Things to do in Madrid

🎨 1. The Art Triangle: how to combine the big three

Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen live within a short walk along the tree-lined Paseo del Prado. Do them smart: pick a focus (masters at the Prado, Guernica at Reina Sofía, "best-of" arc at Thyssen) and cap each visit at 60–90 minutes. Free-entry time slots exist but draw queues; if you value time, go at opening or late afternoon mid-week.

Want context without museum overwhelm? A guided Prado visit keeps the pace tight and the stories vivid (from ~€49 · ~1 h). Then decompress in nearby Retiro—Crystal Palace and the boating lake are perfect palate cleansers between galleries.

For architecture lovers, peek at Caixaforum's vertical garden on your way.

👑 2. Royal Palace and the monumental walk (with Almudena and the guard change)

Arrive early to tour the Royal Palace before the buses. The sequence is satisfying and compact: Plaza de Oriente → Palace interiors → Sabatini Gardens → Almudena Cathedral (don't miss the dome viewpoint for citywide angles).

On select days you may catch the changing of the guard; it's photogenic and pairs well with a leisurely loop through Campo del Moro.

Keep the route car-free and gentle; everything sits within a tight grid of plazas and promenades. Morning light flatters courtyards, while late afternoon softens the stone façades for photos. If you plan a museum day later, this area is your high-impact "palaces and plazas" counterpoint.

🌳 3. Parks & viewpoints: Retiro, Debod and sky-high terraces

Retiro is Madrid's green lung—start at the Crystal Palace for dreamy reflections, circle the lake, and detour to rose gardens in spring. It's ideal mid-morning or just after lunch when museums feel heavy.

For sunset, the Temple of Debod is the city's open-air theatre: arrive 30–45 minutes before golden hour to snag the ledge along the park.

After dark, chase skyline perspectives: the Círculo de Bellas Artes terrace gives you Gran Vía head-on; the Palacio de Cibeles viewpoint frames the fountain and Alcalá; the RIU 360º sky bar spins you through a full panorama. Pack a light layer—Madrid evenings on rooftops can be breezy even in summer.

🏘️ 4. Neighbourhoods & markets: wander by vibe

La Latina is tapas territory—Sundays explode into El Rastro, Spain's most famous flea market, so go early and finish with a late lunch.

Malasaña tilts bohemian: vintage shops, tiny cafés, street art corners. Chueca adds creative energy with brunch spots and terraces that spill into the street.

The Literary Quarter (Barrio de las Letras) hides quotes underfoot and indie bookstores behind courtyards; it's a gentle loop that pairs with the Prado area.

For food halls, Mercado de San Miguel is the glossy icon, while San Ildefonso feels younger and more casual. Aim for weekdays or off-meal times to dodge the worst crowds.

⚽ 5. Football & sport: Bernabéu tour (plus a look at Metropolitano)

Football is a civic language here, and the Bernabéu is its cathedral. The self-guided route is compact and modern, with museum-grade exhibits and a pitch panorama. Go early on match-adjacent days to avoid bottlenecks, then walk La Castellana toward Nuevos Ministerios for cafés and shopping.

If you're curious, the Cívitas Metropolitano—Atlético's home—offers an alternative angle on stadium design out east. It's simpler to visit as a short detour on a day you're exploring that side of the city.

For a time-efficient plan, tie the Bernabéu into your north-of-center day (from ~€58 · ~1 h).

🍷 6. Eat & drink: tapas crawl to guided wine tasting

Start classic: share raciones in La Latina, toast with vermut on tap, and leave room for churros with thick chocolate at San Ginés. Build your crawl by theme—anchovies and tortilla in century-old taverns, then a modern twist near Chueca. Weeknights feel local; weekends are festive and loud (in the best way).

For a deeper dive, a structured wine tasting makes Spanish denominations click into place without the jargon (from ~€41 · ~4 h). You'll leave knowing the difference between Ribera and Rioja and how to pair wines with your new tapas obsessions.

💃 7. Night & flamenco: tablaos, rooftops, live music

Evenings stretch long in Madrid. Choose your flavour: an intimate tablao where the guitar snaps and the dancer's footwork electrifies; a skyline cocktail on Gran Vía; or a small venue in Malasaña with indie bands and vinyl-bar energy.

Start late—dinners at 21:00 are normal—so slot your show or terrace first and eat afterward.

Flamenco here is performance, not tourist cliché, when you pick a reputable tablao. Book prime times on weekends and arrive 20 minutes early for the best sightlines. Pair with a moonlit stroll past lit façades and plazas that hum rather than shout.

🏰 8. Day trips: Toledo, Segovia, Ávila (plus ideas)

Toledo is a medieval maze perched above a river bend—cathedral grandeur inside, sunset views from the Mirador del Valle outside. Segovia is your Roman-Gothic fairytale: aqueduct arches, a storybook Alcázar, and roast suckling pig if you're hungry. Ávila wraps you in crenellated walls and slow-paced charm.

Pick by mood and travel time. Fast trains are frequent for Toledo and Segovia; Ávila suits a mellow, full-day wander. If you've got a second day, consider Salamanca's golden stone or El Escorial's royal monastery.

Prefer one-and-done logistics? A guided combo can compress highlights neatly with a day trip from Madrid (from ~€29 · ~8 h).

📅 9. Plan your visit: by days and by season

One day: Old-town loop (Sol–Plaza Mayor–Royal Palace) + Retiro + a single museum + sunset at Debod.

Two days: add a full Art Triangle pass and a neighbourhood crawl.

Three days: slot in the Bernabéu or a day trip.

Sundays flag El Rastro; summer leans rooftop-friendly; winter skies are crisp and photogenic.

Use a transit pass if you'll ride the Metro multiple times a day; it's reliable, safe, and fast. Airport transfer is straightforward by express bus or Metro; taxis have a flat rate. Sprinkle free museum slots where they fit, not where they force crowds into your schedule.