5 THINGS TO DO IN MADRID

Have you just landed in the capital? Welcome!

As you know, Madrid It is a city with endless options in which to invest your time both culturally and leisurely. But since we know that you come with just enough time, here are 5 tips for things you can't miss doing during your visit.

Dedicate a morning to our museums

Prado Museum-Photo by Bombman

Many of the museums of Madrid They are free access and within reach of the most humble pockets.

The National Prado Museum, The Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza They are essential on your visit to Madrid. The city has a great artistic and cultural offer for lovers of good art and the most original museums such as the Air Museum or the Costume Museum.

Furthermore, if you want to get to know Madrid through different eyes and readings, we recommend Folder, a route to explore the many faces of this city with a group of graduates in history, humanities, art and performing arts. Republican Madrid, Madrid of the Movida…The offer is endless to get to know the capital with another vision. For 20 euros, pay yourself a tribute and discover Madrid with a cultural focus. You can't leave this city without seeing Picasso's “El Guernica” or Velázquez's Las Meninas, right?

Retiro Park

Retiro Pond-Photo by Daniel Sebastián Cueto

El Retiro has restaurants, guided tours, picnic areas, bike rentals...and much more to spend an incredible day in this green haven in the center of Madrid.

Many call it “the lung of Madrid”. It is a large park in the center of the capital where you can relax, breathe fresh air, enjoy street art (musicians, puppets...), appreciate more of its heritage and even take a boat ride on its reservoir along its 125 hectares. Culture, leisure and sport, the Retiro offers Madrid residents and visitors a lot of possibilities to enjoy one of the most significant parks in the capital with free entry.

You can not stop visiting The Big Pond, where you can practice rowing, The Velázquez Palace and The Crystal Palace, used today as exhibition rooms. And as for the monuments, we recommend passing by the statue of the Fallen Angel, only sculpture in the world that represents the devil and The Galapagos Fountain, which commemorates the birth of Elizabeth II.

The Plaza Mayor and its surroundings

Plaza Mayor-Photo by Rick Lightelm

This is a complete afternoon plan, from Plaza de Sol to Preciados Street, ending with the “Latina” (Madrid de los Austrias), you can go shopping, walk and finish drinking some wine in one of the busiest areas of the city. center of Madrid famous for its tapas and terraces.

The Plaza Mayor dates back to the 16th century and began as the main market of the Town of Madrid. Considered the heart of the Madrid of the Austrians, the Plaza Mayor is an important part of the old town of the capital and is located in one of the most charming neighborhoods. The architecture of the square, of great elegance, reflects the art of the city in the time of Philip II.

Don't forget to look at The Bakery House, The Arch of Cuchilleros and the Statue of Philip III, all of them in the Plaza Mayor. And to top off the day you can stop by the shopping area in the same square and in the adjoining streets where the oldest stores in all of Madrid are located and recharge your batteries. The San Miguel Market, a gourmet temple more than a hundred years old.

The Gran Via

Gran Vía-Photo by Felipe Gabaldón

A symbol of modernity, this emblematic avenue is always full of different people creating a multicultural atmosphere that captivates you.

You could say that it is the main street of Madrid, in it we combine a wide variety of shops, cinemas, theaters, musicals with beautiful architecture. With more than a century of history, Gran Vía is the best option to soak up Madrid in one way, from Calle Alcalá to Plaza de España.

With restaurants for all tastes, the best shops and perfect places to have a drink or go out dancing, you cannot miss one of the most famous arteries of the capital. In addition, many of these places have terraces at street level to enjoy the best views of the sea. Capitol Building (better known as Schweppes Building), to the Metropolis Building, already an endless number of buildings of great architectural wealth.

With day, afternoon and night plans, don't forget to stop by Gran Vía on your next visit to Madrid.

The Trail

Trace-Photo of El Tabernero

With more than a thousand vendors, this market begins its day at 9 in the morning and usually ends at two in the afternoon. 5 hours ahead to enjoy an original market that extends from Ribera de Curtidores to Plaza del Cascorro. Of course, it has to be a Sunday or holiday.

Of medieval origin, this giant street market is one of the oldest markets in Madrid. Located in the La Latina neighborhood, the Rastro is always full of Madrid residents and tourists looking for a place to enjoy a different Sunday between crafts, clothing, second-hand items or antiques and you would be surprised to see the things that can be get to sell and buy in this market.

To put the finishing touch to a great morning, we recommend having a drink in the bars in the area. Beer or vermouth on tap and a good calamari sandwich will give you enough strength to continue enjoying the capital like any other Madrid resident.

In case you are not in Madrid on Sunday, we propose an alternative plan: The temple of Debod, Historical heritage that Egypt gave us where you can see the best sunsets in the city. In addition, the park that surrounds the temple is perfect to enjoy the music of street artists in a well-kept green environment.

After exploring the city, you deserve a treat in some of the capital's restaurants. If you are more into eating standing up and you can read our entry on the gastronomic markets of Madrid. After filling your stomach you can lower your dinner in some of the most famous nightclubs in Madrid.

  And if you don't have accommodation, don't miss these hotels for groups in Madrid! Enjoy!

We hope that this little guide is helpful to you and we wish you a very happy stay in Madrid!