What to do in Madrid?
Vibrant Spanish capital, Madrid combines Prado masterpieces, a grand royal palace and an overflowing art of living. Between tapas terraces, Retiro park and a legendary festive atmosphere, discover the tours and skip-the-line tickets to book.
Madrid highlights
The places and experiences not to miss under any circumstances.
Prado Museum
One of the world's greatest museums, the Prado unfolds Velázquez, Goya and El Greco in endless halls. The last two hours are free, but a skip-the-line ticket is better to take your time.
Royal Palace
The largest royal palace in Western Europe by floor area, the Palacio Real lines up 3,000 rooms of astonishing splendour. Though the royal family no longer lives there, the salons, armoury and gardens can be visited with a skip-the-line ticket.
Plaza Mayor & Puerta del Sol
A grand 17th-century arcaded square, the Plaza Mayor is Madrid's living room, lined with cafés and street performers. Steps away, the Puerta del Sol marks Spain's kilometre zero and the city's beating heart.
Retiro Park
A former royal garden turned Madrid's green lung, the Retiro Park invites you to row on its lake, admire the Crystal Palace and stroll shaded avenues. UNESCO-listed, it's where Madrileños gather at weekends.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The legendary home of Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium can now be toured in an ultra-modern version: pitch, dressing rooms and trophy museum. A pilgrimage for football lovers, to be booked online.
Toledo day trip
Thirty minutes by train, Toledo, the former capital of three cultures, raises its cathedral and alcázar above the Tagus. A day trip, often combined with Segovia or El Escorial, dives into historic Spain.
Plan your visit to Madrid
Our practical tips for a great stay: when to go, how to get around, where to stay.
When to visit Madrid?
Spring and autumn are ideal; summer is scorching, winter cool but often sunny. Here, life happens outdoors, especially in the evening.
Getting around Madrid
The metro is vast, fast and cheap, and the centre is very walkable. One tip: locals dine late (often after 9pm), so tune your rhythm to theirs.
Where to stay in Madrid
Sol, Malasaña or La Latina to be in the thick of it and the tapas; the Salamanca district for more calm, chic and space.
Activities & tickets to book in Madrid
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Madrid by theme
Book your activities in Madrid by theme — guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, cruises, food tours, outdoor activities and day trips. Click a category to explore the best deals available right now.
Guided tours
To grasp the soul of Madrid, nothing beats a guided tour. Follow a local guide through the great monuments and hidden lanes, and discover the stories that paper guides leave out. Allow 2 to 3 hours, often in a small group, at a pace suited to your curiosity.
Book →Museums & skip-the-line tickets
Madrid is packed with must-see museums and monuments. Book your skip-the-line tickets in Madrid and enjoy the finest collections without losing an hour in the queue. Tickets are dated and timed: book the day before in high season, as morning slots go first.
Book →Cruises & boat trips
Seeing Madrid from the water means rediscovering it. Hop aboard a cruise or boat ride and admire the finest views of Madrid on the water, by day or at sunset. One-hour guided cruises, with or without a meal option: there's something for every budget, often boarding right in the centre.
Book →Food tours & gastronomy
Food is part of the journey. Treat yourself to a food tour in Madrid: local markets, regional specialties and tastings to savour Madrid like a true local. Allow 3 to 4 hours and come hungry: between street bites and neighbourhood spots, a good food tour is often worth a full meal.
Book →Outdoors & activities
Feel like moving? Madrid lends itself to bike rides, hikes and outdoor activities to explore the city and its surroundings from a different angle. Bike rentals, guided e-bike tours or active excursions: a way to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air.
Book →Day trips
The most beautiful treasures sometimes hide at the gates of Madrid. Book a day trip to discover the villages, castles and landscapes nearby. Transport, guide and sometimes lunch are usually included: a hassle-free day to see more without the logistics.
Book →Madrid: frequently asked questions
Should I book activities in advance in Madrid?
Yes for the Prado, the Royal Palace and the Bernabéu, especially at weekends. The squares and parks are free to access.
How many days to visit Madrid?
Three days for the major museums, the centre and the Retiro. Add a day for Toledo or Segovia.
Which area to stay in Madrid?
Sol and Gran Vía to be central, Malasaña or Chueca for atmosphere, the Barrio de las Letras for charm.
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October): the Madrid summer is scorching and many businesses close in August.
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