Must-See Attractions and Unique Adventures in Madrid, Spain

You can see and experience a lot of Madrid, Spain, with some strategy and advance preparation.

I prefer a structured itinerary that includes booking tours in advance and prioritizing which attractions I want to see for the first time.

It’s also helpful if your schedule allows margin and wiggle room for exploration and “happy accidents” you may stumble upon along the way.

I’m sharing highlights from our 4-night visit, which includes unique adventures you’ll want to add to your list.

Thanks again to the Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago, Minor Hotels-NH Collection, Spain Brand Experiences, and Madrid Destino for hosting portions of our visit. This article contains affiliate links, and all opinions are my own.

Take a Food Tour

I HIGHLY recommend taking a food tour on the first or second day of your visit to Madrid.

We took two very different food tours, and they both really enhanced our visit!

Walking food tours help you get to know a neighborhood better while trying a variety of local foods recommended by guides.

Your guide is also a great resource for suggesting additional recommendations for the rest of your visit.

Each food tour builds on the other, providing local history, flavors, and culture.

The morning and evening food tours were completely different experiences, offering an abundance of delicious foods to sample along the way that left us beyond FULL.

We took a morning Market Food Tour and a Tapas tour that evening.

I don’t recommend taking more than one food tour on the same day because they can be quite filling, but we needed to for logistical purposes.

I also enjoyed mingling with other guests on food tours from all walks of life.

You’ll learn the difference between tapa and tapas, why Spaniards eat 5 meals a day, and why you should wait to eat the bread at a restaurant instead of eating it before the food comes.

Explore Mercado de San Miguel

Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, Centro, 28005 Madrid

Madrid has a local market in each neighborhood, each with its own unique vibe and local vendors. Don’t miss checking out the Mercado de San Miguel Market.

This food market dates back to 1916 and is a busy hub for foodies, locals, and visitors in the heart of Madrid.

Admire the Inside of Almudena Cathedral

Bailén Street 10, 28013, Madrid, Spain

Almudena Cathedral is free to visit, with a suggested donation of 1 Euro to help with upkeep and operations.

This is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain, with a capacity of up to 6,000 people.

The cathedral is stunning inside, with colorful, intricate artistry on each ceiling panel and stained-glass windows.

In 1883, the first stone was laid for the construction of the cathedral. It was completed in 1993, due to delays from financial issues and the Spanish Civil War.

The Crypt below the cathedral, opened in 1911, is considered the largest in Spain. The Cathedral offers guided and self-guided Crypt tours.

Visit the cathedral after dark for another dramatic perspective.

Experience 360 Degree Views of Madrid from Almudena Cathedral / Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena

Calle Bailén 10., 28013. Madrid, Spain

I highly recommend purchasing tickets for the dome climb and museum at Almudena Cathedral directly across the square from the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Fair warning: there are around 200 stairs to climb to reach the top, but you’ll be rewarded with 360 panoramic views of Madrid.

An elevator is available for guests who can’t physically climb the stairs to access parts of the museum and the dome level.

You’ll have a great vantage point of the Royal Palace from one of the balconies on your way up to the very top.

We had a few hours to explore on our last day before our flight, and savoring final views of the city was a great way to spend it.

*Pictures are allowed from the balconies but not in the museum.

Purchase Cookies from a Cloistered Nun in a 400-year-old Monastery

Monasterio del Corpus Christi (also known as Convento de las Carboneras)

Plaza del Conde de Miranda, 3 (near Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace)

The Monasterio del Corpus Christi dates back to 1607, and the bakery is run by cloistered nuns and has been operating for 400 years!

I learned about this hidden gem on social media. You can purchase handmade cookies directly from a cloistered nun who lives in the monastery, separated from the outside world.

You need to ring the doorbell with the selection next to Dulces or Monjas. After you’re buzzed in, you follow the signs and walk through a corridor until you reach the opening with a turntable.

You’ll tell the nun what you want to order through the small opening and then place the Euros on the “torno,” a wooden turntable.

A nun will place your cookies on the turntable/wooden lazy Susan and then rotate it back to your side.

We ordered two boxes of the iced shortbread cookies called “nevaditos.” Arrive early for the most bakery options because they can sell out.

For another point of reference: the monastery is in the Plaza del Conde de Miranda.

Take a Tour of Bernabéu Stadium

Av. de Concha Espina, 1, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid, Spain

Bernabéu Stadium is best known as the home of the “Real Madrid” soccer or futbol team.

Take a self-guided tour on a non-match day for the most access to additional areas of the stadium that aren’t open to the public.

It’s a bit surreal to stand in the same locker room where world-class athletes prepare before each match.

Highlights of the stadium tour include learning more about the club’s history, standing in the players’ changing rooms, and interactive exhibits featuring Real Madrid’s past and present, the press room, and the club’s impressive trophy collection.

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Centro, 28071 Madrid, Spain

The Royal Palace of Madrid has bragging rights, as the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the largest palaces in the world.

The palace is HUGE, with 3,418 rooms covering 1,450,000 sq ft.

This is a very popular attraction in Spain, and tickets sell out quickly.

I thought we could purchase palace tickets online on the day of our visit, but they were already sold out for a few days surrounding our dates, so you’ll want to purchase tickets in advance.

Free entry is available during specific hours for self-guided tours of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Check the qualifications here.

The impressive gardens near the Royal Palace of Madrid are also worth exploring and don’t require a ticket.

Visit Plaza Mayor During the Day and at Night

Pl. Mayor, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Plaza Mayor has been a hub of activity for Spaniards in Madrid’s grand central square.

The plaza opened in 1620 during King Phillip III’s reign, but the site was previously Plaza del Arrabal, a marketplace dating back to the 15th century.

The statue of King Phillip III riding a stallion in the center of the plaza dates back to 1616.

The sculpture of King Phillip III was designed by sculptor Giambologna. After he passed, it was completed by his apprentice Pietro Tacca.

The plaza is surrounded by a variety of shops and cafes. You’ll want to check out the oldest hat shop in Madrid, located in the plaza, dating back to 1894.

It is also great for people-watching; you may see live entertainment or street performers around the courtyard.

It’s worth visiting Plaza Mayor after dark, when the square has even more of a buzz of activity from locals and tourists.

Dine at a real Castilian cellar at Los Galayos Restaurante

C. de Botoneras, 5, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain

This historic restaurant, near Plaza Mayor, dates back to 1894 and is best known for its dish “Cochinillo Asada.”

The Spanish roast suckling pig is a traditional Castilian dish prepared for 8 hours and has extremely tender meat.

There are several unique dining areas to choose from, along with two terrace options for outdoor seating. We chose to dine in the Bodeguilla, a real Castilian cellar.

The space is intimate but not so small that you feel claustrophobic.

Explore the Salesas Shopping and Lifestyle District

If you’re looking for unique one-of-a-kind handcrafted items, the Salesas shopping and lifestyle district is for you.

You’ll discover boutiques by independent designers and artisans offering incredible craftsmanship, with many selling wearable works of art.

These boutiques are slow fashion, taking the time to craft each individual piece with detail and care.

This is a district where you can slow down, meet the designer, hear their “why” story, and learn more about their passion project.

Find a Hidden Mouse House

Casita Ratón Pérez – (near Puerta del Sol) C. del Marqués Viudo de Pontejos, 2, Centro, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Spain’s famous tooth fairy mouse, Ratón Pérez, has several secret doors around Madrid with tributes dedicated to the mouse.

Casita-Museo de Ratón Pérez is the official home/ museum of Ratón Pérez, Spain’s tooth fairy mouse.

We noticed one of the hidden doors during the day because of the long line of people and went back in the evening to take a peek without the crowds.

Churros and Chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés

Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Since 1894, this cafe has been one of the most iconic spots in the city to enjoy churros and chocolate.

Churros are fried in sunflower oil, so they have a less strong flavor and are made fresh to order.

Chocolatería San Ginés is open 24/7 to help satisfy a churro craving at any hour.

Most Spaniards enjoy churros and hot chocolate for dipping for a late breakfast, afternoon snack, or late-night treat.

You may be tempted to drink the chocolate, but you’ll find that it’s REALLY thick, so the tradition is to dip your churro into the chocolate. You’ll want to enjoy churros and chocolate a few times over the duration of your visit.

The cafe is a short walk from Puerta del Sol, so you might as well check it out while you’re in the area.

Wander Puerta del Sol

Kilometre Zero

Puerta del Sol is known as one of the busiest squares in Madrid.

The square is located in the heart of the city and is the starting point where the main roads in Spain meet.

The plaza is surrounded by hundreds of retail shops, where people celebrate New Year’s Eve with their tradition of eating 12 grapes.

Several historical events have taken place in this square, including the resistance against Napoleon’s troops on May 2, 1808, and King Ferdinand VII’s coronation in 1814.

The Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue is also a popular site to see and the official coat of arms of Spain.

Try Jamon at Cinco Jotas Restaurant

Calle Padre Damián 42, Madrid

Start with one of Spain’s most iconic jamon brands when you try jamon for the first time in Madrid.

Cinco Jotas is known for its 100% Iberian acorn-fed cured ham.

Their free-range Iberian pigs live in the Iberian Peninsula, shared by southwest Spain and Portugal.

Each pig feasts on 13-22 pounds of acorns during its final fattening season for a few months during the fall/early winter (Around Oct. 1- Jan 1)

The ham is naturally cured for 3-5 years in natural cellars.

After you try this rich and nutty, flavorful meat, described as an “olive tree with legs”, you’ll be making plans to bring some home with you.

Unfortunately, you can’t bring Jamón Ibérico back to the United States, but it does give you an excuse to eat as much as possible while you’re in Spain.

Take a Walking Tour of Madrid

I can’t say enough great things about our guide Mayte Embuena. She has a degree in tourism and also studied history. Mayte has such a gift for bringing history to life during her tours.

Her storytelling and ability to bring the past to life will help the stories stick long after your tour.

We took two of her tours around Madrid, and it really enhanced our visit with context.

She’s an official guide in Madrid, Toledo, and all of Castilla and can plan tours for individuals or small or large groups.

Admire Amazing Art at the Museo Nacional del Prado

Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

The best advice I got about visiting the Prado Museum was from a local tour guide. She said to only plan on visiting the museum for two hours.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed because the Prado Museum is MASSIVE at 42,000 square feet with 20,000 works of art!

She takes groups to the museum regularly and said that people tend to tap out after too many hours, and I’d agree.

Our visit to the museum was around 2 hours because you can only take in and process so much amazing art in one setting.

A few notable pieces inside the museum:

• Las Meninas (1656 ) by Diego Velázquez
• The Garden of Earthly Delights (1490-1500) by Hieronymus Bosch
• Saturn Devouring His Son (1819- 1823) by Francisco Goya
• The Descent from the Cross (before 1443) by Rogier van der Weyden
• The Triumph of Death by Brueghel
• David and Goliath by Caravaggio
• The Third of May 1808 in Madrid by Francisco Goya

You have a choice when it comes to visiting the Prado Museum: pay for admission or visit during the last two hours of its opening schedule for free entry.

We decided to pay to experience the museum with fewer crowds versus wasting our limited time standing in the long line for the free entry, which also meant less time in the museum before it closed.

*Guests aren’t permitted to take pictures inside the museum, so I’ll show you the entrance.

Dine at Posada de la Villa

C. de la Cava Baja, 9, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain

Posada de la Villa dates back to 1642, originally as an inn and flour mill.

The traditional restaurant serves Castilian cuisine and is best known for its dishes prepared in a wood-fired oven displayed as you enter the restaurant.

If you want the most popular dish, the roast suckling lamb, you’ll need to make your order in advance.

Look Down for Centennial Shop Plaques in Madrid

Centennial Shop Plaques (Comercios Centenarios)

150+ markers designed by Antonio Mingote, a Spanish cartoonist, are located around the city, honoring family-run businesses and trades in operation for over 100 years.

The Centennial Shop Plaques (Comercios Centenarios) are made of bronze and are displayed on the pavement in front of historic businesses.

Shop and Save at El Corte Inglés Castellana Shopping Centre

C. de Raimundo Fernández Villaverde, 65, Tetuán, 28003 Madrid, Spain

El Corte Inglés is THE major department store in Spain, housing popular Spanish and International luxury brands under one roof.

You’ll find upscale apparel, watches, jewelry, cosmetics, and more.

We noticed several familiar brands and were introduced to others for the first time in one department store.

El Corte Inglés Castellana goes the extra mile for customers with the following services:

• Multilingual VIP Concierge staff – a personal contact for guests in their preferred language
• 10% Reward Card– this perk can be activated upon the first purchase on more than 80% of their brands/ items and redeemed on a subsequent purchase in El Corte Inglés stores, valid for all El Corte Inglés stores for a 5-day period.
• Hands-free Shopping – you can pay for all of your purchases at one location in the center
• Delivery Program to your hotel – you can request a delivery of your purchased items to your hotel room at the International Customer Lounge.
• Personal Shopper service- a personal shopper can work with you to create unique looks from head to toe. This experience includes a color test and needs to be booked in advance. 
• Early Tax Refund – El Corte Inglés has the only stores in Spain that pay a tax refund in advance on purchases.

The color test is part of the personal shopper experience. A color analysis is so helpful if you’ve never been shown which colors work best with your skin tone, eyes, and hair.

Staff place different color swatches on you, and afterwards you have a booklet with your best colors. It makes a big difference when you buy clothing in your best colors.

Dine at Gourmet Experience Castellana

We tend to work up an appetite while shopping, and there are several restaurant options onsite at Gourmet Experience during your visit.

There’s a central bar and tasting area, in addition to four other distinct restaurants, which include RavioXO, a restaurant with a Michelin star.

El Corte Inglés has bragging rights as the first department store group in the world to house a Michelin-starred establishment.

Guests can also shop for premier gourmet brands from around the world to take home.

Discover the Street Art in Madrid

Be on the lookout for incredible street art all around Madrid.

You’ll find a lot of art featured on retractable doors for local businesses. The Malasaña and Lavapiés neighborhoods have the highest concentration of street art.

Here’s a self-guided street guide tour, or you can book a guide for a street art tour.

Wander El Retiro Park

Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain

El Retiro Park is one of the largest parks in Madrid, covering 350 acres.

The park is best known for its gardens, sculptures, and Crystal Palace (currently under construction)

The park dates back to 1505, when it was previously used as a retreat for the Royal family. In 1767, the park was opened for the public to enjoy.

The park also has a large lake with pedal boats available for rent and cafes throughout.

Explore Legends, the Home of Football

Carrera de San Jerónimo, 2

The expansive museum residing in the heart of Madrid boasts 600 legendary artifacts, immersive technology, and interactive experiences.

The museum showcases around 300 jerseys, but the entire collection is around 2000.

The expansive collection of jerseys and memorabilia dates back to 1916, and I highly recommend taking a guided tour to fully understand the impressive collection you’re able to see.

Group guided tours are available in English daily at 2PM.

General Tickets without a guide

• Get Your Guide
• Klook
• Tiquets

Where We Stayed

We enjoyed 4 nights at the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding.

Our modern room featured two balconies, and amenities included free wifi, a mini fridge, a safe, climate-controlled air conditioning, a Nespresso machine, a rain-effect shower, and plenty of electrical outlets for our electronics.

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