Things to Do in Madrid

See two distinctive monuments honoring Christopher Columbus and then spend the rest of the day discovering the sights and sounds of the busy Paseo de la Castellana.

Take a trip into the past as you explore the collections of this vast museum. Find prehistoric cave paintings, Roman mosaics and Greek vases under one roof.

Marvel at the unlikely spectacle of an ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid. This striking landmark has survived thousands of years and traveled thousands of miles.  

Learn about one of the oldest performance spaces in Europe through a guided tour and then watch a show in one of its beautiful auditoriums.

Admire the architecture of Madrid’s old town hall or go for a tour of the interior to see where councilors ran the city for more than 300 years.

An art museum to rival the Louvre or the British National Gallery, this is the place to see some of the finest art Europe has to offer.

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Gaze at the intricate façade before you head inside to explore a collection of several million items.

This square has seen everything from markets and public celebrations to bullfights and executions. Today you’ll find street performers, artists and plenty of shops.

Spend a Sunday strolling from stall to stall picking out quirky souvenirs and soaking up the atmosphere of Madrid’s best-known open-air market.

Walk the halls of the biggest natural history museum in Spain, home to thousands of specimens from across the country, its former colonies and the wider world.

See Madrid’s most iconic skyscrapers and admire the monument to Miguel de Cervantes in one of the city’s most important squares.

Get yourself a ticket to a fight or take a tour of Spain’s most important bullfighting ring.


See the majestic gate that was once Madrid’s eastern entrance but is today a symbol of the Spanish metropolis.

Lined with extravagant old buildings and renowned for the iconic fountain at its center, this is one of Madrid’s most impressive squares.

With some of Spain’s foremost modern and contemporary artworks and a collection that ranks among the world’s finest, this is a museum art lovers won’t want to miss.

Admire the baroque architecture as you walk through the entrance and into the fascinating interior of Madrid’s only cathedral.

This is one of Madrid’s three great art museums, the place to see masterpieces from the 13th through the 20th century.

Relax by the pond, walk through landscaped gardens, and admire the elegant statues and buildings in one of Madrid’s biggest and most popular parks.

With expansive green areas, as well as swimming pools, rollercoasters and a dolphinarium, Casa de Campo has everything an ordinary park has and plenty more besides.

Immerse yourself in culture as you spend a day exploring the many art galleries scattered along this charming, leafy boulevard. 

See Madrid at its most dynamic as you walk the length of this buzzing avenue, where elegant shops, must-see attractions and exciting events come together.

Few venues for fairs, exhibitions and conferences can compete with IFEMA - Feria de Madrid, Madrid’s trade fair venue, for comfort, amenities and its modern style. 

Stand at the very center of Madrid and feel the buzz as thousands of people meet and greet before a night out, gather for protests, or start out on a tour of the city.

Check out the exhibits on art, music and poetry at this former power station, now a futuristic hub of innovation and art. 

This beautiful little gallery occupies the former home of a leading Spanish impressionist and seamlessly blends art exhibits with insights into his daily life.

Attend a show at this historic theater or simply come to admire its ornate façade. Either way, a visit here gives a sense of Madrid’s rich tradition of performance.

Take photos at the iconic Fountain of Neptune before exploring the treasure trove of historic sites and gorgeous buildings that surround this famous Madrid square.