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What to do in Madrid

Working out what to do in Madrid can be tough. The city's art collections alone could fill weeks, and there are countless monuments, palaces, churches and cathedrals. Fortunately, many of the attractions are right in the city centre, so if you want to see a lot in a little time, this is where to start.

Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor – Madrid’s central square – is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. Stop for a coffee and churros under the colonnades, then do some shopping or take a stroll to appreciate the striking architecture.

In December, the square hosts a Christmas market with stalls selling crafts, gifts, and festive treats.

Golden Triangle of Art

The city's three major museums contain some of the world's greatest artworks. Handily, the buildings are all neighbours on Paseo del Prado and form the Golden Triangle of Art – but there is so much to see, you’d never fit it into just one afternoon.

The sprawling Museo Nacional del Prado is huge and holds one of the most impressive collections of works by Goya. At the Reina Sofía, you’ll find Picasso's Guernica, and there’s a host of artistic styles and periods to take in at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.

El Retiro Park

Drop in on El Retiro, one of the city's best-loved parks to join Madrileños jogging, cycling and rollerblading. The green space, decorated with marble statues and well-kept lawns, is a fantastic escape from the busy city streets.

Hire a boat and row on the lake or pick up food for a picnic – one of the best summertime activities in Madrid.

Gran Via

Right in the centre of Madrid, Gran Via is just what it says: a great street. Go shopping here by day and explore its clubs, bars and restaurants by night. While you’re there, give yourself time to stop and take in the Edificio Metrópolis – an architectural stunner that far outshines its use as an office for an insurance company.

At Christmas, join the crowds to see the flamboyant street lighting, which makes many other cities' festive decorations look restrained.

Palacio Real

A tour of the Palacio Real is another must-do. One of the largest palaces in Europe, it boasts over 3,000 rooms; however, only some 50 are open to the public.

Between them, you’ll find a treasure trove of art and antiques, from Goya paintings to Stradivarius violins. You’ll pass through the armoury, the royal kitchen and the opulent Salón del Trono (Throne Room), which never fails to impress. Set aside a few hours to give this beautiful palace your full attention.

Where to stay in Madrid

For families

Madrid city centre has an excellent choice of family-friendly accommodation. You’ll be a short walk from endless restaurants, shops and the seasonal events that take place in the Plaza Mayor. Just be sure to avoid nightlife areas – such as Malasaña and Chueca – if you want peace and quiet after dark.

Staying further north is an option if you prefer to be away from the evening hubbub. Near Chamberí, a residential area, there’s plenty of space for kids to run around. Plus, it’s easy to take a metro to the zoo in Caso de Campo park and Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, a huge theme park incorporating Nickelodeon Land.

For travellers on a budget

If you’re on a tight budget, you’re in luck. Madrid has cheap holidays aplenty, with affordable accommodation from hostels to budget hotels often right in the city centre. Hostels are more than just dorm rooms these days, too – many enjoy trendy additions, such as rooftop bars and contemporary décor, and several offer low-cost private rooms.

You’ll also find affordable options in Chamberí. Staying in this neighbourhood is a great way to escape the tourist crowds and you’ll be an easy metro ride away from the city.

For food and drink

Madrid is packed with places to eat and each barrio (district) has its own culinary personality. La Latina is the place for small but excellent tapas bars, while Chamberí and Salamanca are known for modern cuisine and chic new restaurants.

Chueca is a lively LGBT-friendly neighbourhood with all sorts of bars and cocktails to try. Or if you enjoy a market, stay centrally near the Mercado de San Miguel – a gourmet food market – for caviar, garlic prawns and oysters paired with a glass of rioja.

For nightlife

Chueca and Malasaña have Madrid’s hippest nightlife. Bars, cafes and restaurants come alive with locals enjoying the city’s famous fiesta spirit. Many boutique hotels here are stylish and upmarket, but there are also simple, more affordable choices.

The hotel-rich area around the Plaza de Santa Ana is another excellent nightlife spot, with excellent jazz bars, clubs and live music until the small hours.

For culture

If you’re looking to pack in as many cultural attractions as possible, stay in central Madrid, close to the Paseo del Arte and El Retiro Park. You’ll find everything from cheap hostels to luxurious five-star hotels here and will be within walking distance of the Golden Triangle of Art, as well as the botanical gardens and the many small galleries and museums in the area.

For something a little alternative, try the Barrio de las Letras – the literary quarter that was once home to many of Spain’s writers and is close to Plaza de Santa Ana. Or head north to Parque del Oeste where Goya frescoes grace the nearby San Antonio de la Florida chapel.