Top Things To Do In Madrid

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourist couple posing in a lush green park on a sunny day in Madrid

Top things to do in Madrid

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

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Wondering what to do in Madrid?

The energy in Madrid is like nowhere on earth, and it’s easy for the seductive Spanish capital to bewitch you with its buzzing nightlife, beautiful medieval architecture, and artistic heritage spanning centuries. The myriad things to do in Madrid will enchant any type of traveler, from art- and architecture-lovers to culinary connoisseurs to rowdy revelers. But the city is anything but predictable, and you might find that some of the most memorable things to do in Madrid – taking sunlit siestas, eating churros for breakfast, planning day trips to ancient neighbors, and browsing tiny boutiques – aren’t necessarily the ones you’ll find on a top 10 travel list.

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Alba

Madrid

Art and architecture for the ages

The city is a paradise for art-lovers – exploring its world-class museums and galleries is one of the most exciting things to do in Madrid. Madrid’s enviable art scene is spilling over not only with masterpieces by home-grown icons Goya and Velázquez, but famous works by other Spanish painters like Picasso and Dalí. The city’s stunning architecture itself is part of its artistic appeal. From medieval mansions and opulent royal palaces to Baroque buildings and sleek, contemporary angles, Spain’s rich architectural history is proudly on display as the beautiful backdrop for Madrid.

Tourists enjoying tapas at a local tapas bar in Madrid with a local guide

Spanish food at its finest

From paella in Valencia to the hearty casseroles of Cataluña, Spain’s cities have their own regional cuisines – and Madrid is the place you’ll find them all. Spain’s six national roads meet in the heart of Madrid, so it’s no surprise the city’s food scene represents flavors from all over Spain. Whether you head to an old-school tapas bar for century-old Spanish snacks like patatas bravas and Iberian ham or try out trendy fusion food and experimental tasting menus at upmarket restaurants doing fearless riffs on the classics, the food-related things to do in Madrid are equally delicious.

Tourists crossing a road on a night out in a vibrant neighborhood in Madrid

The city after sunset

When night falls, the list of things to do in Madrid only gets longer. You might join locals for a convivial feast under a centuries-old ceiling (or grab some traditional Spanish snacks at a tiny tapas bar), before getting swept along in a tide of happy revelers on their way to the city’s pulsating clubs, cozy bars, and cool cocktail lounges. Dancing until dawn not quite your scene? There are plenty of equally exciting things to do in Madrid at night. See a flamenco show, visit a museum, or simply stroll down twinkling city streets where restaurant tables spill out onto the sidewalks.

Madrid travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Madrid and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

Excelente Me encontré con Lisa en Barajas y tomamos el Metro a la ciudad Lisa muy atenta, con un saludo genuino Fuimos a desayunar y después le dimos al recorrido de casi 5 horas a pie por el centro de Madrid Buen ritmo y me dio datos que ningún guía anteriormente Me había dado 100% recomendable Excellent I met Lisa in Barajas and we took the Metro to the city Lisa very attentive, with a genuine greeting We went to have breakfast and then we started the almost 5-hour walking tour through the center of Madrid Good pace and gave me information that no guide had previously given me 100% recommended

August 2024

Cristian M
My mother and I toured with Silvia on our first day in Madrid. She is very friendly, full of energy and provided us with her inside view of 3 neighborhoods (Salamanca, Malasaña and Centro). She took us off the touristy streets and it made the tour more personable. She also took us to one of her favorite lunch spots...La Pescaderia. It was delicious and very reasonable. If you’re looking for an overview of the city, I highly suggest requesting Silvia!

October 2019

Cindy K
Minha experiência começou alguns dias antes da data marcada para o tour, sendo que Nicola, que foi responsável por me guiar no tour, me enviou emails me explicando em detalhes como iriamos nos encontrar, e uma sugestão de intinerário. Na hora marcada, começamos o passeio por Madri. Tive a oportunidade de conhecer vários detalhes históricos dos principais edifícios e ruas da cidade. Além disso, Nicola me levou a dois mercados para que eu pudesse experimentar um pouco da culinária local... o sanduiche ramón é imperdível, como também as croquetas!!! Para finalizar, uma passada por alguns dos museus da cidade, com destaque para o Museu do Prado. Bem, foi um dia agradabilíssimo, com o encontro de mais um amigo. se recomendo, claro, com certeza!

July 2019

Francisco L
Joanna asked me what my favorite experiences were and then created a fabulous personalized walking adventure in Madrid. We spent eight hours seeing gardens, markets, shopping, eating, and taking pictures in all the historical districts. We walked a lot, but the conversation and historical information shared made the day be totally pleasurable. We toured multiple art museums together and her expertise in Art History was obvious. She prides herself in her guests having a great experience. Wonderful day with a wonderful person.

July 2018

Amy W