All citiesMadrid Things to do and walking itinerary
Spain Madrid travel guide
30 things to do in Madrid, where to stay, airport transfers, 6 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Madrid
- Museo del Prado — Spanish national art museum in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía — national museum of art in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Royal Palace of Madrid — official residence of the Spanish Royal Family (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Royal Spanish Academy — official regulator for the Spanish language (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Almudena Cathedral — Roman Catholic cathedral in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum — art museum in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Main Square — square in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- El Retiro Park — urban park in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Puerta del Sol — square in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Museum of Archaeology — archaeological museum in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Teatro Real — opera house in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Temple of Debod — Egyptian temple in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Palace of Moncloa — residence of the Prime Minister of Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Las Ventas — bullring in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando — Spanish art school, museum and gallery in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- plaza de España — square in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Alcalá Gate — cultural property in Madrid Distritos: Retiro y Salamanca, Spain (visit ≈ 60 min)
- plaza de Cibeles — square in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Forest of Remembrance — Remembrance of the 2004 Madrid train bombing (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Royal Botanic Garden of Madrid — botanical garden and research centre in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Sorolla Museum — museum in Madrid (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Casa de Campo Park — cultural property in Madrid y Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain (visit ≈ 45 min)
- plaza de Colón — square in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Zoo Aquarium de Madrid — zoo and aquarium in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Museum of the Americas — museum in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Palacio Vistalegre — bullring in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Gate of Toledo — cultural property in Madrid Distritos: Centro y Arganzuela, Spain (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Convent of Las Descalzas Reales — monastery in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of Anthropology — anthropoloy museum in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Madrid History Museum — museum in Madrid, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
2-day Madrid walking itinerary
Starting point: Sol / Centro. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.7 km · 10,430 steps · 1 h 43 min on the way): Royal Palace of Madrid → Almudena Cathedral → Main Square → Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía → El Retiro Park
- Day 2 (≈ 3.1 km · 4,150 steps · 41 min on the way): Royal Spanish Academy → Museo del Prado → Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Madrid
- Mercado de San Miguel — Historic iron-and-glass market hall beside Plaza Mayor, packed with tapas counters. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Palacio de Cristal — Iron-and-glass pavilion by a pond in Retiro Park, hosting rotating art installations. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- El Rastro — Centuries-old open-air flea market spilling through La Latina's streets on Sunday mornings. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Metrópolis Building and Gran Vía — Landmark building crowned by a winged statue, at the start of theatre-lined Gran Vía. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- CaixaForum Madrid — Arts centre in a former power station that seems to float, beside a striking vertical garden. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Cerralbo Museum — Lavish 19th-century aristocratic mansion preserved with its owners' collections. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Andén 0 – Chamberí Ghost Station — Metro station closed in 1966 and preserved with its old tiled adverts; a free museum. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Atocha Station Tropical Garden — Tropical garden of palms inside the historic iron train-station hall. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Museum of Romanticism — Museum in Malasaña recreating a 19th-century Madrid home with furniture and paintings; quiet garden. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Lázaro Galdiano Museum — A collector's mansion with paintings from Goya to Bosch, jewellery and manuscripts; well away from crowds. (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Basilica of San Francisco el Grande — Neoclassical basilica in La Latina with a vast dome; it holds an early painting by Goya. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Campo del Moro — Quiet garden on the Royal Palace's western slope where peacocks roam, looking up at the palace. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Cuesta de Moyano Book Market — Second-hand book stalls in wooden huts along a slope at Retiro's southern edge, here since 1925. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop — Roof terrace of the arts centre on Calle de Alcalá, looking down on the Metrópolis building and Gran Vía. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Plaza de la Villa — Small medieval square on Calle Mayor, ringed by some of the city's oldest buildings. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- La Tabacalera — Former tobacco factory in Lavapiés with graffitied corridors, contemporary shows and independent culture. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Calle de la Cava Baja — La Latina's historic tapas street; a curving lane of old inns that comes alive in the evening. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Naval Museum — Small but rich museum of ship models, old charts and one of the first world maps to show the Americas. (visit ≈ 60 min)
Where to stay in Madrid
- Sol / Centro: The very centre; walk or take the metro anywhere.
- Barrio de las Letras: Literary quarter near the Prado, packed with tapas bars.
- La Latina: Ideal for tapas crawls and the Sunday El Rastro market.
- Malasaña: Young area with alternative bars and vintage shops.
- Salamanca: Elegant, quiet and safe; luxury shopping streets.
- Lavapiés / Atocha: Multicultural and affordable; near Atocha station.
Getting from the airport to Madrid
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD): Metro line 8, non-stop ≈ 15-20 min
Getting around
The centre is walkable; the metro is extensive, clean and runs late. Get a transport card and load a 10-trip ticket.
Classic places to eat
- Sobrino de Botín: The world’s oldest restaurant, since 1725; roast lamb and suckling pig.
- Casa Lucio: Famous for huevos rotos, broken eggs over fries.
- Taberna La Bola: Cocido madrileño stew cooked in clay pots over wood fire.
- Casa Labra: Since 1860; cod croquettes and tajada de bacalao.
- Casa Alberto: Tapas and vermouth since 1827; try rabo de toro.
- Lhardy: Since 1839; consommé and croquettes at the counter.
- La Campana: Fried squid sandwich (bocadillo de calamares) by Plaza Mayor.
- El Brillante: Squid sandwiches and churros opposite Atocha.
- Chocolatería San Ginés: Hot chocolate and churros since 1894; open late.
- Café Gijón: Literary café where artists have met since 1888.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- DiverXO — 3 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Coque — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- DSTAgE — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Ramón Freixa Madrid — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Paco Roncero — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Saddle — 1 MICHELIN star, Classic
Romantic views
- Temple of Debod (Sunset): The ancient Egyptian temple reflects in its pool at sunset.
- Retiro Park (Afternoon): Rowing on the lake and the Crystal Palace.
- Sabatini Gardens (Sunset): A formal, quiet garden in front of the Royal Palace.
- Plaza de Oriente (Evening): A square of statues and lanterns between the palace and the opera.
- Madrid Río (Afternoon): A long park along the Manzanares full of bridges.
Football stadiums in Madrid
- Bernabéu: Home of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Metropolitano Stadium: Home of Atlético Madrid
Day trips
- Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial — 42 km from the centre
- Royal Palace of Aranjuez — 43 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Madrid
- Fine: Drinking in the street (botellón) is fined in many cities.
- Fine: Coastal cities such as Barcelona, Málaga and Palma fine walking around in swimwear or shirtless.
- Fine: Swimming when the red flag is flying is fined.
- Fine: Smoking is banned indoors and near children's playgrounds.
- Warning: Cover shoulders and knees in cathedrals and churches.
- Warning: You must carry ID or a passport; police can ask for it.
- Emergency: 112 (police 091, ambulance 061, fire 080)
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe, though it can taste chalky in some cities.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't required; small change or 5–10% is plenty.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Spain, Wikivoyage — Spain, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Madrid travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Madrid?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 20 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Royal Palace of Aranjuez).
- What are the top things to do in Madrid?
- Highlights: Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Royal Palace of Madrid, Royal Spanish Academy and Almudena Cathedral. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Madrid?
- Sol / Centro: The very centre; walk or take the metro anywhere. Other options: Barrio de las Letras, La Latina, Malasaña, Salamanca and Lavapiés / Atocha.
- How do you get from the airport to Madrid city centre?
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD): Metro line 8, non-stop ≈ 15-20 min
- How do you get around Madrid?
- The centre is walkable; the metro is extensive, clean and runs late. Get a transport card and load a 10-trip ticket.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Madrid?
- According to the last known data there are 6 starred restaurants: DiverXO (3 stars), Coque (2 stars), DSTAgE (2 stars), Ramón Freixa Madrid (2 stars), Paco Roncero (2 stars) and 1 more. Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Madrid?
- Emergency: 112 (police 091, ambulance 061, fire 080).
- Do you tip in Madrid?
- Tipping isn't required; small change or 5–10% is plenty.
Nearby cities
Córdoba · Valencia · Bilbao · San Sebastián · Granada · Seville · Málaga · Porto
Spain travel guide: all cities · All cities