Things To Do In Madrid
Museo Nacional del Prado
Address: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Museo Nacional del Prado is one of the world's most renowned museums, featuring over 7,600 artworks from the medieval to the modern era. Founded in 1819, it features masterpieces by some of the greatest artists in history. One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of Spanish art, which features iconic works by Francisco de Goya, Diego Velázquez and El Greco.
Real Jardín Botánico
Address: Pl. Murillo, 2, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Real Jardín Botánico is a 20-acre botanical garden located in the heart of Madrid. Founded in 1755 by King Ferdinand VI, the garden is home to over 5,000 plant species from around the world. It’s a great place to walk around on a sunny day and has some fun, colorful art installations.
Palacio de Cristal
Address: P.º de Cuba, 4, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Built in 1887 for the Philippines Exposition, the Palacio de Cristal was designed by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco with the intention of showcasing the flora and fauna of exotic lands. The palace is made entirely of glass and steel. It creates an illusion of being weightless and transparent, like it’s floating in the surrounding lake.
Mercado de San Miguel
Address: Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Mercado de San Miguel is a popular food market located in Madrid. They have a wide range of local and international foods, drinks, and desserts. In my opinion, it’s a bit overpriced so I wouldn’t count on going multiple times, but I suggest visiting at least once. I had some great grilled veggies there.
Catedral de la Almudena
Address: C. de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain
The Catedral de la Almudena took more than 100 years to complete and combines different architectural styles including neoclassical, gothic, and contemporary. I didn’t go inside, but it houses numerous works of art, including paintings and sculptures, that provide an insight into the rich history and culture of Spain.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
The Royal Palace of Madrid has served as the official residence of the Spanish monarchs since the mid-18th century. You can purchase a ticket to go inside and see the palace's numerous rooms, each decorated with exquisite artworks, tapestries, and furniture from different periods of history. The palace has a great view of the city and I’d definitely suggest stopping by.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Address: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid, Spain
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia has a wide range of contemporary and modern art pieces from Spanish and international artists. One of its most popular paintings is Pablo Picasso's Guernica. There are also notable artworks by Salvador Dali and Joan Miro.
Parque del Retiro
Address: 28009 Madrid, Spain
Parque del Retiro is a 120-hectare parkland located near the center of the city. From boating in the lake to picnicking and people-watching, this is definitely a must-visit. I grabbed some food nearby and headed over to the park to eat it while soaking in the sun.
Toledo Day Trip
Address: Toledo, Spain
If you're in Madrid and have time to spare for a day trip, I’d suggest heading to Toledo. It’s about an hour away and is a charming medieval city with narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture and a rich history that dates back to Roman times. You can take the train, rent a car or book a tour to get there.