Things to do in  Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is a beautiful baroque structure with more than 3,000 rooms, making it one of Europe's largest royal residences. Although the Spanish royal family no longer lives here, it remains the official state residence and is used for ceremonies and events. With opulent halls, grand staircases, and art-filled galleries, it's a popular place for tourists in Madrid to get a peek into Spain's royal history.

The neoclassical Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá), in Plaza de la Independencia, is one of Madrid’s most recognizable monuments. Designed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini and erected in 1778, the triumphal granite gate once served as one of five main entrances to the city. The statues on top represent the cardinal virtues.

The Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) houses one of the finest art collections in the world, specializing in European art from the 12th to 19th centuries. Thousands of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art are on display throughout its halls, and they represent merely a fraction of the total collection. Highlights include works by Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco. Perhaps the most famous paintings are Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) by Velázquez, Goya’s “Black Paintings,” and The Garden of Earthly Delights, a triptych by Hieronymus Bosch.

A popular meeting place for tourists and locals, Plaza Mayor dates back to the early 17th century, during King Felipe III's reign; its central equestrian statue is a nod to the king's role in overseeing the square's completion. Forming the outer walls are a series of three-story buildings with balconies overlooking the lively scene.

Though Madrid is home to a number of landmark churches, the Basílica de San Francisco El Grande is among the most important because of its huge frescoed dome, baroque facade, and sheer size—it's the largest basilica in Spain. Located in La Latina, the church has six domed chapels and a rich painting collection, including a fresco by Francisco Goya.

One of Madrid’s most picturesque and popular markets, San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel) is also the city’s oldest. Built in 1916 and recognizable for its wrought-iron and glass facade, the market now houses tapas restaurants, wine bars, bakeries, and other tempting eateries.

King Alfonso XII laid the first stone of the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena) in 1883, yet the neoclassical structure, built atop an old church that itself was built atop the city’s first mosque, wasn’t consecrated until 1993. Compared to Europe’s other major cathedrals, this one is uniquely modern, with touches like pop art–stained glass windows.

Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro), often referred to simply as El Retiro, serves as the Spanish capital’s green lung. Dotted with ornate fountains, formal gardens, marble monuments, and plenty of space to relax, these former grounds of the Spanish monarchy became public in 1868 and have become a beloved spot for Madrilenos.

Situated within strolling distance of Plaza Mayor, tranquil Plaza de la Villa is a prime example of a medieval Madrid square, circled with many of the city’s oldest buildings, including Casa de la Villa. Formerly a prison and the city’s Town Hall, Casa de la Villa is a delight both inside and out, decorated with frescoes and enhanced by stained-glass windows.

It’s fitting that the name Puerta del Sol (“gate of the sun” in English) evokes light and warmth, because this central Madrid square is an energetic hub. A must for first-time visitors to Madrid, the area is packed with hotels, cafés, souvenir-selling vendors, and barhopping locals.

Soccer fans won’t want to miss a visit to the magnificent Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu), home to the legendary Real Madrid football team. Boasting a capacity of more than 80,000 spectators, the Bernabéu is a spectacular place to enjoy the roar of the crowd during a match or go behind the scenes on a stadium tour. The on-site museum showcases trophies and other sporting memorabilia.

The Cibeles Fountain is one of Madrid’s most famous monuments. Crowning the end of the Paseo del Prado in the middle of the city it’s a landmark for locals and a must-see for visitors.

The Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod), an Egyptian temple built in the fourth century BC, stands in Madrid’s Parque de la Montaña near Plaza de España. While it may seem out of place in the middle of the modern city, the temple was dismantled, shipped, and carefully reconstructed here in 1972 to protect it from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan Dam. Spain received the temple as a thank you for helping to save Abu Simbel, another archaeological site that was threatened by flooding in Egypt.

Drinks, tapas, and labyrinthine medieval streets are plentiful in La Latina, a charming neighborhood tucked into the center of Madrid. Once a blue-collar and artsy district, La Latina maintains a local culture that complements its bohemian vibes. Wander to quaint public squares, see remains of ancient city walls, and sip tinto de verano, the local tipple.

The neoclassical Sabatini Gardens (Jardines de Sabatini) provides the perfect place for a rest on a busy day exploring Madrid. The gardens feature an impressive sculpted hedge maze, as well as fountains, statues, and a pond. Sit on a bench beneath one of the leafy trees to nibble a jamón sandwich with views of the Royal Palace.