Jump to:
1. Find a barrio that speaks to you
2. Madrid’s green lung
3. Bar-hopping done right
4. The full Gran Vía experience
5. Stars of the pitch and the kitchen
6. The Golden Triangle of Art
7. From Prado to Loewe
8. FAQ
Until a few years ago, Madrid was Europe’s best-kept secret. Now, it is the place to be.
While Madrid may lack a coastline, this modern capital city more than compensates with its boundless charm and diverse offerings, ranging from the unmissable top things to see in Madrid – like admiring artistic masterpieces at The Museo del Prado – to quirky, under-the-radar gems. Soak up the aristocratic elegance of Salamanca, go bar-hopping on the Gran Vía and dive into hidden spots shared by locals.
1. Find a barrio that speaks to you
To feel the pulse of the city, start by visiting several different barrios (neighbourhoods), each with its own distinct character. After a few days, this mosaic of upscale, laid-back and multicultural areas will assemble itself into a picture of a city that is vibrant, diverse and endlessly captivating.
Take Malasaña, for example – a lively district beloved by caffeine enthusiasts for its third-wave, specialty coffee shops, yet one that retains its bohemian and alternative spirit. Known for the cultural explosion of the 80s, dubbed Movida Madrileña, Malasaña continues to thrive as a modern, artistic neighborhood influenced by musicians and creators who bring energy to its streets.
After browsing the district’s vintage and independent clothing stores – a quintessential Malasaña experience – check out free exhibitions and cultural activities at the Conde Duque Cultural Center, home to the prized ABC Collection, one of the largest illustration collections in the world.
For a taste of local vermut rojo, settle into a traditional tavern, such as La Ardosa, or visit the legendary El Penta – one of the city’s first bar-and-disco venues featuring DJ sessions. For classic Madrid-style tapas and prime people-watching, choose any of the many terraces at Plaza Dos de Mayo.
Next stop is Salamanca. On the elegant 'Golden Mile', grand 19th-century mansions house fine-dining restaurants and designer boutiques, including Carolina Herrera, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Also in the area are El Corte Inglés, a beloved Spanish department store with over 80 years of history featuring numerous luxury brands, and ABC Serrano, a stylish shopping center with an array of shops and restaurants.
To discover what makes a residential neighbourhood tick, your best bet is the stately Chamberí with its varied cultural attractions, trendy bars and charming neighbourhood cafes such as the buzzy spot on the ground floor of Avani Alonso Martinez Hotel. Another nearby eatery, the Italian restaurant Fellina Chamberí, is a popular local hangout recommended by Madrid native David Díaz Molina, Head of Social Media at Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, who admires its warm, vintage ambiance.
For an artistic vibe, spend an afternoon in the inclusive and laid-back Chueca, the epicenter of Madrid's Pride celebrations. Shopping for local brands, enjoying casual dining and lingering for a taste of its bustling nightlife are all must-do things in Madrid for anyone looking for a unique experience.
Best thing? Madrid has an excellent metro system, so getting around is a breeze!
2. Madrid’s green lung
Where Paris has the Seine and London the Thames, Madrid has the Manzanares River.
Since the completion of a large-scale urban revitalisation project that transformed the area along the Manzanares into what is now known as Madrid Río, its banks have become a magnet for nature lovers, food enthusiasts and wellness seekers. Outdoor activities abound here, from biking and skating to yoga classes in the open air. Nearby, contemporary arts centre Matadero Madrid offers a variety of exhibitions, while Cineteca Madrid provides the opportunity to enjoy iconic films in a unique setting.
If you like your nature with a side of history, head to
Retiro Park, one of Madrid's most cherished green spaces with a royal history. Recently named a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is an open-air museum with numerous recreational activities, from lake rides and cycling to picnicking and puppetry shows.
3. More top things in Madrid: bar-hopping done right
No list of top things to see in Madrid is complete without watching the locals step out on "la fiesta", the tradition of bar-hopping and socialising late into the night – and hopefully joining them too. But keep in mind that it is a famously late-night city. It's common for dinner in Madrid to be served around 9:00 pm or even later, often stretching until 11:00 pm.
Before dinner, many locals go for tapas – a variety of small dishes typically served alongside drinks – so dining like a madrileño might require making some adjustments to your schedule. But this being one of top must do things in Madrid, the effort is well worth it!
The list of famous tapas bars is endless, but crowd-pleasers include Casa Labra in Sol, renowned for its fried cod, and Docamar, famous for its patatas bravas. For more local, less touristy spots, head to La Pequeña Grana in the Delicias neighborhood near Madrid Río, or El Sur in Lavapiés.
4. The full Gran Vía experience
One of the best places to experience Madrid’s vibrant late-night culture is Gran Vía. This iconic avenue is known for its bustling atmosphere, grand architecture and a wide array of entertainment options ranging from theatres and cinemas that gave it the moniker "Broadway of Madrid" to bars, pubs and nightclubs for every taste.
The avenue is lined with shops, boutiques and malls that stay open late, making it a perfect spot for evening shopping and entertainment. Cocktail aficionados should visit Salmón Gurú, considered one of the best cocktail bars in Europe, and Satán, another fantastic cocktail spot that showcases Madrid's innovative drinks scene. Meanwhile, Tony 2 is a must-visit piano bar with a karaoke vibe that has become a real Madrid classic.
To experience Gran Vía in daylight, head to the rooftop of the Salvador Bachiller department store, where the hidden gem Garden of Salvador Bachiller serves a relaxed brunch amid abundant greenery.
5. The Golden Triangle of Art
A walking distance from Gran Vía lies the Prado, which anchors a trio of stylish museums that welcome over 7 million visitors a year. It is a unique feature of Madrid that three of its most illustrious museums (the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza) are neighbours along the same street, known as Paseo del Arte or Art Walk. You can easily spend an entire day taking in celebrated masterpieces such as Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch and Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya.
6. Stars of the pitch and the kitchen
But it’s not only food and art that draw in millions of tourists to the city. The museum at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid football club, is quickly becoming one of the top things to see in Madrid as well, and not only for soccer fans. The recently added skywalk, a 360º viewpoint located on level 10 of the stadium, offers spectacular panoramic views of Madrid's financial district and beyond.
Minutes away, hidden among the CBD’s office buildings and corporate headquarters, is one of the city’s most exciting and awarded restaurants – the three Michelin-starred DiverXO from the “enfant terrible” of Spanish gastronomy, David Muñoz. To experience his mould-breaking tasting menu, book well in advance and prepare for a whirlwind tour of world cuisines, made accessible by highly inventive, tongue-in-cheek creations such as “Galician lobster waking up on the beaches of Goa” and “drunken crabs partying in Jerez.”
To stay close to Santiago Bernabeu, book a room at NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding, which also offers direct access to DiverXO.
7. From Prado to Loewe
Meanwhile, for many fashionistas Madrid is first and foremost the home of Loewe, a global luxury label with a rich history and a strong presence in the city.
Among must-do things in Madrid for Loewe admirers is a visit to its flagship boutique to explore the widely admired blend of heritage craftsmanship, modern innovation and artistic expression. Another stop on the “Loewe trail” is Perfumes Loewe, where a search for a standout fragrance may result in a keepsake that will instantly transport you back to Madrid, no matter where you are in the world.
Now is a great time to visit and see the city on the up. Be close to all the action and top things to see in Madrid with our selection of diverse options for accommodation in Madrid.
Madrid's effervescent spirit, warm hospitality and endless entertainment options ensure it remains a top travel destination, beach or no beach.
