spot, a plaque, on the ground right in front of the Real Casa de Correos.
In terms of the buildings that surround this square, it’s mainly stores, including the Corte Ingles department store, and restaurants.
Plaza Mayor
After Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor is the second most famous square in Madrid.
It is a beautiful square that is an enclosed, arcaded plaza. The buildings that surround it have a beautiful red color, and in the very center is the Estatua de Felipe III.
One of the buildings, Casa de la Panadería (Bakery House), also has a beautiful Baroque architecture and mythological frescoes on its façade.
This building dates back to the year 1590 and has played different roles throughout time, including Municipal Library and headquarters to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
When you visit this square you’ll notice that it’s mainly restaurants and touristy shops.
As with most major squares and plazas around the world, always be aware of your surroundings as there may be pickpockets.
Visit Madrid’s Neighborhoods
Madrid couldn’t be a more walkable city, and if you can – I strongly recommend you put on your comfiest shoes and walk all over the city and its incredible neighborhoods.
To understand the set up of Madrid, there is the Centro district which is composed by these neighborhoods: Sol, La Latina, Malasaña, Chueca, and Barrio de las Letras. Then, outside of the Centro are two other neighborhoods to visit: Salamanca and Retiro.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own charm and specialty. With them all being near each other, you’ll naturally visit the majority of them without necessarily realizing it.
My biggest tip is, depending on how many days you have in Madrid, take a day to just stroll around aimlessly and let your feet and curiosity guide you – not an itinerary. This automatically helps you dive deeper into the city and experience its true essence.
Read my guide on Where to Stay in Madrid to learn about all of these neighborhoods!
Mercado de San Miguel
Sitting right outside of Plaza Mayor is the iconic Mercado de San Miguel, one of the oldest food markets of Madrid and Madrid’s first gastronomic market.
Dating back to 1916, this market is also famous for its stunning iron architecture, which is considered one of the finest examples in Madrid. With that said, don’t just look at the delicacies surrounding you – admire the iron work!
Within this market there are more than 30 stalls, and you can find anything from paella to skewers, seafood, tapas, traditional candy, and beyond. With more than 10 million visitors each year, the Mercado de San Miguel is always busy and the prices are definitely higher.
The Mercado de San Miguel is not a tourist trap, but it has certainly become a tourist attraction. If you’re looking for a more quiet or local experience, Madrid is home to many more food and gastronomic markets – but definitely say “hi” to Mercado de San Miguel!
EAT UPPP
If you’re a foodie like me, listen closely…
MADRID IS A FOODIE’S DREAM!!😍
Sorry, didn’t mean to yell – just had to share the excitement.
Not only is Madrid home to an incredible and traditional Spanish cuisine, but being the international city that it is, you’ll find all sorts of cuisines to enjoy.
When in Madrid, there are some foods you simply must try, and here are some of them:
- Churros with Hot Chocolate | Get these at Chocolatería 1902 or San Ginés)
- Paella or Arroz | Get this at La Taberna de Peñalver
- Cocido Madrileño (Madrid Stew) | Get this at La Rayua
- Flores de Alcachofa (Artichoke Flowers) | Get these at Castizo
As a celiac and a foodie, here are all the Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Madrid
Museo del Prado
One of the top attractions of Madrid is the stunning Museo del Prado, the most important museum of Spain. This museum is to Spain and Madrid the same as the Louvre is to France and Paris.
Established in 1819, Museo del Prado is one of the most important art museums in the world, specifically for its incredible collection of European paintings.
Some of the most famous art works are “Las Meninas” by Velazquez, “Saturn Devouring His Son” by Goya, “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by El Bosco, and “The Birth of the Milky Way” by Rubens.
The museum houses more than 8,600 paintings and 700 sculptures — you could easily spend 3 hours and still feel like time flew by.
One of my tips is to save the Museo del Prado for a rainy or colder day, that way you cut out any possible “nice weather FOMO”. It’s a museum you want to take your time in, and it’s the perfect indoor activity for a day with not-so-nice weather.
🎨 Read my Museo del Prado guide to read more tips to make the most of your visit!
Book your tickets before they sell out!👇
Royal Palace
What’s a visit to Madrid if you don’t visit the Palacio Real, or at least say hi?
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the second largest palace in Western Europe and the oldest, still-operating, palace. While the Royal Family doesn’t live here, they do come here for work related purposes, such as official state ceremonies and events.
With more than 3,400 rooms, this palace is truly immense and you can expect to spend roughly 2 hours during your visit.
The palace we see today was designed in 1735 by Filippo Juvarra, one of the most important architects at the time from Italy. Juvarra is the same architect responsible for most of the royal residences in Turin, Italy.😍
As you visit the Royal Palace, I highly recommend taking a second to admire the chandeliers in every room – I’ve never seen more intricate, artistic chandeliers!
Important Tip. There are MANY scammers on Google that promote their websites to appear as first search results and sell you overpriced, fake tickets. To confirm you have the right link, use the link that’s in the official social media pages!
Get your Royal Palace tickets before they sell out!👇
Sunset at Templo de Debod
One of the absolute best things to do in Madrid, if you’re a fan of wholesome vibes and people watching, you need to visit the Parque de la Montaña.
In this park you’ll find beautiful nature with panoramic views, locals and tourists alike enjoying their time, benches to sit on, and the occasional street musicians. Most importantly, this park is home to the incredible Templo de Debod.
The Templo de Debod is the famous 2,000 year old Egyptian temple that was gifted to Madrid in 1968. The Egyptian government gifted this temple to Spain as a “thank you” because Spain helped save various Nubian monuments that were at risk from the floods caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. (Es Madrid)
Now that I’ve introduced the park, which deserves to be seen at any time of the day, one of the most incredible times is at sunset.
Why? Because this is when everyone gathers to enjoy a panoramic sunset over Madrid, people are having a good time, and the street musicians are more present than ever.
Visit Mercado el Rastro (Sunday Only)
If you’re spending a Sunday in Madrid, one of the best things to do (if you enjoy vintage or second hand shopping) you need to visit the Mercado el Rastro in the La Latina neighborhood.
Make sure to come here with cash, as most vendors don’t take card. Because it’s a famous market, it gets quite crowded so make sure to keep your belongings close to you and pay attention to your surroundings for potential pickpockets.
Visit Parque del Retiro
Welcome to the Green Lungs of Madrid, the Retiro Park – the largest park and one of the most beautiful of Madrid!
While it’s much much smaller, the Parque del Retiro is essentially to Madrid the same as the Central Park is to New York.
This park is just as beloved by locals as it is by tourists. It’s a calm oasis in the midst of the busy Madrid, where you can go to enjoy fresh air, serene ambiance, and the most wholesome people watching.
The Parque del Retiro has lots of different spots and areas to enjoy, each with their own vibe. For example, as you make your way towards the Crystal Palace you’ll walk through was feels like a forest.
Other parts of the Retiro, like the Rose Garden and the Paseo de las Statuas will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale or a classic Regency novel like Pride and Prejudice. Or maybe that’s just me.😂
One place you cannot miss out on in the Parco del Retiro is the Estanque Grande de El Retiro (the Great Pond), where everyone gathers to enjoy the beautiful scenery and people rowing.
If you have the time and enjoy rowing, I highly recommend going on the row boat! I went at sunset during September, so the air was still warm, and it was a beautiful experience. From Monday through Friday it costs €6, and €8 on weekends, for 45 minutes.
Shop ’til you drop in El Corte Ingles
When in Spain, you simply must visit El Corte Inglés – Spain’s most iconic department store!
The Corte Inglés in Madrid, which sits right on Puerta del Sol, spreads over several buildings – 3 at minimum. In this department store you will find anything from fashion, tech, makeup, grocery store, and beyond. There are all sorts of brands, from Spanish to famous, international ones.
Now… you don’t HAVE to shop until you drop, but I do think that this is a place that must be experienced at least once when in Spain. Furthermore, it’s a great place to escape to if the weather is bad!
Walk all of Gran Vía
Welcome to the most famous (and beautiful) street of Madrid – Gran Vía!😍
Gran Vía is home to some of the most breathtaking and pearly-white architecture, including the iconic Telefonica Building, Bank of Spain, and the Metropolis building.
Furthermore, this street is home to endless shops, making it the most famous street for shopping, and also various theaters. As a matter of fact, many refer to Gran Vía as the Broadway of Madrid (not entirely accurate, but I understand where they come from).
This is the type of street that must be visited twice in the day, during the day and in the evening – especially around sunset hour.
Plaza de Cibeles
Sitting right near the Paseo del Prado and at the end of Gran Vía is the beautiful Cibeles Palace and Cibeles Plaza.
If you’re a Real Madrid fan, this is the square in which all the fans go to celebrate when the team wins.
The Palacio de Cibeles is the former Palace of Communications, which has played several roles through out the years, and was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1993.
I personally haven’t been yet, but it is possible to visit the Palacio de Cibeles and head to its rooftop bar or the Mirador Madrid to enjoy beautiful views over Madrid.
With the Mirador Madrid you can enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of ther city, including the stunning Gran Vía street and Parque de El Retiro. Regular entry tickets are €4 or €4.50 if you purchase online.
Eat at Restaurante Botín – the World’s Oldest Restaurant
What if I told you that you could eat in the oldest (continuously operating) restaurant in the world??🤯
Dating back to 1725, Restaurante Botín is a 300 year old restaurant that sits in the heart of Madrid, right next to Plaza Mayor.
This restaurant is famous for its delicious suckling pig which is roasted in the historic fire-wood oven, which has never been put out in 300 years!
Note: the full cochinillo (suckling pig) feeds 6 to 7 people. Due to this, when you order the cochinillo you will only receive your portion.
This restaurant has 3 floors and is usually booked out months in advance. I highly recommend booking your table ASAP and requesting to be sat in the sótano (basement) which is the most historic part.
One other beloved tradition at Botín is the La Tuna performance. Dating back to 1959, this tradition began when 5 Madrid University students started performing in the restaurant.
Ever since that performance, every night a group of 5 university students come to perform live for a few minutes. These aren’t just any university students, they are all stellar students.
Make sure to bring some spare cash because (trust me) you will want to tip them!
Chocolatería San Ginés or Chocolateria 1902
You cannot visit Madrid and not enjoy a delicious portion of freshly-made churros (or porras) with hot chocolate.
The most famous spot in Madrid for this treat is Chocolatería San Ginés, which dates back to 1892 and is the oldest of the city.
The second most famous spot is Chocolatería 1902, which also offers gluten free churros and many other gluten free items. This is the perfect spot to go to if you’re traveling with celiac and gluten-intolerant people, but still want to enjoy gluten-churros yourself!
As a cultural note: Churros con Chocolate is often enjoyed as either breakfast or merienda (snack), but in Madrid you’ll find plenty of people enjoying them at night time too.
As a food note, on the other hand, there are Churros and Porras. Churros are thinner, crunchieer, and more dense and the dough is traditionally a potato dough.
Porras on the other hand look much bigger because of how airy they are, and they have a flour-based dough.
Lastly, it’s important to know that churros and porra dough are not sweet, which is why they are enjoyed by dipping them in hot chocolate, or sugar from a sugar packet.
Being celiac, I always go to Chocolatería 1902 to indulge in their gluten free churros, and I cannot recommend them enough!
Here are all the Best Gluten Free Spots in Madrid!😋
Take a Day Trip
If you’re staying more than 3 days in Madrid, even 4, it’s worth considering to take a day trip from Madrid!
3 incredible cities that area easy to reach from Madrid are Toledo, Salamanca, and Segovia.
My favorite way to plan my day trips is through the Omio platform and app, which shows you all the available and different types of transportations.
On the other hand, if you just want to sit back and relax as someone else takes care of logistics and guides you on a day trip – check out this bestselling guided day trip from Madrid!
On this day trip you’ll visit both Segovia and Toledo, and even visit the Alcázar of Segovia and the Toledo Cathedral (if selected). This guide is available in both English and Spanish and lasts all day, including transportation, guided tours, and even free time.
Sounds like your type of day trip? Book your tickets here!👇
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
For all the soccer (football) fans, especially those who love the Real Madrid team, a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium is a must. Even better if you attend a game!😉🇪🇸
Besides attending a game, you can also visit the stadium and its museum. When visiting, you’ll get to explore interactive exhibits and even get exclusive access to the team’s changing rooms and benches. You’ll also get to learn about the club’s history and enjoy panoramic views over the stadium.
Book your tickets before they sell out!👇 Note: Activity non-refundable.
Go Vintage Shopping
If you’re someone who is loves vintage or second-hand shopping, you’re about to have the best time in Madrid!
The best neighborhood for this type of shopping is Malasaña neighborhood, which sits right next to Gran Vía. Two streets that have several shops are Corredera Alta de San Paolo and Calle de Velarde.
Then on Sundays, there is the Mercado el Rastro in the La Latina neighborhood, which takes places every Sunday up until 3 PM.
Best Things to Do in Madrid Map
Madrid FAQs
What to not miss in Madrid?
Now that you’ve read this extensive list on the best things to do in Madrid, especially as a first time visitor, you might be wondering – what are the spots I really cannot miss out on?
Here are the places to not miss out on:
- Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor | The main squares
- Parque del Retiro | The green lungs of Madrid
- Museo del Prado | One of the most important art museums in the world
- Royal Palace | I personally don’t find entering essential, but the visiting the façade is!
- Gran Vía | The most beautiful and famous street in Madrid
- Activity: Eat until your pants don’t fit!😂 Try: Cocido Madrileño, Paella/Arroz, Cochinillo, and Churros con Chocolate.
Is 2 days enough for Madrid?
Spending 2 days in Madrid is better than not visiting at all, and can make for an incredible weekend!
If you have the time, I would definitely recommend staying 3 to 4 days. 2 days is enough to enjoy the main attractions but those will be jam-packed days!
Is 3 days enough to visit Madrid?
3 days is a great amount of days for a first visit to Madrid. As I mention above, 2 days is enough to see the main attractions of the city – especially if you stay out all day exploring.
What happens with 3 days is that you have more time to slow down and actually enjoy the city and take in everything that surrounds you – rather than running around like a headless chicken trying to see it all.
Read my Three Days in Madrid itinerary to see how to make the most of your time there!😍
When to avoid Madrid?
As a quick answer, the time you absolutely want to avoid Madrid is the summer time, particularly July and August. Please trust me when I say that the summer weather is unbearable.
In terms of crowds, Madrid is always a very busy city but it receives peak tourism in the early summer, June and July, and in December. This is for weather reasons but also festivals and holidays.
If you can, I highly recommend visiting anytime between February to May, or in the late fall, October and November.
However, if you’re unlucky like me with allergies, its best to avoid April and May!
Want more help with your Madrid travels? Check out my other Posts!
- How to Spend Three Days in Madrid | The Perfect Itinerary
- The Ultimate One Day in Madrid Itinerary
- How to Spend the Perfect Sunday in Madrid, Spain
- Where to Stay in Madrid: The Best Neighborhoods for Tourists
- The Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Gems in Madrid
- Madrid Sin Gluten: Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Madrid
- Museo Del Prado Tips & Things To Know Before Visiting
- 21 Best Places to Visit in Spain in 2025
📌 Pin this for your future Spain Travels!🇪🇸
I have to ask…
What’s the thing you’re most excited to experience or see in Madrid? Let me know in the comments!☺️👇
Share this with family & friends who are planning to attend and would find this helpful.🤩
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