Explore our top picks when celebrating in Madrid!

Check out our guide to make sure you have an unforgettable birthday experience while in Madrid! Feliz cumpleaños!

Things to do in Madrid for a birthday

If you&#39;re heading to Madrid this year for a birthday, then check out our picks of the best birthday things to do in the city. From Segway tours to murder mysteries, we&#39;ve got something for everyone. So have a browse and find the perfect birthday experiences for you and yours!

Including:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Segway Tapas Tour</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Murder Mystery by the Palace</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">CityPlay Arcade</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Rompe Madrid</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">and more!</li>
</ul>

Segways are funny old things, aren&#39;t they? Some day, someone just thought, &quot;Why can&#39;t I ride a weird electric bike standing up?&quot; and the Segway was born. Truly a moment for the ages, logged in the annals of history as one of the key turning points in humanity&#39;s enlightenment. So, why not hop on the enlightenment train and make it a birthday to remember on this <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/madrid-sightseeing-segway-tour" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Segway Tapas Tour</a> of the city?

With a guide in tow, you&#39;ll steer and swerve around the city, seeing all the biggest sights, such as the atmospheric Almudena Cathedral and the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/royal-palace-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Royal Palace</a>. Then, when your body&#39;s fuel deposits are running low, you&#39;ll head to the Plaza de &Oacute;pera, where you&#39;ll have a whole tapas table to try out. Pair all that with a glass of Spanish wine or a refreshing soft drink, and you have yourself one of the best things to do in Madrid for a birthday that&#39;s perfect for groups and families alike.

Segway Tapas Tour

Don&#39;t worry, sweet tooths; we&#39;ve got you covered too. If tapas isn&#39;t to your liking, or you just want a day in sugar paradise, you can <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/madrid-bike-tour-churros-chocolate" target="_blank">take a bike tour that ends instead with sweet aplomb</a>.

See the sights with your guide, learn all about Madrid&#39;s most recognizable landmarks, then hit Plaza de &Oacute;pera and chow down on churros. For the three of you who don&#39;t know what churros are, they&#39;re Spain&#39;s answer to the humble donut&mdash;deep-fried bread, topped with mountains of sugar and served with a hot chocolate dipping sauce.

They&#39;re as delicious as they are decadent, and if you&#39;ve never tried them before, there&#39;s no time like the present!

&nbsp;

Chocolate and Churros Tour

But enough about Segways and bikes! There&#39;s more to Madrid than these two-wheeled wonders. There&#39;s also been a murder! You heard us right, a murder. And there&#39;s only one person who can solve the case and catch the murderer; you. Or you and some friends, whatever works.

On this <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/murder-royal-palace" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Murder Mystery by the Palace</a>&nbsp;experience, you&#39;ll have to solve puzzles, chase clues, and roam the city to finally catch the killer. While the murder itself is fictional, the case is based on a mash-up of real-life murders that have taken place throughout the years. Not only is it one of the best things to do in Madrid for a birthday, but it&#39;s also a great way to see the city if you&#39;re only staying for a day or two.

So if you&#39;re up for the challenge, head to the meet-up point, take your case file and prepare to use your wits to solve the case before every other team. Oh, that&#39;s right, it&#39;s competitive.

Murder Mystery by the Palace

When you were a kid, did you long for days when your parents would take you to the local arcade? Remember walking through those hallowed doors and seeing video games that stretched on endlessly, outfitted with the most cutting-edge graphics and moving parts that made you feel like you were in the game? Simpler times, right? Nowadays, we have those same cutting-edge systems beneath our giant televisions. But nothing quite beats that arcade experience.

Well, how about an arcade that includes minigolf, bowling, billiards, bumper cars, and a freaking bar? Welcome to your new love, CityPlay Arcade. It&#39;s Madrid&#39;s premier entertainment house, and it&#39;s one of the best things to do in the city for a birthday.

So grab a group of buddies or the fam, and go relive the glory days.

&nbsp;

 CityPlay Arcade

There&#39;s a primal joy to breaking stuff. Sure, throwing a controller at the frustration of defeat in an online game can be an expensive loss, but it releases something within us. Our chimp brains certainly love it, even if our bank accounts suffer. But what if we told you there was a better way, a way you could break stuff without suffering the mental and financial shame of your rage?

Welcome to Rompe Madrid. Priding itself as Madrid&#39;s first rage room, it gives punters a room full of things, a number of weapons to choose from, and then lets you loose. Smash, crash, and bash your way through stereos, TVs, bottles, and more. Break as much as you can for the allotted time, all while kitted out in safety gear that&#39;ll ensure you don&#39;t hurt yourself, and then leave feeling a sense of pride, achievement, and peace.

It&#39;s certainly one of the most unique things to do in Madrid for a birthday, but sometimes, it&#39;s good to get a little weird.

Rompe Madrid

And finally, we&#39;ll end our exploration of the best things to do in Madrid for a birthday with a spot of time travel. Rolling Dance &amp; Burger transports you back to the neon-soaked weirdness of the 1980s, when roller skating and burgers were all that mattered.

Boasting one of the biggest skating rinks in Europe, you&#39;ll have nearly 10,000 square feet to play around in. Newbies can take a starter course to level up their skills quickly, and everyone else can hit the rink and skate their hearts out from the get-go. Thumping 80s tracks fill the air, and outlandish costumes are more than welcome - as long as they don&#39;t impede all the skating.

Then, when you&#39;re all tuckered out, hit the adjacent burger joint for some pure, unadulterated meaty goodness. Wash it all down with a drink, and you&#39;ve got yourselves a party.

Rolling Dance & Burger

Heading to Madrid this year for a birthday? Check out our picks of the best things to do in the city to make it one to remember!

Things to do in Madrid for a birthday | Go City®

Check out our list of Madrid activities for the teens!

Here are our suggestions to ensure your teen gets involved and joins in on the fun while abroad in Madrid! 

Things to do in Madrid for teens

Parents take heed. We know that engaging a teenager can be difficult at the best of times, let alone on vacation. So if you&#39;re visiting Madrid this year and fear your spotty sort will be bored and restless, you needn&#39;t worry. Below, we&#39;ve collated the best things to do in Madrid for teens, ensuring they have a great time sans any tantrums. You&#39;re very welcome.

Including:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Chocolate and Churro Segway Tour</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Santiago Bernabeu Tour</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Murder Mystery</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">CityPlay Arcade</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">and more!</li>
</ul>

Do you know what teens like more than chocolate? Technology. They can&#39;t get enough of their little gizmos, can they? Whether it&#39;s the newest phone to record their unwatched Tik Toks, or the latest console to play video games with their friends, teens stick to tech like flies to...well, you get the idea. So, why not blow their minds, bodies, and mouths by taking them on a Segway and churros tour of Madrid?

Accompanied by a guide well-versed in the city&#39;s history, you&#39;ll glide by some of the city&#39;s most recognizable locations and landmarks, such as Almudena Cathedral and the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/royal-palace-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Royal Palace</a>. Then, when you&#39;ve seen the sights, you&#39;ll park up at Plaza de &Oacute;pera and tuck into a feast of deep-fried goodness. If you&#39;ve never had churros before, they&#39;re basically donuts but slightly classier - picture deep-fried bread covered in sugar and then dipped in piping-hot chocolate sauce.

If you&#39;re looking for things to do in Madrid for teens, look no further than this fun and tasty way to see the city.

&nbsp;

Chocolate and Churros Segway Tour

This one&#39;s for fans of soccer only, as we can&#39;t imagine teens would have much fun wandering the halls of any sport they didn&#39;t like. But, with that in mind, if you&#39;re teens are into FIFA or actually just watching/playing soccer, they&#39;ll have heard of Real Madrid. They&#39;re the most famous soccer team on the planet, and their home, the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/bernabeu-guided-tour" target="_blank">Bernabeu</a>, is nestled in the heart of Spain&#39;s capital. So take them on a tour of the place, you old dog!

You&#39;ll see the pitch from up on high, explore the museum where the club&#39;s magnificent haul of trophies is kept, and learn more about the players that have called the club home.

Hala Madrid, indeed.

&nbsp;

Tour the Bernabeu

Another way to see the city on two wheels is via electric bike. So, if you don&#39;t fancy learning how to use a Segway or have no interest in introducing your teenager to the wonderfully addictive sugar rush of churros, why not take them on a wholesome, healthy <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/madrid-electric-bike-tour-0" target="_blank">e-bike tour of the city at night</a>?

Hitting similar landmarks to the aforementioned Segway tour, your e-bike escape will take you through Almudena Cathedral, where uplit bell towers cast long, dramatic shadows, and on to the grand Royal Palace. Cruise past statues of gothic kings in the Plaza de Oriente and onward to Plaza de &Oacute;pera outside the Royal Theatre. Plenty of places, plenty of faces, and a whole load of calorie-burning fun for your sedentary child! Everyone&#39;s a winner.

With the wind in your hair and the sights around you, you&#39;ll know you&#39;ve chosen one of the best things to do in Madrid for teens!

&nbsp;

Electric bike tour of Madrid by night

Does your teen enjoy murder mysteries? If they&#39;re often glued to the latest Netflix docu-series about some grisly goings-on, why not let them play detective and <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/murder-royal-palace" target="_blank">solve a murder all around Madrid</a>?

They&#39;ll solve puzzles, chase clues, and roam the city to find the culprit and bring them to justice. Based on a mash-up of real-life murders that have taken place throughout the years, your journey will not only have their brain fired up, but it will also take you past many of the most recognizable places in the city. Perfect for an Insta story or two, as long as they don&#39;t get in the way of the case!

And, like an interesting episode of Family Feud, your fam will be up against other teams to see who solves it first. So, no pressure, then.

&nbsp;

Kids love video games, but even teens may have arrived too late to know the joys of an arcade. Nowadays, they&#39;re spoilt for choice, with powerful consoles and other devices providing high-end gaming experiences from the comfort of their bedrooms. But back in our day, nothing beat walking into an arcade and being mesmerized by the lights and sounds of the latest, greatest video games. So why not show them what they missed out on at CityPlay Arcade?

Even if they&#39;re not wowed by the games on offer, they&#39;re sure to get a kick out of minigolf, bowling, billiards, and bumper cars available inside. And, while they&#39;re off doing their thing, you can hit the bar and drown your sorrows. Delightful!

&nbsp;

CityPlay Arcade

We&#39;ll end today&#39;s exploration of the best things to do in Madrid for teens with some white-knuckle excitement. But while many theme parks fly their flags high and loud, <a href="https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/parque-de-atracciones" style="text-decoration:none">Parque de Atracciones</a> is a bit shy. Nestled in the middle of <a href="https://www.esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/casa-de-campo" style="text-decoration:none">Casa de Campo</a>, it&#39;s one of the most up-to-date theme parks in the whole of Europe. So why not visit it with teen in tow, and let them have fun?

Featuring 32 rides, bars, restaurants, and tons more, there&#39;s plenty to see and do at Parque de Atracciones. The park is split into four zones, each with its own themes and age ranges. So, while your teen might not enjoy Nickelodeon Land, they&#39;ll certainly get a kick out of the Walking Dead ride! There&#39;s even a giant, state-of-the-art theater, if your not-so-little one needs to sit in front of a screen for a bit.

With so many rides and experiences on offer, a visit to Parque de Atracciones will impress even the most morose teenager on the planet.

&nbsp;

Parque de Atracciones

And those were our picks of the best things to do in Madrid for teens! If you&#39;re looking for more grown-up stuff to see and do in the city, don&#39;t worry; Go City&#39;s got you covered! With our <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive" style="text-decoration:none">All-Inclusive Pass</a> or <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/passes" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Explorer Pass</a>, you can see all of Madrid&#39;s best bits for one low price! So pick up a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid" target="_blank">Madrid attraction pass</a> and see it all!

Taking your teens to Madrid this year? Check out our picks of the best things to do in the city for them and make sure they're happy little campers!

Things to do in Madrid for teens | Go City®

5 days’ worth of Spanish fun, inspired by us!

Discover the wonders Madrid has to offer in less than a week with our suggested hot spots!

5 Days in Madrid

You&rsquo;ve booked a 5-day trip to Madrid? No, we&rsquo;re not jealous at all! Five days of tapas, sangria, sunshine and, well, generally living la buena vida? Nah, totally not our bag. Seriously though, if you really want to get under the skin of the Spanish capital (and its surroundings), five days of laidback sightseeing beats a whirlwind weekend getaway hands down, allowing you stacks of time to take in all the main attractions &ndash; and then some. Crucially, it also means plenty of downtime, best spent (in our humble opinion) people-watching from plaza caf&eacute;s through facefuls of churros con chocolate, or cruising the gelateries in search of that perfect nougat ice cream. Dive in below for our guide to how to spend a relaxing 5 days in Madrid...

There are a few great art museums in Madrid (more of which later), but aficionados of the Spanish masters should make a beeline to the legendary Prado, where a great bronze statue of local hero Diego Vel&aacute;zquez dominates the entrance. It&rsquo;s a fine way to spend your first morning in town, and an opportunity to immerse in all that is great about European art from the 12th to the 20th centuries. We&rsquo;re talking Titian, Rubens, Goya, Vel&aacute;zquez, van Dyck, Raphael, E Greco, and dozens more. There are hundreds of sculptures and paintings to explore, including Raphael&rsquo;s La Perla, Bosch&rsquo;s mind-boggling Garden of Earthly Delights and Vel&aacute;zquez&rsquo;s illusory Las Meninas. <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/prado-museum-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none">Book a guided tour</a> to catch the main highlights and avoid getting lost in the museum&rsquo;s cavernous corridors.

Feeling suitably cultured, grab a picnic of antipasti from the market and find a picturesque spot in the huge Retiro Park to tuck into your feast of cured meats, Spanish cheeses and still-warm bread. Across the lake from the stunning Crystal Palace, for example. By the kitschy Fisherman&rsquo;s House. Or, frankly, on just about any patch of grass you can find &ndash; the views are pretty great wherever you pick for your picnic. Walk off your lavish lunch with a stroll (<a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/retiro-park-bike-tour" style="text-decoration:none">or bike tour</a>) that takes in the rose gardens, the epic Monument to Alfonso XII and the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, said to be the only public monument that&#39;s dedicated to the devil.

Day 1: Prado Museum and Retiro Park

Puerta del Sol is considered the heart of Madrid and is as good a place as any to kick off a walking tour of the city&rsquo;s best bucket-list attractions. Soak up the atmosphere of this vast, bustling square before taking a stroll through the barrio de los Austrias to Plaza Mayor, where elegant arches conceal cute caf&eacute;s &ndash; perfect for people-watching over churros and caf&eacute; con leche. Canter over to the monumental statue of King Philip III on his horse, and grab a selfie in front of the mythological murals that adorn the Casa de la Panader&iacute;a&rsquo;s baroque facade.

There&rsquo;s eye candy galore for keen photographers here, with narrow streets that teem with elegant European architecture from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Take your time to meander towards the somewhat more modern (but no less striking) Almudena Cathedral. This baroque confection of soaring bell towers and dreamy domes dates from the late 19th Century and contains the mortal remains of several Spanish royals and other dignitaries. Head just next door to Madrid&rsquo;s Royal Palace, where exquisite interiors promise an opulent throne room, epic staircases and paintings by the likes of Giaquinto, Vel&aacute;zquez and Caravaggio. <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/royal-palace-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none">Take the guided tour</a> before heading out to the tranquil Sabatini Gardens for a spot of quiet contemplation, accompanied by sterling palace views.

Day 2: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Palace

If fairytale cobbled streets and swoonsome stone bridges aren&rsquo;t enough to tempt you to Toledo then, trust us, you should go for the marzipan. The city&rsquo;s signature sweet comes in all shapes and sizes and makes for the perfect energy snack before tackling the notoriously hilly medieval streets. But what rewards await within! Think centuries-old churches and synagogues, Roman baths, ancient crypts, a 13th-century gothic cathedral and, at the very top of the town, a formidable fortress. <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/self-guided-toledo-tour" style="text-decoration:none">And all this just 35 minutes from Madrid!</a>

Snaffle some more bagfuls of those delectable marzipan shapes for the return journey to Madrid, where a stroll through La Latina will set you up nicely for late-night tapas. La Latina&rsquo;s lively maze of photogenic streets and colorful plazas are great for getting lost in, especially at sundown when locals head out for their evening perambulations and the restaurants are abuzz until long after dark. Be sure to find your way back to Calle de la Cava Baja&rsquo;s tapas joints for what is generally considered Madrid&rsquo;s best small plates, all cured meats, moreish meatballs, garlicky grilled prawns and spicy patatas bravas. Delicioso!

Day 3: Toledo and Tapas

So you&rsquo;ve been to the Prado and taken in the frescoes inside the Royal Palace. Why not tick off the Reina Sofia while you&rsquo;re at it? No slouch even when compared to the mighty Prado, <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/reina-sofia-museum-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none">this excellent museum</a> showcases the very best of modern Spanish and international art. We&rsquo;re talking Dal&iacute;, Mir&oacute;, Bacon, Beuys, Magritte, Moore, Rothko, Sherman and more. The museum&rsquo;s crowning glory &ndash; its very own Mona Lisa, if you will (and worth the entry price alone) &ndash; is Picasso&rsquo;s 1937 masterpiece Guernica, perhaps the most celebrated anti-war statement ever committed to canvas. It&rsquo;s also the star of the museum shop, where Guernica-adorned notebooks, mugs, coasters, magnets, prints and more make for superior alternatives to the ubiquitous flamenco figures and tacky toreador souvenirs in the tourist-trap stores.

You&rsquo;ll also find interesting and unique gifts for your loved ones (and for yourself) in Madrid&rsquo;s vibrant markets, where the purchase of great lumps of cured meat and liters of velvety olive oils to take home is virtually a rite of passage. Hit up Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de la Cebada near Plaza Mayor for some of the best local produce in town.

&nbsp;

Day 4: Retail Therapy and More Art!

And now for something a little less hectic... Casa de Campo is Madrid&rsquo;s largest green space, a humongous tract of parkland that&rsquo;s around five times the size of Central Park. Big enough, in other words to while away a few relaxing hours exploring its dense oak forests, picnicking beneath the pines and spotting deer along the well-marked hiking trails. Within these former royal hunting grounds is where you&rsquo;ll also find Madrid Zoo and a huge amusement park with dozens of rides, just in case you fancy upping the octane-rating on a high-speed rollercoaster, or having your pants scared off the frankly terrifying zombie apocalypse that is The Walking Dead Experience, based on the popular TV series.

Shake off the heebie-jeebies with a wander up to Oeste Park to experience the dreamlike wonder of the Temple of Debod at sundown. This ancient Egyptian shrine is a calming collection of splendid stone arches set over reflective pools, gifted to Spain and installed somewhat incongruously in Madrid several decades ago. Soul and spirit soothed and restored, head back down the hill and into town to <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/flamenco-show-torres-bermejas" style="text-decoration:none">catch a classic Spanish flamenco show</a>. One of the country&rsquo;s most thrilling traditions, it&rsquo;s bound to leave a lasting memory of your 5 days in Madrid.

Day 5: Casa de Campo and the Temple of Debod

<h3>Save on things to do in Madrid</h3>

Save on admission to Madrid attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" style="text-decoration:none">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" style="text-decoration:none">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid" target="_blank">Madrid pass</a> and see it all!

Our guide to spending five laidback days in Madrid, taking in the top art museums, the Royal Palace, the best parks and tapas, and even a day trip to medieval Toledo!

5 days in Madrid | Go City®

On a hunt for Spanish goodies? We got you covered!

If you’re keen on shopping for souvenirs, trinkets or yummy produce, then check out our favourite markets in Madrid! 

The Best Markets in Madrid

You&rsquo;ll find some of Spain&rsquo;s best markets in Madrid. Called &lsquo;Mercados de Abastos&rsquo; (literally meaning &#39;warehouse markets&#39;), these markets are usually located near train stations, bus terminals, or other public transportation hubs.

With markets scattered across the city, some small and quirky, others huge and touristy, it&rsquo;s more than a shopping experience. Exploring these markets is a window into Madrile&ntilde;os and Spanish culture.

They sell fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, flowers, clothing, souvenirs, household items, and much more.

Regardless of size and produce, each offer something unique and interesting.

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">El Rastro</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Mercado de la Paz</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">San Miguel</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">San Anton</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">San Ildefonso</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Platea Madrid</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Mercado de Motores</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">San Fernando</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Vallehermoso</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Maravillas</li>
</ul>

<h3>El Rastro</h3>

El Rastro is the largest, oldest, and most popular street market in Madrid. Located along Plaza de Cascorro, this outdoor market opens every Sunday and on public holidays, selling everything from clothes and food to artisanal goods, collectibles, and souvenirs.

It&rsquo;s worth spending a full morning exploring not just the main street, but the side streets too. With over 1000 sellers, you&rsquo;re bound to find something of interest.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Sundays and Public Holidays - 9:00AM to 3:00PM

<h4>Nearest transport:</h4>

Line 5 - La Latina or Puerta de Toledo stations

&nbsp;

<h3>Mercado de la Paz</h3>

Situated close to Plaza Mayor, Mercado de la Paz is known for its fresh produce. They sell fruits and vegetables straight off the truck.

Locals come from all over the city to stock up on the fresh produce from Mercado de la Paz. All good travelers know that if the locals go, it must be good, so don&rsquo;t miss out.

Combining a modern design with a traditional iron structure, it bridges the old and new. You&rsquo;ll find free Wi-Fi throughout and can even shop for the goods online if you don&rsquo;t fancy carrying it all home.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 2:30PM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 4 - Serrano

&nbsp;

<h3>Save on Admission to Top Madrid Attractions</h3>

Explore the best things to do with a pass for <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" style="text-decoration:none">Madrid</a> by Go City&reg;. Select from top attractions with our <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive" style="text-decoration:none">All-Inclusive</a> and <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/explorer" style="text-decoration:none">Explorer</a> passes, where you&rsquo;ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid" target="_blank">Madrid pass</a> and see it all!

<h3>Share Your Adventure with Us</h3>

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we&rsquo;ll feature you on our page. Follow the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/?hl=en" style="text-decoration:none">Go City Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityOfficial" style="text-decoration:none">Facebook</a> channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most of your travels.

<h3>Mercado de San Anton</h3>

This market is right in the city center. It&rsquo;s smaller than the others, but it offers a wide variety of things to buy.

Located in the neighborhood of Chueca, Mercado de San Anton is similar to Mercado San Miguel, but with fewer visitors.

While this may seem like a negative, it&rsquo;s not! It has all the benefits - fine dining, fresh local produce, and a rich cultural experience, all without having to fight your way through the endless crowds of tourists.

Featuring 3 floors, the ground floor covers the general market, the middle houses fast food and tapas, while the top floor is where you&rsquo;ll find the 11 Nudos Terraza Nord&eacute;s restaurant.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Monday - Saturday 10:00AM - 10:00PM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 5 - Chueca

&nbsp;

<h3>Mercado de San Miguel</h3>

Located just behind the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel is one of the world&rsquo;s main gastronomic markets.

Originally opened in 1916, it relaunched in 2018, backed by several internationally renowned chefs. Welcoming over 10 million visitors a year, you can sample the finest products from all over the country.

With stalls run by Michelin-star and award-winning chefs, you can feast on some of the most delicious foods in all the land.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Sunday - Thursday: 10AM - Midnight

Friday, Saturday: 10AM - 1AM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 2, 5, R - Opera

Line 1, 2, 3 - Sol

&nbsp;

<h3>Mercado de San Ildefonso</h3>

You can find this market at Calle de Fuencarral. It&rsquo;s not really a traditional Spanish market, but it&rsquo;s interesting and worth exploring.

Less a traditional food market and more a place to meet up, socialize, and share a meal with friends, Mercado Ildefonso houses 20 unique gourmet food stalls.

It&rsquo;s also home to exhibitions, fashion shows, and commercial launches. It has history, being the first covered food market in Madrid, but nowadays it&rsquo;s a more modern, internationally inspired culinary scene.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Monday, Wednesday - Friday: 6PM - 10PM

Saturday - Sunday: 1PM - 11PM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 1, 5 - Gran V&iacute;a

&nbsp;

<h3>Platea Madrid</h3>

If you&rsquo;re looking for a unique dining experience, Platea Madrid is for you. Spanning 5800 square meters, this food hall is located inside a former theater, complete with royal boxes, orchestra pit, and stage.

Divided into multiple distinct areas, you can enjoy gourmet tapas, relax at one of the cocktail bars, catch a show, or dance the night away in the night in the nightclub.

Platea Madrid is far from a traditional market, yet should definitely be on your itinerary when visiting the Spanish capital.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Friday - Saturday: Noon - 2:30AM

Sundays: Noon - 1AM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 4 - Col&oacute;n

&nbsp;

<h3>Mercado de Motores</h3>

Mercado de Motores provides another unique shopping experience, this time within a railway museum, surrounded by locomotives and electric trains.

It&rsquo;s not just a quirky backdrop. Boasting gourmet food stalls, fashion, unique collectibles, and local crafts, you can find some truly unique holiday gifts here, and all for a reasonable price.

With live music, refreshing drinks, and a wide selection of food trucks, this beautiful market is a true hidden gem.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

The second weekend of every month - 11AM - 9PM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 3 - Delicias

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<h3>Mercado de San Fernando</h3>

San Fernando Market is in the heart of Madrid, in the Centro district.

A more traditional space, this municipal market is home to a variety of food stalls - tapas, empanadas, tacos, organic produce, etc.

The real magic, however, comes from the grapes. Home to Madrid&rsquo;s premier natural wine bar, you can sample some of the best Spanish wines around.

Fashion stores, a unique pay-by-the-pound bookstall, and a vast selection of gift and craft stalls round it out to make this a must-visit tourist attraction.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Monday: 9AM - 2:30PM / 5:30PM - 9PM

Tuesday - Saturday: 9AM - 10PM

Sunday: 11AM - 6PM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 3, 5 - Embajadores

&nbsp;

<h3>Mercado de Vallehermoso</h3>

The thing that makes Mercado de Vallehermoso truly unique is that it&rsquo;s home to Spain&rsquo;s only permanent farmer&rsquo;s market. If you&rsquo;re looking to do some grocery shopping, look no further!

Organic food at affordable prices, the ground floor of Vallehermoso is one of the most popular food markets for chefs from many of the city&rsquo;s fanciest restaurants. Smoked foods, chocolates, snails, liqueurs, and pastries are just some delicacies on offer.

After you&rsquo;re done food shopping, explore the many craft-beer shops, wine bars, or international food stalls and restaurants.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Monday - Thursday: 9AM - 8:30PM

Friday - Saturday: 9AM - 12AM

Sunday: 9AM - 6PM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 2 - Quevedo

&nbsp;

<h3>Mercado de Maravillas</h3>

Saving the biggest for last, we have Mercado de Maravillas - The Market of Wonders!

Spanning 9,000 square meters and over 200 stalls, Mercado de Maravillas is the largest municipal market in Europe. It&rsquo;s so big it has its own visitor information booth.

Located three miles north of the city center in the Tetu&aacute;n neighborhood, the distance ensures it&rsquo;s not a tourist trap. People travel there for the delicious fresh products, the tapas bars, international cuisines, and for the pure joy of exploring the endless corridors.

<h4>Opening times:</h4>

Monday - Friday: 9AM - 2PM / 5:30AM - 8:30PM

Saturday: 9AM - 2PM

<h4>Nearest Metro:</h4>

Line 1 - Alvarado

This is just a selection of the many markets scattered around the Spanish capital. From flea markets to gourmet food halls, there&rsquo;s such. a wide range of attractions that there&rsquo;s truly something for everyone, regardless of taste or budget.

&nbsp;

Madrid has some of the best markets in the world, selling everything from fresh produce, collectibles, unique gifts, and much more. Read more on the Go City blog.

The Best Markets in Madrid |Go City®

Our top picks for the grown-ups in Madrid!

Explore Madrid’s adult-friendly attractions such as the nightlife, live shows, historic sights and more with our guide!

Things to do in Madrid for Adults

Madrid is the perfect destination for an adult-centric getaway. Sophisticated galleries, fine dining, romantic picnics, or riding through the streets on an electric Segway - whatever you consider fun, Madrid has it.

Whether you&rsquo;re looking for something romantic or just a vacation with friends, Madrid is a brilliant choice. If you&rsquo;re looking for inspiration for things to do in Madrid for adults, couples, or just grown-up fun, this list is the perfect starting point.

&nbsp;

Spain is the birthplace of Flamenco. It came to Madrid in the 15th century as a folk dance, and now it&rsquo;s one of the most popular forms of Spanish dance around the world.

You can find performances all over the city, and you can catch <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/flamenco-show-torres-bermejas" style="text-decoration:none">one of the best Flamenco experiences at Torres Bermejas</a>. With authentic costumes, mesmerizing choreography, and world-class musicians, it&rsquo;ll certainly be a night to remember.

With Go City&reg;, you also receive a 20% discount on food and drinks.

&nbsp;

Watch a live Flamenco show

Whoever thought to combine delicious churros (fried dough, usually dipped in sugar and chocolate) with the excitement of touring the city on a Segway is a genius!

Madrid is a very walkable city, but you&rsquo;re on vacation. Why not try something new? Helmets, a reflective waistcoat, and an English-speaking guide are all included, so safety isn&rsquo;t an issue.

Tour the city in style, stopping at some of the most iconic landmarks, such as The Royal Palace and Plaza de &Oacute;pera, before ending with a bellyful of crispy, doughy churros.

The Chocolate and churros Segway tour is a unique way to experience the Spanish capital, and one of the best things to do in Madrid for adults.

&nbsp;

Chocolates and Churros Segway Tour

<h3>Save on Admission to Top Madrid Attractions</h3>

Explore the best things to do with a pass for <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" style="text-decoration:none">Madrid</a> by Go City&reg;. Select from top attractions with our <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive" style="text-decoration:none">All-Inclusive</a> and <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/explorer" style="text-decoration:none">Explorer</a> passes, where you&rsquo;ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid" target="_blank">Madrid attraction pass</a> and make the most of it!

<h3>Share Your Adventure with Us</h3>

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we&rsquo;ll feature you on our page. Follow the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/?hl=en" style="text-decoration:none">Go City Instagram</a> and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most of your travels.

Madrid is a vibrant city filled with incredible nightlife. Some of Madrid&rsquo;s most popular nightlife spots are Chueca, Malasa&ntilde;a, and Huertas, to name a few.

Madrid&rsquo;s nightlife scene is very diverse, offering everything from jazz bars and traditional Spanish music to nightclubs, with top DJs spinning the latest beats.

Keep in mind that most clubs open around midnight, but don&rsquo;t start getting lively until around 2 am, with some staying open until 6 am.

If that&rsquo;s a little late for your taste, there are plenty of opportunities for earlier pub crawls, rooftop bars, or watching live music around the city.

&nbsp;

Experience Madrid’s renowned nightlife

If shopping&rsquo;s your thing, Madrid is your city.

The Downtown area of Madrid is the city&rsquo;s primary shopping district. Most shopping takes place on the streets around Puerta del Sol; here you&rsquo;ll find the most shops and the most famous street in Madrid, Gran Via.

But, if you&rsquo;re looking for something unique, it&rsquo;s worth exploring Madrid&rsquo;s many street markets. From gourmet food stalls to obscure collectibles in a railway museum, Madrid has a vast selection of markets.

Some markets worth exploring include Mercado de San Miguel, Mercado de Maravillas and Mercado de Motores.

&nbsp;

Visit one of Madrid’s amazing markets

Toledo is an ancient city full of history and culture. It was once the capital of Spain and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It&rsquo;s also one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and you can get there from Madrid as part of a day tour.

Segovia is Spain&rsquo;s hidden gem. It&rsquo;s an old Roman city that&rsquo;s full of beautiful architecture, amazing food, and stunning scenery.

You can tick off two UNESCO World Heritage Site in one day with your Go City&reg; attraction pass, with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/toledo-and-segovia-full-day-tour" style="text-decoration:none">a guided tour of Toledo and Segovia</a>.

Toledo and Segovia day tour

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Spain, but don&rsquo;t expect to bump into him as it&rsquo;s now only used for state occasions.

It&rsquo;s an enormous building, the biggest functioning royal palace in Europe, with over 3000 rooms. Taking a tour of the Royal Palace is like stepping into a time machine, with exhibits that date back as far as medieval times.

If you&rsquo;re taking <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/royal-palace-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none">a guided tour of the Royal Palace</a>, it&rsquo;s worth going early. It&rsquo;s one of the most visited attractions in Spain, so it can get quite busy.

Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid

The MAPFRE Foundation is one of the city&rsquo;s top museums. It houses a vast collection of works by some of the most famous artists in the world, from Salvador Dali to Pablo Picasso.

While one of the smaller galleries in Madrid, the <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/mapfre-foundation-art-exhibitions" style="text-decoration:none">MAPFRE Foundation Art Exhibitions</a> showcase notable artists from the 19th and 20th centuries with some of the finest surrealist art ever created.

The museum&rsquo;s permanent collection is constantly changing, so there&rsquo;s always something new to see.

&nbsp;

MAPFRE Foundation Art Exhibitions

Teatro Real is one of Madrid&rsquo;s top attractions. It&rsquo;s one of the most beautiful theaters in the world and has an impressive history dating back to 1818. It&rsquo;s also home to the famous Spanish National Opera and Ballet companies.

Get dressed up in your finest to watch an opera, ballet, musical, or concert performance. Shows run throughout the year, and you can check their official calendar for all the current events.

Tickets sell fast, so try to book as far in advance as possible.

&nbsp;

Take in a show at the Teatro Real

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and relax for a few hours, enjoying a romantic picnic in Retiro Park.

While crowded on the weekends, during the week, it&rsquo;s the perfect getaway to enjoy some quiet time with friends or loved ones. Home to over 1,000 species of plants, a stunning lake and rose garden, it&rsquo;s the perfect place to disconnect and savor the tranquility.

If sitting around doesn&rsquo;t excite you, get on your bike and explore the 350 acres. <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/retiro-park-bike-tour" style="text-decoration:none">Take a two-hour guided bike tour of Retiro Park</a> and explore every corner. Your guide will fill you in on the history and cultural significance as you cycle around this iconic park.

Enjoy a picnic in Retiro Park

<h3>End the day with a beautiful sunset view</h3>

After all that exploring, culture, and adventure, finish your Madrid experience by enjoying a stunning sunset from an ancient temple.

The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian temple in the Parque del Rey, built in the 2nd century BC. It was once part of an Egyptian temple complex, given to Spain by Egypt in 1968. It&rsquo;s now one of the best places in Madrid to see the sunset.

Next to the Royal Palace of Madrid, it&rsquo;s open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and the entrance is free.

As it&rsquo;s up on a hill, you&rsquo;ll get a stunning view as the sun sets on the city of Madrid below.

The perfect end to a perfect trip.

&nbsp;

Whether you're looking for a romantic break or vacationing with friends, Madrid is the perfect destination. Read more on the Go City blog.

Things to do in Madrid for Adults |Go City®

Explore Madrid with ease using our handy guide!

Getting around a big city like Madrid can be intimidating. Read below for our top tips to make it a breeze!

Getting Around Madrid

Madrid is the largest city in Spain, spanning an area of around 600 km2. The city center of Madrid was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 due to its rich architectural heritage. Despite that, the city offers a modern transportation system including Metro, bus, and cable car, plus a few greener methods. <h2>Is it easy to find your way around Madrid?</h2> Absolutely. The public transportation system spans the entire city, from the city center out to the suburbs. As far as European cities go, Madrid is very well connected. It's also well signposted, meaning you can ditch the transport network and stretch your legs if the rush hour traffic is messing with your plans. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Madrid_Metro_Station_Sign.jpg" alt="Image of Sign, Symbol, City, Urban, Road Sign, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Getting around Madrid by Metro</h2> The Madrid Metro is the city’s main transport system. It consists of 15 lines servicing 300 stations, connecting the city with the suburbs and towns. The metro runs Monday to Friday from 6 am to 1.30 am, with trains departing every 2 minutes in the morning rush hour and every 15 minutes in the later hours (after midnight). At the weekends they run a little slower, but it's still an incredibly reliable form of public transport. You can <a href="https://www.metromadrid.es/en/travel-in-the-metro/metro-de-madrid-maps">download Madrid metro maps here</a>, with the Touristmic Map displaying the main attractions. This helps give a greater perspective of the capital and the relationship between the iconic landmarks. There is a single ticket, the Tourist Ticket, which allows unlimited transport around the city center on trains and buses. You can <a href="https://www.metromadrid.es/en/travel-in-the-metro/fares-and-tickets/tickets#panel4">check all the up-to-date ticket prices and information here</a>. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Madrid_Bus_Tour_1.jpg" alt="Image of Bus, Vehicle, Housing, Person, House, Tour Bus, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Travel around Madrid by Bus</h2> The Madrid Bus System serves most of Madrid’s suburbs and towns, running over 200 bus lines. The bus network is divided into four zones which are color-coded and indicated by signs on the bus stops. The buses use a contactless smartcard system, which can be purchased from: <ul><li>All Metro and Metro Ligero stations</li> <li>Ticket machines that have a red sticker saying "Tarjeta Multi Disponible Aqui".</li> <li>Newspaper stands</li> <li>Tobacconists</li> </ul>You can also buy single-trip tickets on the bus, but only with coins or small notes. The drivers don't carry lots of change, and you may be denied passage if you only have big notes. Madrid has 26-night bus lines that operate from 11:55 pm until 5:50 am every night. They cover most of Madrid, meaning you don't have to miss any of the amazing nightlife the Spanish capital is famed for. The fares are also the same as daytime tickets, keeping things nice and simple. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Madrid_people_collecting_ebike_1.jpg" alt="Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Female, Woman, Bicycle, Vehicle, Handbag, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Getting around Madrid by Bicycle</h2> Madrid is a very cycle-friendly city, with 43 kilometers of cycle lanes, including some physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and others only marked with paint. The main bicycle rental service is called BiciMAD and consists of 3000 bikes at over 250 rental stations throughout the city. Sign up at the docking station machines where you'll be offered two ticket options - either an annual subscription or 'Occasional User' pass. You'll then have the option of a 1, 3, or 5-day pass, perfect for short trips and weekend adventures. Madrid's a safe city, but you'll still need to exercise common sense precautions: <ul><li>Chain your bike up when not in use</li> <li>Don't ride against the traffic or on sidewalks</li> <li>Follow all traffic signs and signals</li> </ul>If you want a more structured ride, consider taking an organized Madrid city tour like the<a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/madrid-electric-bike-tour"> Madrid Electric Bike Tour</a> or, if you're feeling a little more adventurous, the <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/madrid-sightseeing-segway-tour">Madrid Sightseeing Segway Tour</a>. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Madrid_Taxi_1.jpg" alt="Image of Car, Vehicle, Arch, Person, Bus, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Getting around Madrid by taxi</h2> Official taxis in Madrid are white, with a diagonal red stripe on the door. You can flag them down on the street and they're plentiful. You can also pay by card or cash. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Madrid_Cable_Car.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Snow, Vehicle, Person, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Explore Madrid by cable car</h2> The Madrid Cable Car offers a unique view of the city, drifting for 11 minutes between Parque Oeste and Casa de Campo, and taking in some of the city's iconic landmarks. The cable car runs year-round, but doesn't run during bad weather conditions. <h2>Accessible transportation in Madrid</h2> Madrid City Council created an <a href="https://www.esmadrid.com/sites/default/files/documentos/accessible_resources_2_edicion.pdf">Accessible Travel Guide</a>, a comprehensive guide featuring information related to accessible public transport, wheelchair-friendly routes around the city center, and much more. <h2>Additional tips for getting around Madrid</h2> As with all major cities, traffic jams can be an issue. Rush hour is usually the worst between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Plan accordingly. Depending on your route, you can negate the traffic by cycling in the dedicated cycle lanes. It's good exercise, eco-friendly and you'll see a different side to the city. Check the balance of your public transport cards by using the Metro de Madrid's official app. You can also use it to check for your nearest train station, current wait times, disruptions in service, and lots more. It's definitely worth downloading to give peace of mind while traveling. <h3>Save on Admission to Top Madrid Attractions</h3> Explore the best things to do with a pass for <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Madrid</a> by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive" rel="noopener" target="_blank">All-Inclusive</a> and <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/explorer" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Explorer</a> passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. <h3>Share Your Adventure with Us</h3> Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most of your travels.

Madrid is very tourist-friendly for getting around - buses, the Metro, taxis, cycling, and cable cars are all available. Read more on the Go City blog.

Getting Around Madrid |Go City®

People-watching on the plazas, late-night tapas, the Retiro Park and the Prado Museum all feature in our guide to Madrid after dark.

The streets of Madrid come alive with lively tapas bars, flamenco shows and bustling markets at night. Iconic buildings and monuments including the Almudena Cathedral, Teatro Real and Temple of Debod are atmospherically lit, and young madrileños party the night away in Malasaña and La Latina. Read on for our guide to all the best things to do at night in Madrid…

Things to do at Night in Madrid

A guided tour is always a great idea if you want to get to know a new city quickly. But a guided tour at sunset? Magical. Your expert guide will bring Madrid&rsquo;s storied streets to life with an engaging commentary as you visit atmospherically lit attractions like the neoclassical Almudena Cathedral, baroque Royal Palace and swoonsome arches of the Segovia Bridge.

Insta addicts will be in seventh heaven on Plaza de la Villa (pictured), home of several of Madrid&rsquo;s oldest buildings, including the Mud&eacute;jar-style Casa de los Lujanes and photographers&rsquo; favourite Casa de Cisneros, a delicious 16th-century Renaissance mansion.

Tours conclude on the vibrant Puerta del Sol, where street performers ply their trade and people-watching opportunities abound from the many rooftop cocktail bars and jumping tapas joints.

Top tip: the Madrid night tour is included with the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Madrid pass</a> from Go City. The pass can save you up to 50% on 25+ <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Madrid attractions</a>, including flamenco shows and tours of the Prado and Reina Sofia museums. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click here for more info.</a>

Experience the City at Sunset

Flamenco is as Spanish as sangria, siestas and, um, Julio Iglesias. And there are plenty of opportunities to experience the colorful castanet-clicking Andalusian dance all over Madrid. Try the Corral de la Morer&iacute;a &ndash; the oldest flamenco tablao in town &ndash; for some of the most authentic (and intense) foot-stomping. Or hit up the terrific Torres Bermejas, with interiors that have been designed to conjure the Alhambra palace in Granada.

Fans of opera and classical music make beelines for the prestigious Teatro Real and National Auditorium of Music respectively, while Real Madrid&rsquo;s Bernab&eacute;u Stadium is where it&rsquo;s at for major rock and pop spectaculars &ndash;&nbsp;Frank Sinatra, the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift and dear old Julio himself have all performed here.

Take in a Show

Don&rsquo;t be afraid of the dark: Madrid&rsquo;s parks are well-lit at night and generally safe as long as you keep your wits about you. The Temple of Debod in Oeste Park is hands-down one of the best sunset spots in town. Dating from the 2nd Century BC, this sacred Egyptian shrine is all tranquil pools and swoon-worthy stone archways, ideal for framing those bruised-purple night skies in photographic posterity.

There&rsquo;s a fine riverside bike ride to be had along the banks of the Manzanares River in R&iacute;o Park, with romantic views of the river&rsquo;s many bridges reflected in the water. Just don&rsquo;t forget to use lights and wear reflective clothing!

Then, of course, there&rsquo;s the mighty Retiro Park, where illuminated paths make for sweet starlit strolls, and monumental treasures including the fantastical Fountain of the Fallen Angel, Crystal Palace conservatory, and colonnaded grandeur of the Monument to King Alfonso XII are all beautifully lit up.

Parks in the Dark

Spain is responsible for some of the greatest art the world has ever seen. We&rsquo;re talking Goya, Vel&aacute;zquez, Dal&iacute; and some guy called Pablo Picasso, to name just a few. No surprise then that Madrid isn&rsquo;t short of a world-class gallery or six. The Reina Sofia Museum is the big kahuna around these parts, boasting one of the planet&rsquo;s finest collections of 20th-century Spanish Art. Here&rsquo;s where you can ogle Dal&iacute;&rsquo;s Great Masturbator; Snail, Woman, Flower, Star by Joan Mir&oacute; and &ndash; the museum&rsquo;s crowning glory &ndash; 1937 Picasso masterpiece Guernica. The museum is open until 9PM most days and entry is free after 7PM.

Similarly, the Prado (pictured) is free for the last couple of hours, meaning you can view masterpieces like Bosch&rsquo;s Garden of Earthly Delights and Goya&rsquo;s Third of May 1808 absolutely gratis!

Top tip: guided (daytime) tours of both museums are included with the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Madrid pass.</a>

<a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/things-to-do/free-things-to-do-in-madrid" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Check out our guide to free things to do in Madrid here.</a>

Night at the Museum

Madrid&rsquo;s nightlife is the stuff of legend. This is a city of night owls, with dinner usually eaten around 9PM, and often later. Heck, most restaurants don&rsquo;t even open until after 8PM. Make like a madrile&ntilde;o and start your evening with snacks and cocktails. Spain&rsquo;s oldest cocktail bar &ndash; Museo Chicote on Gran V&iacute;a &ndash; retains much of its old-school 1930s charm, but the rooftop bars of Plaza de Espa&ntilde;a and Puerta del Sol are where it&rsquo;s at for the liveliest party atmosphere during the warmer months.

Suitably well-lubricated, make for the historic (and unashamedly picturesque) La Latina neighborhood where the colorful Calle de la Cava Baja is home to some of the most sought-after tapas in town &ndash; think succulent garlic shrimp, spicy sausage, fluffy Spanish omelet and moreish Manchego cheese. Stalwart tapas treasure Sobrino de Bot&iacute;n has been running for so long that Goya once waited tables here!

Tapas and Cocktails

Mosey down to Malasa&ntilde;a for cool indie pubs and clubs that stay open well into the wee small hours, or soak up the effervescent LGBTQ+ vibe over in Chueca. Meanwhile, up-all-night ravers make for the near-legendary Teatro Kapital, a multi-level mega-club on the edge of the Retiro Park.

But for the rest of us, it&rsquo;s back to the hotel for a well-earned cocoa and bed&hellip;

Looking for more things to do in Madrid at night (and in the daytime)? The <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Madrid pass</a> includes 25+ must-see attractions and could save you up to 50% on standard admission costs. Hit the buttons below to bag yours!

Our pick of Madrid’s hottest nighttime activities includes a guided city tour at sundown, the Temple of Debod, an evening visit to the Reina Sofia Museum and more.

Things to do at Night in Madrid | Go City®

Things to do in Madrid when it rains

Vacations are a great way to chill out, relax, and immerse yourself in a new culture. But all of that can go out of the window when the rains come. All of a sudden, even the biggest explorers among us run for cover. So if you&#39;re in Madrid and the sky falls, what are the best things to do when it rains? Check out our picks down below!

Including:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Torres Bermejas</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Bernabeu Stadium Tour</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Prado Museum</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Madrid Royal Palace</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Wax Museum</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">and more!</li>
</ul>

If you&#39;ve ever been to a flamenco show before, you probably know what to expect when you duck out of the rain at <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/flamenco-show-torres-bermejas" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Torres Bermejas</a>. But appearances can be deceiving.

See, stepping through the doors will kick off a VIP experience you wouldn&#39;t expect from your average performance. As soon as you sit down, you&#39;ll be treated to a drink on the house. Choose from beers, wine, and a whole list of cocktails. Then, settle in and prepare for a show that combines costumes, theatrics, and myriad dancing styles all fused into one.

The dancers are complimented by singers and guitarists, speeding and slowing the tempo when necessary. And, if you go with us, you&#39;ll get discounts on the tapas menu, if all that dancing saps your energy!

&nbsp;

Torres Bermejas

Soccer fans will get a kick out of this one. Get it? Kick? Like a ball? Hmm. Anyway, one of the biggest teams on the planet happens to reside in Madrid. Sorry, Atheltico fans, we&#39;re talking about Real Madrid. So, if you&#39;ve never been to Madrid and want to see where the Galacticos have played throughout the years, why not take a tour of <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/bernabeu-guided-tour" target="_blank">Bernabeu Stadium</a>? Not only will you get to see the club&#39;s burgeoning trophy cabinet, but it&#39;s one of the best things to do in Madrid when it rains!

You&#39;ll start your tour with a view of the pitch from the highest point in the stadium. If you want the perfect holiday snap, you won&#39;t get much better. Then, explore the club&#39;s history through interactive displays before you lay eyes on the trophy cabinet.

Soccer fans won&#39;t find many other better ways to dodge the rain than on this tour, so if that includes you, go check it out!

&nbsp;

Bernabeu Stadium Tour

Of course, no list of the best things to do in any city when it rains would be complete without museums. Not only do they provide much-needed shelter from the storm, but they also open the mind with unique exhibits, paintings, and concepts. And luckily for you, Madrid is full of them!

Take the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/prado-museum-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Prado Museum</a>. Home to literally thousands of paintings from nearly 1000 years of history, it&#39;s easily one of the best museums in the city. Fans of masters like Bosch, Titian, and Goya will eat well, with some of their best works prominently and proudly displayed on the Prado Museum&#39;s walls.

Bosch&#39;s most famous painting, The Garden of Earthly Delights, simply needs to be seen in person. There&#39;s so much minute detail on each part of the triptych that you can&#39;t get from a digital image. And Goya&#39;s brutal war painting The Third of May 1808, which depicts the somewhat futile resistance to Napoleon&#39;s occupation, isn&#39;t an easy browse, but necessary.

Prado Museum

If you fancy frolicking with royalty, we can&#39;t help you there. However, if you&#39;re more interested in seeing where royalty lives, rather than donning the garb and flaunting your wealth, a visit to <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/royal-palace-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Madrid Royal Palace</a> might be the perfect place to dodge the rain!

With Go City, you can take a guided tour of the palace and see all the throne room, chapel, and even the grounds (hey, you won&#39;t be spending all day out there, so pack an umbrella or ask the tour guide if you can skip that bit!)

Almost every room and scene you look upon deserves a picture, from the grand staircase and accompanying ceiling fresco to the beautiful painting courtesy of legends like Goya, Vel&aacute;zquez, and Caravaggio. You&#39;ll also visit the Royal Armory, which contains artifacts that date back centuries. All in all, not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

&nbsp;

Madrid Royal Palace

Another entry in our list of the best things to do in Madrid when it rains, and surprise, surprise, it&#39;s another museum. Look, we don&#39;t make the rules; we just report the news. And this piece of hard-hitting journalism is about the <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/museo-nacional-thyssen-bornemisza" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza</a>.

This museum provides visitors with a bonanza of artwork across centuries of history. Any art aficionado, or art historian, will certainly dig seeing stuff from the likes of Rubens Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Manet, Renoir, C&eacute;zanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Kandinsky, Picasso, and Hopper. That&#39;s a lot of names, and it only scratches the surface.

With a number of permanent and rotating exhibits to check out, there will always be something new and exciting to experience on repeat visits. So go on, see what all the fuss is about!

&nbsp;

Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

And finally, we&#39;ll end our exploration of the best things to do in Madrid when it rains on arguably a divisive museum. Since Madame Tussauds popularised wax works in the public eye, wax mannequins have taken the world by storm. Nowadays, you&#39;ll find wax works in pretty much every city, with myriad celebrities remade in eerie wax for all to enjoy. And Madrid&#39;s no different, <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions/muse-de-cera-wax-museum" target="_blank">with a wax museum</a> full of recognizable celebrities who can&#39;t say no when you take a picture!

Take a selfie with Marylin Monroe, pose with CR7, or learn about Spanish history in the Gallery of Kings. And once you&#39;ve had your fill of wax figures, there&#39;s still more to see. Jump in the RV simulator and take a VR journey in a spaceship. Bet you didn&#39;t think you&#39;d be going to space when you opened this blog!

All in all, Madrid&#39;s Wax Museum is tons of fun for star-chasers and easily one of the best things to do in Madrid when it rains!

&nbsp;

Madrid's Wax Museum

And those were our picks of the best ways to avoid the rain in Madrid! Now you know what to do when the heavens open; what about when the sun is finally shining again? Don&#39;t worry; Go City&#39;s got you covered. With our <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive" style="text-decoration:none">All-Inclusive Pass</a> or <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/explorer-pass" style="text-decoration:none">Explorer Pass</a>, you can see all of Madrid&#39;s best bits for one low price!

So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid" target="_blank">Madrid Pass</a> and see all the best <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid/attractions" target="_blank">Madrid attractions</a> around!

Wondering what are the best things to do in Madrid when it rains? Check out our list of undercover wonders and dodge the rain with ease!

Things to do in Madrid when it rains | Go City®

Things to do on New Year's Eve in Madrid

There&rsquo;s something truly special about spending New Year&rsquo;s Eve abroad. It&rsquo;s a great opportunity to get to know the end-of-year quirks and customs of other cultures. Like, sure, linking arms and singing Auld Lang Syne is fun and all, but have you ever attempted to eat twelve grapes in twelve seconds as the clock strikes midnight? There are oodles of fun things to do on New Year&rsquo;s Eve in Madrid as you count down to the big moment (and beyond), and we&#39;ve put together a guide to the must-dos that will make your Madrid New Year celebrations go with a bang. Read on for grapes, gambas, chocolate, chestnuts and more...

First things first: you&rsquo;re in for the long-haul. Madrid&rsquo;s New Year celebrations don&rsquo;t really start until midnight, so it&rsquo;s critical you take it a little easy on New Year&rsquo;s Eve if you want to avoid wearing yourself out. So: spend some time in quiet contemplation at the stunning Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian shrine transplanted to the heart of Madrid. Or get your culture fix at the <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/prado-museum-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none">Prado</a>, <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/reina-sofia-museum-guided-tour" style="text-decoration:none">Reina-Sofia</a> or any number of world-class museums. See the city sights at your own pace on a <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/madrid-hop-hop-bus-tour" style="text-decoration:none">hop-on hop-off bus tour</a>. Cruise the sights of the stunning Retiro Park <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/segway-tour-parque-el-retiro" style="text-decoration:none">by Segway</a>, or via a <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/retiro-park-bike-tour" style="text-decoration:none">gentle bike tour</a> that takes in must-see landmarks including the Crystal Palace, Fountain of the Fallen Angel and rose gardens. But above all: don&rsquo;t overdo it. The last thing you want is to end up zonked by 9PM just because you couldn&rsquo;t resist that (admittedly marvelous) <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/self-guided-toledo-tour" style="text-decoration:none">day trip to Toledo</a> (pictured).

A Spot of Sightseeing

One surefire way of preserving energy is to make like the Madrile&ntilde;os and have a siesta in the afternoon. Ok, ok, so not many Madrile&ntilde;os actually do this &ndash; most run errands, take long leisurely lunches or go to the gym instead. But no-one is going to sneer at you for taking this deep-seated Spanish tradition at face value and getting a spot of pre-emptive shut-eye in the afternoon, when you&rsquo;ll find a number of shops, bars and restaurants have already closed down for the impending New Year party anyway. So go on: draw the blinds, put the phone on silent and crawl under the duvet for a revitalizing afternoon snooze. Zzzzz.

Take a Nap

If you&rsquo;re in the market for some easy-going sightseeing in Madrid on New Year&rsquo;s Eve (and you should be), then look no further than the rather splendid Plaza Mayor, with its elegant arches, soaring statues and stately Baroque architecture. The central square&rsquo;s strategically positioned caf&eacute;s and benches provide ample opportunity for casual people-watching over a caf&eacute; con leche or three, while munching classic churros con chocolate here is practically a rite of passage. Hit up the legendary Chocolater&iacute;a San Gin&eacute;s for some of the finest in town. This old-school haunt has been serving up its delectable dough sticks since 1894, so you can be confident they&rsquo;re the real deal. One mouthful of these crispy sugar-coated treats dipped in their accompanying dark chocolate sauce will confirm it.

Churros con Chocolate on the Square

Prefer your snacks a little more savory? Winter is chestnut season in Madrid, and what could be more festive than strolling streets and squares still bright with Christmas lights, or finding a quiet spot in one of Madrid&rsquo;s many beautiful parks, hands warmed by a bag of these freshly roasted beauties? You&rsquo;ll find street vendors scattered throughout the city, with bags of chestnuts available from as little as &euro;2. Still hungry? Some stalls will also offer roasted corn and sweet potatoes, and sticky autumnal toffee apples. Yum.

Chestnuts in the Park

At the risk of coming across as a little... food obsessed, we&rsquo;d recommend booking well in advance if you&rsquo;re hoping for a slap-up New Year&rsquo;s Eve meal. The vast majority of Madrid eateries are closed by early evening on December 31st, leaving (mostly) only hotel restaurants open for business. This is because New Year&rsquo;s Eve dinner in Spain tends to be a family affair, with lavish feasts served at home to kick off the festivities.

So, you basically have three options: book a restaurant in advance (note that the popular ones fill up fast), make friends with a Madrid family and bag yourself an invite or &ndash; and this is perhaps your safest bet &ndash; stock up on market-fresh produce from somewhere like Mercado de San Miguel. After all, even the most inept of chefs can surely unwrap some cured meat and salty manchego and fry up some garlicky gambas and chili padron peppers for a super-speedy tapas banquet in the comfort of your own holiday apartment.

Have a Nice Dinner

When it comes to flamenco, Madrid is the next best thing to Andalusia, which is where this intense, colorful dance originated. There are all sorts of shows available around the city, from free sidewalk performances to lavish dinners accompanied by some of the country&rsquo;s finest flamenco dancers and musicians. <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/flamenco-show-torres-bermejas" style="text-decoration:none">This show at the Torres Bermejas</a> &ndash; with interiors designed to resemble the Alhambra in Granada &ndash; is one of the very best. Highly rated alternative options include ​​Corral de la Morer&iacute;a (the oldest flamenco tablao in town), and the lively Casa Patas.

Take in a Flamenco Show

Grapes are to Spanish New Year as turkeys are to Thanksgiving in the US: your celebration simply wouldn&rsquo;t be complete without them. A long-held tradition sees thousands of revelers descend on Madrid&rsquo;s Puerta del Sol before midnight, then guzzling 12 grapes in rapid succession as the Real Casa de Correos clock strikes the hour &ndash; at a rate of one grape per strike.

This is more difficult than it sounds, so we recommend getting your hands on a smaller seedless variety if you don&rsquo;t want to end up looking like a hamster-cheeked loon. Don&rsquo;t forget to secure your bunch early in the day (you&rsquo;ll need 12 grapes per person), before stores start shutting down for the celebrations. Your midnight snack is traditionally followed by a kiss for your significant other, and a glass of cava raised to new friends on the square, who should be greeted with a jolly &lsquo;Feliz Ano Nuevo!&rsquo; Clubs keep the New Year party going until dawn and beyond, but the appeal of heading exhausted to bed at this point should also not be understated.

Have a Grape Time

<h3>Save on things to do in Madrid</h3>

Save on admission to Madrid attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" style="text-decoration:none">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" style="text-decoration:none">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid" target="_blank">Madrid attraction pass</a> and have a new year to remember!

Our guide to the best things to do in Madrid on New Year's Eve, including sightseeing, chestnuts, churros and the Spanish tradition of guzzling 12 grapes on each strike of the clock at midnight!

Things to do on new years eve in Madrid | Go City®

Things to do in Madrid for Christmas

It&rsquo;s the most wonderful time of the year. And Christmas in Madrid is really something very special indeed. It&rsquo;s when twinkling fairy lights light up the Spanish capital and festive markets, skating rinks, nativity scenes and other family-friendly events pop up across the Spanish capital faster than whack-a-mole Christmas elves. So grab a traditional Christmas cake and a steaming mug of hot chocolate and try to stop yourself humming Feliz Navidad as you dive into our expert guide to the best things to do in Madrid for Christmas, including:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Ice-skating at Cibeles Palace</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Plaza Mayor Christmas market</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Cortylandia</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Marzipan, nougat and Rosc&oacute;n de Reyes</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">The Three Kings Parade</li>
</ul>

It&rsquo;s a truth universally acknowledged that nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit quite like a traditional market. There&rsquo;s just something about those glittering fairy lights and the heady aroma of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts drifting on the cold night air.

You&rsquo;ll find dozens of the things all over Madrid between late November and early January, but the largest and most popular are to be found on Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Espa&ntilde;a. Elegant Plaza Mayor is a prime people-watching spot at the best of times, but rarely more so than in December, when shoppers flock eagerly to the market&rsquo;s traditional wooden cabins in search of traditional sweets and fun festive trinkets for hanging on the tree.

Stuff your Christmas stocking with festive goodies then retreat to one of the cozy coffee shops that line the square for warming churros con chocolate &ndash; you&rsquo;ll find some of the best at old-school stalwart Chocolater&iacute;a San Gin&eacute;s, where one mouthful of these sugary, doughie Spanish delicacies dipped in dark chocolate sauce may well prove life-changing. Hit up the makers&rsquo; market on nearby Plaza de Espa&ntilde;a if unique handcrafted artisan gifts are more your speed.

Madrid Christmas Markets

If you can&rsquo;t wilfully overindulge during the holiday season, then when? Madrid&rsquo;s Christmas food bonanza provides ample opportunities to do so, from the aforementioned churros con chocolate to the delicious little marzipan and nougat shapes that fill almost every shop window display at this time of year.

King of the holiday snacks, however, has to be the Rosc&oacute;n de Reyes (literally &lsquo;king&rsquo;s cake&rsquo;), a deliciously decadent Christmas confection that resembles an enormous fruit-topped donut, and tastes twice as good! More of a savory kinda guy or gal? You&rsquo;re in luck: winter is chestnut season in Madrid. Follow your nose and you&rsquo;ll soon find a vendor roasting these little beauties in the open air. Bags are available from as little as &euro;2 and make for great hand warmers as you snack on your treat beneath the Christmas lights.

Festive Foodie Fiesta

Ok ok, so you can&rsquo;t really miss Madrid&rsquo;s Christmas light displays if you&rsquo;re in town during the festive season: they are EVERYWHERE. But for a fun and convenient way to see some of the best, you can&rsquo;t beat the Naviluz Christmas Bus. The tour runs every 10 minutes or so between 6PM and 11PM, taking riders on a magical journey along Madrid&rsquo;s most perfectly fairy-lit avenues and boulevards. Hop aboard at the Plaza de Col&oacute;n for 45 minutes of pure, unadulterated festive fun.

Madrid’s Christmas Lights

Unleash your inner child at the fantastical annual display that is Cortylandia. This themed 15-minute Christmas extravaganza has been entertaining Madrile&ntilde;os young and old with its irresistible blend of animatronic puppetry and nostalgic festive charm for decades. Head for the El Corte Ingl&eacute;s department store on Calle Maestro Victoria to watch these giant festive characters singing and dancing along to classic Christmas carols on the building&rsquo;s facade. But don&rsquo;t underestimate this attraction&rsquo;s huge popularity: this is without doubt one of the best things to do in Madrid around Christmas, so be sure to get there in good time for your chosen session if you hope to beat the crowds.

Cortylandia

Cibeles Palace, a glorious architectural confection complete with great wedding-cake turrets and Neoplateresque facade is worth seeing at any time of year. But Christmas is perhaps the most magical of all. For not only does this imposing building contain one of Madrid&rsquo;s most impressive and wildly OTT nativity scenes; it&rsquo;s also where you can enjoy one of the city&rsquo;s loveliest festive ice-skating experiences, a 300-square-meter rink housed inside the palace&#39;s magnificent Glass Gallery.

Of course, there are plenty more pop-up ice rinks and nativity scenes around town at which to fill your Insta feed with festive joy (among them Plaza de la Villa and the Real Casa de Correos on Puerta del Sol, to name just a couple), but few compare to the double whammy here at one of Spain&rsquo;s most splendid palaces. And, while you&rsquo;re there, don&rsquo;t miss the chance to ascend the palace&rsquo;s lofty tower, where panoramic views of the city at dusk, all atwinkle with festive lights, are just about as romantic and Christmassy as it gets.

Cibeles Palace

The spectacular Three Kings Festival is perhaps the biggest and best-loved Christmas event in Spain, so you may be surprised to learn that it doesn&rsquo;t take place until Twelfth Night, the 5th of January. So, if it so happens you&rsquo;re only in Madrid for Christmas itself, it&rsquo;s likely you&#39;ll miss it. But, trust us, this extravaganza of live music, colorful floats, marching bands, confetti cannons and fireworks is worth sticking around for. The festival is celebrated across Spain, but Madrid&rsquo;s out-of-this-world parade is perhaps the most impressive of all. It is, as the name suggests, centered around the story of the Three Wise Men, and sees the streets thronged with revelers of all ages, all eager to receive their gifts: great handfuls of sweets that are thrown from the floats into the crowd below. Indeed, well-prepared locals can often be seen holding upturned umbrellas aloft as the floats drive past, the better to maximize their sugary hoard. Follow the parade to the stunning Plaza de Cibeles, where an awesome fireworks display provides a suitably grand finale to Madrid&rsquo;s epic festive season.

The Three Kings Parade

<h3>Save on things to do in Madrid</h3>

Save on admission to Madrid attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" style="text-decoration:none">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/" style="text-decoration:none">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info. So pick up a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/madrid" target="_blank">Madrid attraction pass</a> and go see it all this Christmas!

Our whistlestop guide to all the best things to do in Madrid at Christmas includes the Plaza Mayor Christmas market, ice-skating and nativity scenes at Cibeles Palace, and the hallucinatory spectacle that is the annual Cortylandia show.

Things to do in Madrid for Christmas | Go City®

Free Things to do in Madrid

Madrid isn’t exactly renowned as a budget holiday spot, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to have fun once you’re there. In fact, there are stacks of free things you can do in Madrid, from visiting world-class museums and royal palaces to browsing flea markets, picnicking in the parks, and simply enjoying the city’s elegant architecture. Check out our selection of the best free things to do in Madrid, including: <ul><li>Plaza Mayor</li> <li>Cibeles Palace</li> <li>Retiro Park</li> <li>Prado and Reina Sofia museums</li> <li>Almudena Cathedral</li> <li>El Rastro flea market</li> <li>Gran Via</li> <li>Temple of Debod</li> </ul><h3>Plaza Mayor</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/madrid%20tourist-2.jpg" alt="Image of Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, People, Adult, Female, Woman, Reading, " loading="lazy">A stroll around this most elegant of Madrid plazas is essential and, crucially, will cost you absolutely nada. Plaza Mayor is the city’s beating heart, a grand square that’s accessed via nine monumental arches. Grab a selfie by the extremely photogenic Arco de los Cuchilleros then take in the intricate mythological murals that adorn the Casa de la Panadería and say hola to King Philip III sitting astride his trusty steed (albeit in statue form). Pro tip: there’s no better way to people-watch in Madrid than by grabbing a cone of hot, sugary churros with chocolate dipping sauce and finding a seat beneath one of the plaza’s ornate towering lamp posts. Enjoy! <h3>Cibeles Palace </h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/cibeles%20palace%20and%20fountain-2.jpg" alt="Image of City, Water, " loading="lazy">The crowning glory of the already magnificent Plaza de Cibeles, Cibeles Palace is a glorious architectural confection complete with Neoplateresque facade and great wedding-cake turrets. There’s no charge for admiring its extraordinary exterior, taking a peek inside and filling your Insta feed with #humblebrag snaps galore but, if your budget will stretch to it, it’s worth paying the €3 fee to ascend the tower for 360-degree city views that take in the 11-kilometer-long Calle Alcalá, the Colon Towers and, of course, Plaza de Cibeles itself, with its iconic marble fountain depicting the goddess Cybele on a lion-drawn chariot. <h3>Retiro Park</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/retiro-2.jpg" alt="Image of Person, Sitting, Adult, Female, Woman, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, " loading="lazy">There’s more than enough free eye candy in Retiro Park to fill a day’s sightseeing (or more). Don’t-miss landmarks include the glass-and-cast-iron masterpiece that is the Crystal Palace, once a hothouse showcasing local flora and fauna; now an exhibition space for the Reina Sofia Museum. Feast your eyes on the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, a monumental sculpture depicting Lucifer’s fall from grace, stop to smell the roses in the formal gardens, and marvel at the epic Monument to Alfonso XII from a prime position on the tranquil boating lake. See it all on a <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/retiro-park-bike-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">guided bike tour</a> or take it easy – a lazy picnic of Spanish cheeses, cured meats and still-warm bread, scoffed on the lawns by the kitschy Fisherman’s House, is just about as good as life gets. <h3>Free Museums</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/prado-2.jpg" alt="Image of Housing, " loading="lazy">Madrid has more world-class art museums than you can shake a paintbrush at. Chief among these are the Prado and Reina Sofia which, between them, cover the history of (mostly) Spanish and European art from the 12th Century to the present day. We’re talking masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Dalí, Miró, Bosch, Raphael and van Dyck, to name just a few. You’ll find some of their best-known works here. <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/reina-sofia-museum-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hit up Reina Sofia</a> for a close-up look at Picasso’s Guernica, one of the most powerful anti-war statements ever committed to canvas, and <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/prado-museum-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">head over to the Prado</a> for Velázquez’ illusory Las Meninas, Bosch’s enigmatic Garden of Earthly Delights triptych and other bucket-list pieces. Entry to the both museums is free during the last two hours of opening. Reina Sofia is completely free to enter on Sundays and holidays. You can also save money on guided tours at both (and access to many other Madrid attractions) with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a Madrid pass from Go City.</a> <h3>El Rastro Market</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/el%20rastro-2.jpg" alt="Image of Shoe, Sneaker, City, " loading="lazy">The picturesque old neighborhood of La Latina is worth a visit any day of the week (top tip for foodies: it’s where you’ll find some of the best tapas in town), but Sundays are particularly enjoyable thanks to the vast El Rastro, Spain’s biggest open-air flea market. It’s great fun just browsing the hundreds of stalls in the streets and lanes around Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, all piled high with antiques, retro fashions, kitsch kitchenware, vintage vinyl records and, well, pretty much anything else you can think of. It’s free to look, and free to take Insta-worthy snaps galore. But bring your best haggling game, too: there’s no way you’re walking out of here without being tempted by a phrenological head, old street map, Spanish Civil War medal, or some such other souvenir curio... <h3>Gran Vía </h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/metropolis%20on%20gran%20via-2_1.jpg" alt="Image of City, Metropolis, Urban, Downtown, Road, Street, Car, Cityscape, Person, Bus, " loading="lazy">Sticking with the shopping theme, the Gran Vía is Madrid’s most famous shopping boulevard, a long, elegant stretch of capitalist excess with hundreds of stores, malls, bars and restaurants in which to splash the cash. But resist the lure of Mango and Massimo Dutti and there’s plenty of gratis fun to be had here, by simply admiring the eclectic architecture and soaking up the lively atmosphere. Look out for the landmark Metropolis building, topped with its gilded cupola and winged goddess, snap a selfie beneath the Capitol building’s old-school Schweppes sign and – oh, go on then – treat yourself to a refreshing Seville orange sorbet from one of the many fine gelato joints. <h3>Almudena Cathedral</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/palace%20and%20cathedral-2.jpg" alt="Image of City, Urban, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, " loading="lazy">This glorious 19th-century confection at the bottom of Calle Mayor (and right next door to the Royal Palace) is free to enter. The neo-gothic interior’s clean lines, vivid stained glass windows and, yes, even pop-art decor, set it apart from other European cathedrals of this era, lending a strikingly modern look that surprises and delights in equal measure. Look out for statues of contemporary artists, painted icons by Spanish legend Kiko Argüello and a neo-romanesque crypt that houses the mortal remains of several Spanish royals and other dignitaries. There’s a €7 fee to enter the cathedral museum, which contains effigies of the city’s patron saints. <h3>Temple of Debod</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/temple%20of%20debod-2.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, " loading="lazy">Last but by no means least, you simply must enjoy a sunset from the atmospheric environs of the Temple of Debod in Oeste Park. Dating from the 2nd Century BC, this sacred Egyptian shrine found its way to Madrid in 1968 and has been a favorite with locals, tourists and hopeless romantics ever since. Comprising of a small temple and several stone arches, set over tranquil pools amid beautiful gardens, the temple is pretty special at any time of day or night, but rarely more so than at sundown, when the whole place seems to glow a fiery orange. Cost of this unforgettable Madrid experience? Precisely zero Euros. Heavenly. <h3>Save on things to do in Madrid</h3> Save on admission to Madrid attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Our favourite free things to do in Madrid, from sightseeing on the Plaza Mayor and in Retiro Park, to free visiting hours at the Royal Palace and Prado and Reina-Sofia Museums.

Free things to do in Madrid | Go City®

4 Days in Madrid

So you’ve packed your passport, your sunscreen and your Spanish phrasebook. Now you’re all set for that much-needed Madrid break. Or are you? This, after all, is a city with more excellent attractions than you can shake a great big stick at. So, if you’re planning four days in Madrid, it pays to do just that: plan. After all, a well-researched itinerary can help you avoid the three cardinal holiday sins: aimless wandering, sore feet, and heated street arguments with your other half. Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. Check out our easy-going guide to spending four days in Madrid, including royal palaces, world-class museums, foodie fave markets, picture-perfect parks, and some of the sweetest treats in town. <h3>Day 1: Fine Art, Edible Art, and the Best Park in Town</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/churros-2.jpg" alt="Image of Food, Food Presentation, " loading="lazy">OK, let’s start with the Madrid essentials. And by ‘essentials’ we specifically mean sweet, doughy and oh-so-irresistible churros con chocolate. If you’ve never tasted these sugary little sticks of joy, first of all what have you been doing your whole life? Secondly, prepare to have your mind (and taste buds) blown! These crispy sugar-coated dough sticks are served warm with a tub of oozy, super-sweet-and-sticky dark chocolate for dipping, and can be found in just about any Madrid café worth its salt. But if you want to sample what are widely considered the best churros in town, hit up Chocolatería San Ginés, a legendary haunt complete with old-school tiled counters and white marble tables that has been serving up churros con chocolate since 1894. So you can bet these are the real deal. And trust us: four days in Madrid? You’re guaranteed to be back here for more. Ride your sugar high over to the Prado Museum, where a different kind of art form awaits. Here, in one of the world’s top art museums, you’ll find sculptures and paintings galore, with masterpieces by some of Europe’s biggest names. We’re talking Raphael, El Greco, Goya, Titian, Rembrandt and Bosch, to name-drop just a few. <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/prado-museum-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Book a guided tour</a> to get the lowdown on world-famous pieces including Bosch’s mind-boggling Garden of Earthly Delights, Rubens’ Three Graces and Velázquez’s illusory Las Meninas. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/fountain%20of%20fallen%20angel-2.jpg" alt="Image of Art, Accessories, " loading="lazy">After all that culture (and chocolate), you’ll want a bit of nature to restore equilibrium. Step forward the Retiro Park’s 350 verdant acres, chock-full of stately gardens, monumental statues and fountains, picture-perfect hothouses and elegant palaces to explore. Pootle around the tranquil lake in a rowboat, in the shadow of the frankly epic Monument to Alfonso XII, and grab a selfie at the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, an extraordinary depiction of Lucifer’s descent from heaven inspired by Paradise Lost. See it all (and be the scourge of jogging locals) on a <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/segway-tour-parque-el-retiro" rel="noopener" target="_blank">self-guided Segway tour!</a> <h3>Day 2: Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/plaza%20mayor%20tourist-2.jpg" alt="Image of City, Face, Happy, Head, Person, Smile, Photography, Coat, Jacket, Portrait, Selfie, Urban, Adult, Male, Man, Road, Street, " loading="lazy">One of the (many) great things about Madrid is that most of the big-ticket attractions are practically next door to one another. Even the laziest tourist should be capable of strolling from Plaza Mayor to Almudena Cathedral and onwards to the Royal Palace without troubling the local Uber drivers. And that’s precisely what we suggest you do on day two of your Madrid adventure. Start on Plaza Mayor, a huge and typically elegant Madrid square where the Casa de la Panadería’s intricate murals and huge equestrian statue of King Philip III (and his horse) are highlights. Not to mention proximity to the aforementioned Chocolatería San Ginés (go on, you know you want to). From here, a short walk along Calle Mayor takes you straight to the cathedral, a grand modern confection of dreamy domes and baroque bell towers that’s known as ‘the biggest crypt in Spain’ due to the number of royals and other dignitaries interred within. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Royal%20Palace%20view%20from%20Sabatini%20Grdens-2.jpg" alt="Image of Housing, House, Manor, Person, " loading="lazy">Speaking of royalty, the palace is right next door. The gardens alone are manna for photography fanatics, all soaring cypresses, perfectly manicured box hedges and monumental neoclassical fountains. Indeed, the view back to the palace from the exquisite Sabatini Gardens is considered one of the finest in town. Take a peek inside on <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/royal-palace-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">a guided tour</a> that takes in the ceiling frescoes by Giaquinto and Tiepolo, paintings by Velázquez and Caravaggio, and splendid throne room, armory and royal chapel. <h3>Day 3: Toledo and Tapas</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/toledo-2.jpg" alt="Image of City, Cityscape, Urban, Downtown, Neighborhood, " loading="lazy">Sure, there’s loads more you could see and do in Madrid on day three of your getaway. But what could be more decadent than taking a break from your break? Toledo, just 35 minutes’ train ride from the city center, is <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/self-guided-toledo-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">one of Madrid’s most popular day trips</a>. And it’s not difficult to see why. Here, in this ancient medieval city, tiny cobbled alleyways and shady lanes meander past beautiful old synagogues and churches, its atmospheric cobbled streets eventually leading to the gothic grandeur of St Mary’s Cathedral, and the Alcázar of Toledo, a formidable 16th-century fortress at the very top of the town. There’s oodles more eye candy to ogle in this Unesco World Heritage Site. We’re talking grand 10th-century city gates, ancient crypts, Roman baths, haunted castles and fairytale medieval bridges that look good enough to eat. But if ancient stonework sounds a bit too crunchy for your liking, opt instead for Toledo’s most famous export: squishy little marzipan shapes so good you’ll want to take sackloads of them home for everyone you know. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/tapas-2_0.jpg" alt="Image of Food, Lunch, Meal, Brunch, Dish, Food Presentation, " loading="lazy">Back in Madrid, work up an appetite (you’ll need it) with an evening stroll through the lively streets and squares of La Latina. Not only is it the city’s oldest (and arguably most photogenic) neighborhood, it’s also where you’ll find the best tapas joints and beer bars in town – ideal, in other words, for that quintessentially Spanish night out. Go seriously old-school at the legendary Sobrino de Botín, which has been operating since 1725 (making it the longest-running restaurant in the world, fact fans) and which once employed Goya as a waiter! <h3>Day 4: Shopping for Souvenirs</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/souvenir-2.jpg" alt="Image of Dancing, Person, Adult, Bride, Female, Woman, Art, Handicraft, " loading="lazy">You’ve made the memories; now take a slice of Madrid home with you. Souvenirs of this fine city run the gamut from tacky toreador snow globes to official Atlético and Real Madrid merch, but you’ll find the very best goodies to take home in Madrid’s markets and museums. Calle Mayor is as good a place to start as any. Here’s where you can fill your boots (and bags) with classic tourist tat like Spanish fans, cathedral fridge magnets and mugs, kids’ flamenco dresses and more. Scoot just off the main drag tor the twin joys of the Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de la Cebada. These cool and colorful covered markets are chock-full of Spanish delicacies: velvety olive oils, moreish cured meats, and fine wines, as well as handmade soaps, clothing and local art. For yet more unique gift ideas, hit up the shops at Madrid’s top galleries. We’re talking decorative lampshades, dish towels, tote bags, jewelry and more, as well as prints of some of Spain’s most famous artistic masterpieces. So, if you’ve ever wanted to hang a Picasso in your kitchen, now’s your chance! You’ll find the very finest of these in the magnificent Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza galleries. <h3>Save on things to do in Madrid</h3> Save on admission to Madrid attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Our guide to spending 4 days in Madrid, including the best art, churros and tapas in town, plus attractions including the Royal Palace and Retiro Park – and a day trip to Toledo!

4 days in Madrid | Go City®

3 Days in Madrid

There’s no shortage of attractions and activities to keep you entertained in Madrid, the thriving capital – and beating heart – of Spain. Think elegant boulevards crammed with eye-candy architecture, exquisitely manicured parks and gardens, museums filled with some of the planet’s finest art, and (whisper it) delectably decadent churros con chocolate. Three days is a decent amount of time in which to take in a handful of the major landmarks, soak up the city’s sophisticated vibe and, of course, to stuff your face with as much Spanish tapas as you humanly can. First-time visitors to Madrid often fall foul of the old ‘kid in a candy store’ approach, frenziedly attempting to see as many of the city’s big-ticket attractions as possible. But, like the sugar-stuffed child’s inevitable crash, whirlwind sightseeing is all but guaranteed to leave you feeling unsatisfied and burned out. Our guide to spending three days in Madrid takes a more leisurely approach, ticking off several of the must-sees but, more importantly, allowing plenty of time to relax and watch the world go by, too. Read on to find out how to make the most of Madrid. <h3>Day 1: Breakfast... and a Few Big-Hitters</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/churros%20lady-2.jpg" alt="Image of Face, Head, Person, Cup, Adult, Female, Woman, Boy, Child, Male, Eating, Food, " loading="lazy">Make like the Madrileños: this is a city that wakes late and parties late, so breakfast before around 9AM and you’ll likely be doing so alone. Instead, enjoy a long lie-in then mosey on down to one of Plaza Mayor’s traditional Spanish breakfast joints, where a fiesta of flavors awaits the intrepid gourmand. Tuck into classic tostado con tomate y jamón (that’s toast with ham and tomato to you) or hearty Spanish tortilla, washed down with café con leche, the discerning locals’ coffee drink of choice. In fact, locals often opt for sweet over savory at breakfast, which is where such sugary delights as churros con chocolate, lemony magdalena cupcakes and honey-drenched torrijas (Spanish-style French toast) come in. Beautifully elegant and ornate, Plaza Mayor is as good a place to start your day’s sightseeing as any. After an essential spot of people-watching over breakfast, check out the medieval-style murals that decorate the huge baroque facade of Casa de la Panadería, then trot over for a selfie by the bronze statue of King Philip III astride his royal stallion. From here it’s a short stroll down Calle Mayor to your next stop: Almudena Cathedral (try not to be distracted by the foodie mecca that is the Mercado de San Miguel along the way – you’ve just had breakfast, you animal!). A fine photo opportunity awaits at the bottom of the road, where the cathedral’s baroque dome and bell towers loom over the city’s 9th-century Moorish walls. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/palace%20and%20cathedral-2.jpg" alt="Image of City, Urban, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, " loading="lazy">Pay your respects to the many royals interred inside before hopping next door to the palace. <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/royal-palace-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A guided tour</a> is a great way to get a flavor of this stately confection’s highlights, among them a fairytale central staircase, an awesome Giaquinto ceiling fresco (plus loads more priceless art from the likes of Velázquez, Goya and Caravaggio), a royal armory, and an opulent throne room. Afterwards, stick around to relax in the ornate, statue-filled gardens. Take in the English-style Campo del Moro with its monumental neoclassical fountains, stroll maze-like avenues flanked by box hedges, magnolia trees and lofty cypresses, and enjoy panoramic palace views from the Sabatini Gardens. And take your time! After all, you’ve got all day: dinner isn’t eaten until 9 or 10PM in Madrid! <h3>Day 2: The Art of Relaxation</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/prado-2.jpg" alt="Image of Housing, " loading="lazy">You could easily fill a three-day trip to Madrid with world-class art alone. But if you have to pick only one museum, let it be the Prado. It is, after all, indisputably one of the best in the world. Here’s where you can ogle legendary masterpieces by the likes of Goya, Titian, Bosch, Rubens, Velázquez, Van Dyck, Rembrandt and more. Whatever you do, don’t miss Hieronymus Bosch’s hallucinatory triptych altarpiece The Garden of Earthly Delights or Goya’s The Third of May 1808, a brutal meditation on the horrors of war. You can enjoy a leisurely look around under your own steam, or <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/prado-museum-guided-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">take a guided tour</a> of the collection’s highlights. Feeling suitably cultured, amble over to Retiro Park for 350 acres of lush greenery, meticulously manicured gardens, majestic fountains, opulent palaces, and more monuments, statues and sculptures than you could shake a very big stick at. Again, the key here is to be selective – there’s no way you’re going to see it all, so don’t wear yourself out trying. Instead, find a shady spot in one of the many gorgeous groves and plan your sightseeing over an antipasti picnic of Spanish salamis, breads and cheeses. However, if you simply must ‘see it all’, the best way to do so is on a segway or <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/attractions/retiro-park-bike-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bicycle tour</a>, which all but guarantee sightings of most of the park’s essential attractions, among them the boating lake, the beautiful iron-and-glass cupola of the Crystal Palace, the neoclassical confection that is the Velázquez Palace, and the Paradise Lost-inspired Fountain of the Fallen Angel. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/crystal%20palace%20and%20lake-2.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Grass, Park, Pond, Water, " loading="lazy">You’ll have worked up an appetite by now for sure. Prime time, in other words, to hit up some of the city’s best tapas joints for a feast of cured meats, spicy patatas bravas, moreish meatballs, stuffed peppers and garlicky grilled prawns. You’ll find authentic restaurants just about everywhere in Madrid, but the selection along Calle de la Cava Baja in the atmospheric La Latina neighborhood is particularly celebrated. <h3>DAY 3: La Latina, Gran Via, and the Temple of Debod</h3> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/tapas-2.jpg" alt="Image of Blackboard, Menu, Text, " loading="lazy">Last night’s tapas is sure to have whetted your appetite for more of La Latina, an Instagram addict’s paradise of cobbled lanes, hidden alleyways and brightly painted window shutters. This lively and picturesque neighborhood is just made for aimless wandering, pausing to snap hidden squares and medieval churches and, of course, to refuel regularly with churros con chocolate along the way. Take time out to chill on the lush terraces of Vistillas Gardens and soak up views of the Casa de Campo and shimmering Manzanares river. Here on the weekend? Don’t miss the sensory Sunday saturnalia that is El Rastro, the largest open-air flea market in Spain, and the kind of place you can have hours of fun browsing. Don’t forget to bring cash and your best haggling game if you want to secure that coveted Julio Iglesias vinyl box set! Speaking of shopping, you’ll want to pick up a few souvenirs of your trip, and where better to do so than along Gran Via, Madrid’s legendary (and massive) shopping boulevard. Or – if you have particularly deep pockets – in the boutiques of Calle Serrano, home of Gucci, Chanel, Miu Miu, Manolo Blahnik and dozens more wallet-sapping designer emporia. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/temple%20of%20debod-2.jpg" alt="Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, " loading="lazy">Having scratched that itch (and given your bank manager a coronary), head up to Oeste Park, where the Temple of Debod is one of the best sunset spots in town. Somewhat incongruous in the modern city, this ancient Egyptian shrine was donated to Spain by the Egyptian state in the 1960s and has become something of a favorite with locals, thanks to its graceful stone arches and tranquil pools. Dinner back down the hill on the elegant Plaza de España is the perfect climax to your three-day Madrid adventure. <h3>Save on things to do in Madrid</h3> Save on admission to Madrid attractions with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us">Go City</a>. Check out @GoCity on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.

What to see and do on a short break to Madrid, including the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and the best tapas in town!

3 days in Madrid | Go City®

The Best Time to Visit Madrid

Madrid - the Spanish capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Home to over 6 million people, Madrid features stunning architecture, lively nightlife, great restaurants, and iconic attractions, including the Prado Museum, The Royal Palace and Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium. The best time to visit Madrid depends on your itinerary and which activities you plan to enjoy. Spring and Autumn have the most pleasant weather but, as you’ll see below, there’s never a bad time to visit. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Madrid_Plaza_de_Cervantes_Spring2.jpg" alt="Image of Garden, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Landscape, Grass, Park, Spring, City, Panoramic, Cityscape, Urban, Neighborhood, Car, Flower, Geranium, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Spring (March-May)</h2> Certainly one of the best times to visit Madrid would be during Spring, when the city’s shaking off the winter cold and the locals are venturing out again for their paseo por la noche (evening stroll). Accommodation prices are cheaper, the streets are quieter and pleasant temperatures mean it’s the perfect time to explore this magical city. The <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/madrid-highlights-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three-hour Madrid highlights tour</a>, taking in the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium gives an excellent introduction to the city. Temperatures hover around the mid-60s Fahrenheit (16–18o Celsius) so pack an extra layer or two for the colder days. It's always handy to have a compact umbrella in case of April showers. That being said, it’s still an amazing time to be out exploring the ancient squares, catch a puppet show in Retiro Park or just watch the world go by as you enjoy a café con leche or Tinto de Verano (iced red wine). Madrid also has several options for day trips, including the nearby UNESCO-listed cities of Toledo and Segovia, or head to the mountains for a spot of skiing at Puerto de Navacerrada. <h2>Summer (June-August)</h2> Madrid’s peak tourism season is July-August. During this time it gets extremely hot and the entire city gets crowded. With the average daily temperature passing 83°F (28 Celsius), it can get a little too spicy for some. As these are the busiest months, you’ll also have to deal with longer queues and higher hotel prices. On the plus side, Madrid is less touristy than Barcelona and the nightlife in the summer is amazing. There are also plenty of summer festivals to make your Madrid trip unforgettable: <ul><li> La Paloma </li> <li> Veranos de la Villa </li> <li> Paraíso Festival </li> <li> Mad Cool </li> <li> Gay Pride </li> </ul>While there’s never a bad time to visit Madrid, the summer months can be intense. That’s why we recommend the shoulder seasons, meaning the months either directly before or after Summer. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Madrid_Plaza-de_Espana_Fall2.jpg" alt="Image of Flare, Light, Lighting, Sunlight, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Crowd, Urban, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Fall (September-November)</h2> Hands down, the best time to visit Madrid is Fall. Daytime temperatures average in the high-60s Fahrenheit (20o Celsius), the tourists have moved on and you’re left with warm afternoons, quiet streets and more reasonable hotel rates. Towards the end of the season you’ll need your warm clothing, but there’s still a festive spirit in the air. The city’s parks are turning from green to beautiful ambers, oranges and reds, making it the dream time for photographers. There are also plenty of cultural events such as the annual International Festival of Light and Jazz festivals. Madrid is home to some of the most incredible galleries in the world, and during fall they become even more exciting. During Apertura Madrid Gallery Weekend you’ll experience a complete program of activities, completely free, including tours, exhibitions and guided outdoor activities. As the streets are less crowded, it’s the ideal time to explore the hidden gems of the city. Enjoy a new perspective of Madrid as you take to the city on two wheels, either with <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/madrid-electric-bike-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an epic three-hour, 10km electric bike tour</a> or a <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/madrid-sightseeing-segway-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one-hour Segway sightseeing tour</a>. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/Madrid_Retiro_Park_Winter2.jpg" alt="Image of Coat, Person, Nature, Outdoors, Walking, Bench, Winter, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Winter (December-February)</h2> The cold winter months in Madrid aren’t the most popular time to visit Madrid, but don’t discount them completely. While you won’t get the amazing weather, with average temperatures around 36 Fahrenheit (2o Celsius), you can escape the cold by visiting the endless number of galleries, museums and exhibitions. Prices are much cheaper, queues are tiny and you’ll have the tourist attractions all to yourself. The Prado Museum, considered one of the greatest art museums in the world and the most visited attraction in Madrid, is jam-packed during the summer months. In winter, you’ve got all the time in the world to enjoy the paintings and sculptures. If you’re still a little chilly, warm your bones with a hot chocolate or mulled wine while exploring the sprawling Christmas markets. The main one’s in Plaza Mayor and features over 100 stalls, but you’ll also find smaller ones popping up around the city centre. <h3>Save on Admission to Top Madrid Attractions</h3> Explore the best things to do with a pass for <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Madrid</a> by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/all-inclusive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All-Inclusive</a> and <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/explorer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Explorer</a> passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. <h3>Share Your Adventure with Us</h3> Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Go City Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityOfficial/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most of your travels.

The best time to visit Madrid depends on your itinerary, but some months are better than others. Read more on the Go City blog.

Best Time to Visit Madrid |Go City®

Six Best Day Trips from Madrid

You’ve marveled at Picasso’s Guernica, people-watched on the Plaza Mayor, and meandered through Retiro Park... but what to do next? Although Madrid certainly has no shortage of attractions, it wouldn’t hurt to head a little further afield now, would it? If you’re lucky enough to be spending several days in Spain’s buzzing capital, it’s worth taking a day out of the city bustle to tick another place off your Spanish bucket list. From beguiling pueblos to historic cities, take a look at our top picks for the best day trips from Madrid including... <ul><li>Toledo</li> <li>Consuegra</li> <li>Segovia</li> <li>Ávila</li> <li>Cuenca</li> <li>Alcalá de Henares</li> </ul><h2>Toledo</h2> Spain’s former capital is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid - and for good reason. Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities thrived here for years and today you can explore the vestiges of these religions in the many well-preserved synagogues, mosques, and churches throughout this petite city. Be sure to walk up to the Alcázar; this imposing Moorish fortress is the city’s most iconic building with origins that date back to Roman times. If you venture inside you’ll find a fascinating military museum. Its exhibitions will give you a good overview of Spain’s (at times turbulent) history. How to get to Toledo: One of the best ways to get to know Toledo is with a guided tour. Luckily, with a Go Madrid pass, you can book onto the <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/toledo-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Toledo experience tour</a>. They will transport you to and from Madrid and the experience includes both a walking tour and enough free time for you to lose yourself in the city’s winding streets. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/featured_images/shutterstock_362200070-600x400.jpg" alt="Image of Cityscape, Urban, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Landscape, River, Water, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Consuegra</h2> Literature enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to take a trip out of the city to the rural surrounds of Consuegra, home to the famous Don Quixote windmills. The windmills are an iconic part of the famous Spanish novel and now an important symbol for Spain’s literary heritage and culture. Once you’ve milled (sorry, not sorry) around them, you can walk over to the nearby Moorish castle and take in the views of the surrounding plains. The town of Consuegra itself is a traditional and pretty Spanish pueblo complete with whitewash buildings and ornate churches. How to get to Consuegra: The bus company SAMAR runs several buses daily from Madrid-Estacion Sur to Consuegra that take just over two hours. You can check out the timetable on their website. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/featured_images/shutterstock_1363927475-600x389.jpg" alt="Image of Outdoors, Windmill, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Segovia</h2> Set against a backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama, this UNESCO world heritage city is another popular choice for Madrid day-trippers. Although the nature surrounding Segovia adds to the city’s charm, it’s the architecture that steals the show. It’s famous for its ginormous Roman aqueduct and for the Disney-esque Alcázar fortress that sits on a rocky crag above the city. Next on your list has to be the city’s impressive Gothic cathedral - one of the last of its kind constructed in Spain. Beyond the historical sights, the city has an artistic flair. Be sure to visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Esteban Vicente - housed in a spectacular 15th-century palace, the museum holds a collection donated by Esteban Vicente, the only Spanish member of the first generation of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism in America. How to get to Segovia: Explore <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/segovia-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Segovia on a guided tour</a>, bookable with your Go Madrid pass. It includes transport to and from Segovia, a guided tour and of course, free time to explore this small city for yourself. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/featured_images/shutterstock_1349222663-600x370.jpg" alt="Image of Landmark, Aqueduct of Segovia, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Ávila</h2> Eight gates, 88 watchtowers, and some 2500 turrets make up the walls of the heritage city of Ávila. This impressive structure is just the start of what makes this small city a fascinating day trip from Madrid. It’s an important pilgrimage site for Christians due to the town being the home of Santa Teresa de Ávila, one of Spain’s patron saints. As such, it is claimed that Ávila has the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita in Spain. How to get to Ávila: Catch a train from Chamartin or Príncipe Pío stations, which takes just over an hour and a half. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/featured_images/shutterstock_1305061027-600x292.jpg" alt="Image of Castle, Fortress, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Cuenca</h2> It’s worth the journey from Madrid to see the famous casas colgadas (hanging houses) of Cuenca. Due to the town running out of places to build, houses started to be developed to sit perilously on its cliff edges and look out onto the river below. Along with enjoying the dramatic views of these iconic houses from the outside, two have been converted into modern art galleries - so head inside to get your culture fix. How to get to Cuenca: Cuenca is a high-speed train ride from Madrid Atocha station. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/featured_images/shutterstock_100927660-600x400.jpg" alt="Image of Bear, Landmark, " loading="lazy"> <h2>Alcalá de Henares</h2> Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes is very much celebrated in his birthplace of Alcalá de Henares. Along with visiting the Cervantes House Museum, be sure to take a look at his statue on Cervantes Plaza, a Renaissance-era Spanish square home to the Corral de Comedias - one of the oldest theatres in Europe. Once you’re cultured out, drop by one the many tapas bars around the town center (our favorites include Indalo and La Taberna de Rusty). Many of the bars in this area adhere to the rather lovely Spanish tradition of free tapas with your drink (which, if you’ve spent a few days in Madrid, you’ll realize it isn’t always customary, so make the most of it while you’re here!). How to get to Alcalá de Henares: Take Madrid’s commuter Cercanias train (Line 2 or Line 7) from Atocha Station to Alcalá de Henares train station. Trains run throughout the day. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/madrid/featured_images/shutterstock_311494931-600x393.jpg" alt="Image of City, Grass, Urban, Neighborhood, Housing, Car, " loading="lazy">Whether you’re looking to stay in Madrid or venture a bit further afield, a <a href="https://gocity.com/madrid/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Go Madrid pass</a> is the best way to fit in all the things you want to see while saving you an average of 44% compared to buying at the gate.

You’ve marveled at Picasso’s Guernica, people-watched on the Plaza Mayor, and meandered through Retiro Park… but what to do next? Although Madrid certainly has no shortage of attractions, it wouldn’t hurt to head a little further afield now, would it? If you’re lucky enough to be spending several days in Spain’s buzzing capital, it’s worth taking a day out of the city bustle to tick another place off your Spanish bucket list.

Six Best Day Trips from Madrid | Go City®

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