Things to do
Things to do in Madrid: 12 ideas from the Prado to tapas
Madrid has some of the finest art museums in Europe, a vast park in the middle of town and a nightlife that starts when others go home. These are the twelve things we would do, with advice on timing.
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It is Sunday morning in La Latina and the streets around El Rastro are full of stalls selling old records, ceramics and leather bags. When the market closes, everyone moves on to the tapas bars of Cava Baja and the afternoon takes care of itself.
Madrid rewards you for following the local rhythm: museums in the morning, a long lunch, a siesta and a late night out. We have picked twelve experiences that show the city at its best and flag what to book ahead or avoid.
Short answer: what should you do in Madrid?
See the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, walk in Retiro Park and eat at the Mercado de San Miguel. Go to El Rastro on Sunday, eat tapas in La Latina and Las Letras, and watch the sunset at the Templo de Debod.
Best art: the Prado
Best park: Retiro
Best market: El Rastro on Sunday
Best tapas: La Latina
Best sunset: the Templo de Debod
1. The Prado
Velázquez, Goya and El Greco in one of the most important art museums in the world. See Las Meninas and Goya's Black Paintings, and leave before you tire.
The catch: it is huge. Choose a few rooms in advance.
2. The Reina Sofía
Picasso's Guernica hangs here, along with Dalí and Miró. The museum is by Atocha station and works well after lunch.
3. The Thyssen-Bornemisza
The third museum in the art triangle fills the gaps left by the other two, from the Renaissance to Expressionism.
4. Retiro Park
The great park has a boating lake, the glass Palacio de Cristal and avenues under the trees. Come in the late afternoon when Madrileños take their walk.
5. Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol
The two squares are the heart of the old town. See them, but eat in the side streets rather than on the square itself.
6. The Mercado de San Miguel
The iron-and-glass market hall by the Plaza Mayor serves tapas, oysters and vermouth. Touristy, but good for a quick tasting.
7. El Rastro
The flea market in La Latina runs on Sunday mornings. Arrive early, watch your bag and head to the tapas bars afterwards.
8. Tapas in La Latina and Las Letras
Cava Baja and the streets around the Plaza de Santa Ana are packed with tapas bars. Order a caña, a small beer, and something to eat at the counter.
9. The Royal Palace
The Palacio Real is one of the largest palaces in Europe, with lavish state rooms and views over the Campo del Moro gardens. Buy tickets online.
10. The Templo de Debod
This Egyptian temple, a gift to Spain, stands on a rise in the west of the centre. Sunset here is one of the loveliest in the city.
11. Malasaña and Chueca
The districts north of the Gran Vía are full of vintage shops, cafés and some of the best bars in town.
12. A day trip to Toledo
Toledo is a half-hour train ride south of Madrid, with an old town, a cathedral and paintings by El Greco.
The old town sits on a hill above the Tagus, so wear good shoes. Segovia, with its Roman aqueduct, is another fine option.
Gran Hotel Inglés
Gran Hotel Inglés in Madrid.
Where to stay in Madrid
Las Letras and the streets around the Gran Vía keep the museums and tapas bars close. Our Madrid hotel guide covers every district.
Gran Hotel Inglés: in the literary quarter
Gran Hotel Inglés is on a narrow street by the Plaza de Santa Ana, in the literary quarter of Las Letras, with a dark art deco bar on the ground floor. The Prado is a ten-minute walk and the tapas bars start at the door. Ask for a high floor if you sleep lightly.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Gran Hotel Inglés
The Principal Madrid
The Principal Madrid.
The Principal: a roof terrace over the Gran Vía
The Principal sits where the Gran Vía begins, with a roof terrace looking out to the Metrópolis building. Retiro, the Prado and the Puerta del Sol are all within walking distance. A stylish choice if you want to see the city from above, drink in hand.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Principal
Good to know before you go
Free museum hours: the Prado and the Reina Sofía offer free entry in the last hours on certain days. Expect queues.
Eat late: lunch at two and dinner after half past nine is normal.
Avoid August heat: many restaurants close and it is very hot.
The metro: covers the whole city and is fast.
Madrid: frequently asked questions
What should you see in Madrid?
The Prado, the Reina Sofía, Retiro, the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor and El Rastro on Sunday cover the essentials.
How many days do you need in Madrid?
Three days is enough for the museums and the city, and four allows a day trip to Toledo.
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
Spring and autumn are pleasant. July and August are hot, and many places close in August.
What is free in Madrid?
Retiro, the Templo de Debod and the free hours at the big museums cost nothing.