Top Things to Do in Madrid

Brimming with locals and visitors alike, Madrid’s vibrant energy pulsates as you stroll through its plazas and winding network of streets. Untold treasures wait around every corner. The ornate edifices, fountains and monuments — including Gothic and Romanesque churches, and a stunning palace with Baroque and Neoclassical elements — are a testament to the city’s more than a millennium-long history. As you meander about, you also pass countless green spaces and cafes with outdoor seating that beckon you to sit and linger. It’s easy to become delightfully lost.

Having visited Spain’s capital city many times, I have found that these are some of the best things to do in Madrid.

Admire Stellar Art

Madrid is home to a trio of landmark museums: the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. You can easily walk from one to the next, though art aficionados may want a full day to explore each of the first two. Millions of visitors flock annually to the Prado, which is celebrated for its assemblage of works by the Spanish masters, such as Rubens, El Greco, Goya and Velazquez. Goya’s disturbing “Black Paintings” are attention grabbers, as are the dozens of paintings by Velazquez — the world’s largest such collection.

With its duo of multi-floor buildings, the Reina Sofia’s biggest draw may be Picasso’s masterwork “Guernica.” Painted on an almost 26-foot-long canvas, it depicts the devastating consequences of Spain’s Civil War. The museum is especially rich in modern and contemporary art, including the iconic and reality-disrupting pieces by Dali, as well as important works by Miro, namely his dream-like painting, “Hombre con pipa” (Man with a Pipe).

Set in an original 18th century mansion that was later renovated, the Thyssen is renowned for displaying a comprehensive art collection spanning medieval to contemporary periods in an intimate setting. Those who gravitate to 20th century art will easily get an education in Surrealism (Magritte), Abstract Expressionism (de Kooning) and Pop Art (Lichtenstein).

Explore Verdant Oases

Perhaps Madrid’s most signature green space, Parque del Buen Retiro or simply Retiro, was the stomping grounds of Spain’s royal family centuries ago. Its name translates to Park of the Pleasant Retreat, and it’s no wonder, since members of the monarchy and their court spent their leisure time participating in equestrian events, boating on the man-made lake and enjoying theatrical performances. Now it’s an almost 300-acre public park threaded with paths that attract a wide swath of society, including joggers, bladers, cyclists and walkers. With swans and ducks gliding across its surface, the lake is an appealing venue (in good weather) for boating using rental watercraft. Horticultural enthusiasts will be thrilled with the well-organized landscaping, including a rose garden growing 100 varieties.

Another park that’s acclaimed for its stunning rose garden is the much more tranquil Parque del Oeste, located outside Madrid’s city center. There are hundreds of rose varieties to admire in this sweeping greenspace that’s also populated by pines, cedar, birch and other trees. But Oeste’s most surprising find is the Templo de Debod, a second-century B.C. Egyptian temple. It was given to Spain by Egypt to save it from flooding when the Aswan Dam was built across the Nile. Perched on a hill and surrounded by lawns and reflecting pools, it’s an ideal venue for admiring the sunset.

Sample Spanish Cuisine

Socialize, soak up a lively vibe and nibble your way through delectable Spanish and international dishes by visiting one of Madrid’s food halls. Each has a different personality, and these two are definitely worth a visit.

The expansive Mercado de San Miguel is a mecca for tourists who flock to this wrought iron and glass historic structure, constructed in the early 20th century on the site of an old fish market. Get there when it opens to avoid some of the bustle and amble the narrow aisles, sampling iberico ham, manchego (sheep’s milk cheese) and tortilla espanola (a quiche-like, potato omelet).

For a slightly less frenetic experience, the multi-story Mercado San Anton offers plenty of delicacies from around the world. Here you’ll find such dishes as Vietnamese dumplings, sushi, Norwegian smoked salmon and Valencian paella, all sold in a contemporary setting.

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Indulge in a Scenic Outdoor Playground

Stretching for miles along the banks of the Manzanares River, Madrid Rio Park is a stunning recreational space that’s enjoyed by all, from families with young children and lunch-hour picnickers, to cyclists and birdwatchers. In the summer, you can cool off at the urban (cement) beach, thanks to the misting system, wading pool and a variety of water jets. The lawns are also great for sunning.

Numerous children’s play facilities are populated by hammocks, swings and climbing vines made from hemp, timber and other natural materials. Whether you’re walking or cycling, you may spy egrets, kingfishers, herons and other birds on your route. You can make different size loops by navigating over the many bridges where, depending on your location, you’ll have a dramatic view of the Royal Palace. A climbing wall, roller rink and a skate park round out the myriad offerings.

Wander Where Literary Giants Walked

One of Madrid’s most atmospheric neighborhoods is the Barrio de Las Letras (Literary Quarter), where narrow lanes slope up and down and weave about like a maze. This is where the most illustrious writers lived during Spain’s Golden Age of Literature (in the 16th and 17th centuries). They hung out at cafes, bars and open-air theaters. Some of the streets are named for these luminaries, like Quevedo, Cervantes and Lope de Vega.

The centuries-old house where the prolific poet and playwright Lope de Vega lived and worked in his later years was renovated into a museum that’s worth visiting on a guided tour. Highlights include the home’s chapel, studio and inviting backyard garden, lush with orange and pomegranate trees and sweet-smelling flowers.

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