Madrid, Spain: Things To Do

Madrid is the capital of Spain, and a city full of life, culture, history and unique experiences to be had. It is a vibrant, bustling city full of energy, with something for everyone, no matter what your interests. From the iconic sights and landmarks that have made Madrid famous, to the hidden gems and secret spots only the locals know about, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do and explore in this amazing Spanish city.

A Brief History of Madrid

The city of Madrid was first founded in the 9th century by the Moors, who ruled the city until the 11th century when it was taken over by Alfonso VI and the Spanish Crown. During this time Madrid was known as “Magerit” or “Mayrit” and was a fortified city that served as an important frontier post for the Spanish.

In 1561, King Philip II declared Madrid to be the capital of Spain and it soon became a thriving center of art, culture, learning and commerce. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Madrid was a major European power and a center of the Spanish Golden Age. The city underwent a major transformation during this period, as many new buildings were constructed, including the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum and the Plaza Mayor.

The 19th century saw further modernization and industrialization of Madrid, and it eventually became one of the most important cities in Europe. Today Madrid is a bustling cosmopolitan city with over 3 million people, and it is one of the most visited cities in Europe due to its wealth of attractions and cultural experiences.

What To Do in Madrid

Madrid is a city of many faces and there are plenty of things to do for all kinds of travelers, from the art lover to the foodie. Here are some of the top things to do in Madrid for your first visit.

Explore Museums & Art Galleries

Madrid is one of the most important art cities in the world and it is home to some of the most iconic museums and art galleries in Europe. The most famous and popular museum in Madrid is the Prado Museum, which houses an incredible collection of classic works by artists such as Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and more. Other popular art museums in Madrid include Museo Reina Sofia, which features contemporary art from Picasso and Dali; Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which has an extensive collection of European art from the 13th to 20th centuries; and Museo Sorolla, which is dedicated to Spanish Impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla.

In addition to museums, Madrid also has many art galleries to explore, such as Galería Alegría y Paz and Galería Moro. These galleries showcase works from some of Spain’s best modern artists.

Shop & Sightsee in Gran Via

Gran Via is one of the main streets in Madrid and it is filled with shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. This bustling area is full of life day and night, and it’s a great place to shop, sightsee or simply hang out and people watch.

The street is lined with many famous stores such as El Corte Ingles (the largest department store in Europe) and Zara, as well as many smaller shops selling souvenirs and other items. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants here where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink. It is also a great place for sightseeing as there are many historic buildings here such as Palacio de la Prensa (Press Palace) and Teatro de la Zarzuela (Zarzuela Theater).

Visit Retiro Park

Retiro Park is Madrid’s most famous public park and it is a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park covers an area of over 350 hectares and it is filled with lush green gardens, ponds, fountains and sculptures. It is also home to a famous crystal palace (Palacio de Cristal), an artificial lake (Lago de Estanque) where you can rent a boat, as well as many other attractions such as an open-air theater (Teatro de Verano) where concerts are held from spring to autumn.

Taste Madrid’s Best Tapas

No visit to Madrid would be complete without sampling some of its delicious tapas. Tapas are small plates or snacks typically served in bars or restaurants. They range from simple dishes like olives or cheese to more complex creations such as croquettes or patatas bravas (spicy potatoes). There are many great tapas bars throughout Madrid where you can sample some of the city’s best tapas. Some popular tapas bars include La Ardosa in La Latina, Casa Botin near Puerta del Sol, La Sastrería near Plaza Mayor and El Brillante near Gran Via.

Experience Local Nightlife

Madrid’s nightlife is famous around the world, with bars and clubs open until late into the night. The most popular nightlife districts are Chueca (for LGBT-friendly bars), Malasaña (for indie bars) and La Latina (for hipster bars). Other popular nightlife spots include Joy Eslava near Puerta del Sol (for large clubs) and La Riviera near Gran Via (for live music). There are also plenty of bars where you can get traditional Spanish drinks such as cañas (draft beer), tinto de verano (red wine spritzer) or sangria (red wine punch).

Take a Tour of Real Madrid Stadium

Real Madrid Football Club is one of the world’s most famous football teams and their home stadium is Santiago Bernabéu. Taking a tour of this iconic stadium is a great way to experience Spanish football culture firsthand. The tour includes visits to the locker rooms, press room, dugouts, VIP area and even a chance to sit on the bench in the players’ tunnel! The tour also gives you a chance to see some of Real Madrid’s trophies up close.

Popular Tours & Activities

In addition to exploring all that Madrid has to offer on your own, there are also many great tours that you can take to make your visit even more special. Here are two popular tours you can take in Madrid:

Walking Tour of Royal Palace & Gardens

Take a fascinating tour around one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks – the Royal Palace & Gardens. The tour starts outside the palace gates where you will get an overview of its history before entering through the main gate into its grand courtyard. Here you will see some of its impressive statues before continuing inside to explore its grand halls, chambers and ballroom. After touring inside the palace you will then take a stroll through its beautiful gardens which are filled with fountains, sculptures and lush plants. Finally you will get an unforgettable view of the palace from outside as you walk past its main gate on your way back from this incredible tour. Experience this tour for yourself.

Segway Tour Around Parque del Retiro

Embark on an exciting Segway tour around Parque del Retiro – one of Madrid’s largest parks – with a knowledgeable guide who will show you all it has to offer. This tour starts by teaching you how to ride your Segway before heading off into Parque del Retiro where you will explore its many attractions such as monuments, fountains, statues and ponds. You will also get to see some incredible views from atop its hilltop gardens before continuing along its lakeside paths for some fantastic views of the lake itself. As you make your way back to your starting point you will have plenty of time to take in all that Parque del Retiro has to offer on this unique Segway tour! Book this tour now for an unforgettable experience.