16 Unmissable Things to Do in Madrid, Spain for First-Time Visitors (by an Ex-Madrileรฑa)
Madrid is one of those cities that has a little bit of everything. From beautiful plazas and historic buildings to incredible food, nightlife, football, parks, and shopping, there are so many things to do in Madrid that you can easily fill several days exploring the city.
Having lived in Madrid for two years, I got to experience the city far beyond just the main tourist attractions, and absolutely fell in love with it. Some of my favorite memories are from wandering through the plazas, spending afternoons in Retiro Park, going out with friends, and simply enjoying the lifestyle that makes Madrid so special.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Madrid for first time visitors, from the famous sights you shouldn’t miss to some of our favorite activities and experiences around the city. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or spending a longer time in the Spanish capital, these are the places and experiences we think really belong on your Madrid itinerary.
Want to save the article for later? Pin it!
*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you. Links are only used on products & services that we’ve used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience. Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!
Our Travel Planning Recommendations
Before Exploring the Best Things to Do in Madrid, Spain (A Few of the Basics)
Before diving into all of the best things to do in Madrid, let’s go over a few of the basics to help you plan your trip.
๐คฉ Why Visit Madrid?
Rome is one of those cities that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime, and is easy to want to visit over and over. With thousands of years of history, incredible architecture, world-famous cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most visited cities in the world.
Whether you’re admiring ancient landmarks like the Colosseum, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or enjoying an authentic dinner in Trastevere, Rome is a city so full of magic, which can be enjoyed by all types of travelers.
The best part? No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover. Even after visiting over a dozen times ourselves, we still find new neighborhoods, restaurants, and experiences that keep us coming back year after year.
โณ How Many Days Should You Spend in Madrid?
While you can see many of Madrid’s highlights in just a day or two, we’d recommend spending another one or two if it’s your first visit. This gives you enough time to visit the major landmarks, enjoy some incredible food, enjoy the city’s different neighborhoods, and even take a day trip if you have time.
I lived two years in Madrid and never got bored! It’s one of those cities that isn’t necessarily all about sightseeing, but about having long meals, having buckets of beer while people watching, and taking advantage of the crazy nightlife.
The Best Things to Do in Madrid, Spain
If it’s your first time visiting Madrid, there are some non-negotiable’s. Like most European cities, you’ll want to mix sightseeing with indulging in the cuisine, and some other activities to really appreciate the culture.
To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve rounded up the experiences we think every first-time visitor should have, while mixing in some of my personal favorites that most first-timer’s don’t even know about. Whether you’re spending one day in Madrid or using it as a base for a longer trip in central Spain, these activities will help you experience the very best the Spanish capital has to offer.
๐คฉ Visit Madrid’s Iconic Landmarks
No trip to a European capital is complete without ticking off the major landmarks.
While Barcelona is known for having some fantastic tourist sites, Madrid sometimes may seem less overwhelming. However, the architecture is gorgeous, and there are absolutely some spots that you can’t leave the city without seeing.
Here are the most important historical sites, and the places that deserve a spot on any traveler’s itinerary.
๐ป See Puerta del Sol
Your first stop to exploring the city should definitely start in Puerta del Sol. It’s considered to be the very center of Madrid and is one of the city’s most well-connected areas, serving both the metro and Renfe.
The square is home to the famous clock and bear statue, and it connects many different popular areas of the city. You’ll also find plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops surrounding it.
Almost all of the major attractions in Madrid lead back to Sol, so it’s pretty impossible to miss!
๐ Visit Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is one of my favorite areas of Madrid, and it’s also where I called home for two years. This large square is symmetrical and lined with arches and balcony apartments, with restaurants offering outdoor seating around the plaza.
There’s a large horse statue in the middle of the square, and during December the entire area is fantastically lit and features dozens of kiosks.
๐ก Restaurants inside the plaza are overpriced, but they’re nice to enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere
๐ Explore Palacio Real
No trip to a European capital can be complete without visiting its royal palace! Located between Sol and Prรญncipe Pรญo, Palacio Real is one of the top sights in Madrid.
You can check out the gorgeous courtyard, admire the intricate architecture, or wander through the lavish gardens, which are accessible to the public free of charge.
You can also visit the inside of the palace, as well as take a guided tour to learn more.
๐๏ธ Check Out Plaza de Cibeles
Right in the center of the city is one of Madrid’s most important squares, and definitely one of the most beautiful. Resembling a palace, the building here is actually a post office, and the square also features a large fountain in the middle.
It’s not only beautiful to look at, but it’s also the center of street parties during large events in Madrid.
๐๏ธ Walk Along Gran Vรญa
Gran Vรญa is the main commercial district of Madrid and is full of hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Make sure to check out the Metropolis and Carriรณn buildings while taking in the early 20th-century revival architecture.
The district runs from Plaza de Espaรฑa to Plaza de Cibeles and is one of the busiest areas of the city.
๐ก Calle Montera is one of the most famous streets in the area, but do be aware that this is where many prostitutes hang out. It isn’t anything to worry or feel threatened about, but it’s simply something to be aware of before going.
๐ช๐ฌ Visit Templo de Debod
Located right near Plaza de Espaรฑa, Templo de Debod is a beautiful temple that was gifted from Egypt to Spain in 1968.
The temple is surrounded by a large pool, making it particularly beautiful at sunset when you can see its reflection in the water (at certain times of the year).
From here you can also appreciate beautiful panoramic views of the city with the palace in the back.
๐ฅ Dive into the Food & Drink Scene
One of the best things to do in Madrid is to enjoy the food! Whenever I had visitors in town, the focus was taking them to all of my favorite bars, restaurants, and markets.
Here are some of the best ways to experience to great food and drink scene in Madrid.
๐ด Take a Food Tour
Spanish cuisine is excellent, and if you really want to sample a lot of it in a short amount of time, then you should definitely consider a food tour. Locals will bring you bar and restaurant hopping to explore the top flavors of the city, while sharing historical and cultural significance to the dishes.
Whether you’re a foodie or just want to learn more about the best dishes in Spain, this is an excellent option for first-time visitors to Madrid.
๐ป Go for Caรฑas or Cubos
Honestly, one of my favorite things to do in Madrid when I lived there was to get “cubos” (buckets of beer ) with my friends at the cervecerias and people watch. The outdoor dining scene is top-notch, and going for a “caรฑa” (small beer) in Madrid anytime of the day is seriously just a way of life.
La Sureรฑa was always my absolute favorite, with buckets of beer for just a few euros and some great snacks. They have fewer locations than when I lived there, but you can still find some!
Going for a casual drink on a terraza is so normal in Spain, that it’s honestly hard to avoid! Just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time, as this is honestly one of the most underrated activities in Spain’s capital.
Upgrade Your Inspo
Get the best travel tips, tricks, and hidden gems sent directly to your inbox. You’ll become a better traveler, week after week.
Upgrade Your Inspo
Get the best travel tips, tricks, and hidden gems sent directly to your inbox. You’ll become a better traveler, week after week.
๐ Visit the Markets in Madrid
If you truly want to explore a variety of flavors in Madrid, then the markets are absolutely the best ways to do that! There are various ones around the city worth checking out and tasting your way around. Here are a few of my favorites:
If you only have time to do one, then Mercado de San Miguel is a must. While it’s a bit pricy, it’s one of the most iconic spots and the most famous things to do in Madrid. It’s just a short walk from Plaza Mayor, making it effortless to add to your Madrid itinerary.
โฝ๏ธ Go to a Football Game
If you’re wondering what to do when in Madrid, this should definitely be at the top of your list. Spaniards are serious about football, and there is no better place to experience a game than in Madrid!
The capital has two teams, and they’re both s fun to watch.
The best game I ever saw was when Real Madrid played Atlรฉtico Madrid for the Copa back in 2014. The entire city went crazy, and the streets filled with parties.
Even if you can’t make a big event, going to any game and experiencing the parties afterward is definitely something to add to your Madrid bucket list.
๐ก Can’t make a game? It’s also worth touring Real Madrid’s stadium – Santiago Bernabeu.
๐๏ธ Shop at El Rastro
Every Sunday, the neighborhood of La Latina has a huge flea market in the morning. I honestly used to go almost every single week, and always found great clothing, jewelry, and vintage stuff. It might be hard after a long night out Saturday, but if you can, get there early before all the good stuff goes!
You can find some pretty cool things for great deals, and the atmosphere is super fun. Not to mention, you can head over to the bars in La Latina afterward for a great Sunday Funday.
๐ฃโโ๏ธ Enjoy Parque El Retiro
Retiro Park is one of my favorite places to hang out in Madrid! Since there is no beach nearby the city, it’s a popular place to spend time when the weather starts warming up.
The park features gardens, statues, street performers, kiosks, small restaurants, the Crystal Palace, and a well-maintained lake in the middle. You can literally spend hours enjoying different areas of the park.
Get a caricature made, admire the greenery, or rent a rowboat on the lake for just 8 euros!
๐จ Visit the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the most famous museums in Madrid and is a must for art lovers visiting the city. Even if you’re not normally a huge museum person, it’s worth adding to your itinerary to see some of the incredible works housed inside.
๐ก Combine the Prado Museum with Retiro Park – they’re a short, scenic walk from one another.
๐ Take in the Epic Views of Madrid
There’s nothing like a good rooftop bar, and Madrid has plenty! Two of our favorites to add to your bucket list is Hotel RIU in Plaza de Espaรฑa, and Circulo Bellas Artes.
They both have small admission fees, but have excellent views, especially at sunset. Just make sure to get there early, as waits can be long!
๐ Enjoy the Nightlife in Madrid
If there’s one thing I was an expert in when living in Madrid, it was the nightlife. I went out 5-7 nights a week, usually until 6 or 7 am. The one thing I didn’t do? Sleep.
Spaniards are serious about partying, starting with a late dinner and drinks around 10/11 pm and hitting the clubs around 3 am.
Even if you’re not a night owl, it’s worth experiencing at least one real night out in Madrid!
Here are some of the places that I frequented, as well as some places that stand out for being unique in the Madrid nightlife scene:
๐ Go on a Day Trip
Madrid is located right in the heart of Spain, making it a great base for exploring some of the surrounding cities and countryside. If you have extra time in your itinerary, there are plenty of easy day trips from Madrid that offer something completely different from the capital.
Some of our favorite day trips from Madrid:
- ๐ฐ Segovia: Just 25 minutes from Madrid by high-speed train, this fairytale-like city is known for its incredible castle and ancient Roman aqueduct.
- ๐๏ธ Toledo: This medieval city sits on a hill south of Madrid and is perfect for exploring historic streets, architecture, and the surrounding Castilla-La Mancha landscape.
- โช El Escorial: Just an hour from Madrid, this charming town is home to a beautiful monastery and cute restaurants with outdoor seating.
- ๐ฐ La Sigรผenza: A great option for castle lovers, with a fairytale castle and the fortress-like Sigรผenza Cathedral.
- ๐ฅพ El Yelmo: A great escape into nature where you can hike through the mountains and cool off in the river.
Suggested Read: The Best Day Trips from Madrid (COMING SOON!)
Enjoying the Best Things to Do in Madrid, Spain: Final Tips & What’s Next
Madrid is one of those cities that may not blow you away with its sites, but is all about soaking up the vibe. It has the perfect balance of history, shopping, and nightlife.
It’s a city you could easily fall in love with and want to move to (I mean, that’s exactly what happened to me).
Make sure to eat your heart out, get lost in the streets, and partying your ass off.
Before you go, here are a few final tips to help you make the most of your visit:
๐ Wear comfortable shoes because Madrid is a very walkable city.
๐ท Take your time and enjoy the plazas, restaurants, and outdoor terraces.
๐ง Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at Madrid’s free public drinking fountains.
๐ Avoid restaurants with tourist menus right next to major attractions. Wander a few streets away for a more authentic meal.
๐ Adjust to local meal times (lunch 2-5 and dinner 9-11)
๐ Remember that nightlife in Madrid starts very late!
๐๏ธ Visit a local market to try different Spanish foods.
๐ถ Leave time to explore without an itinerary. Some of the best moments in Madrid happen when you simply wander the streets and stumble upon a great bar.
Want to save the article for later? Pin it!
๐ What’s Next?
Want to learn more about Spainโs capital and the rest of the country? Donโt miss out on our article about how to get to Madrid and ourย Complete Madrid Travel Guide, along with a couple dozen other Spain travel guides.
Our Valencia guides:
โ๏ธย How to get to Valencia
๐ย How to get around Valencia
๐คฉย 24 Top things to do in Valencia
๐ชย 48 Unique Things to Do in Valencia
โ๏ธย 22 Things to Do in Valencia When it Rains
๐ดย Valencia food guide
๐
ย Experiencing Tomatina festival
๐ฅย Las Fallas Festival
๐ย Valencia travel guide
Here are our Canary Islands guides:
๐ย El Hierro Travel Guide
๐ย La Palma Travel Guide
๐ณย La Gomera Travel Guide
๐ย Gran Canaria Travel Guide
๐ย Fuerteventura Travel Guide
๐ย Isla de Lobos Travel Guide
๐ทย Lanzarote Travel Guide
๐คฉย 50 Epic Spots in Lanzarote
โดย La Graciosa Travel Guide
๐
ย Tenerife Travel Guide
๐ย The Ultimate Canary Islands Travel Guide
Here are the rest of our Spain guides:
๐๐ปย Celebrating Feria de Abril in Sevilla
โ๏ธย Things to Do in Sevilla
๐ย Granada Travel Guide
๐ธย Most Instagrammable Spots in Barcelona
๐ย Barcelona Travel Guide
๐ย Places to Visit in Costa Blanca
So are you ready explore one of my favorite cities in the world? We hope this guide helps you enjoy your first time visiting Madrid, and are happy to guide you in the right direction for your trip.
Want to learn more about Madrid or other Spanish cities? Donโt miss out on our otherย Spain travel guides, and make sure toย subscribe to our newsletterย to stay up to date with our newest articles.
Ready to start planning an epic trip to Madrid? Well, weโre here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customย travel planning services, that weโve designed to make you the perfect itinerary and save you money along the way. Want to learn more? Take a look at ourย travel planning packages, or set up your consultation today!
Here are some other guides you’ll love:
