Discover Madrid: Top Attractions & Activities

Madrid is, without a doubt, one of  the most magical cities I’ve ever experienced. I spent four unforgettable months there during my study abroad, and while it might sound cliché—it truly changed my life in every possible way. Like any study abroad experience, there were challenges, but Madrid’s charm, warmth, and welcoming culture made me thankful for every moment. 

What makes Madrid so special to me is its unique “in-between” vibe. I’ve always been someone torn between the energy of big cities and the peace of nature—and Madrid offers the best of both worlds. You’ll find the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan city, but also lots of parks to relax in and enjoy nature. 

In my opinion, Madrid is also one of the best cities in Europe for solo travelers. I returned recently for a solo trip and felt completely at ease. The locals are friendly, the city is easy to navigate, and there’s an undeniable sense of community. Even as a beginner Spanish speaker, I found people to be incredibly patient and supportive as I practiced the language.

Whether you’re considering studying abroad in Spain or planning a solo trip to Europe, Madrid is a destination that welcomes you. I created a list here of top attractions & activities based on my personal experiences from living there for a couple of months and being passionate about this city. 

Coming Soon:  A free downloadable guide to Madrid.

Activites

1.  Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería

Flamenco is a deeply rooted part of Spanish culture, with origins tracing back to the 15th century. I’ll never forget the first time I saw a live Flamenco performance in Spain. It was an absolutely surreal experience and it makes you really appreciate the art and history that Spanish culture has to offer. 

If you’re looking for a must-see cultural experience in Madrid, attending a Flamenco show should be at the top of your list. I highly recommend Corral de la Morería, one of the most iconic Flamenco venues in the city. Known for its award-winning artists and intimate setting, it offers an authentic and mesmerizing performance that captures the true spirit of Spain.

2. Vintage Shopping in Malasaña Neighborhood

If you enjoy vintage shopping, the Malasaña neighborhood is the place to be! When I went back to Madrid this summer, I spent a large amount of time around this neighborhood because it is lively and filled with indie cafés. 

Here is a list of some vintage shops in this area: 

• Magpie
• Templo de Susu 
• La Mona Checa 
• Flamingos Vintage Kilo

3. Faro de Moncloa

The Faro de Moncloa is an underrated attraction in the city, but it is very much worth the visit. Here, you go up in an elevator to a viewpoint that gives you a whole 360 view of the city. I went during sunset time and it was breath-taking.

One ticket costs 4 €, but it is important to note that this activity may be temporarily closed depending on the weather at the time you are going, so it is best to check ahead of time.

4. Bernabeu Stadium and/or Watch a Real Madrid Game

I’m not the biggest fútbol (soccer) fan. However, visiting Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and watching a Real Madrid game are experiences I’d still highly recommend. This is especially true if you or someone you’re traveling with loves sports. I’ve done both, and honestly, it was such a cool and unique way to soak in the upbeat energy that Madrid locals have to offer.

You can book a tour for this activity here.

5.  Lots of shopping – Gran Via

The style in Spain is very modern and chic mixed with elements of tradition in their culture. In Madrid you will find lots of cute boutiques and local shops, and you will also find some European staple shops such as Zara, Mango, and Bershka.

Gran Via is one of my favorite areas of the city and it is ideal if you want to dedicate some time in your trip to buying new pieces. I would even call this street the “Broadway of Madrid” as it is full of stores, theaters, and Instagrammable architecture. Also, if you love Zara, you are in luck because this store is from Spain so it is significantly cheaper there!

Tip: There is a Primark on Gran Via that is 4 floors!

6.  Luxury Shopping in the Salamanca District

If you want to go luxury shopping (or even window shopping)  Barrio de Salamanca is Madrid’s luxury shopping paradise. Along Calle Serrano, you’ll find stores from top luxury brands  like Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Prada, and Chanel. 

Historical Attractions & Museums

1. Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most stunning buildings I have ever visited. The palace is filled with rich history and breathtaking architecture making it a unique experience. Here, I learned a lot about Spanish history and culture. The outside of the palace also offers a beautiful view of Madrid that you can see for free. The ticket price for the palace is between 20€-40€, with discounts for students under 25.

Buy tickets here: Royal Palace of Madrid Official Website

2. Museo del Prado

This museum is huge- I almost got lost in it! This is one of the world’s top art museums with masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and more. If you’re visiting Madrid on a budget, don’t miss this tip: entry to the Prado Museum is free during the last two opening hours each day (usually 6–8 PM).

Buy tickets here: Official Museo del Prado Website

3. Museo Reina Sofia

Pablo Picasso has a powerful anti-war masterpiece called the Guernica that is filled with rich history and has an interesting background story. You can find this piece at the Museo Reina Sofia. Seeing this piece was unforgettable for me as it took up the size of the entire wall and I knew I was looking at a piece of artwork with such deep meaning. 

There is a lot more to see in this museum as well and is filled with artwork from other influential 20th Century Spanish artists. If this is something you think would interest you, you can buy tickets here.

4. Plaza Mayor

I always find myself walking around Plaza Mayor. This is a grand square in the heart of the city that is home to many restaurants and cafes. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and I don’t think you can ignore this square if you are coming to visit Madrid!

Nature & Relaxing Spots

1. El Retiro Park

I spent a lot of afternoons in this park enjoying picnics with my friends on nice days. This park is filled with lots of beautiful and hidden gems. Inside the park, you can grab some food as there are a lot of food vendors that offer quick bites.  On warmer days, you can even rent a rowboat for around €6 and paddle around the Retiro Park lake–this was such a funny experience and I highly recommend trying it out!

2. Real Jardin Botánico

If you are a nature lover, the Real Jardin Botánico near the Prado Museum is a hidden gem in Madrid. This peaceful garden is a beautiful place to take a break and also take some pictures. Admission is 4 euro but free on Tuesdays from 10 am to 1pm.

3.  Temple of Debod

If you are looking for one of the best places in Madrid to see the sunset, this is it! The Temple of Debod is an outdoor ancient Egyptian temple in the middle of Parque del Oeste. The park itself is also full of life and you will find lots of people enjoying their free time there.

For the Foodies

1. Wine & Tapas Tasting

Tapas is one of my favorite things about Spain. Tapas are small plates of food that you can find in most bars in Spain, and are meant to be eaten with friends and with some drinks. Typically, you pay for a drink and get the tapas for free. Some popular tapas are jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, tortilla di patate, olives with nuts, and more!

My favorite drink I would always order with tapas was tinto de verano which is very similar to sangria. It is typically made as a red wine with a soda (usually lemon Fanta or Sprite). You can even sign up for a wine and tapas tasting tour to get an idea of which are the best tapas places in the area.  

2.  Mercado de San Miguel

If I lived in Madrid, I would have to resist going here to eat every day. This is an upscale food market filled with lots of local wine, food, tapas, and fresh pastries. Walking around inside this market makes me feel like I am part of a movie. 

This market is also great if you are solo traveling and don’t like sitting at a restaurant by yourself. This is a perfect way to try authentic Spanish culinary  a little bit at a time. The location of this market is also ideal as it is near to downtown.

3. Dinner at the World’s Oldest Restaurant

Sobrino de Botín was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. When I went there, I felt like I was a part of history and the interior of the place was very authentic and interesting. They have been serving Spanish dishes since 1725 and they have a 300-year old wood fire oven. I highly recommend checking it out if you are a foodie or someone who loves history.

4. Try churros at Chocolatería San Ginés

After trying churros con chocolate at Chocolateria San Ginés for the first time, I crave these very often! Churros con chocolate is a Spanish staple and this place has been serving them since 1894. This spot is also open late which means you can eat them even on a late night out. They also serve gelato if you are looking for something cooler. 

5.  Eat Paella

Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish made in different variations. My favorite is seafood paella, although there are other options for those who don’t like seafood. Socarrat is a great place to try this dish in Madrid with a glass of white wine. It is also a great dish to share as it is often large. I made the mistake of getting a paella on my solo trip and not being able to finish the whole thing by myself!

Nightlife

1. Clubbing and/or Cocktail Bars

Madrid’s nightlife is arguably some of the best in Europe. The culture of going to the club late and staying there until sunrise is incredibly fun and makes the night out truly feel long- but in the best way. 

For a unique clubbing experience, try Kapital- a club with seven floors of different music and energy, it’s one of Madrid’s most iconic nightclubs and perfect for a full-on night out. Madrid is not short of clubs, and doing your research and reading reviews on them is definitely important. Typically, most clubs charge a cover for you to get in, but this is normal in Madrid. 

If you want a chiller night, try out a cocktail bar such as Salmon Guru. They make elaborate and interesting cocktails that are worth checking out. There’s no shortage of options when it comes to cocktail bars in this city!

2. Rooftop Bars

One of the best ways to take in Madrid’s skyline is from one of its many rooftop bars. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at sunset or enjoying tapas with friends, the city views are unbeatable. Some of my  favorites include Azotea del Círculo, Radio Rooftop Bar, and Picalagartos Sky Bar. Each spot offers a unique atmosphere—perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Madrid is a one-of-a-kind city that has lots of charm, great food, amazing people, and rich history. It’s a city in Europe that embraces both modern and traditional values. I hope this city brings you as much joy as it brings me and I hope this article is helpful if you are planning to visit soon or in the future. Happy travels!! 

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