Things to See and Do in Madrid

From the Prado to the Royal Palace, from the Retiro to a terrace at sunset: we'll tell you which attractions are worth the admission fee, what you can see for free, and what time to go so you don't spend the whole day waiting in line. Madrid rewards those who come prepared.

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Featured experiences in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

One of the largest palaces in Europe. Explore its majestic rooms—the Throne Room, the Royal Armory, and the Royal Pharmacy—and skip the line with a fast-track ticket.

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Prado Museum

One of the world's largest art museums: Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch in a massive building. Book your ticket and spend as much time there as it deserves.

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Day Trips from Madrid: Toledo, Ávila, Segovia, and El Escorial

Do you have a few days to spare? Less than an hour and a half from Madrid, four gems await you: Toledo, the city of three cultures; the walls of Ávila; the aqueduct in Segovia; and the Monastery of El Escorial. We’ll show you how to combine them.

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Must-Do Experiences in Madrid

Here are the must-see attractions on your trip:

  • Prado Museum — one of the world’s largest art museums: thousands of works by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch in a massive building, so be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore it.
  • Reina Sofía Museum — Spain's premier museum of 20th-century art, home to the Guernica by Picasso.
  • Royal Palace of Madrid — one of the largest palaces in Europe; explore its majestic rooms, such as the Throne Room.
  • Santiago Bernabéu Stadium — Real Madrid's recently renovated stadium: visit its museum and take a tour of the grounds.
  • City Tour by Tourist Bus — A hop-on, hop-off tour to easily reach the most important landmarks and explore them at your own pace.
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For art lovers: Paseo del Arte Pass

If art is your thing, the best option is the Paseo del Arte Season Ticket, which combines the city’s three major museums—the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza—into a single ticket. You can visit them in whatever order you prefer and spread your visits over different days, without feeling rushed and taking your time to enjoy each collection.

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Madrid with Kids: Parks and Attractions for the Whole Family

Madrid offers a wide range of family-friendly activities beyond the historic center. The Madrid Amusement Park and Warner Park Madrid provide a full day of attractions, with the option to add Warner Beach during the warmer months. The Madrid Zoo Aquarium and Faunia Nature Park bring wildlife up close to young children in a controlled environment. For shorter outings, the Wax Museum and the Museum of Illusions offer one- or two-hour visits, ideal for combining with another activity on the same day. Most offer skip-the-line admission or combined tickets that include transportation.

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Day Trips from Madrid: Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila

Madrid is the usual starting point for exploring Castile, with Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila all less than an hour away by car or bus. The catalog includes a combined one-day tour of all three cities, as well as specific excursions: Toledo with a guided tour of the cathedral, Segovia with optional admission to the Alcázar, and the Royal Monastery of El Escorial along with the Valley of the Fallen as a half-day excursion. Most tours include transportation from Madrid and a Spanish-speaking guide, designed for those who don’t want to arrange transportation on their own.

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Flamenco in Madrid

Madrid has a vibrant flamenco tablao scene year-round, even though it isn't a city where flamenco originated, unlike Seville. The lineup includes Torres Bermejas, one of the historic tablaos in the city center; Tablao Opera Flamenca; the Teatro Flamenco Madrid; and Essential Tablao, as well as options that include tapas or a drink, such as Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo. These are shows lasting approximately one hour featuring live singing, dancing, and guitar, with options ranging from a single ticket to packages that include dinner or a drink.

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Experiences in Madrid

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Madrid?

Among the most highly recommended attractions are the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum, the Royal Palace, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and the City Tour by sightseeing bus. And for art lovers, the Paseo del Arte Pass combines admission to the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen in a single ticket.

What does the Paseo del Arte Pass include?

It gives you access to Madrid's three major museums—the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. You can visit them in any order you like and spread out your visits over several days, which is ideal for taking your time to explore them.

How do I get around to the main landmarks?

The City Tour on a hop-on, hop-off tour bus connects the most important points of interest; hop on and off as many times as you like to easily reach each landmark.

Can I cancel my ticket or activity?

Most experiences offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Check the terms and conditions on each activity's page before booking.

What day trips can you take from Madrid?

Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila are the most popular destinations, all less than an hour from Madrid, with full-day tours that combine visits to all three. The Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen are a shorter, half-day alternative for those who prefer not to get up early.