What should i do in madrid

Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. From cutting-edge culture to chocolate-dipped churros: we've got everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Madrid. When putting together this one, we kept in mind the restrictions that have been in place over the past 18 months, and the ones which are still present.

Quite the opposite, in fact. Have fun! This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. What is it? Why go? Acquaint yourself with some of the best artists to have ever worked in Spain, plus a huge number of other masters from across Europe. Don't miss: All of the above. But what it lacks in sand it makes up for in cool, green spaces and beautiful rose gardens.

Dating back to the time of Queen Isabela I and King Ferdinand, El Retiro Park is the place to be for exercise dogs and humans , sunbathing, strolling and general all-out relaxing.

Or, if you prefer some downtime, wander slowly down the pathways, stopping only to admire a fountain or two. Others, not so much cf. This stunning anti-war image is even better when seen in the flesh, which is what you can do at the Reina Sofia. A buzzing modern cultural centre in a former slaughterhouse.

Matadero Madrid started life as an abattoir before being left empty and abandoned for many years. In , however, the Neo-Mudejar building was transformed into a multidisciplinary arts space. Keep an eye on their ever-changing programme and catch plays, films, markets and live music, all at one venue. Don't miss: The weekend markets are always a hit. We also like to visit their free exhibitions.

A super fun museum dedicated to optical illusions which will make you feel like a little kid again. Since , the Museum of Illusions has been one of the best-loved visitor attractions in Madrid. Locals and tourists adore its vast array of weird and wonderful mind-bending tricks, from the Rubin vase to the 3D stereogram and onto some lesser-known and very strange new ones.

Accessible luxury is what you get with this latest from this latest leap from a chef who decided to leave behind his glittering Michelin stars to democratize gastronomy. A type of experiential art gallery where you can touch, feel and of course, snap photos of everything around you. To take a dip into a pool of blue balls, explore a room with infinite mirrors, enjoy another full of coloured confetti, visit another with luminescent neon lights, and even pop into one with pink bubbles.

All of these abstract spaces are set up to spark your imagination, and your skill with your camera lens or smartphone takes care of the rest. Fokacha and Bel Mondo are the latest openings in the world of Italian gastronomy in Madrid, each one with its own style. The Italian signature cuisine here takes the form of porchetta pizzas, vitello tonnato, lampredotto For its part, Bel Mondo , at square metres, is one of the biggies to open in , and the debut of restaurant group Big Mamma in Madrid.

The last X-rated cinema 'sala x' in the city converted into a cocktail bar, though they kept the projector for special screenings. In a short time, Sala Equis has become wildly popular in Madrid. It's divided into three zones: the terrace at the entrance; the epicentre of the space, Sala Plaza, with its big screen, a bar with a variety of different eats, and an area where you can relax on wooden benches or lounge chairs, or even have a go on the swings; and finally the seat cinema for their film cycles.

Another great example of how traditional markets have been reinvented and have blossomed to serve up international cuisine. Don't miss: T ripea is one of the best market stalls to fill up on fusion cuisine in the whole of Madrid.

The most famous place to get 'churros con chocolate' in Madrid. It makes use of a prepaid ticket system to accommodate 5am queues of late-night revellers and chipper old ladies. If you fall into the former category, be warned: this place is very well-lit.

At least there are tables outside. Don't miss: Churros and the similar 'porras' make the perfect companions to a cup of thick dipping chocolate. A collection of paintings, including ones by Van Gogh, Caravaggio, Hopper and more. This bumper collection of artworks was once the private collection of Baron Hans-Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Luckily for the city of Madrid and the Spanish government who signed a purchase agreement for all of it in , old Thyssen-Bornemisza had pretty good taste. Waffles in the form of genitalia?

In Alameda de Osuna in the district of Barajas, you'll find El Capricho literally, 'The Whim' , a garden that is a jewel of Romanticism and a monument to 18th-century taste. Within its 14 hectares lie an artificial river, lakes, woods, gardens, simulations of temples and other surprising nooks. The park's principal architect was Jean-Baptiste Mulot, a French gardener who had worked for Marie Antoinette, yet a large part of El Capricho is in the style of English gardens.

A market where traditional butchers' and fishmongers' stalls live happily alongside those offering international cuisine, and where you can find activities for all ages. Built after the Spanish Civil War, the market has been modernised over the years, both in appearance and its stock.

One of the best cocktail bars in the world. This project from Argentinian bartender Diego Cabrera is ranked number 19 on the list of the World's 50 Best Bars that came in early October The decor of psychedelic neons combines perfectly with a menu boasting stupendously imaginative cocktails that employ the most unusual ingredients and cutting-edge techniques and are served original receptacles. Cabrera's latest creations take you on a trip to the Amazon.

Don't miss: Pair your cocktail of choice with one or more of the gastro offerings by Estanis Carenzo. The best — and only - Egyptian temple in Spain. Strangely enough, Madrid has one too. The Templo de Debod dates back more than 2, years and honours the gods Amun and Isis. But wait, the history boys all shout, when did the Egyptians come to Madrid to build a temple?

But in the Egyptian government sent each and every historic brick of this place to Spain as a thank you for helping to preserve monuments that could have been destroyed by the Aswan Dam. Which, in a way, is almost a cool a story as if it had been in Madrid for thousands of years. Don't miss: Time your trip to the viewpoint perfectly so you can snap the sunset on your phone. What appears to be an everyday haberdashery with a great location next to the Apolo theatre in Plaza de Tirso de Molina is really a thriving nightclub with three dance floors that can hold a thousand party people.

They play all kinds of music, serve top-notch cocktails, and even offer gourmet food in this 'secret' spot that's been uncovered thanks to word of mouth that's made it so well-deservedly popular. A cultural centre in a stunning building. Renowned for its musicals, the street is bustling with entertainment, well-known theaters, shopping, and restaurants.

In addition to great musicals, there are also plenty of opera, plays, and dance performances for you to choose from. This building, located smack dab in the middle of Madrid Centro, is home to the most beautiful view in Madrid. As I said before, Madrid is just one of those places with endless things to do.

While I lived there, one of my favorite things to do was walk around large places with lots of people and see what interested me. For example, if you head to Plaza Mayor or Puerto del Sol , there are likely musicians, dancers, or tours going on right this minute. And you know what that means? Free entertainment! Here are our top recommendations of hostels and hotels in Madrid. All are centrally located, highly rated and have excellent facilities.

They have many accommodation options available in Madrid, and many of them are cheaper than your average hotel. For recommendations take a look at our list of the best Airbnbs in Madrid. Don't let a little drizzle ruin your visit! Check out all the things you can do in Madrid whatever the weather. Discounts on museums and transport. Find out how to save time and money during your stay in Madrid. Skip to main content. Official tourism website. Welcome to Madrid.

Remember me. Register I forgot my password. Things to do in Madrid. Coronavirus: Latest information and advice. Late afternoon time in Spain can be pretty dead. This is the resting part of the day especially during the dog days of summer heat. I oblige you to take notice. With evening on the horizon, the city awakens and the possibilities of what to do are endless. Take a Salsa or Flamenco class.

Attend a Spanish concert. Catch a show at the teatro. There are at least 20 theaters in Madrid! Then get ready for plenty of visual stimulation at the El Rastro Flea Market. Stalls upon stalls of everything from unique t-shirts to handbags and trinkets of every shade. Note that the Flea Market is only happening on Sunday mornings. Weave amongst the interesting stalls under the shade of old trees lining the avenue.

Take a stroll through the San Miguel Market. Here you can score all of the delicious ingredients you need to prepare an epic lunch on the cheap. If you have a few mates with you, all the better to cook together. Head back to the hostel and make yourself a good Spanish lunch. Deposit whatever sensational treasures you found at the flea market into your backpack.

Head out for a afternoon round of Sangria and music. Explore the Grand Via. Check out the Botanical Gardens. Visit the Santa Maria de Real Cathedral or the dozens of other epic churches. You may be a foodie who wants to tour the markets, dine at the best eateries or learn to cook like the Spanish experts.

Or a backpacker looking for cheap activities to pass the time in. However long you may be staying, Madrid will have something exciting for you! But we do it because we love it — we love providing epic and free content.

We love the knowledge that our content keeps you adventuring. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Again, thank you! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. More information. Table of Contents Show. Top Things to Do in Madrid. Centro Centro Madrid is the heart of the city.

Places to visit:. Food will love Madrid — source: Petr Brezina Shutterstock. Cooking classes are the most delicious way to learn about Spanish cuisine. So, you think you can flamenco? Visit one of the most important arenas in the history of sports! With over pieces of art, this museum will keep you busy for hours. Learn More Now! Unusual Things to Do in Madrid. Great for anyone who likes a good adrenaline rush!

Get some relaxation Madrid-style. Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt. Check on Amazon. Things to do in Madrid at Night.

Feel the passion of flamenco. Pub crawls in Madrid are a blast! Fancy a bit of opera with your dinner? Where to Stay in Madrid. View on Hostelworld. View on Airbnb. View on Booking. Romantic Things to Do in Madrid. View on World Nomads. Best Free Things to Do in Madrid. A great free sight for history lovers. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers Privacy Policy Required. Sign Me Up! With over paintings, The Prado Museum is a great half day of fun — source: Javier Carro wikicommons.