Flights to

Madrid

Sights and activities in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid – explore the official residence of the Spanish royal family, featuring stunning architecture and lavish interiors that showcase the country's rich history and artistry.

Plaza Mayor – soak in the atmosphere of Madrid's most famous square, surrounded by historic buildings and filled with cafes, restaurants and street performers.

Retiro Park – escape the bustling city in this expansive green oasis, featuring a picturesque artificial lake, beautiful gardens and the stunning Crystal Palace.

Puerta del Sol – visit the square at the heart of Madrid, which is the starting point for measuring distances along the country’s six major national roads. While at the square, make sure to also check out the famous Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, a symbol of Madrid’s coat of arms.

Almudena Cathedral – admire the eclectic architecture of Madrid’s main cathedral, featuring a mix of Baroque, Neoclassical, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque elements.

Temple of Debod – witness the ancient Egyptian temple in the centre of Madrid. Gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government, it is one of the few standing ancient Egyptian monuments outside of Egypt.

Market of San Miguel – immerse yourself in a world of flavour at this historic market, where traditional tapas and fine wine await under iconic iron architecture.

Art museums – often called the golden triangle of art, the Reina Sofia Museum, the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum make it easy to immerse yourself in world‑class art within a short distance of each other. Marvel at masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, Dalí, Van Gogh and many more renowned artists.

Bernabéu Stadium – witness football history come alive at this legendary arena, home to Real Madrid and a must-see landmark for sports lovers.

Things to see and do near Madrid

Ávila – a historic city best known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval walls. You can reach Ávila in about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Madrid by car, and in 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours by bus or train.

Segovia – home to a stunning Roman aqueduct and a rich blend of architectural styles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site city is located about 25 minutes from Madrid by train, 1 hour and 10 minutes by car and around 1 hour and 20 minutes by bus.

Toledo – another must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 2,000 years of history and culture meet, about an hour from Madrid by car and approximately 30 minutes by train.

Barcelona – Jump on a high-speed train and enjoy one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. Barcelona really deserves a few days to fully enjoy what it has to offer.

El Escorial – a former royal residence and monastery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers rich history and architecture. El Escorial is about an hour’s trip from Madrid by car or train.

Sepúlveda – a medieval hill town with Romanesque churches, cobbled streets and dramatic views over the Duratón River gorges. You can get to Sepúlveda from Madrid in about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, or in about 3 hours by taking multiple buses.

Guadarrama Mountains – just north of Madrid, this mountain range offers dramatic peaks, pine forests and glacial lakes, making it a must-see for hikers and nature lovers.

Shopping in Madrid

Like other large European cities, you can find most modern brands in Madrid. Shopping in Madrid is lively and full of variety.

Gran Vía – this street is one of Madrid’s most important shopping areas, lined with impressive early 20th-century architecture, theatres and bustling nightlife.

Chueca district – close to Gran Vía, this lively district is known for its stylish boutiques, vibrant nightlife and inclusive atmosphere.

El Rastro – a popular flea market selling everything from vintage treasures to new goods and handmade crafts, open on Sundays and public holidays.

Salamanca district – Madrid’s luxury shopping hub, home to designer fashion houses and upscale boutiques.

Madrid is a gastronomical paradise for typical Spanish food and drink. Many dishes have been around for centuries, and you can get a taste of Spain in its many restaurants.

Tapas – a cornerstone of Spanish cuisine, these flavorful small plates can easily turn into a full meal, especially when paired with a good glass of Spanish wine. With so many varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find a favourite.

Cocido madrileño – a hearty stew of meat, chickpeas and other vegetables traditionally served in stages to form a meal of several courses.

Gambas al ajillo – a popular midday meal of prawns in garlic.

Churros – fried pastries that are especially popular in Madrid. Churros are usually eaten for breakfast.

Huevos rotos or huevos estrellados (‘broken eggs’) – fried eggs served over homemade French fries, typically topped with some cured meat.

Patatas bravas – a simple dish of fried potato chunks, drizzled with a spicy tomato sauce.

Bocadillo de calamares – a small baguette stuffed with fried calamari rings.

Buñuelo – an anise-flavoured dough ball, deep-fried and topped off with a sweet condiment.

Callos – a traditional dish in Madrid, this stew is typically made with beef tripe, chickpeas, black pudding and peppers.

Madrid's transport is cheap and easy to use, with a large metro system and a wide network of trams and buses.

Metro – with over 300 stations spanning the entire city, the metro makes it easy and convenient to reach the sights of Madrid. You can purchase a Multicard and top it up with tickets.

Bus – Madrid’s extensive bus network is a convenient way to reach areas not directly served by the metro. You can also use the Multicard on buses.

Tram – the city’s light rail system, known as Metro Ligero, connects suburban areas to the metro network. You can also use the Multicard on Metro Ligero trams.

Taxi – taxis can be hailed from the street and all official taxis are metered. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Uber, Cabify, Bolt and Freenow are widely available in Madrid. Drivers may not speak English, so it might be good to have your destination written down.

By foot – Madrid is a walking-friendly city, but distances can be long, so consider using the metro or bus to get to your destination.

By car – as the traffic in Madrid is often heavy and parking is limited, driving is generally not the optimal choice for visitors, unless you're passing through or heading out of the city.