Madrid is not well known for tourists because there is no beach and it has not been well promoted either. But... This city is full of life and culture!
There is a very important tip while you are walking in Madrid city: look up the top of the buildings because you can find beautiful sculptures on the roofs.
Sunsets in this city are also spectacular, specially in some of the hotel's rooftops, and some spots like Templo Debod and Almudena Cathedral. Very very highly recommended!
There are so many things that you will have to come back again! 😉
Let's explore things to do!
1. Prado Museum
It’s the main Spanish National art museum and it’s considered to have one of the world’s finest collections of European art from the 12th to 20th century.
2. Puerta del Sol y Oso Madroño Statue
One of the best known and busiest places in the city. This is the center of the radial network of Spanish roads. The square also contains the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the 12 grapes on 31st December.
The statue of the Bear and the Tree is the symbol of this lovely city. When I met Jørn, he usually called it "the bear -madrileño-" instead of "madroño" (the name of this tree)
3. Reina Sofia Museum
Personally I like most than Prado Museum because this one contains contemporary art like Picasso, Dalí, Miró...
Here you can find the world famous painting "Guernica" by Picasso.
4. San Miguel Food Market and San Anton Food Market
Both are good food markets. I would prefer to go to San Miguel Market just to see the place (outside and inside). I would eat at San Antón Market which is not so touristic and people are nicer.
Jørn and me used to go and take some food at San Anton market and then we go for a drink upstairs in the terrace :-)
5. Tapas and Nightlife (and also "daylife")
Several districts: La Latina, Lavapiés, Las Letras, Chueca and Malasaña
All these places are highly recommend to stroll around during the day time also!
Malasaña is our favourite place to go out. Very nice atmosphere! Also you can find pubs and bars which are very famous in this city in the 80’s with the well-know “movida madrileña”
6. "Churros con chocolate" at Chocolatería San Ginés
This season is not the proper one to order "churros con chocolate" but you can taste it! We might be go after the party on 13th July...
It's the perfect "snack" after these long days we are going to have full of "fiesta".
Jørn and me went several times after parties when we were students in Madrid. Such a good times!!
7. Calamari Sandwiches
These are one of Madrid's signature dishes! We will taste after the ceremony at the Hat Hostel 😋
The best way to eat this sandwich is ordering in the small bars close to “Plaza Mayor” (avoid the expensive restaurants at the square), find a place to sit down (small square, fountain... ) and enjoy it with a cold beer!
8. Gran vía Street and Fuencarral Street
Both are famous to go shopping.
9. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Real Madrid)
10. Wanda Metropolitano Stadium (Atlético de Madrid)
This is actually the best stadium in Madrid and has the best team in the world!
What a pity that Tottenham didn't win last Champion League in this stadium.
11. Retiro Park
One of the largest parks in Madrid. Beautiful park with a lake and full of sculptures. Perfect to walk and relax.
12. Royal Palace
The official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and one of the largest ones in Europe.
13. Templo Debod
This is one of the hidden treasures in Madrid. It's been donated to Spain by the Government of Egypt.
Here you can enjoy the sunset with beautiful views!
14. Almudena Cathedral
Next to Royal Palace. You can also see a beautiful sunset here.
15. Walk and see the taverns and "caves" at Cuchilleros and Cava Baja Streets
Both streets are very well know for tapas and also because of the places: small but cozy. Some of them are caves, even you can also see part of the authentic Arabic Wall that Madrid had on 9th Century!
This is for me one of my favorite spots walking from Plaza Mayor. I hope we can take a picture here all together!
16. Tablao flamenco (flamenco show)
If you like it, Madrid is also known for these shows. But be careful because they usually take advantage of the tourists. Make sure they don't include the tips in the bill. This is not obligatory in Spain! So you can the right to ask them to remove it...
Personally my favorite one is "Corral de la Moreria"
17. Rooftops Bars
Madrid is getting more and more rooftops bar. It's so beautiful to spend the evening there and enjoy the views from above while drinking a good gin tonic!
These are some of the rooftops :ME Madrid Reina Victoria, The Principal Hotel, Room Mate Oscar Hotel, Dear Hotel, The Hat Hostels, Urban Hotel, Emperador Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Santo Domingo Hotel...
Cheers!
18. El Rastro Flea Market
It is the most popular open flea market in Spain. It is held every Sunday and public holidays.
19. Outdoor Swimming Pools
You can also enjoy in the fantastic outdoor pools we have in this city. I love it!!
20. Teleférico "the cable car"
To see Madrid from above :)
21. Plaza Mayor
This is the main square and it is located in the heart of Madrid. This is Jørn's favorite spot and we spent lots good moments in there. Another will be next 13th July with all of you!!
22. Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains
Two famous fountains because they are the places where Real Madrid (Cibeles) and Atlético de Madrid (Neptuno) go and celebrate when they win a Champion or League.
What I really don't understand is why Cibeles Fountain is usually surrounded with a lot of Spanish flags and Neptuno has zero.... Anyway... Viva Atleti!! :)
23. Puerta de Alcalá
This is one of the most iconic landmark in Madrid. Even we have a famous song talking about this monument.
24. Cuevas del Sésamo
Famous for the sangria and sometimes live piano music.
The following is just an idea of other places you can go and visit if you have the time. These are day-trips, some amusement parks and some events.
We hope this guide is useful for you and we are looking forward to seeing you these days.
We love you!
Day Trips
-El Escorial
-Aranjuez
-Alcalá de Henares
-Toledo
-Segovia
-Salamanca
-Ávila
For kids and adults :)
-Amusement Park
-Zoo Aquarium
-Warner Theme Park
-Faunia
-Aquópolis
-Escape Rooms
Events in Madrid
-Fiestas San Isidro (15th May)
-Madrid Cool Festival (July)
www.madcoolfestival.es
-Fiestas San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma (August)
www.esmadrid.com/fiestas-agosto-madrid
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- Tourist map / Mapa turístico de Madrid
- Mapa de metro