See and Do in Madrid

A city of resplendent beauty and rich history, there is more than enough among the attractions in Madrid for visitors to see and do in the Spanish capital. Known for being one of the world’s foremost destinations for art lovers, Madrid provides you with the opportunity to see everything from classical masterpieces to the surreal works of Salvador Dalí.

The city’s character has been shaped by everything from medieval to modernist influences, which you can see in landmarks as varied as the Gothic church of St Jerome and the abstract sculptures of the Museum of Public Art. The most famous of the city’s many cultural attractions are situated on the Paseo Del Prado, one of the city’s main boulevards. This includes the world-famous Golden Triangle of Art, which has three of the best-known museums in Madrid.

Madrid is not only a city for culture vultures but also offers attractions that should appeal to all kinds of interests. Sports fans will be thrilled by the prospect of a football (soccer) match, and there is an abundance of green spaces for families to enjoy.

Read more about Shopping, Lifestyle, and Sports in Madrid and Things to Do with Kids and Family in Madrid.

Popular attractions in Madrid

The Prado (Museo Nacional del Prado)

The Prado Museum is one of the world’s principal art galleries, housing around 7,600 paintings by artists such as Botticelli, Titian and Rembrandt.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is located in the 18th-century Palacio de Villahermosa and is home to a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, carvings and tapestries by Renoir, Durer, Van Eyck and countless others.

Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum

The Reina Sofia museum, designed to rival London’s Tate Gallery, has an extraordinary collection of 20th-century Spanish art for you to enjoy.

Royal Palace of Madrid

With over 3,000 rooms, the Royal Palace is one of Europe’s largest functioning royal palaces and a must-see attraction in Madrid’s historic centre. You can wander through ornate rooms filled with art and historical artefacts, including collections of Stradivarius violins, royal jewels, and ancient timepieces.

Almudena Cathedral

Located directly opposite the Royal Palace, this impressive Catholic cathedral offers you stunning views of Madrid from its dome. The cathedral’s interior showcases beautiful architecture, and you can also visit the peaceful crypt below.

Plaza Mayor

Dating back to 1619, the Plaza Mayor square is a must-see for anyone in Madrid. Once the scene of knights’ tournaments and medieval rituals, the centrally located arcade is now home to cafés and spontaneous music performances in the heart of the city.

Parque del Buen Retiro

Originally the private garden of Philip IV, this central park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a wonderful spot for expats, tourists, and locals alike to enjoy the fountains, lakes and play areas or relax at one of the many outdoor cafés.

Corral de la Morería Flamenco

To get a true taste of Madrid, you should head to Corral de la Morería, a world-renowned tablao flamenco – a flamenco show restaurant that has won awards as the ‘Best Flamenco Tablao in the World’.

Puerta del Sol

The Puerta del Sol plaza is home to iconic landmarks such as the Spanish clock tower that heralds the New Year, and the symbolic El Oso y El Madroño bear statue.

National Archaeological Museum of Spain

Founded in 1867, the National Archaeological Museum of Spain is a must-see attraction for any history buff visiting Madrid. It boasts everything from prehistoric and Ancient Egyptian collections to exhibits from the modern age.

San Miguel Market

This stunning century-old market has reinvented itself to become one of Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions. You can sample gourmet food from dozens of vendors under its beautiful iron and glass architecture near Plaza Mayor.