What to do in Madrid

author
Débora
date
29 Jul 2024
Accueil » Get Inspired » What to do in Madrid
Madrid, Spain’s sunny capital, is a vibrant, lively city with a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Known for its magnificent monuments, delicious cuisine and lively nightlife, Madrid offers a multitude of activities and places to discover.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a food lover, or simply want to soak up the local atmosphere, Madrid has something for everyone. In this article, we present ten must-do activities and places to explore this fascinating city.

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Visit the Royal Palace

Madrid’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, is an architectural masterpiece well worth a visit.
With 3,418 rooms, it is one of the largest palaces in Europe.
Visitors can explore several richly decorated rooms, admire impressive art collections and discover fascinating historical artifacts.
Don’t miss the throne room, royal chapel and royal armory, which offer a glimpse into the grandeur and history of the Spanish monarchy.

Discover the Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is one of the most important art museums in the world.
It houses an exceptional collection of European paintings, from the 12th to the early 19th century.
Among its most famous works are those by Goya, Velázquez, Rubens and Bosch.
The Prado’s vast collection takes visitors on a journey through eras and artistic styles, offering an unforgettable cultural and educational experience.

Walking in Retiro Park

Retiro Park is a green oasis in the heart of Madrid.
Once a royal garden, it is now a popular place of relaxation for Madrilenians and tourists alike.
The park offers many attractions, including the Crystal Palace, a magnificent glass pavilion used for art exhibitions, and the large pond, where you can rent a rowboat.
Perfectly manicured gardens, sculptures and fountains add to Retiro’s charm, making it an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries.

Explore the La Latina district

La Latina is one of Madrid’s oldest and most authentic neighborhoods.
Its narrow, winding streets, lively squares and numerous tapas bars make it the perfect place to discover local life.
La Latina is particularly lively on Sundays, the day of the famous El Rastro flea market.
Take a stroll through this neighborhood and you’ll discover historic churches, colorful markets and a friendly atmosphere that captures the essence of Madrid.

Admire the Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most emblematic squares.
Surrounded by historic buildings with red facades, this vast rectangular square has been a meeting place and festivity area for centuries.
In the past, bullfights, markets and popular festivals were held here.
Today, the Plaza Mayor is an ideal place to sit at one of the many café terraces, sample local specialties such as bocadillo de calamares and observe Madrid life.

Visit the Reina Sofía Museum

The Museo Reina Sofía is Madrid’s national museum of modern and contemporary art.
It houses a vast collection of 20th-century works, with a particular focus on Spanish artists.
The museum’s most famous work is undoubtedly Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica”, a powerful painting that denounces the horrors of war.
The Reina Sofía also features works by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and other influential artists, offering a fascinating perspective on modern and contemporary art.

Getting lost in the San Miguel market

The San Miguel market is a must for food lovers.
Housed in a magnificent wrought-iron building, this covered market offers an incredible variety of fresh produce and culinary specialties.
Enjoy tapas, seafood, cured meats, cheeses and much more, all accompanied by quality Spanish wines.
The San Miguel market is the perfect place to sample local cuisine and discover the flavors of Madrid.

Discover the temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple located in the Parc de la Montaña, near the Plaza de España.
Donated to Spain by Egypt in 1968, this 2,000-year-old temple is a fascinating testimony to ancient Egyptian civilization.
The well-preserved structure and hieroglyphs offer a unique experience in Europe.
Debod Temple is particularly spectacular at sunset, when its ancient stones are bathed in golden light.

Explore the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum

The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza completes Madrid’s golden triangle of art, alongside the Prado and the Reina Sofía.
The museum houses an eclectic collection spanning almost eight centuries of art history, from medieval painting to contemporary movements.
Visitors can admire works by great masters such as Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Hopper and Lichtenstein.
The diversity and richness of the Thyssen-Bornemisza’s collections make it a must-see destination for art lovers.

Nightlife in Malasaña

Malasaña is Madrid’s bohemian district, known for its lively nightlife and alternative art scene.
The streets of Malasaña are lined with cocktail bars, live music clubs and trendy cafés, offering a dynamic and creative atmosphere.
The district is also famous for its colorful street art and vintage boutiques.
An evening in Malasaña allows you to discover a different side of Madrid, far from the traditional tourist attractions, and to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy.

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