Location: Madrid
Top Things to do in Madrid
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Top 10 Things to do in Madrid, Spain
So many of Madrid’s buildings look like castles, you’ll think you’ve stumbled into a fairytale. Even City Hall is astounding, with its white pinnacles and neo-Gothic features. A self-guided architecture tour can begin by the great bear statue in the central Puerta del Sol. Wander by the fanciful Royal Palace before absorbing the natural beauty of Retiro Park, then visit one of the city’s many museums. You could happily cap off each day by nibbling on forkfuls of paella while sipping Spanish rioja.
Restaurants in Madrid
1. Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Peaceful urban park centered around a beautiful lake.
Reviewed By Matt C - Sacramento, California
We were there on Saturday, March 24. That same day, a child was killed by a falling tree. Instead of roping off the affected area, a small portion of the park --- the officials decided to close the Entire Park for a whole week. (This is Semana Santa, one of the busiest tourist weeks of the season!)
For this reason, I'm giving the park a poor grade.
2. Prado National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
The Prado has one of the largest art collections in the world, and is best known for its diverse assortment of works by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco.
Reviewed By kathy1966 - virginia
One of the greatest collections of works by de Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Rubens, and many other masters. You could easily spend anywhere from 4-5 hours to a few days at this museum.
We purchased the Paseo del Arte ticket at the less crowded Thyssen-Bornemisza and were able to gain entrance to a much shorter ticket line. We also needed to pick up a free ticket for our son (under 18) and were able to do this in the same ticket line as well. There are staff at the ticket lines to help direct you to these lines, so don't hesitate to ask for help. You can also leave the museum for lunch and return the same day. Just make sure you get your ticket stamped.
3. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers visitors an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century. In the nearly one thousand works on display, visitors can contemplate the major periods and pictorial schools of western art such as the Renaissance, Mannerism, the Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism and the art of the 19th and 20th centuries up to Pop Art. The museum also features works from some movements not represented in state-owned collections, such as Impressionism, Fauvism, German Expressionism and the experimental avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. In addition, it boasts an important collection of 19th-century American painting not found in any other European museum institutions.
Reviewed By PeterDane - Denmark
A stunning selection of fabulous paintings. I little bit pricey I think compared to museums in Madrid but not excessively so.
4. Stadio Santiago Bernabeu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Terrycharleton - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
The tour around here is fantastic, its self guided and takes you to all the good parts of the stadium including the dressing room. Takes a couple of hours to do properly, well worth it!
5. Royal Palace of Madrid
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Luxurious, over-the-top rococo palace with over 2,000 opulently gilded rooms.
Reviewed By kathy1966 - virginia
Our family really enjoyed touring the Royal Palace. Audio guide is very informative and interesting. Online prepurchase of tickets allowed us to avoid ticket buying line which already had formed before the 10 am opening time. We spent about 2 hours at the palace and its armory.
6. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
World famous modern art museum featuring a diverse collection of 20th century Spanish art, from Picasso to Solana.
Reviewed By EagerBeaver_37 - Toronto, Canada
Dedicated to 20th century Spanish art. Highlights for me were the Picasso. Dali and Miro paintings. Picasso's "Guernica" leaves an everlasting impression and makes you think about the sufferings during the civil war in Spain in the 30s - and what is still happening around the world today Like at the Prado there were many, many school classes of quite young kids, who were walking around hand in hand and sitting in front of selected paintings, getting an art lesson, which I feared might often be above their age level. But they were very cute, silent and well behaved, sitting there in rapt attention. What an introduction to art and history of their country. It must build great pride and understanding of their nation. It was Very touching to watch. - By the way, the admittance is free for seniors (over 65). Just show your proof at the ticket counter.
7. Gran Via
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Marian Z - New York City, New York
This metro station is essentially in the center of the city! Gran Via is where there are tons of shops (major chains and not) and many restaurants!
8. Templo de Debod
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
The Egyptian temple dating back to the second century B.C. was transported to Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montana Park.
Reviewed By MAMORCAM - Reus, Spain
The place is nice to visit, not for the temple though wich for me personal wasn’t nothing special, but for the views of the city. It is a good place to walk, lay down and relax for a while. You will find a bunch of stairs to arrive there.
Good place but not my favorite one in Madrid.
9. Plaza Mayor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Huge plaza packed with cafes, bars and tourists.
Reviewed By Johnnie_Tee - Manchester, United Kingdom
Really picturesque atmospheric square. Better in the morning as it's not so busy. Great photography location.
10. Mercado San Miguel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By MHEAD_UK - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Wonderful old market converted into a treasure trove of tapas. All shapes, types and tastes and a great atmosphere. It was packed but never seemed too long to be served and although very busy, everyone working there seemed friendly and attentive. Good for breakfast and great for lunch. Plenty of places to lean and prop yourself up, but no chairs so don’t expect any form of a leisurely lunch.
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