Madrid attractions

Overlooking Madrid’s Retiro Park, the National Museum of Decorative Arts (Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas) displays furniture, ceramics, and decorative works from Spain and worldwide, mainly from the 15th to 19th centuries. Wander the rooms to admire its Far Eastern art and rich baroque room settings, and choose to explore the temporary exhibitions or join one of its artistic workshops.

Housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building in central Madrid, the National Anthropology Museum (Museo Nacional de Antropología) traces the history of human society from prehistoric times. Visitors can study the heritages of the peoples of Africa, America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania; they can also attend temporary exhibitions and events to add context to these central themes.

With a collection of over 150,000 garments, Madrid's Museum of Costume (Museo del Traje) offers incredible insight into the history of fashion from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Items are arranged in chronological order, so that you can easily see how clothing evolved over the centuries.

Step back in time at Madrid’s Royal Tapestry Factory (Real Fábrica de Tapices). Founded by Philip V more than 300 years ago, the factory continues to produce exquisitely crafted tapestries. Most of the designs are based on cartoons by Goya—who created them for the company in the late 18th century—while others are based on cartoons by Francisco Bayeu, Goya's brother-in-law.

Occupying one of Madrid’s most beautiful buildings, the 4-story Geomineral Museum (Museo Geominero) hosts a permanent exhibition of 18,000 geological specimens discovered in Spain and worldwide. Head here to admire samples of glittering quartz, gems, meteorites, and fossils in grandiose gallery halls.

Housed in a magnificent art deco building on Madrid’s Gran Vía, the Casino Gran Vía is one of the city’s classic entertainment spots. Built in 1924 as the headquarters of Madrid’s Trade and Industrial Circle, the casino has three floors of poker, roulette, and baccarat tables, along with slot machines, a restaurant, a bar, and a hotel, all in spectacular surroundings.

The Andén Cero is the ideal spot for fans of history and transport. Situated in the heart of Madrid, the Metro station preserved as a transport museum has been stuck in time since it closed in 1966. The original features remain in place, such as the ticket booth and advertisement posters, creating a window into the past.

Home to Madrid's Rayo de Vallecano de Madrid soccer team, the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas stadium is a hub for local sports fans. Though the tiny stadium is dwarfed by Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu and Wanda Metropolitano stadiums, its 14,000 seats serve a cadre of die-hard fans. Expect intimate, and perhaps intimidating, football (soccer games.

The history of Spanish aviation is honored at the Museo del Aire, located at the Cuatro Vientos Air Base, the country's first military airfield. Here you'll find all sorts of planes and related objects spread across seven hangars.

A traditional flamenco venue in the heart of Madrid, La Taberna de Mister Pinkleton is the perfect destination for soaking up Spanish culture. Secure seats to a coveted show, where you can marvel at the flamenco dancers (bailaores) and vocal accompaniment, and sip a cocktail or glass of wine.

In many cities, there's an establishment so widely loved that it becomes intertwined with urban culture. Madrid's Sobrino de Botín is one such place. This restaurant's name is synonymous with Spanish cuisine, which isn't surprising, since the kitchen has been serving culinary gems since 1725. The traditional dishes here are spectacular.

No need to go all the way to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for Real Madrid merchandise. Pick up team gear in Central Madrid at the Official Real Madrid Store El Carmen. Whether you need a gift for the soccer fan in your life, or want to find local team apparel to fit in with the Madrid crowd, this is the place to shop.

Set in the heart of Madrid just opposite the Reina Sofia Museum, IKONO Madrid is one of the most unique attractions in the capital city. Offering a mix of art and entertainment, this interactive museum is home to a dozen immersive installations created by contemporary artists across the globe. A welcome respite from sightseeing, this unusual sensory experience is fun for visitors of all ages.

An immersive museum, bringing digital art not just onto screens but onto the floor, the walls, and even visitors, Nomad Museo Inmersivo transforms art from around the world into interactive installations featuring sound and movement. Past exhibitions have delved into the images of Van Gogh, Hieronymus Bosch, Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock art, and psychedelic AI creations.