Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid, is truly one of Europe‘s greatest cities. Although it doesn’t sport a world-famous or iconic landmark like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome, it certainly makes up for it. With its unique collection of beautiful architecture, amazing food and wonderful people, there are no shortage of ways to have the time of your life in Madrid. After spending time here myself, (from my personal experience) I can say that these are the top 10 things to do in Madrid.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Madrid
The following list of the top 10 things to do in Madrid, Spain are not ranked in any particular order. However, they are all amazing and certainly worth doing!
(Most of these “Top 10 Things to Do in (Madrid)” lists will include “Eat the Food” as something to do while in whatever particular city/country. While the food in Madrid is incredible, chances are you’re probably going to be eating in any city you’re in anyway.)
1. Hang out and people-watch in Plaza Mayor
Dating back to the 15th century, Plaza Mayor is the main public square located in the center of Madrid. During those times, it was used as the main market of Madrid. Today, it’s one of the nicest spots in the city for Madrileños and tourists to enjoy the beautiful weather. The plaza is full of cafés, restaurants and shops. In addition, it’s also one of the top places in the city for people-watching.
2. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
The largest royal palace in Europe (by floor area) is actually in Madrid, Spain. The Royal Palace of Madrid is technically the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, even though they live in another palace on the outskirts of the city. The interior of the building is full of impressive artistic and historical collections. The north side of the palace has the beautiful Sabatini Gardens, which visitors can explore at a leisurely pace.
3. Check out the Puerta de Alcalá
Completed in 1778, this Neo-classical gate was once the entrance to Madrid through the former Walls of Philip IV. Today, a traffic circle surrounds the Puerta de Alcalá, near the center of the city. In addition, this gorgeous gate is a short walking distance from El Retiro Park, the next place in this list of the top 10 things to do in Madrid.
TRAVEL TRIVIA: The name of Puerta del Alcalá actually comes from an old path that once passed through this part of Madrid on the way to the city of Alcalá de Henares. (SPOILER: More on this beautiful university town later.)
4. Enjoy an afternoon in El Retiro Park
One of the nicest and most relaxing places in Madrid is Parque del Buen Retiro, or simply El Retiro. El Retiro, which is completely surrounded by the city, became a public park in the late 19th century. Before this, it was owned by the Spanish Royal Family. This urban park is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon (or any time of day for that matter) walking through numerous gardens and tree-lined avenues. There’s even a small lake where you can rent paddle boats for even more relaxation.
Perhaps one of the weirdest things found in the park is the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, which is reputed to be the only notable sculpture dedicated to the devil.
5. Visit an Egyptian temple in the heart of Spain
An Egyptian temple is probably one of the last things you would expect to see in Madrid, Spain. Located in Plaza de España (at the end of Gran Vía) is the Temple of Debod. The temple was originally built in Aswan in the early 2nd century BC. However, the temple was gifted to Spain in 1968 by Egypt. This was due to Spain helping to relocate and save the Abu Simbel temples from flooding due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
6. Take a stroll down Gran Vía
Sometimes called the “Spanish Broadway”, no trip to Madrid is complete without walking down the Gran Vía. This vibrant avenue is lined with hotels, cinemas and endless places to get your shopping fix. The most notable building on the Gran Vía by far is the Metropolis Building, which was built in the early 20th century.
7. Marvel at world-class art in the Prado Museum
Located in central Madrid, the Museo del Prado ( or Prado Museum) is the main national art museum in Spain. Widely considered one of the absolute best art museums in the world, it houses collections from numerous famous artists. These include Francisco Goya, El Greco, Tiziano Vecelli and Hieronymus Bosch, to name a few. Among the pieces that I saw on display, the Black Paintings by Francisco Goya were my favorite.
TRAVEL TIP: Before going to the Prado Museum, get there by taking a walk down the Paseo del Prado. This beautiful, tree-lined avenue is one of the most famous and culturally important in all of Madrid. Other notable museums found on the Paseo del Prado include the Reina Sofía Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Collectively, these three museums are known locally as the “Golden Triangle of Art”.
Top 10 Things to Do in Madrid: Day Trips
In addition to all of the awesome things to do in Madrid itself, the city offers some amazing day trips that visitors can take advantage of as well. Travelers can reach all three of these locations by car, bus or train. Moreover, they are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
READ: The Complete List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites I’ve Visited
8. Visit the Royal Site and Monastery of El Escorial
One of the day trips I would highly recommend taking while in Madrid is to the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (or just El Escorial for short). This site is in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This is around 28 miles northwest of Madrid, about an hour away by car (slightly longer if using public transportation). The Royal Monastery found here is absolutely fantastic. The grounds surrounding the main building feature courtyards, formal gardens, reflection pools and more.
Construction of the site started in 1563 under orders of King Philip II. Impressively, it took less than 21 years to complete. When you see the monastery in person, you will understand just how impressive this is. In addition, it once served as a royal palace. Today, El Escorial is a monastery, church, museum, university, library, hospital and many other things all rolled into one. Perhaps one of the coolest things at El Escorial is the gorgeous Royal Library, which features over 40,000 volumes.
In conclusion, it’s easy to see why El Escorial is such a popular day trip from Madrid. In fact, the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, receives over half a million visitors per year.
9. Wander around Alcalá de Henares — one of the world’s oldest university towns
If you take the train 40 minutes out of Madrid to the northeast, you will find yourself in one of the oldest university towns in the world, Alcalá de Henares. The first university in this city was founded by King Sancho IV of Castile in 1293 — well over 700 years ago! In addition to the university buildings, Alcalá de Henares also features a beautiful cathedral and the Archbishops Palace. This palace is actually where King Ferdinand and Christopher Columbus planned the latter’s voyage to the New World.
Moreover, Alcalá de Henares is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote the famous novel Don Quixote. Therefore, you will find several statues and other monuments to this 16th-century author throughout the city.
TRAVEL TIP: While you’re in Alcalá de Henares, always be looking at the rooftops and steeples on the churches and buildings. Hundreds of storks call this city home and this is where they like to build their nests and raise their young!
10. Explore the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
Located about 40 minutes south of Madrid by train is the town of Aranjuez. The main attraction here is the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape. This site is essentially a Royal Palace featuring countless fountains and lavish gardens sprawled all throughout the property. In 1560, King Philip II declared Aranjuez a Royal Site. Subsequently, the Spanish Royal Family used it as a place of residence for centuries.
Aranjuez is a nice place to visit on a sunny day, spending your time exploring the beautiful gardens and admiring the impressive Royal Palace.
Have you ever been to Madrid? Have you ever been to Spain? Tell me what you did there and let me know in the comments below!
