What to do in Madrid

Activities, attractions and tours

Madrid
Madrid
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid
Madrid

Madrid Tourist Attractions & Activities

Constantly seeking imaginative ways to get inspired and have a brand new adventure, you’re eager to explore a new city like a pro. It’s not difficult to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Australia can hook you up with lots of things to do. Reserve your activities today, and the only thing you'll have left to do is count the days until your getaway and start daydreaming!

  • The things to do in Madrid are not only topnotch, but they won’t cost an arm and a leg. We have 402 things to do here, and you can reserve them starting at just AU$3. Get your favourite excursion on Expedia Australia for significant savings, and you'll still have enough cash for a top hotel or fine dinner while you’re in town.
  • Madrid is a favourite among thrill seekers. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next trip to this cityto learn about local history and participate in the best activities. The most booked activities can grab the interest of even experienced explorers, and one look at our list explains why. Our list includes a wide array of historically based tours and excitement. With one-of-a kind ways to discover the best this area has to give like a 4-Day 3 Cultures of Spain Tour: Seville, Cordoba, Granada & Toledo and 5-Day Gems of Andalusia Tour: Seville, Cordoba, Granada & Toledo, there are loads of things to do to choose from when you browse through all the things you can do here at Expedia Australia.

It takes an expert itinerary to really get the most out of Madrid, especially when you want to pack in plenty of local cuisine and entertainment. And we can tell you're someone who likes to get out and about—you're excited to get out and take it all in. You're thrilled to sign up for the best activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is an adventure all its own. Our activities are the best way to organise your holiday. Book professionally guided tours on Expedia Australia, and you’ll never need a map.


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Top places to visit

1. Gran Via

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.
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Gran Via showing a city, landscape views and street scenes

2. Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid is one of the most internationally recognized soccer teams and their Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is among the sport’s finest. Watching a match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a lifetime dream for both long-term Madridistas and soccer enthusiasts. Walk on the hallowed turf of the playing field, browse the clubs impressive trophy hall and relive historical moments via multimedia exhibits.
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Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

3. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol began its days as the site of one of Madrid's easternmost gates. The gate was adorned with a figure of the rising sun – hence the name Puerta del Sol, which translates as “Gate of the Sun”. Today, the square is the throbbing heart of the city and provides a backdrop for political marches and public celebrations, while also being a popular place for people to meet.
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Puerta del Sol which includes a city and a fountain

4. Plaza Mayor

Once a marketplace, then a bull-ring and even an execution square, Plaza Mayor has transformed and evolved significantly through the ages. Felipe II commissioned a public square to be built here, which was completed according to the designs of the architect Juan Gómez de Mora in 1619. Having been destroyed by a series of enormous fires, it was finally rebuilt in 1790 and has managed to survive in this incarnation until the present day.
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Plaza Mayor showing a square or plaza, a monument and a statue or sculpture

5. Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid’s Royal Palace is no longer where the Spanish royal family resides but one peek inside is enough to tell you that this place has seen its share of royalty over the ages. The enormous palace was built in 1738 after its predecessor was destroyed by fire in 1734. It boasts some 3,400 rooms and is packed with extravagant ornamentation and an impressive collection of furniture, paintings, musical instruments, books and weapons.
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6. El Retiro Park

El Retiro, or El Parque de Retiro, was once a place of retreat for the Spanish royal family who had a palace in its grounds. Although it was opened up to the public in the 1860s, many of the original features have been retained, making this a remarkable place to visit as a sightseer as well as a nice, quiet spot to relax in. There are all sorts of interesting sites dotted about the grounds here so you’re sure to find plenty to keep you occupied over its 140 hectares.
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El Retiro Park which includes a garden

7. Prado Museum

The Prado Museum has gained a reputation as one of the leading repositories of Western art in the world. It is an enormous space with an enormous collection, and you'd do well to devote at least a day of your stay in Madrid to the perusal of its many halls. The permanent collection here boasts some 20,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints, and of these there are roughly 1,300 on display in the halls at any given time. You'll see the best collection of Spanish art here that you're likely to ever come across, alongside works by French, Italian, Dutch and Flemish masters. There are also a handful of works from Germany and England.
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Prado Museum featuring a garden and heritage architecture

What to do in Madrid


Discover the most popular places to visit in Madrid

Explore areas of Madrid

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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Gran Via and Puerta del Sol, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
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Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Gran Via or Puerta del Sol and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
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Salamanca

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Contemporary fashion, gourmet cuisine, fine art and upscale residential living await discovery in one of Madrid’s most stylish neighborhoods.

Salamanca
Chueca featuring café lifestyle and a city as well as a large group of people

Chueca

5/5(8 area reviews)

This avant-garde part of Madrid is known as the gay quarter because of its numerous LGBT shops and bars, a Gay Pride march and an open-minded populace.

Chueca
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Malasaña

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Loved by hipsters and students for its coffeehouses and nightlife scene, this creative neighborhood also has excellent art museums, theaters and shopping.

Malasaña
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Ibiza

During your stop in Ibiza, check out the parks, and jump on the metro at Ibiza Station to see more of the surrounding area.

Ibiza

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Madrid

Frequently asked questions

Is Madrid worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Madrid is explore Gran Via. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's markets and culture.
How do I spend a day in Madrid?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Gran Via and Príncipe Pío Shopping Centre, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Madrid.
What is the top tourist attraction in Madrid?
Don't leave without exploring Gran Via, rated the top tourist attraction in Madrid.
Is three days enough to stay in Madrid?
Three days in Madrid is plenty of time to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests book for three days on average. Gran Via, Prado Museum and Lope de Vega Theatre are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Alcobendas.
Is Madrid a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Madrid is a great destination to see on foot. Enjoy wandering between Gran Via and Prado Museum. Then take a stroll around Sol, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Barrio de las Letras, which is about 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Madrid with kids?
What to do in Madrid for adults?
Paseo de la Castellana and Calle de Alcalá are just two of the things to do in Madrid. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Madrid?
In Madrid, Gran Via is a must-see spot for anyone looking to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Madrid.

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