Spain’s capital city is a vibrant metropolis full of history, beautiful architecture, and exciting street culture in an around its endless plazas.
A foodie’s heaven, there are incredible places to eat in Madrid, from olde-worlde tapas bars to gourmet restaurants. If experiencing local nightlife is your thing, Madrid has one of the best scenes in the world with even the humblest of bars staying open until the early hours until it’s time for your morning café con leche again.
Whether you’re a culture vulture or a hedonist, the Spanish capital is sure to get you hooked in no time!
Check out our guide to the best places to check out in Madrid, and be prepared to fall in love with the Spanish capital city.
Central Madrid
The city centre is home to many of Madrid’s iconic spots with Puerta del Sol being its bustling central point.
A short stroll away you’ll reach Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s most famous square – a great place for people watching and a beverage – albeit a pricey one. This is one of Spains best shopping streets.
Do you want to see where the King of Spain calls home? Head to the Royal Palace and chill in the beautiful gardens outside.
Finally hop over to Gran Via, one of the city’s most famous streets and a great place for shopping.
Huertas
Once home to literary legends such as Miguel de Cervantes, the pretty Huertas district is located a stone’s throw away from Puerta del Sol.
Its main street Calle de las Huertas is home to two of the most famous bars in the city, Magister and Viva Madrid, as well as other fantastic tapas joints.
Two highly regarded Jazz Clubs, Café Central and Populart, are also located here, not forgetting Cardamono, one of the best Flamenco venues in Madrid.
Nearby are the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, perfect for all you art lovers.
Chueca
Known as Madrid’s gay district Chueca is home to trendy vibes and incredible nightlife. Plaza de Chueca is a popular meeting point for locals and a great place to watch the world go by.
Chueca’s fashionable nature means there are lots of great restaurants in the neighbourhood, which combined with its fun-filled bars mean it’s a great area to head for an evening.
Malasana
Once the centre of the explosive, arty Movida movement in the 80s, the Malasaña district is today knowns as the bohemian neighbourhood of Madrid. If it’s currently in vogue you’ll find it here!
From hipster cafés to trendy restaurants and endless bars, Malasaña is another great place to experience the tasty Spanish food or sample Madrid’s lively nightlife.
Full of young people, the area has an artistic air with some cool, vintage shops and hangouts. The urban street art also adds to the area’s flair.
Chamartín
Located just outside the city centre in the Chamartín neighbourhood you’ll find the home of Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium which is well worth a visit if you are a sports fan.
This is one of the best football stadiums in Europe, a huge venue with a capacity of 81,000!
Take the stadium tour and try your luck at getting your hands on some match tickets. These sell like hot cakes so try and book in advance!
Best Day Trips & Places to Visit Near Madrid
These are some of the best places to see close to, and near to Madrid.
Toledo
Spain’s former capital city Toledo is just 30 minutes by train from Madrid. It is a walled city steeped in history, with Arabic, Jewish and Christian remnants, beautiful medieval winding streets and an impressive cathedral.
Segovia
Another example of classic, olde-worlde Spain, Segovia is a beautiful city rich in history and architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval castles, the latter said to have inspired Disney. Again, it’s around a half an hour train ride from Madrid.
Salamanca
Spain’s answer to Oxbridge, Salamanca is Spain’s most prestigious university town and has been home to scholars for centuries. Its central Plaza Mayor is striking, as are the university buildings whose students ensure that the nightlife is on form. Trains take around two hours from Madrid.
El Escorial
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, commonly known just as “El Escorial” comprises two architectural complexes of great historical and cultural significance. It is one of Spain’s royal sites and functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school. The site, which lies just 28 miles north-west of the capital, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
What to Know Before You Go
What to Expect
A Mediterranean climate with Continental influences, giving cool, dry winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn are generally warm, although rain is not uncommon.
Don’t Miss
The museums of the “golden triangle”, namely the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Saunter along the Gran Via or wander around the grand arcaded Plaza Mayor in the heart of the old town. Come dark, nightlife is plentiful and varied, including a number of nightspots where you can enjoy a traditional flamenco show.
Parks
Madrid has some wonderful parks and gardens and it’s worth taking time to unwind in the extensive gardens of the Retiro Park.
Culture
Madrid is not only the capital of Spain but also the country’s art capital. There is nowhere else in the world where there are as many masterpieces in such a small area as in the “golden triangle”. A visit to all three museums will take you on a complete tour of the history and evolution of painting. The Teatro Real, Spain’s premier opera house, is an elegant building located in front of the Royal Palace and offers a wide range of operas and music concerts.
Shopping
In a variety of large department stores including El Corte Ingles and the many designer boutiques in the city. This is a well dressed nation with a love of fashion so you can take your pick of the designers. For the less extravagant, leather goods are low-priced and good quality. The Rastro weekly market is held every Sunday in Calle Ribera de Curtidores and adjacent streets and is a great haunt for all manner of second-hand goods and antiques.
Discover Off the Tourist Trail
The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is considered by many to be one of the finest palaces in Europe. State ceremonies and official banquets take place here, although it is not the official residence of the King of Spain. The palace is located next to the equally beautiful Plaza de Oriente in the city centre.
Madrid Goes Well With
Toledo, Salamanca, Segovia or head south by train to Andalucia and explore Granada, Seville or Malaga.
Go Home
Thinking that this is a city which doesn’t get the publicity which it undoubtedly deserves…
Plan a City Break to Madrid
If you would like to learn more, check out some surprising facts about Madrid.
