In this article, I've outlined the 12 best things to do in Madrid. This is the article for you if you want to find out what activities you should not miss!
This lovely city in Spain is packed with great activities.
Table of Contents
1. Visit Museo del Prado
One of the best museums in Madrid and the world is Museo del Prado and it is located in Madrid. Here you can find a great collection of European and, most of all, Spanish artworks.
Moreover, these artworks range from paintings to sculptures to prints! In short, a great thing to do while in Madrid.
Especially for those who love art, this is one of the best things to do in Madrid!
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2. Go to the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is an amazing place that's one of the most famous sights in the city.
Since this palace is very beautiful, it's amazing to see it in real life. Especially if you like architecture, it's very impressive.
It actually is the official residence in Madrid of the royal family of Spain.
However, currently, there are state ceremonies in the Royal Palace, but the royal family doesn't live there.
3. See Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel is a covered market where you can get all types of food.
This food is amazing and it's a very great place to discover Spanish flavors you didn't know before. Mercado de San Miguel already exists for over 100 years.
Furthermore, the building is also very impressive and you should have a look at it from the outside as well! Mercado de San Miguel is also located next to Plaza Mazor.
4. Go to Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Madrid's largest square and it's an amazing place to visit. This square is located in the center of Madrid.
You can do many things at this square, such as shopping, having something to eat or just walking around a bit! Plaza Mayor used to be the center of Old Madrid.
Furthermore, it was made between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century! If you love architecture, then it's also really fun to see this square.
Also, if you visit Madrid in winter, there's a lot to do and see here. For example, there is a Christmas market.
5. Visit Parque del Buen Retiro
Parque del Buen Retiro is a very large park in Madrid.
Nowadays this is a public park, but it was the property of the Spanish Monarchy till the end of the 19th century.
This is a very special park since there are many monuments and sculptures. There is also a lovely lake.
Furthermore, this place is really perfect to relax in summer, but you can also work out here.
6. National Archaeological Museum
In the National Archaeological Museum, you will find one of the best antique collections that exist!
For six years, there was a remodeling process, but it opened again in April 2014.
You will find art from prehistory till the 19th century, so that's really impressive.
You can also see art from Ancient Greece and some art from Ancient Egypt in this museum.
7. Visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a football stadium. It is one of the largest stadiums in Spain and there are over 81,000 seats! Therefore, this is a very spectacular stadium to see.
Furthermore, it's the home stadium of Real Madrid. Since this stadium also hosted some very important football matches, it is also very famous.
Moreover, the construction work already started in 1944.
Especially for those who love football, going to this stadium is one of the best things to do in Madrid.
However, even if you're not really a football lover, it's still impressive to see this stadium in real life.
You can easily reach this stadium by public transport since there is a special metro station for the stadium and many buses go there as well.
8. Sorolla Museum
The Sorolla Museum is all about Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida. He was a Spanish painter and he lived between 1863 and 1623.
There is a very large collection of the work of this painter in this museum.
Furthermore, what's really special about this museum, is that it was actually the home of Sorolla. The atmosphere of the studio and the house of Sorolla is still there.
Moreover, the garden was designed by Sorolla as well. This makes the experience of seeing his art even better.
I would highly recommend going to Soralla Museum since it's very interesting to see his paintings and to feel the atmosphere of his home at the same time. It's one of the best things to do in Madrid for sure!
9. Taste the Spanish food
If you're visiting Madrid and it's one of the first times that you're in Spain, then you should really try the Spanish food here!
There are many amazing restaurants in Madrid, and the Spanish cuisine is very unique.
For example, you should really try paella at least once when you're in Madrid. This is an authentic dish from Spanish cuisine. It's a large pan of rice with many other ingredients.
Furthermore, there are many kinds of paella, so there will definitely be one for your liking. My favorite paella is a vegetarian one!
Besides paella, Spanish cuisine has many other great dishes.
10. Do a cultural walking tour
What's a better way to learn about Madrid than learning it from a local? A cultural walking tour is a very fun way to get to know Madrid better!
There are several companies where you can do a walking tour and this is one of them.
If you're doing a cultural walking tour at this company, you will see many parts of Madrid, such as the houses of well-known Spanish writers and the Congress of Deputies.
Furthermore, the tour will take about two hours.
11. Do a photoshoot in Madrid
Madrid is a very photogenic city and there are many photographers who offer photoshoots for tourists! You can also book many photography experiences on Airbnb for Madrid.
If you don't want to be in the photos yourself, it's still very fun to take photos of this beautiful city! There are lots of great places for photography in Madrid!
12. Get a beautiful view of the city
Cerro del Tío Pío is an amazing place where you can have great views of the city.
You can either enjoy the panoramic views, watch the sunset or relax a bit at this place. It's definitely one of the best things to do in Madrid!
Madrid is an amazing city in Spain and you will have a great time if you're going there!
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