Answer to: What Are the Must-Do Activities in Madrid?

Madrid is undoubtedly one of Spain’s most beloved cities. Whether you’re visiting once or looking to return, there are a lot of must-do activities to keep yourself (or your family) busy. This article will cover the top ten must-do activities in Madrid, giving you insight into the culturally rich and vibrant city.

1. Take a Walk Around El Retiro

No trip to Madrid would be complete without a walk around El Retiro, a sprawling park located at the heart of the city and the largest within Madrid’s limits. Despite being a great spot to kick back and relax, with tons of benches and picturesque spots perfect for a picnic, El Retiro also happens to be an important historical landmark, having been turned into a park way back in 1631 and once also serving as a royal country home for royalty.

El Retiro has an extensive amount of attractions, from monuments that recall the history of Madrid to offering scenic venues for special events. It houses 3 puppet theaters, 12 monuments, 13 large gardens, several lakes, plenty of outdoor eateries, and lots more. It’s especially worth mentioning the Estanques lake, which is a breathtaking view to behold at nightfall when the over 200 lamps that adorn it light up. You can also ride a rowboat on the lake, as well as take a tour around it in a tour boat named El Oso y El Madroño. Visitors should also check out the Crystal Palace, an extravagant glass structure designed by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco that was built in 1887. Take the time to explore this stunning park and find out why it’s one of Madrid’s pride and joys.

2. Go Shopping in Gran Via

A trip to Gran Via, Madrid’s busiest shopping district, is pretty much obligatory for every visitor. Much like every true Spaniard does, head here for a spot of window shopping. From high-end stores to shops meant for all budgets, you’ll never run out of options on Gran Via –clothes and accessories, books, souvenirs stores– you name it, they have it. And while most stores open between 10am and 10pm daily there’s no shortage of late-openers that can help you work up an appetite before dinner or make the most of your day.

Gran Via is more than just shopping though: it’s crammed with beautiful buildings and impressive architectural wonders at every turn, making it worth the visit on its own even if you don’t plan on buying anything. Other attractions are located close to Gran Via too, such as the Callao Square –a vintage cinema house now-turned-shopping center– and the Royal Palace, both of which are also must-sees in Madrid.

3. Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace Le Palacio Real de Madrid is one of city’s most iconic attractions, being one of Europe’s largest palaces and the current residence of King Felipe VI & Family. It was built in 1764 by King Carlos III and his whimsical art decó inspired design is worth marveling at both on the outside and indoors.

Inside visitors can explore each room of the majestic palace to witness many of its stunning features such as frescoed ceilings & walls painted by Italian master painters in honor of Philip V & Louis XV. You can also see helpful explanatory panels and information boards explaining each area’s history & significance as well as find out some fun facts about its illustrious past (and present). In addition an audioguide can be hired and helps guide visitors around all of the areas whilst telling their story –especially in English and Spanish– whilst taking in the palace’s grandiose beauty with its 30000 pieces of artwork displayed throughout the interior.

4. Dine Out on San Miguel Market

Located near El Retiro Park, San Miguel Market is one of Madrid’s best places for lunch or dinner as it offers a great variety of tapas at very reasonable prices all under one roof. Established in 1916 with an Art Nouveau style design –and renovated in 2009– San Miguel still serves up fresh food offerings that fill its interior with delicious aromas all day long.

The hallways are lined with stalls offering traditionally prepared dishes like scrumptious empanadas or ensaladillas –cold potato salads topped with mayonnaise– as well as sugary treats such as Pestiños (fried doughnuts). Food isn’t the only thing you can find here though; there’s a range of food and specialty shops selling producers like olive oils or honey as well stands specializing in sausages and charcuterie as well as unusual finds like ostrich meat.

5. Visit Museo Reina Sofia

No trip to Madrid would be complete without at least one stop at the Reina Sofia Art Museum; home to some of the world’s most renowned modern artworks by 20th century masters like Dalí & Picasso’s Guernica just to name a few. Located in the privileged Atocha District this stunning neo-baroque building hosts other noteworthy exhibitions from artists like Joan Miró & Julio González with many of its works going back hundreds of years spanning from Spanish romanticism to 19th century post-Impressionism & Pop Art. Its impressive permanent collection features over 20000 pieces making it one of Europe’s most important museums and a key feature in Madrid’s cultural life.

The museum opens at 10am every day except on Mondays when it’s closed but opens again at noon on Tuesdays; closing hours vary depending on season but generally stay somewhere between 6-8pm while some areas stay open until 9pm usually during peak season. Prices make visiting very affordable too, giving visitors access to many interesting collections and exhibitions for prices starting at €10 each –€18 if for both Reina Sofia Museum & Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Museum– or free admission for children under 10 and free guided tours for those over 65.

6. Take a Tour Around Real Madrid Stadium

Definitely one for sports fans –or curious travelers– a trip around Santiago Bernabéu Stadium –home stadium of Real Madrid Football Club– is certainly worth taking part in regardless of whether you understand soccer or not (!) The stadium has become somewhat an icon for Madrid being one of the world’s most emblematic stadiums with a capacity for over 80k people but you don’t need to go alone; it can be explored through organized tours taking visitors around some of its exclusive areas such as dressing rooms and players tunnel as well as other parts not accessible to general public such as its presidential box or private viewing galleries plus plenty more.

Tours last around 60 minutes often accompanied by an audio guide narrated with English playback available and generally take visitors around the stadium before shifting focus towards more special areas such as press areas before finishing up off with a look inside its trophy room where some of Spain’s most important cups & trophies are kept locked up safe and sound for visitors to see plus other important artifacts & relics related to its illustrious past like player’s jerseys or autographed balls. Oh…and don’t forget to check out their official store too!

7. Climb up Faro de Moncloa

At 150m tall Moncloa Towers –known locally as “Faro de Moncloa”– are the highest standing points in Madrid making it an important spot in terms of city visibility & orientation; especially if accompanied by a guide although there are also exhibits onsite detailing its history & construction back in 1992 dating far before it was acquired by Ministry for Defense in 2000 who turned it into an observatory tower open to visitors willing to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Madrid from its summit including spectacular sunsets when weather conditions allow.

Visitors can take guided tours operating Saturdays & Sundays from 10am until 6pm with entrance fees hovering just above €4 though special discounts for children under 12 & seniors over 65 are available plus free admissions for children under 6 so everyone can enjoy this special spot even if budget is quite tight.

The tower itself was built taking full advantage of its hilltop location rising 136 stories high –around 150m in total– which places it at approximately 350m above sea level giving visitor’s amazing views over Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or looking down onto royal grounds such as Palacio Real de Madrid but also overlooking Madrid’s buzzing downtown skyline so step right in…the views await!

8. Take Your Family on an Educational Trip to Ciencias e Historia Museum

Museo de Ciencias e Historia -dedicated to Science & History Museum– provides visitors with an educational journey through different historical periods ranging from prehistoric age all through centuries including activities & games geared towards kids making educational visits to this museum especially exciting beyond regular museum tours plus boasting super engaging exhibitions perfect for keep kids occupied whilst engaging them into learning about past & present civilizations.

Genuine artifacts such as weapons used during Middle Age times & Antiquity are displayed within glass stands so partaking virtually in the era’s activities become an even more meaningful experience providing visitors –both adults & kids alike!– with a street insight into the epoch’s way of life whereas fun interactive displays presenting touch screens dotted around each room make learning about past times both entertaining & instructional for everyone; especially anyone around 18 years old in need of writing their historical projects or any teacher wanting to iron out further curriculum related information with kids participating in annual or mid-term exams.

The museum generally opens every day between 11am until 8pm except Wednesdays when closing hours come slightly earlier -6pm instead- leaving plenty of time to swing by without disrupting other plans plus admission prices are incredibly cheap hovering between €3–€4 so feel free to come back often!

9. See a Performance at Teatro Real

Teatro Real or Spain’s Royal Theater is yet another requirement when visiting Madrid as this iconic neo-classical building has been offering performances since 1818 and has become somewhat a haven for art performances amongst discriminating audiences taking center stage anything from operas through plays & recitals with programs changing from season to season & even offering chamber music concerts upon special request.

In any case Teatro Real manages to be one of Spain’s top cultural highlights both for its stunning architecture -built at 19th century-, impressive shows & discounted tickets with more than fair prices ranging from €3–€30 depending upon the show.

It’s located near Palacio Real making up Ferradura Square -at C/ Arenal 11– by intertwining both newer 19th Century splendor with long standing culture stretching centuries worth of history blending both old & new all in one single spot so hold tight…the show’s about to begin!

10. Experience Madrids Nightlife -Madrid Pub Crawl

How better to experience Madrids vibrant nightlife than joining an organized pub crawl that takes you around some of the city’s coolest bars? Joining a pub crawl gives you access to preselected bars and deals that may not come along otherwise plus you’re sure to meet other young people who’ve come from all over the world wanting to celebrate life just like yourself.

Pub Crawls are available through most companies offering varied age ranges starting from 18 year olds with incredible offers enabling them to go for just €12; drinks packages often come along too -depending upon venue-, giving access to premium open bar deals ranging up 7 drinks per person whilst always lasting between 2–3 hours.

Whether you’re looking to make new friends or just explore nighttime culture Madrid Pub Crawls make way into providing an evening that no one will ever forget plus you can seemingly go anywhere by visiting Viator –Madrid Pub Crawl– where you can book your evening out for maximum fun!

Visiting Madrid promises tourists countless unforgettable experiences that span from walking El Retiro Park’s picturesque paths or exploring its art museums leading up reaching breathtaking heights atop Faro de Moncloa looking down onto all corners of this amazing city; each area boasting sights -both seen & unseen- that make Madrid a hive for ticking items off any traveler’s bucket list many times over.

So kickback, relax…enjoy the ride!