Top 49 Things To Do in Madrid 2019 - Best Activities in Madrid

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Madrid from above

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

31

'Madrid al Cielo' - Madrid to heaven, is a popular proverb in the Spanish captial, and on top of the art building Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, locals can almost reach the sky. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of downtown Madrid, and as far as the snowcovered mountain peaks on the horizon. Read more ›

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Parque del Retiro

Cafes 16 6

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Breathe with the lungs of Madrid

Parque del Retiro

16

The wonderful Retiro park is often descriped as the lungs of Madrid – or the Central Park of the Spanish capital. An absolute favourite weekend-destination for many Madrileños throughout the year. They come here to relax, to play, to walk or simply to find shade. The Park has several cafés and is a welcome contrast to the buzzing downtown streets. Read more ›

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Rastro de Madrid

Things To Do 16 3

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Madrid biggest (and oldest) flea market

Rastro de Madrid

16

"Anything and everything a chap can unload / Is sold off the barrow in Portebello road", goes the song. Well, in Madrid's flea market you might find even more of anything and everything...and surely more crowds, random performances and fun! Locals often make a stop to have some tapas and cañas (fresh, cold beer) in bars along the market streets. Read more ›

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Palacio de Cristal

Things To Do 13 2

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Transparent beauty

Palacio de Cristal

13

The spectacular crystal palace in the wonderful Retiro gardens, is one of the most romantic places in all of Madrid. Locals come here for walks around the little lake, while taking in the view of this glass-wonder hiding among the trees. Read more ›

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Atocha trainstation

Things To Do 12 1

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Welcome to the jungle

Atocha trainstation

12

It's rare to find a trainstation being an attraction in itself, but that is exactly what Atocha is. Along with Charmartín, this is one of the major transport-hubs in Madrid, connecting the metro with the main trainlines, and sending trains in all directions in Spain. Read more ›

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Edificio Metrópolis

Things To Do 11 3

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Get your best shot

Edificio Metrópolis

11

Though just being an office building in downtown, the Metropolis Building has become an iconic landmark for Madrid, and probably the most photographed sight in the city. Originally topped with a Phoenix which the previous owner took with them, and replaced by the Metropolis company with an angel that seems to guard Madrid. Read more ›

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Gourmet Experience Gran Via

Things To Do 11 5

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Eat, shop and be amazed

Gourmet Experience Gran Via

11

This is one of the best combinations of food and panoramic views you will find in Madrid. A unique mix of a delicatessen market, a bunch of small gourmet restaurants and an absolutely stunning view of the skyline outside. Locals come here to shop for home-cooking or to enjoy a dinner and drinks with friends. Read more ›

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Matadero Madrid

Things To Do 11 4

By Jorge

Contemporary Art Center

Matadero Madrid

11

This flourishing art center, located in the old central slaughterhouse of Madrid, offers a huge public open space for all cultural forms of expression and dialogue between the arts. Some of the most creative spots can be found here, as well as trendy events and popular concerts and exhibitions. Read more ›

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Templo de Debod

Things To Do 10 4

By Brian

Chill out at the temple

Templo de Debod

10

Though this ancient Egyptian temple is a popular tourist attraction, which contains an interesting museum, many locals come up here just to relax or to enjoy a picnic. Whether it's to find a little shade under the trees in the park, or to enjoy the stunning sight of the lit up temple at night. Read more ›

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Palacio de Cibeles

Things To Do 10 2

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An Icon of Madrid

Palacio de Cibeles

10

Officially known as Palacio de Comunicaciones, this beauty of a palace at the famous Cibeles-fountain, is one of the most beloved buildings in Madrid. Now used as the citys townhall, and often acts as an iconic backdrop for local and national celebrations around the fountain. Read more ›

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Rastro Flee Market

Things To Do 9 3

By Paloma

The best Sunday morning shopping

Rastro Flee Market

9

Because is the best plan for a lazy Sunday specially when is a Sunny day :) Really is the longest and oldest Market in full Europe in its gendre as there aren't fix shops, not in the floor and really interesting things, mainly new, and from just 1€) After is a kind of apres--- ski? no, après market: 2 streets for just enjoy a drink. Read more ›

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Caixa Forum

Things To Do 8 2

Architectural feat

Caixa Forum

8

This architectural masterpiece, a fascinating combination of brick and oxidized iron, seems to hover in the air. It features a vertical garden and hosts several temporary exhibitions which run at the same time. It's a bargain as many exhibitions are free and others cost only 4 euros. Read more ›

Prado Pinacoteque

Things To Do 7 1

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Don't know yet Las Meninas?

Prado Pinacoteque

7

Because remember us the glorious Spain period. El Prado is between the three more important museums in the world; got 3000 pictures, just 300 in exhibition and between then there is one can't be seen any other place, you got it: is Velázquez, and from him Las Meninas is a lesson of style! Read more ›

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Parque Juan Carlos I

Things To Do 7 2

By Brian

Walk among art

Parque Juan Carlos I

7

This huge recreational and cultural park was opened in 1992, when Madrid was Europes capital of culture. With it's location northeast of the city and close to the airport, few tourists take the trip here, while locals go for long strolls, exercise or weekend picnics. The park contains a river, a lake and an auditorium. Read more ›

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Gran Vía

Things To Do 7 3

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The Spanish Broadway

Gran Vía

7

With it's many theatres and cinemas, along with hundreds of shops and restaurants, this is known as the Spanish version of New Yorks legendary Broadway. Starting from the beautiful Plaza España, breaking at buzzing Plaza Callao and ending at the Madrid-iconic Metropolis Building. This street is alive at any time - day or night. Read more ›

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Museo Sorolla

Things To Do 7 2

A hidden gem

Museo Sorolla

7

The museum shows work by Joaquín Sorolla, a well-known 19th century Spanish painter, also known as "the painter of light". The building was originally the artist's house, and was later converted into a museum. This precious mansion boasts a very pretty garden and a stunning collection. Read more ›

Cines Princesa

Things To Do 6 4

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Watch the originals

Cines Princesa

6

This is one of few cinemas in Madrid that shows the original movies, as everything is normally dubbed. This gives foreigners living here - or locals that want to practice their English, a chance to go to a cinema where the originals are subtitled in Spanish. Read more ›

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Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

Things To Do 6 2

By Tomás

The Gosht Metro Station

Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

6

It was known by all the metro line 1 users that between Bilbao and Iglesia there was a gosht station. Children still loves to look by the window while they pass by. Now we all can visit it for free and have an idea about how the old metro stations looked like, the adds they had, and watch a video of how our metro worked those days. Read more ›

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Cerro del Tío Pío

Things To Do 5 1

By Tomás

One of the best views of the city

Cerro del Tío Pío

5

Better known as Parque de las 7 tetas (7 tits park) because the hills' shape, this green area is famouse because the great city views u can get from every hill. A ceramic factory and a dump where located there in the past, later restored into sports pitches (lower part) and those 7 hills. Read more ›

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Such a Buildings!

Things To Do 4 1

By Paloma

Walk&Watch Architecture

Such a Buildings!

4

You just walk around the Madrid city centre, and not so centric always, and watch around our amazing Architecture every quarter got. All different and still beautifull. Main quarters where to find interesting buildings.. nearly everywhere! doesn't matter if you pass by Retiro quarter or Argüelles one; Castellana or Gran Vía, ever is fine! Read more ›

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Yelmo Cines Ideal 3D

Things To Do 4 1

The only 3D OV cinema in Madrid

Yelmo Cines Ideal 3D

4

Fancy watching a movie but unfortunately your Spanish is not that great? Or are you allergic to dubbed films? Then Cines Ideal is the solution to your problem. They offer a wide variety of films and are the only cinema in Madrid that show original version films in 3D. Read more ›

Madrid Río Park

Things To Do 4 2

Motorway turned park

Madrid Río Park

4

This 6-kilometre long park along the Manzanares river used to be a busy motorway. It's popular with madrileños who like to rollerblade, run, cycle, walk or simply hang out with friends at its openair bars. Madrid's green lung features several impressive bridges over the river, flower beds, children's games and playgrounds. Read more ›

C.C. Príncipe Pío

Things To Do 3 1

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When the weather isn't so fine: Mall

C.C. Príncipe Pío

3

Because is inside an old Train Station, beautifull, still in use, in the centre of the city and... usefull when rainning or windy, cold, hot... Summer or Winter Weather :) We got more Malls in the city but not in the centre, nor in Historical buildings: Moda Shopping, in front of Real Madrid stadium, smaller; other, Madrid Rio 2, the newest... Read more ›

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Las Ventas Bullfighter Ring

Things To Do 3 2

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Bullfighter Ring visit museum

Las Ventas Bullfighter Ring

3

Bulls because bullfighters is in our roots from more than 100 years ago and the Madrid Ring, Las Ventas, is the most famous in the world. Still I'm just talking about the building, mozarabique style, and the museum, explaining the history, our History, and for free :) So you needn't see a corrida or a Torero, just learn about... Read more ›

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La Infinito

Cafes 3 1

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Coffee and culture

La Infinito

3

This is one of the best work-cafés in the Lavapiés neighbourhood and a great combo of coffee and theater. On ground level this place is a charming café with many cool details like wall art, "fake windows" and a small glass-floor seating area. Downstairs you'll find a small stage with frequent shows outside the main summer months, check the website. Read more ›

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Puerta de Europa

Things To Do 3 1

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A double Pisa

Puerta de Europa

3

Known as 'The Gate of Europe' the two leaning bank office towers at Plaza de Castilla, are like a double up modern version of the famous Pisa tower. Their 15 degree inclination is made on purpose though, and gave Madrid some very unique modern architecture years before the nearby Cuatro Torres were finished. Read more ›

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Museo Reina Sofía

Things To Do 3 1

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Art in the old hospital

Museo Reina Sofía

3

Standing in the shadow of the world famous Prado museum just down the street, The Queen Sofia art museum is still loved for it's 20th-century collection and temporary exhibitions. The building was originally used as a hospital, but later renewed and extended with an architectual masterpiece in itself. Read more ›

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Tour Bernabéu

Things To Do 3 4

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Get inside the football-cathedral

Tour Bernabéu

3

Real Madrid is one of the most famous football clubs in the world, and their home Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is one of the most iconic landmarks in Madrid. This 81.000 seater giant has hosted the home games of the royal club since 1947, as well as finals in the Champions League, the World Cup and the European Championship. Read more ›

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Parque de El Capricho

Things To Do 3 3

A beautiful whimsical park

Parque de El Capricho

3

As the name El Parque de El Capricho or "the park of whim" suggests, this surprising park was designed to satisfy all the bizarre needs and wants of a whimsical 17th-century duchess – that’s why on your walk through the park you’ll spot an artificial canal, a small temple, a modest palace and a beehouse amidst the beautiful flora. Read more ›

Nave de Motores Metro de Madrid

Things To Do 3 1

By Tomás

The old Metro engines

Nave de Motores Metro de Madrid

3

This museum is perfect if you want to know a little bit more about how the Metro of Madrid has worked for years. Here you can find 3 diesel engines and other pieces of machinery as transformers or alternators, useful years ago for the correct Metro operation. Read more ›

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Memories Of Madrid Tortilla Española

Things To Do 2 1

By Guillermo

Best Memory in Madrid

Memories Of Madrid Tortilla Española

2

This shop sells the Traditional Spanish Tortilla ready to take home in cans with a colourful and nice packaging. Everyone can find a Tortilla with a special year for a great memory of gift of Spain. This is a MUST in Madrid Read more ›

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Saint Joseph Church

Things To Do 2 2

By Paloma

Madrid and his churches'in beauty

Saint Joseph Church

2

We got many beautifull churches, every quarter got at least one; and if there are beauty buildings, inside may find the most of them; the most well known are Almudena Cathedral and Saint Jerónimus (in front of the Prado Museum) but there are many others really beautifull as San Francisco el Grande or San Antonio de los Alemanes and... Saint Joseph! Read more ›

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Swinton & Grant

Things To Do 2 0

By Brian

Street art heaven

Swinton & Grant

2

Set in the multicultural neighbourhood of Lavapies, this urban gallery and café combo is a hit with artsy and graphic-loving locals . Focused on street art, this two-floor hotspot contains the downstairs Swinton Gallery and the groundfloor Ciudadano Grant store, which mainly offers books on urban art and graphic design. Read more ›

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Palacio de Hielo

Things To Do 2 1

By Brian

Get cooled down

Palacio de Hielo

2

Of all Madrids palaces, this is by far the coolest - literally. Known as the Ice Palace, this entertainment-complex is a very popular destination for local families, as it's one of the only place to go iceskating indoors in Madrid. Other than the ice rink, the complex includes a cinema, a bowling alley and lots of shops and restaurants. Read more ›

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Zoo Aquarium de Madrid

Things To Do 2 0

By Brian

Into the wild

Zoo Aquarium de Madrid

2

Dating back to 1770 this Zoo has a big place in the hearts of Madrids animal lovers. It is located in the huge green area of Casa de Campo, which also holds an amusement park. In contrast to Madrids other zoo 'Faunia', this Zoo offers all the popular big animals, and is one of just four zoos in Europe to have Giant Pandas. Read more ›

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Cuatro Torres

Things To Do 2 3

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The skyline of Spain

Cuatro Torres

2

Madrids skyline changed dramatically between 2007 and 2009 as four new skyscrapers were finished, and gave the city a new and modern look. The four office towers are the tallets buildings in Spain, with Torre Bankia reaching highest at 250 meters, and each tower has its own distinctive design. Read more ›

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Lázaro Galdiano Foundation

Things To Do 2 1

By Jorge

Unexpected Art Collection

Lázaro Galdiano Foundation

2

It's Madrid's Frick Collection just in the city centre and yet a quite unknown art museum. No reason to deserve such thing, as it has plenty to offer besides it's splendid palace and cosy garden. A treasure better kept that way, far from crowds, concrete and stress. Read more ›

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Cercanías San Cristóbal de Los Ángeles

Things To Do 1 0

By Juan

free entrance

Cercanías San Cristóbal de Los Ángeles

1

It is not that locals would love it here, but maybe if they need entrance to Renfe and find themselves close by to this area, they can do it for "free", since this entrance to Renfe is always open. Meaning you can just walk in. Read more ›

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Mercado de Motores

Things To Do 1 1

By Sanja

Mercado de Motores

1

Because there is a lot of diversity, food, music and a lot of nice people to chat with. Locals like to have a drink here on a sunny Saturday or Sunday, there is a second hand market, and many different and nice bands. Read more ›

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Royal Palace kitchen

Things To Do 1 1

By Paloma

Is a new opening: a Royal Kitchen

Royal Palace kitchen

1

Its size, overall condition, the importance and interest of its accesories make the kitchen of the Madrid'Royal Palace the most notable example among surviving historic kitchens in European Royal residence. The Royal Kitchen occupied an entire side of the first basement at the new Royal Palace, built on 1740 was renewded in the 19Th Century. Read more ›

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Fundación Mapfre with Miró

Things To Do 1 1

By Paloma

Fundación Mapfre got a Miró collection

Fundación Mapfre with Miró

1

Is the place to watch full Surrealist Miró, because there is life after Picasso'Guernica :) Joan Miró began to paint when he was only 7 years old and passed by Abstract, Cubism... just profit, go to the Foundation which got a collection of 60 masterpieces to learn, to watch and enjoy! Read more ›

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Literary Quartet

Sights 1 0

By Paloma

Come and enjoy the Cervantes food

Literary Quartet

1

The area is known as Literary Quartet, as every writter from the Spanish Literary Gold Century, as Quixote author, Cervantes, pass by. Their, streets are full of interesting places where taste the authentic Spanish food, and in a relax ambiance as only residents cars are allowed. Read more ›

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Estadio Vicente Calderón

Things To Do 1 3

By Brian

Visit the house of the underdogs

Estadio Vicente Calderón

1

Atletico de Madrid doesn't reach Real Madrid on the International popularity scale, but locally the'Indians' are loved by half of the citys passionate football fans. Usually underdogs, the club has historically attracted the working class fans, who come to support their team at their home on the river banks - Estadio Vicente Calderón. Read more ›

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Teatro Rialto

Things To Do 1 0

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Watch a show on Madrids Broadway

Teatro Rialto

1

The Rialto Theatre is one of few historic theatres in Gran Vía that has survived the times of change. Originally opened as a cinema, this buidling near Plaza Callao has offered entertainment to madrileños since the 1930. Read more ›

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Faunia

Things To Do 1 0

By Brian

Madrid's alternative zoo

Faunia

1

This is one of two big animal parks in Madrid, and Faunia has a different approach and focus on specific groups of animals. Here are no lions, tigers and giraffes like in most zoos. Instead people come here to experience a wide range of birds, insects and reptiles, as well as unique areas with night-active animals or animals which are poisonous. Read more ›

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Madrid'Zoo got Panda chinese Bears!! :))

Things To Do 0 0

By Paloma

With Kids? Come to the Zoo!!

Madrid'Zoo got Panda chinese Bears!! :))

0

Is the Nature from all the world around just in Madrid city center; an oportunity to have a look really closed to the all the Wild life without danger, for the best price and feeling animals there feel fine too as got a lot of space and care Read more ›

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Sunsets

Things To Do 0 0

By Paloma

Shots the best Madrid'Sunsets

Sunsets

0

So romantic!!! just fall in Love with our views and Sunset. Turn to the West and found it! From our Egiptyan Temple of Debod to the Retiro Park; by the Círculo de Bellas Artes roof terrace... they got the best Sunset views but not the only, all Madrid city is like a movie by night. Come and find your own spots to be remmber Read more ›

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Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions

Things To Do 0 0

By Paloma

La Corrala, in Lavapies, Corridor Houses

Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions

0

A Corrala, where is emplaced now this interesting, and beautifull, museum, is the way where first Madrilian, popular people, used to live on. Responds to the typical typology of corridor houses, distribuiting its rooms around a big central yard. Read more ›

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Peacocks: Royal Turkeys for us :)

Things To Do 0 0

By Paloma

Peacocks? Royal Turkeys in Madrid

Peacocks: Royal Turkeys for us :)

0

Discover why Peacocks in Spanish are named Royal Turkeys: because they are only in Royal Gardens: The Royal Palace back, from the Augsbourg period; and the Retiro Park ones, private Royal Garden during the Borbons, French monarchy origins. Why don't have a look at the gardens back after visit the Royal Palace? do it! may find our shy Royal Turkeys Read more ›

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Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Rastro de Madrid

Parque del Retiro

Linking Parks Urban Hike in...

Street Art Tour of Madrid

One Day with a Local Guide ...

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Salvador Bachiller Jardin S...

Parque del Retiro

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Mercado San Anton

Matadero Madrid

Salvador Bachiller Jardin S...

Rastro de Madrid

Mercado de San Miguel

Things To Do in Madrid

Browse popular tours and discover 49 tips recommended by our locals

Madrid from above

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Breathe with the lungs of Madrid

Parque del Retiro

Madrid biggest (and oldest) flea market

Rastro de Madrid

Transparent beauty

Palacio de Cristal

Welcome to the jungle

Atocha trainstation

Contemporary Art Center

Matadero Madrid

Get your best shot

Edificio Metrópolis

Street Art Tour of Madrid

One Day with a Local Guide in Madrid

Pub Crawl Madrid

The best Sunday morning shopping

Rastro Flee Market

Walk among art

Parque Juan Carlos I

The Gosht Metro Station

Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

Watch the originals

Cines Princesa

Linking Parks Urban Hike in Madrid

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Parque del Retiro

Rastro de Madrid

One Day with a Local Guide in Madrid

Palacio de Cristal

Atocha trainstation

Edificio Metrópolis

Gourmet Experience Gran Via

Alternative bike tour: the best of street art in Madrid

Matadero Madrid

Templo de Debod

Palacio de Cibeles

Become an influencer!

Rastro Flee Market

Pub Crawl Madrid

Caixa Forum

Prado Pinacoteque

Parque Juan Carlos I

Gran Vía

Street Art Tour of Madrid

Museo Sorolla

Cines Princesa

Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

Cerro del Tío Pío

Private Tapas and Flamenco in Madrid

Such a Buildings!

Yelmo Cines Ideal 3D

Madrid Río Park

C.C. Príncipe Pío

Sierra de Guadarrama National Park Guided Hike

Las Ventas Bullfighter Ring

La Infinito

Puerta de Europa

Museo Reina Sofía

Tapas and Flamenco Madrid

Tour Bernabéu

Parque de El Capricho