Top 39 Things To Do in Madrid 2017 - Best Activities in Madrid

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Madrid from above

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

24

'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

Things To Do 12 3

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Breathe with the lungs of Madrid

Parque del Retiro

12

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 10 0

By Jorge

Madrid biggest (and oldest) flea market

Rastro de Madrid

10

"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 9 0

By Brian

Transparent beauty

Palacio de Cristal

9

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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Palacio de Cibeles

Things To Do 8 2

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An Icon of Madrid

Palacio de Cibeles

8

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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Gourmet Experience Gran Via

Things To Do 8 4

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Eat, shop and be amazed

Gourmet Experience Gran Via

8

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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Atocha trainstation

Things To Do 8 1

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Welcome to the jungle

Atocha trainstation

8

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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Gau&Café

Things To Do 6 3

By Jorge

Pleasant rooftop cafe in Lavapiés

Gau&Café

6

This cool cafe is certainly a must-do visit for any alternative guide of Madrid thanks to its cosmopolitan public and interesting menu. It's located in a fascinating -and growingly trendy- neighborhood, Lavapiés, probably the most cross-cultural area in the heart of Madrid. Read more ›

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Matadero Madrid

Things To Do 6 2

By Jorge

Contemporary Art Center

Matadero Madrid

6

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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Rastro Flee Market

Things To Do 5 1

By Paloma

The best Sunday morning shopping

Rastro Flee Market

5

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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Parque Juan Carlos I

Things To Do 5 2

By Brian

Walk among art

Parque Juan Carlos I

5

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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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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Caixa Forum

Things To Do 5 1

By Ellie

Architectural feat

Caixa Forum

5

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 ›

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Prado Pinacoteque

Things To Do 4 0

By Paloma

Don't know yet Las Meninas?

Prado Pinacoteque

4

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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Edificio Metrópolis

Things To Do 4 2

By Brian

Get your best shot

Edificio Metrópolis

4

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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Templo de Debod

Things To Do 4 1

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Chill out at the temple

Templo de Debod

4

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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Yelmo Cines Ideal 3D

Things To Do 4 1

By Ellie

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 ›

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La Infinito

Things To Do 3 1

By Brian

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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Cines Princesa

Things To Do 3 3

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Watch the originals

Cines Princesa

3

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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Gran Vía

Things To Do 3 2

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The Spanish Broadway

Gran Vía

3

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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Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

Things To Do 3 1

By Tomás

The Gosht Metro Station

Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

3

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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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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Las Ventas Bullfighter Ring

Things To Do 2 0

By Paloma

Bullfighter Ring visit museum

Las Ventas Bullfighter Ring

2

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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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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Museo Reina Sofía

Things To Do 2 1

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Art in the old hospital

Museo Reina Sofía

2

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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Cuatro Torres

Things To Do 2 2

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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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Madrid Río Park

Things To Do 2 0

By Ellie

Motorway turned park

Madrid Río Park

2

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 ›

by Ellie

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Museo Sorolla

Things To Do 2 1

By Ellie

A hidden gem

Museo Sorolla

2

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 ›

by Ellie

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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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Buildings&More Buildings!

Things To Do 1 1

By Paloma

Walk&Watch Architecture

Buildings&More Buildings!

1

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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Literary Quartet

Things To Do 1 0

By Paloma

Come and enjoy the Cervantes food

Literary Quartet

1

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

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Estadio Vicente Calderón

Things To Do 1 1

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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Palacio de Hielo

Things To Do 1 0

By Brian

Get cooled down

Palacio de Hielo

1

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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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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Parque de El Capricho

Things To Do 1 1

By Ellie

A beautiful whimsical park

Parque de El Capricho

1

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 ›

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Teatro Rialto

Things To Do 0 0

By Brian

Watch a show on Madrids Broadway

Teatro Rialto

0

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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Zoo Aquarium de Madrid

Things To Do 0 0

By Brian

Into the wild

Zoo Aquarium de Madrid

0

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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Tour Bernabéu

Things To Do 0 0

By Brian

Get inside the football-cathedral

Tour Bernabéu

0

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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Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Parque del Retiro

Rastro de Madrid

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

Gourmet Experience Gran Via

Salvador Bachiller Jardin S...

Rastro de Madrid

Mercado de San Miguel

Things To Do in Madrid

39 tips by 5 locals

28 Sights

19 Museums

16 Tours & Activities

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

Mysteries in a Tapas Madrid Tour

Tapas and Flamenco Madrid

Tapas and Flamenco in Madrid

Paella Classes & Fun

Welcome to the jungle

Atocha trainstation

Contemporary Art Center

Matadero Madrid

The best Sunday morning shopping

Rastro Flee Market

Walk among art

Parque Juan Carlos I

Jesús

€1/h

Marta

€12/h

Erin

€18/h

jonathan

€201/h

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

Parque del Retiro

Rastro de Madrid

Linking Parks Urban Hike in Madrid

Palacio de Cristal

Palacio de Cibeles

Gourmet Experience Gran Via

Atocha trainstation

One Day with a Local Guide in Madrid

Gau&Café

Matadero Madrid

Rastro Flee Market

Become an influencer!

Parque Juan Carlos I

Pub Crawl Madrid

Cerro del Tío Pío

Caixa Forum

Prado Pinacoteque

Edificio Metrópolis

Street Art Tour of Madrid

Templo de Debod

Yelmo Cines Ideal 3D

La Infinito

Puerta de Europa

Tapas and Flamenco Madrid

Cines Princesa

Gran Vía

Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

Nave de Motores Metro de Madrid

Cold War Bunker - Live Escape Game Evolution

Las Ventas Bullfighter Ring

Swinton & Grant