Spain

Things to do in Madrid

Madrid's Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza sit within a 15-minute walk of each other along the Paseo del Prado, so two museums in a day is realistic. The city eats late, with dinner rarely before 9 pm, which leaves the evenings for tapas in La Latina and Huertas and the days for Toledo or Segovia.

  • Prado Museum guided visit
  • Royal Palace of Madrid
  • Reina Sofia and Picasso's Guernica
  • Tapas crawl in La Latina

Experiences in Madrid

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.

Top-rated experiences in Madrid

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Highlights

  • Prado Museum guided visit
  • Royal Palace of Madrid
  • Reina Sofia and Picasso's Guernica
  • Tapas crawl in La Latina
  • Retiro Park by bike
  • Toledo day trip

Best time to visit

April to June and late September to October are the most comfortable months. July and August regularly pass 35 C, and in August many locals leave and some restaurants close.

Getting around

The centre is walkable and the metro is fast and cheap for longer hops. Metro line 8 links the airport to Nuevos Ministerios, with an airport supplement on the ticket, and the Expres Aeropuerto bus runs to Atocha.

Local tips

  • The Prado is free for the last two hours of each day, but the queue starts well before, so pay for a timed ticket if your time is short.
  • The Reina Sofia is closed on Tuesdays, which is when the Prado and Thyssen are busiest.
  • On Sundays the El Rastro flea market fills La Latina in the morning, which is the best time for a tapas crawl afterwards.

Day trips from Madrid

  • Toledo
  • Segovia
  • El Escorial
  • Avila
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Madrid?

The most booked experiences in Madrid are Prado Museum guided visit, Royal Palace of Madrid, Reina Sofia and Picasso's Guernica and Tapas crawl in La Latina.

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

April to June and late September to October are the most comfortable months. July and August regularly pass 35 C, and in August many locals leave and some restaurants close.

How do I get around Madrid?

The centre is walkable and the metro is fast and cheap for longer hops. Metro line 8 links the airport to Nuevos Ministerios, with an airport supplement on the ticket, and the Expres Aeropuerto bus runs to Atocha.

Do I need to book tours in Madrid in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Madrid?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Valencia303 km awayGranada360 km awaySeville390 km awayMalaga416 km away