The city of Madrid has been Spain’s cultural, artistic, historical, and economic hub for many years. More than 10 million visitors visit Madrid each year because of its rich history.
This Spanish city is a magical place, with plenty of things and attractions. In this blog, we will share our favorite places and tips on what to do and where to go when you visit.
Keep on reading, there’s a special bonus at the end ;).
- Casa González
- El Rastro Flea Market
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado San Miguel
- Pequeño Cine Estudio
- Temple Of Debod
- The Garden Patio At Museo Sorolla
- The Turtles of Atocha Train Station
- Street Art Near La Tabacalera de Lavapies
- Catch A Flamenco Show
1 – The traditional tapas at Casa Gonzalez
First things first – food. And, oh, you better get ready to be blown away by Madrid’s diverse culinary scene. If you’re not familiar with tapas, your life will never be the same once you try them.
Tapas are small plates of various types of food served with a drink. “Casa Gonzalez“ is one of the top ten bars in Madrid. If you want to sample some of Madrid’s best tapas, this is the place to go!
Address: C. del León, 12, 28014 Madrid, Spain
2 – A souvenir from El Rastro Flea market
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself on the streets of Madrid on a Sunday, be sure to visit El Rastro, the largest flea market in Madrid. This flea market is held in the Lavapiés neighborhood every Sunday. There are around 3,500 stalls selling all sorts of unique items.
From antique jewellery and flamenco wear to vintage records and ancient toys, you’ll find almost everything here. Grab a souvenir or two from one of these stalls as a memento of your trip to Madrid. Don’t come too late in the afternoon or you’ll miss all the best items!
Address: Pl. de Cascorro, 13, 28005 Madrid, Spain
3 – A drink at the Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is a perfect place to enjoy a drink of your choice. Whether you go there on your own or with someone else, you will definitely appreciate the view and historical context.
It’s a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike, making it a great place to meet new people!
Address: Pl. Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain.
4 – A delicious bite from Mercado San Miguel
You cannot say you saw it all in Madrid if you haven’t tried the real, local food. There is no better place to do just that than at San Miguel Market.
Sure, some of the items here might be a little pricey, but the gourmet offerings they have are worth every penny. You’ll find the freshest fish, the most exquisite cheeses, and all sorts of delicacies. You name it – they have it.
Address: Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain.
5 – Movie at Pequeño Cine Estudio
They say Pequeo Cine Estudio is Madrid’s best-kept secret. This cinema is without a doubt one of the most exciting and unique alternatives to the typical things to do in Madrid. Access several really cool films and get a taste of Spanish cinema.
Address: C/ de Magallanes, 1, 28015 Madrid, Spain.
6 – Sunset at the Temple Of Debod
Another must-see in Madrid is the Temple of Debod. It’s an Egyptian temple given to Spain as a thank you gesture for keeping the Abu Simbel temples from being buried when the Aswan High Dam was built.
Our tip is to visit the temple just before sunset. It becomes even more beautiful when golden hour hits due to the lush plants and greenery there. Locals usually come here to exercise, unwind, or have a picnic.
Address: C. de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain.
7 – A stroll through the Garden Patio at Museo Sorolla
Even if you don’t consider yourself a big art fan, you should check out the artwork and garden patio at Museo Sorolla. The museum has more than 1,200 paintings by the Spanish painter Joaqun Sorolla.
His room and its decor have been kept the same as when he first moved in. And to top it all off, the view is absolutely stunning.
Address: P.º del Gral. Martínez Campos, 37, 28010 Madrid, Spain.
8 – Getting lost at Atocha Train Station
A tropical garden in the train station is something you’ve never seen before. Atocha, Madrid’s main train station, features a dense tropical garden and a 19th-century metal structure built by a collaborator of Gustave Eiffel, who was a partner in building the Eiffel Tower.
One of Spain’s busiest intersections has been transformed into a modern greenhouse that is home to a large group of (usually) peaceful turtles.
Address: C. de Méndez Álvaro, 1, 28045 Madrid, Spain
9 – Street art near La Tabacalera de Lavapies
The former tobacco factory and the surrounding area is one of Madrid’s most interesting hidden gems. This entire area is breathtaking because of its incredible street art.
For nearly two centuries, the factory was a tobacco plantation, but it was shut down in 2000 and purchased by Spain’s Ministry of Culture in 2003. As a result, it has become an important cultural center in Madrid. Countless artifacts and events including concerts and exhibitions can be found here.
Address: C. de Embajadores, 51, 28012 Madrid, Spain
10 – The famous Flamenco show
One of the best things to do in Madrid or Spain, for that matter, is to catch a flamenco show. Cardamomo is a very cosy venue for flamenco shows. There are also flamenco bars that put on shows worth the money.
For example, El Callejón De Madrid and Casa Patas are great flamenco bars you can visit in Madrid. We recommend coming here around midnight, when the flamenco shows usually start and the festivity begins.
11 – Bonus tips for food lovers
Brunch: Canopy Madrid Castellana.
Address: Pl. de Carlos Trías Bertrán, 4, 28020 Madrid, Spain.
Cocktails: El jardin de Diana rooftop bar.
Address: C/ Gran Vía, 31, Planta 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain.
Coffee: Feliz coffee.
Address: C. de Lope de Vega, 2, 28014 Madrid, Spain.
Dinner with a view: La Terraza del Santo Domingo.
Address: Restaurante Terraza, C. de San Bernardo, 1, 7ª Planta, 28013 Madrid, Spain.
