Top 10 things to do in Madrid
This post could have just as easily been called ‘48 hours in Madrid’ as this experience was a stopover on my way to Seville but wow, I can’t wait to go back next year! Madrid was so much more than I expected it to be and is such a wonderful, vibrant city. Here are all of my top things to do in Madrid as a first-timer:
1 See the sunset from a rooftop bar
From the moment you step into the grand lobby and are greeted by the giant Kaws art, the Four Seasons Madrid serves ‘wow’ moments. We may have paid far too much for guacamole to enjoy with our glasses of wine, but the sunset from the rooftop bar was well worth it.
2 Book an AirBnb Photoshoot
I had never tried an AirBnb Experience before this and getting a ‘Personal photographer in Madrid’ did not disappoint! Karen and Diego took me on a tour around the city, explaining different sites to me as they guided me on how to pose. I was travelling alone for this part of my trip so it was really nice to have good conversation and someone to take high-quality pictures to look back on. It was the perfect first taste of the city to help me get my bearings.
Wandering through Plaza Mayor
3 Swim during the afternoons
It gets really hot during the day in Madrid in the summer (think 40+ degrees) so I highly recommend considering booking a hotel with a pool if you are able to. Escaping the heat for an afternoon dip and a siesta will transform your day. I stayed in Room Mate Macarena on Gran Via which was very conveniently located in a central area, had a great buffet breakfast and the pool, whilst small, was a welcome retreat on those hot days.
4 Discover street art
I could spend all day walking around Madrid - and it’s easy to do in such a flat city. Discovering these colourful, often ephemeral, works of street art is part of what makes exploring Madrid so special.
5 Relax in El Retiro Park
From the Crystal Palace (great photo opp - more on this beautiful structure below) to the boats on the lake next to the Alfonso XII monument, Retiro Park offers a massive green space. Stopping in this little oasis from city life during your trip is a must.
6 Marvel at Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel is only a short walk from Plaza Mayor and is well worth a visit. Whilst there are likely better places in the city to find pintxos or a bite to eat, the food is good and it’s a fun pitstop on your journey around the city.
7 Try tortillas and churros
There are many places in the city that make a good tortilla. If you’re not sure what it is, it’s a Spanish egg and potato dish, similar to an omelette that is often filled with onion that spills out as you cut into it. It’s truly delicious. My friend took me to a place in La Latina to try this dish but I can’t remember the name.
When it comes to churros, it’s hard to pass up San Gines Chocolateria which has been in operation since 1894. The gooey dark chocolate was so decadent!
8 Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Madrid is truly grand! To give you an idea of just how massive it is, according to Wikipedia, it has 3,418 rooms. From the armoury to the throne room, there is a lot to take in. However, if you’re not a fan of palaces, even the gardens and gates (where you’ll often hear someone playing guitar in the evening) are well worth wandering through.
9 See Guernica at Museo Reina Sofia
My trip to Museo Reina Sofia was a super interesting insight into Spain’s wartime art. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take a picture of Picasso’s Guernica (it was forbidden), but I did take a picture of this far less serious piece of a dog with a fan.
10 Visit the Palacio de Crystal
This was already mentioned in point 5 but the UNESCO Heritage Site deserves its own time to shine. Designed in the late 19th century by architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, it is used to host temporary exhibitions by the Museo Sofia Reina. If you’re lucky enough to visit when an exhibition is on you’re in for a treat!
