Madrid attractions

Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid is Spain's most famous bullfighting stadium, and its uniquely Spanish sport is celebrated in the Bullfighting Museum. Visitors find everything from painting and sculpture, to memorabilia and costumes. With its chronological exhibition, expect to leave with a historical perspective of Spain's bullfighting tradition.

Situated in the heart of Madrid, Las Tablas Flamenco is one of the city’s most important flamenco venues. Founded by Antonia Moya and Marisol Navarro, two former flamenco champions, the venue presents a varied repertoire of talented flamenco singers, dancers, and guitar players—both established and emerging—since 2003.

A vibrant, multicultural barrio (neighborhood) in the heart of Madrid, Lavapiés can trace its history to the 16th century, when it emerged outside the walled city. Cultural attractions include the Reina Sofia Museum, home to artworks by Dalí and Miro, the Teatro Circo Price circus theater, and La Casa Encendida cultural center.

The family-friendly Madrid Wax Museum (Museo de Cera de Madrid) is home to historical figures such as Cleopatra and Napoleon; modern-day celebrities including Brad Pitt, The Rock, and Antonio Banderas; and fictional characters such as Harry Potter, Snow White, and Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

Although southern Spain is known as the hub of flamenco performance, Madrid visitors can still find traditional venues—called tablaos—to see this timeless art. Corral de la Morería is one of the best. With more than six decades of history, this restaurant and venue is known for its flamboyant, energetic shows from world-renowned dancers.

Madrid is a fashion-forward city, and shoppers that want the latest styles can find stellar deals at Madrid's Las Rozas Village. At the outlet shopping hub, you can find brand-name products at steep discounts, with everything from clothing and fragrance to swimwear. Visitors from non-EU countries enjoy an enviable perk: tax-free shopping.

The Sorolla Museum (Museo Sorolla)—where artist Joaquín Sorolla lived and worked until his death—offers arts enthusiasts a personal experience of the Impressionist's work. The museum not only features his vibrant paintings, but also memorializes his life. Find personal effects, correspondence, and a studio preserved down to his easels and brushes.

Housed in the palatial former home of the 17th Marquis of Cerralbo, Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, the Cerralbo Museum is one of Madrid’s most opulent collections of furniture, statues, and other 19th century artifacts.

Matadero Madrid reflects a changing city: this former slaughterhouse is now one of the Spanish capital's most important cultural spaces, serving as a laboratory for diverse artistic works. Visit to experience a thriving music, fashion, dance and cinema scene. If artists are creating it, you can find it at Matadero Madrid.

Art fans in the know flock to the exhibition hall at the Madrid headquarters of the Mapfre Foundation (Fundación Mapfre), housed in a 19th-century building designed by Agustín Ortiz de Villajos. Here you can see works by celebrated photographers, sculptors, and painters, primarily from the 19th century onwards.

One of the two royal monasteries in the heart of Madrid, the Royal Monastery of the Incarnation (Real Monasterio de la Encarnación has been a working convent for more than 400 years. Beyond its sacred objects and frescoes, the monastery holds a precious relic: a vessel of St. Pantaleon's blood, which is said to liquify on his feast day.

This amusement park on the outskirts of Madrid caters to young kids and thrill seekers alike with its collection of more than 30 rides and attractions inspired largely by Warner Bros., plus a host of live shows, parades, character meet-and-greets, and restaurants.

For a sky-high look at Madrid's cityscape, the views from the Madrid Teleférico (Teleférico de Madrid) are hard to beat. The 11-minute ride in a 6-person cable car whisks you over the Manzanares River and deposits you in the hills of Casa de Campo Park. Spend time here hiking, picnicking, or relaxing with a glass of sangria.

Set inside Madrid's Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro, Velázquez Palace is a lovely exhibition space that's part of the famous Reina Sofía Museum. It's known for its modern art exhibitions, spacious interior, and natural light. Visitors enjoy free museum entry, and can explore its well-lighted galleries to take a break from strolling the park.

One of Madrid’s slightly off-the-radar gems, the Museum of Romanticism encapsulates the lives of the city’s nobility during what’s known as the Romantic era–the early 19th century. Occupying an 18th-century mansion in Madrid’s lively Chueca district, its rich paintings and collections offer a rare glimpse into the art, customs, and lifestyle of wealthy Madrileños of the time.

A popular character in Spanish culture, Raton Perez is a celebrated part of childhood—like the Tooth Fairy—that exchanges a child's lost tooth for a gift. At the family-friendly Raton Perez House Museum, visitors learn about this Spanish tradition, the history of the fable, and see baby teeth of historical figures, like Beethoven and Newton.

Located just north of Madrid, the Royal Palace of El Pardo is a stunning 15th century home and former hunting lodge belonging to the Spanish royal family. Visitors bask in the building's ornate interior, complete with original furniture, tapestries, and frescoes. Stroll the manicured gardens, and experience an essential piece of Spanish history.

With its rhythmic guitars and expressive movements, flamenco is a rich Spanish tradition that no visitor should miss. Skip the journey to Seville, and head over to La Cueva de Lola to experience flamenco in the heart of Madrid. See an evening show, and add dinner and drinks for a fun-filled night on the town.

Hidden in the massive Casa de Campo park sits the Madrid Zoo Aquarium, a family-friendly destination offering kids, parents, and animal fanatics of all stripes a perfect getaway from the frenetic energy of the city center. Whether you're into the gorillas or turtles, rhinos or elephants, you can find them roaming around here.

The recently-restored Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida lies a little off the beaten path but is well worth the detour. Neighbored by a more recent chapel, the original Hermitage is now a museum dedicated to the Francisco Goya frescoes within. Painted over the course of six months and depicting the life of a single saint, they’re true scene-stealers.

The San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Art (Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes San Fernando) is both a world-class arts institution and museum, located in the heart of Madrid. Known primarily for its numerous Goya paintings, the museum's collection also boasts thousands of works of European fine art, decorative pieces, and sculpture.

Family fun comes thick and fast at the Madrid Amusement Park (Parque de Atracciones de Madrid) in the Spanish capital’s Casa de Campo Park. Opened in 1969, this much-loved attraction offers everything from scary-high coasters to water adventures, shows, and carousels, all set against a leafy backdrop.

Part of the UNESCO-listed Royal Palace of Aranjuez, the Museum of the Royal Barges (Museo de Falúas Reales) is home to an outstanding collection of ornate and well-preserved 18th-19th-century royal barges used by the Spanish monarchy to sail along the Tagus River, along with historic paintings of the Spanish fleet and navigation tools.

At Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco, travelers experience a long-standing art form reflecting Spain’s rich cultural heritage: a traditional, underground flamenco dance performance, complete with singing, heel tapping, and clapping. To round out a show, enjoy a Spanish meal with must-try dishes such as gazpacho and tortilla Española.

A series of social media-friendly interactive installations loosely themed around sweet treats, the Sweet Space Museum’s candy-colored rooms have a real-life Willy Wonka feel. Creatives who’ve worked on the rooms include fashion designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada and artist Okuda San Miguel, but the slide and ball pit skew to the kid-friendly side.

In the heart of Madrid, Malasaña is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its cafés, vintage fashion boutiques, and nightlife scene. You can easily spend a day here, browsing museums, strolling parks, or stopping for a meal at one of the numerous bars and restaurants. The area also plays an important role in Madrid’s history: It was a hub for the Movida Madrileña countercultural movement, which was instrumental in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco.

Located at the gateway to Retiro Park, Madrid's Independence Plaza (Plaza de la Independencia is perhaps best known for its centerpiece—the Puerta de Alcalá. This 18th-century neoclassical monument, in the middle of the bustling roundabout, sees lots of traffic; Independence Plaza is one of the busiest spots in the Spanish capital.

Flamenco is nothing if not passionate. Expect stomping, clapping, frenzied guitar strumming, and, of course, dancing. Take a lesson—or just take in a performance—at Cafe de Chinitas, one of Madrid’s celebrated flamenco spaces. Upgrade with dinner and sangria to make the evening a truly special occasion.

Madrid's Museum of the Americas (Museo de América) focuses on telling the story of the Americas, from prehistoric times to more recent eras. Here you can learn about how people lived during pre-Hispanic periods, through educational displays and artifacts.

Madrid is a city that loves its soccer, but you don’t need to be a Spaniard to know about the all-star local team, Real Madrid. To pick up merchandise that’s sure to make you popular at thetabernas, visit the Official Real Madrid Store at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Grab a jersey or team scarf, and take in a game while you’re there.