Explore Madrid
We hope you have ample time to experience and enjoy the vibrant city of Madrid. To help with your plans, we've listed some of our favorite churches, restaurants, mercados, and activities below.
Mercado de San Miguel
s/n Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid, MD 28005, Spain
This 100-year-old foodie paradise started as a wholesale market,
but now it's one of the world's top food destinations.
Step inside and you'll find over 20 amazing stalls, each showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine. From silky Iberian ham to just-caught seafood, mouthwatering rice dishes to drool-worthy cheeses, it's a smorgasbord of Spanish deliciousness.
The market's open every day until midnight, and until 1am on weekends.
Just make sure to come hungry and enjoy!
Catedral de Santa María la Real
de la Almudena
10 Calle de Bailén, Madrid, MD 28013, Spain
This is Madrid's main cathedral, richly decorated with neo-Gothic and classical elements, situated beside the Royal Palace.
Mass times:
Mon–Fri: 11:00 (crypt), 11:00, 12:00, 18:30 (crypt), 19:00
Saturday: 11:00 (crypt), 12:00, 18:30 (crypt), 19:00
Sunday: 11:00 (crypt), 12:00, 13:00 (crypt), 18:30 (crypt), 19:00
Confession times (in spanish):
Daily: 11:00–13:00 & 19:00–19:30
Royal Basilica
of Saint Francis the Great
1 Calle de San Buenaventura, Madrid, MD 28005, Spain
Known for its massive dome (one of the largest in Europe) and masterpieces by Goya and Zurbarán.
Mass Times:
Mon-Fri: 10:00
Saturday: 19:00
Sunday: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 19:00
Iglesia de San Jerónimo el Real
4 Calle de Moreto, Madrid, MD 28014, Spain
A stunning Isabelline Gothic church with deep royal connections, once the venue for investitures of Spanish monarchs.
Mass Times:
Mon-Sat (Chapel): 10:00, 12:00, 19:00
Sunday: 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 19:00
Confessions:
Mon-Sat: 30 min before mass
Sundays: during mass
Museo Nacional del Prado
Madrid, MD 28014, Spain
One of Madrid's most famous museums, the elegant Museo Nacional del Prado offers one of the world's largest collections of European art.
Tip: The Paseo del Arte Pass allows you to visit the Prado,
Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums for 32 euros (about $35),
saving 20% of the three tickets' combined prices.
You can buy it online or at any of the three museums and it's valid for one year.
Museo Nacional
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
52 Calle de Santa Isabel, Madrid, MD 28012, Spain
Offers a vast collection of Spanish and international contemporary art produced between the late 19th century and the present day including one of Picasso’s most famous works, Guernica, and works by other leading names like Salvador Dali.
Museo Nacional
Thyssen-Bornemisza
8 Paseo del Prado, Madrid, MD 28014, Spain
The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, once an aristocratic mansion, falls somewhere between the avant-garde works at the Reina Sofia and the traditional Spanish art at the Prado. Expect recognizable pieces from the likes of Dalí,
El Greco, Monet, Picasso and Rembrandt.
Palacio Real De Madrid
Madrid, MD 28071, Spain
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family in Madrid, although now used only for state ceremonies.
It's a beautiful area to walk around. If you would like a tour, you can visit the palace for 20€
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sundays: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Parque El Retiro
Madrid, MD 28009, Spain
This is the "central park" of Madrid and it's absolutely beautiful.
There is so much to see and do here including:
Palacio de Cristal
The Gardens
Casita del Pescador
Library in the park
Eat or drink at any of the kiosks across the park
Plaza Mayor & Puerta del Sol
Madrid, MD, Spain
Walk through these two historic city squares brimming with energy,
perfect for café-hopping, shopping, people-watching, and some afternoon "tapas".
La Gran Via
Gran Via, Madrid
Madrid's Gran Vía is an avenue at the heart of the city, a prime spot for shoppers and architecture buffs. Gran Vía spans nearly a mile and is packed with shops and restaurants.
Flamenco
What better way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture than with a flamenco show!
Madrid is home to numerous tablaos (flamenco venues) where you can witness the passion of this captivating Spanish art. You can watch a show at larger tourist venues like Cardamomo and Teatro Flamenco or in cozier, smaller spots like Las Tablas
or Las Carboneras.
Shopping
- El Corte Inglés is a department store chain with many locations in Madrid, the flaghship is at Plaza del Callao. They offer a tourist "passport" where you get a 10% refund on everything, and they even handle your tax returns.
- Calle Serrano has luxury and local stores.
- Las Rozas Village is an outlet about 30 minutes by car from Madrid.
Tip: Keep in mind that you can get a tax refund on purchases over $60 if you live outside the EU.
Just keep the receipts and process them at the airport before leaving.
Food & Drink
If you like good food and great wine, then you'll definitely enjoy the heart of Spain!
Here are a few recommendations as to where to eat and drink.
Ten con Ten ($$$) — Barrio Salamanca. Mediterranean
Desde 1911 ($$$) — Moncloa-Aravaca. Fine Seafood
El Paraguas ($$) — Barrio Salamanca. Asturian
Ultramarinos Quintín ($$) — Barrio Salamanca. Mediterranean
Amparito Roca ($$) — Barrio Salamanca. Castilian‑Manchego
Fismuler ($$) — Chamberí. Modern Mediterranean
Sala de Despiece ($$) — Chamberí. Modern Tapas
Roostiq Bar ($$) — Chamberí. Modern
Farah ($$) — Centro. Mediterranean‑Oriental
Los 33 ($$) — Centro. Hispano‑Uruguayan
Casa Benigna ($$) — Chamartín. Spanish
O’pazo ($$) — Tetuán. Seafood
Casa Canito ($) — Barrio Salamanca. Bar/Tapas
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Day Trips
There's plenty to see and experience in Madrid but if you feel like exploring something off the beaten path, we recommend visiting Toledo, Segovia, or Avila which offer unique historical sites, stunning architecture, great food and drink, and are easily accessible
by car or train.
Toledo
Travel time: 60-70 minutes by car or 40 minutes by train (from Atocha station) Must-see: Medieval architecture, ancient synagogues, and stunning views of the Tagus River.
Segovia
Travel time: 70-90 minutes by car or 30-60 minutes by train (from Chamartín station)
Must-see: Roman Aqueduct, Alcázar of Segovia, Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia Cathedral, and Jewish Quarter
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Ávila
Travel time: 1.5 hours by train or car Must-see: Ávila city walls, Cathedral, Convent of St. Teresa, Basilica of San Vicente. If you travel by train, it is recommended to take the AVE, which is the high-speed train. Use the link to check schedules and book tickets in advance.
