Want to experience one of Europe’s most loved cities like a local? Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Madrid to suit every sort of traveler.
1. Museo del Prado
This is believed to be the world’s biggest art gallery, housing more than 9,000 works in its permanent collections. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Madrid but if you visit during the week before 5pm you’ll find fewer people admiring the artwork. There are free activities and talks (in Spanish) in the Jerónimos building and handily you only need to give 15 minutes’ notice if you want to sign up. There’s also a busy temporary collection calendar so check out what’s on before you visit.
Address: Paseo del Prado, s/n, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Opening hours: Monday through Saturday 10am – 8pm. Sundays and holidays 10am – 7pm
Entry: General entry costs €15 (Dh68), entry for concessions costs €7.50 (Dh34)
2. San Ginés
To enjoy the best traditional breakfast of churros and chocolate, head to San Ginés chocolaterie, which is open 24 hours a day to satiate your sweet craving at any time of day or night. It’s popular, so gets busy, but there’s usually a fast turnaround so you’ll probably be able to get a table and people watch while enjoying a cup of some of the thickest hot chocolate around!
Address: Pasadizo de San Gines, 5, 28013 Madrid, Spain
3. Enjoy tapas in La Latina
If you want to find the best tapas in Madrid, head to the La Latina area. There’s some fantastically characterful restaurants so don’t feel guilty about doing a bit of a crawl and sampling what different places have to offer. One of our favorites is Al Vicente Copas, off Plaza de Puerta Cerrada.
4. Ateneo de Madrid
As far as interesting things to do in Madrid that don’t attract the big crowds, this cultural institution is high on the list. Inside the beautiful entryway is an auditorium, library (the second largest in the country), exhibition hall, archive and work rooms. Only fellows can study in the library but the concerts, lectures and such are open to the public for a small fee.
Address: Calle del Prado, 21, 28014 Madrid, Spain
5. Teatro de la Zarzuela
The Spanish musical theater genre of zarzuela hasn’t yet spread to the rest of the world but this makes it even more of an interesting thing to do in Madrid. The Teatro de la Zarzuela is probably the best place in the city to see this style of Spanish classical music which has a huge amount of performers, a live orchestra and plenty of singing. It’ll be performed in Spanish but it’s still a must-see when you’re in the capital.
Address: Calle de Jovellanos, 4, 28014 Madrid, Spain
6. El Retiro
If you need a break from your Madrid sightseeing, head for a breather at the El Retiro park. There’s a peaceful pond with ducks and turtles around the Crystal Palace, as well as more lively entertainment such as puppet shows and entertainers in other parts of the park. The site also hosts the annual Madrid Book Fair which usually runs from around mid May to mid June.
Address: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain
7. Microteatro por Dinero
This is one of the hottest tickets in town, and was an immediate success as soon as it opened in 2009. Five plays run concurrently in different rooms and the audience is expected to interact. The plays are 15 minutes long and only cost from €4 (Dh18), with multiple performances every day. Like we said, it’s one of the hottest tickets in town so get there early if you don’t want to miss out.
Address: Calle Loreto y Chicote, 9, 28004 Madrid, Spain
8. Mercado de San Miguel
It was a stroke of genius when this old market was converted into a modern gastronomic feast, with samples of the delicious wares going for as little as €1 (Dh4.50), or sometimes free. You can try and buy everything here from cold meats and sushi to chocolates and frozen yoghurt. The building itself is light and bright and still has much of its original glass and iron structure. You can easily spend a morning or afternoon sampling what the traders have to offer.
Address: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 10am – midnight. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 2am
9. Lavapiés
If you want to experience amazing food made by some of Madrid’s international populations, head to the Lavapiés and seek out the Indian, Senegalese, Cuban or Greek cuisines. There’s a wonderful atmosphere around here, especially at night, and it’s a popular place for street artists to create their canvases.
10. Templo de Debod
This somewhat peculiar-looking Egyptian temple was gifted to Spain in 1968 and was put in place on a hill over Casa de Campo. The 2,200-year-old temple dedicated to Isis and Amon is one of the most popular places to visit in Madrid, especially at sunset when the temple is illuminated in the water. A perfect day in Madrid? A morning trip to the Mercado de San Miguel market to pick up picnic supplies followed by an afternoon trip to the Temple de Debod to enjoy the views of the Royal Palace and the mountains.
*Content published in June 2018. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
Here’s some travel inspiration to get you excited about your next trip
Top 100 cities for cheap five-star hotel breaks
If you want exceptional luxury and value on your next getaway then you could look closer to home…
10 best things to do in Baku
Not sure what the Azerbaijani capital has to offer but keen to explore? Let Skyscanner help.
Destination guide: how to spend 3 days in Paris
With fine examples of Roman history, delicious local foods, a wonderful contemporary art scene and lots of funky shops, Amman is a must-visit nearby destination…
Top 12 restaurants in London
The jokes about British food may have been true once upon a time but things have definitely changed, in particular in London…
