Things To Do In Madrid
Love It!
Why We Love Madrid
It's funky!
One of Europe's best dressed cities, A-listers from around the world head to its shops and boutiques.
It's tasty.
Foodies love Madrid, from street food and stunning tapas to hipster cafes and Michelin starred restaurants.
It's classy.
The architecture, the galleries, the boutiques, the restaurants, Madrid is certainly one very classy lady!
Move It!
How To Get Around Madrid
As well as buses and trams, Madrid has an excellent Metro (underground train) network which runs all the way to the airport.
The most cost effective way to travel is with a MultiCard giving you unlimited journeys on trams, trains, buses and metro.
If you want to keep fit and reduce your carbon footprint then you can jump on public bikes at sites across the city centre.
Nightlife
Things To Do In Madrid At Night
If you're still in need of things to do in Madrid then here's a few of our faves in this amazing, party loving city.
There is so much to do in Madrid at night you're spoilt for choice, but eating is definitely one of the most enjoyable here. Madrid has impeccable taste and a fantastic selection of restaurants to suit every diner. There are restaurants and flavours from around the world. If dancing is your thing then the city has some of Spain's best nightclubs as well as great music venues and bars. All with that fantastic hot Latino vibe. It's also just a great city to explore, walking the ancient streets, enjoying a river cruise, late night shops and cocktails under the stars. Madrid has it all!
To Do List
Things to Do In Madrid
- Retiro Park - Madrid's green heart, these stunning public gardens are a great place to walk and get away from the bustle of the city.
- Tapas & Wine Tasting - Combine two of Madrid's greatest passions in one of the tastiest Madrid activities.
- Bernabéu Stadium - One of the world's most famous football stadiums and home to officially the most successful team of all time.
- Shopping - Madrid is a shopper's paradise, loved by the likes of Beyonce, Victoria Beckham and Penelope Cruz. You'll find top names at discount prices ar Las Rozas Village.
- Plaza Mayor - A vast and beautiful wide open square lined with shops, cafes and restaurants where you can watch the world go by.
- Mercado San Miguel - Just a short stroll from Plaza Major this trendy market and eatery is a local favourite for tapas making it an absolute must.
- El Rastro - Every Sunday around 3,500 market stalls can be found at Plaza de Cascorro selling an amazing array of trinkets, vintage nicknacks and all kind of funky odds and ends.
- Learn to Cook - You can get a Spanish cookery lesson and learn how to cook the best Spanish dishes at home. Informative and delicious!
- Flamenco Class - If cooking isn't your thing then get active and learn the sultry art of flamenco dancing. Ole!
- Egyptian Temple - A 2,200 year old Egyptian temple in the heart of the Spanish capital. A great place to feed your Instagram habit.
OMG!
3 Weird Madrid Facts
- Madrid is home to the world's oldest restaurant, Botin, that dates back to 1725.
- The city is football mad and sports only newspapers outsell regular news publications.
- The Plaza Mayor has been used for all kinds of events including public executions, bullfighting and the Spanish Inquisition.
Neighbourhoods
Best Bits of Madrid
Sol - The true centre of the city (there's a plaque and everything!) you'll find the city's biggest shopping street and wide open Puerto del Sol square.
Salamanca - Packed with designer boutiques and high-end fashion brands there's also plenty of upmarket cafes and bakeries.
La Latina - With a boho vibe and retaining traditional charm with modern Madriano living the area is well known for its excellent tapas bars and pretty plazas.
Lavapiés - Traditionally an area with a thriving immigrant community which has given both to a really diverse array of restaurants, the area lacks gentrification and is certainly more gritty.
Barrio de las Letras (the Literary Quarter) - The tall typically Spanish buildings make this a great place to experience the real Madrid. The likes of Cervantes (author of Don Quijote) lived here.
Malasana - Great food and trendy shops sit alongside traditional bars and markets. The area is also a draw for graffiti artists and some of the work is spectacular.