20 TOP Things To Do in Madrid 2020 – Explore like a local

Parque del Retiro

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By Brian

Breathe with the lungs of Madrid

Parque del Retiro

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This is a must when you visit Madrid. Whether it's to soak up the sun, to take in the colours of the fall, to feel the melancholy of winter or the joy of spring. At the northern end of the park you can't miss the huge boating lake, where you can enjoy the monument to King Alfonso XII from the water. The Crystal Palace nearby is also worth visiting.

by Brian

Atocha trainstation

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By Brian

Welcome to the jungle

Atocha trainstation

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The Atocha building is beautiful seen from the outside, but the real wonder hides inside. A minor rainforest, with full-size palmtrees stretching their leafs towards the roof covering the giant hall. A spectacular contrast to all the iron and the marketstalls underneath. You will also find a small pond crowded with hundreds of turtles.

by Brian

Palacio de Cibeles

Things To Do 11 3

By Brian

An Icon of Madrid

Palacio de Cibeles

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It's free to enter and the building is definitely worth visiting for it's interior alone. Other than the townhall, this magnificent palace also hosts the cultural hub CentroCentro, which offers galleries and events. Spend two euros and get and amazing view from the tower, and finish your visit off with a drink at the lounge-style rooftop terrace.

by Brian

Matadero Madrid

Things To Do 11 4

By Jorge

Contemporary Art Center

Matadero Madrid

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Great concerts and festivals, open air spaces and trendy bars, astonishing theatre plays, amazing exhibitions, excellent cinema programs, vibrant design and music centers...all this and more in a huge space that gathers a dozen buildings serving as a good example of Madrid's new architecture dealing with recycled and pre-existing elements.

by Jorge

Edificio Metrópolis

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By Brian

Get your best shot

Edificio Metrópolis

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You can't miss this beautiful Beaux-Arts style building, which stands on the corner between Calle de Alcalá and Gran Vía. It's a great challenge for photographers to find the right angle and the right light, as the building is an amazing sight both day and night. Besides the Metropolis Building, the area surrounding it is full of great shots.

by Brian

Palacio de Cristal

Things To Do 13 2

By Brian

Transparent beauty

Palacio de Cristal

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The palace originally contained tropical plants from the Philippines, but is now used for exhibitions hosted by the popular art-museum Reina Sofia. Therefore you will happen to find abstract art under the beautiful dome, which is free to visit. Outside and around you can find buskers playing background music for this idyllic setting.

by Brian

Templo de Debod

Things To Do 11 5

By Brian

Chill out at the temple

Templo de Debod

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This is a good place to find peace between exploring the busy streets and Plaza de España nearby. This original temple was a gift from the Egyptian state in 1968, after Spain helped Egypt preserve and save other temples along the Nile. From here you have a beautiful view to the Royal Palace, and it's one of the best places to watch the sunset.

by Brian

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

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By Brian

Madrid from above

Azotea Círculo de Bellas Artes

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The view from here is a can't miss when visiting Madrid. Enjoy refreshments from the rooftop bar, and chill out in the big lounge style couches. You will find good space to move around, which makes it easier to find a perfect shot of the capital's skyline - with architectural highlights like Palacio de Cibeles and the Metropolis building.

by Brian

Rastro de Madrid

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By Jorge

Madrid biggest (and oldest) flea market

Rastro de Madrid

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This authentic open air market comes to live every Sunday in the most popular and picturesque area of the old town, which is a must-see in it's own right, but undoubtedly better on sunny, crowded Sundays! You will find all types of products, varying for old furniture (vintage-seekers will love) to clothes, food and unimaginable stuff!

by Jorge

Gourmet Experience Gran Via

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By Brian

Eat, shop and be amazed

Gourmet Experience Gran Via

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Located on the top floor of the shopping-giant El Corte Inglés, this place is sure to surprise you the first time you arrive. While the shelves are packed with boxes, tins and glasses of heavenly treats, the restaurant area offers everything from tapas, to pizza, seafood and icecream. Take your pick and take in the view of Gran Via and Callao.

by Brian

Gran Vía

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By Brian

The Spanish Broadway

Gran Vía

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To walk Gran Vía is like a free tour of spectacular architecture, where many buildings are inspired by the old New York. From beautifully decorated hotels to business headquarters and shining brand stores. Here you can experience a big-city feeling found few places in Europe, and havde hours of free entertainment.

by Brian

Museo Sorolla

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A hidden gem

Museo Sorolla

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Apart from being an oasis of peace and quiet in the bustling city, it is very intimate place. If you don't feel like walking around in a museum for hours on end but want to get to know Spanish art, then this is your destination. You can visit this small museum in an hour.

Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

Things To Do 8 3

By Tomás

The Gosht Metro Station

Andén 0. Antigua Estación de Chamberí

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It was part of the first Madrilenian subway line, opened in 1919. It had to be closed at the beginning of the 60's, because the Metro Company decide to add more wagons to their trains and it was impossible to enlarge this station. Has been closed until 2008, that has been re-opened as a museum.

by Tomás

Cines Princesa

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By Brian

Watch the originals

Cines Princesa

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Cines Princesa is a part of Cines Renoir, that offers movies in both the original languages and Spanish. More than just the classic blockusters, the main focus is on cultural movies from different countries. A good experience whether you want to find movies in English or practice your Spanish.

by Brian

Prado Pinacoteque

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By Paloma

Don't know yet Las Meninas?

Prado Pinacoteque

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Because remember us the glorious Spain period. El Prado is between the three more important museums in the world; got 3000 pictures, just 300 are 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!

by Paloma