Best Must Do Activities in Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain Must-Do Activities 

Madrid, Spain is one European capital city that you won’t forget! With so many must-do activities in Madrid, Spain, it is no surprise that Madrid tourism is on the rise, with no signs of slowing down! From rich cultural activities to more active — and even delicious — affairs, Madrid's must-do activities abound. In fact, this capital city of Spain has so many options to choose among, deciding which Madrid must-do activity should make it on your Madrid trip itinerary can be quite overwhelming. To help, our expert team has compiled our top best activities in Madrid, so you can be sure to make the most of your Spain vacation.

Spend a Day Museum Hopping in Madrid

Madrid, a city steeped in culture and history, boasts a plethora of world-class museums that cater to art lovers, history buffs, and curious minds alike. Embark on a captivating journey through the city's cultural treasures with a day dedicated to museum hopping.

- Marvel at Spanish Art at Museo del Prado

Museo del Prado, also called simply the Prado, is a fantastic Madrid art museum that is not only among the most famous art museums in Spain but is also among the top art museums in the entire world. What masterpieces can visitors to Museo del Prato expect to see and admire when they journey to this exquisite Spanish art museum in the capital city?

In short: A little bit of everything! However, the lion's share of Museo del Prato art comes from the masterminds of Renaissance and baroque period geniuses, including but not limited to Velázquez, El Greco, Rembrandt, Brueghel, van Dyck, and Rubens, Titian, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Tintoretto, just to name a few! Among that abundance of art, highlight works that bring admirers from all corners of the world are definitely Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights and David with Head of Goliath by Caravaggio. And if you are a fan of Goya, this Madrid museum is most definitely a must-do activity, as the Spanish artists' 14 Black Paintings are iconic and housed in this very building.

- Appreciate Spanish History at the National Archaeological Museum

Journey back in time and travel down Spain’s artistic version of memory lane as you visit the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid. From Iberian-era sculptures and artistry — some even dating back 2,500 years and beyond — to much, much more, this Spain museum has something that is sure to awe and inspire you, as well as provide a fascinating window into what the Spanish world was like in days gone by.

Among two of the most notable masterpieces housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid are The Lady of Elche — depicting a woman’s bust, complete with an ornate and intricately styled headdress — and the Treasure of Guarrazar, a collection of crosses and votive crowns circa the 600s.

- Discover Treasures at Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art

More stunning art awaits your discovery at Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art in Madrid, Spain. Unlike other museums, which focus the lion's share of exhibits on creators native to Spain, this Madrid art museum highlights art by English and German artists, including Hans Holbein, Hans Baldung Grien, and Albrecht Dürer, to name just a few.

There is, of course, also artwork from selected big names of the Renaissance era, such as Tintoretto, Veronese, Rembrandt, van Dyck, and many more. There is even a generous selection of American abstract expressionism, impressionist, and post-expressionist pieces from the genius masterminds world-famous in every corner of the globe: Monet, Renoir, and Degas! 

- Witness True Artistic Genius at Reina Sofia Museum

Set your sights on more Spanish art, with a Madrid, Spain museum dedicated mostly to celebrating the nation’s most treasured masterpieces and creators, among which include the world-renowned masters Picasso and Dalí. In fact, Picasso’s Guernica is a reason to visit the Reina Sofia Museum in itself: It is just that spectacular!

And if Picasso isn’t quite your cup of tea? No worries, as there are plenty of other Spanish artists' treasures to discover on a visit to Reina Sofia during your Madrid trip, including Joan Miró, Juan Gris, and Eduardo Chillida. After you have visited these marvelous Madrid museums, why not head outside to soak in some sunshine and stretch your legs a bit? We suggest Madrid's Retiro Park.

- Relax and Enjoy a Moment of Reprieve at Retiro Park

Pick up some fabulous takeaway for a makeshift picnic in the park, and head to Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain, one of the capital city’s most beloved and popular green spaces. The park is perfectly situated just steps from the Prado, making it an excellent option post-art experience. Once owned by the royal family, the Retiro was rebranded as a public park in the late 19th century, open for all to enjoy during their time in Madrid, Spain.

Apart from the immaculate beauty that Madrid Park affords visitors, including lovely gardens and sprawling green spaces, the Retiro also has plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Whether it's taking out a paddle boat and circling the Grand Pond or strolling in the sunshine, an afternoon spent in Retiro Park is definitely a must-do activity in Madrid. Two interesting things to mention, and which must not be missed while visiting Retiro Park, are the monument of Alfonso XII and the oldest tree in the entire capital city. After checking that pair off your list, it may be time to roll out the red carpet for a truly royal Madrid must-do activity: a trip to the Royal Palace!

- Experience the Magic of Madrid Royal Palace

Commissioned by King Philip V for his official royal family residence in Madrid, Spain, the Royal Palace is actually built upon the same site as the capital city’s Moorish Alcázar fortress-palace was before it tragically burned down. Apart from being jaw-droppingly beautiful, this palace residence, which was built in the 1700s, happens to be the biggest royal palace in the western region of Europe. 

Beautiful blending baroque and neoclassical architectural styles, the design of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain is nothing short of spectacular. From fabulous frescoes to intricate tapestries, and an abundance of porcelain, fine silver, and even authentic Stradivarius instruments, there is no way a visitor could leave the Royal Palace without a sense of wide-eyed wonder filling them! 

And for those history or military buffs, be sure to get a gander at the Royal Armoury, which includes Charles V's personal weapons dating all the way back to the 16th Century. Choose to wander the Royal Palace in Madrid on your own, or opt for a guided tour to learn a bit more in-depth detail about this amazing Madrid must-see attraction!

Stroll the Capital City Via Its Most Famous Thoroughfares

Fancy a stroll during your Madrid trip? Check out these famed Madrid streets and squares for some of the capital city’s best walking and sightseeing routes.

- Gran Vía

If you are looking for a great place to stroll the streets of Madrid, Spain, while also getting an inside glimpse of daily life bustling by, head to Gran Via, the capital city’s most popular and iconic thoroughfare. 

You could easily call it the epicenter of the capital city, complete with entertainment, shopping, and strolling options galore. During the day you can shop til you drop among myriad stores ranging from local shops to high-end brands and boutiques. By night, there is nothing like strolling down the Gran Via while live music wafts to greet your ears from nightclubs and hot spots lining the entire thoroughfare until the wee hours of the morning. Suffice it to say: There is never a dull moment when it comes to the Gran Via.

- Plaza Mayor

More Madrid strolling and sightseeing awaits at Plaza Mayor, a stunning capital city square that is more than worth a spot on your Madrid must-do activity checklist. What is so unique and special about Plaza Mayor is its layout, which consists of an impressive nine entrances. 

Sightseeing tip to include on your Madrid trip to Plaza Mayor: Take a moment to stop into one of the cute cafes in the iconic area, then sit down and watch daily Spanish life buzz by while enjoying the caffeine buzz from a local cup of coffee. And before you leave Plaza Mayor to continue your Madrid sightseeing, don’t forget to check out the famed King Philip III statue in all its bronzed glory!

Shop Til You Drop at Madrid's Best Markets

Amidst the grand architecture and bustling streets, a unique shopping experience awaits visitors and locals alike at its markets. From antique treasures to fresh local produce, Madrid's markets offer an authentic and exciting way to explore the city's offerings.

- Mercado San Miguel

Spice up your life at Mercado San Miguel in Madrid, Spain. An excellent open-air shopping center filled with an abundance of stalls featuring everything from grocery items to fresh produce, the real claim to fame of Mercado San Miguel are the spices on offer, which make up some of the very best found in all of Spain. 

After picking up all the paprika, saffron, and fresh fruit, veggie, and meat items you need from your Madrid shopping list of staples, be sure to leave some time to venture to at least one of the many tapas bars in the area to refuel from your shopping adventure. After all, if there is one thing Madrid, Spain is famous for, it's its tremendous tapas!

- El Rastro

Finally, we have El Rastro, which is THE place to be on Sunday if you are a shopping enthusiast, especially if you admire antiques in particular. Pretty much everything under the sun can be found while wandering among the more than 3,500 stalls at El Rastro, as it just happens to be the largest flea market in the entire capital city!

Insider tip: The early birds win when it comes to shopping at El Rastro, as things start to get really busy once the day gets going, and you won’t want to miss out on the best deals! And the great news? Cafes are open in the area, offering provisions for a quick pick-me-up when your shopping energy begins to fade mid-spree!

Now Is the Time to Make Your Madrid, Spain Adventure a Reality!

Now that you have this exact itinerary of the amazing and best must-do activities in Madrid, Spain, you will certainly be itching to get here as soon as possible to do and see it all! We are here to help make that happen, with amazing Madrid deals and Spain specials perfectly catered to your needs. The magic of Madrid awaits!