Can you believe me when I tell you that Madrid is my favorite city in all of Europe? Yup, the capital of Spain is so worth visiting and should not be your second choice after Barcelona. I can wager this because I’ve been living here for a good few years—and have gradually fallen in love with the city. With that said, my years spent here have given me quite some insights into Madrid; and the following Madrid bucket list proves it.
And it really should not be your second choice of holiday destination. I have been living here for more than five years and I am very much in love with it. And after such a long time I can give you a couple of tips and recommendations on how to have the best time while visiting Madrid.
That’s why I came up with this Madrid Bucket List: This list contains 37 things you have to do and iconic landmarks to see while visiting Madrid. The perfect Madrid itinerary ready for you!
Let’s jump right into it:
Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the free content of this blog post. If you purchase from one of the links I may receive a small commission while the price for you stays the same. This helps me cover the costs of The Lithuanian Abroad. Gracias!
Madrid Bucket List FAQ:
Is Madrid worth visiting?
Madrid, the Spanish capital, is a city that offers everything: It has a rich history, an incredible food culture, iconic landmarks and so much more. Okay, I am biased because I live here, but still! Not to forget the epic nightlife. If you’re into all these things, then no doubt you’ll fall in love with Madrid.
Just be careful during the summer months, the heat in Madrid is not for the weak! Heat waves of over 40 degrees during the day are very common in July and August.
How long should I stay in Madrid?
Honestly, you will never get bored in Madrid. But if you want to see the city’s most important art galleries, landmarks and world-renowned museums you should stay for at least 3 days in Madrid. Even though Madrid is very walkable, it is the largest city of the Iberian Peninsula!
Where should I stay in Madrid?
Cats Hostal: The Cat Hostal is THE place to stay in Madrid if you are travelling by yourself or on a budget. The location could not be better! And the hostal is super social and organizes bar crawls and all kinds of activities.
Only YOU Hotel: This is the hotel I always recommend to everyone coming to Madrid. The location is perfect, as you will be in the heart of the beautiful Chueca neighborhood. And the interior of the hotel is just to die for!
Casa de las Artes: This boutique is another great option and is located in my favorite area of Madrid: The historical barrio de las Letras. If you want to spoil yourself, please check out this place. The room, the location, the rooms, the cocktail bar… Everything is perfection!
In case you are still unsure about where to stay in Madrid: Spanishglory wrote an incredible post about the 5 best areas to stay in Madrid, that you can find here. Make sure to check it out!
Very important: Start your Madrid bucket list with a free walking tour in Madrid:
I love going on free walking tours whenever I visit a city for the first time. In only a couple of hours, you will see the most important areas of Madrid and you will learn a lot about its history.
Bucket list aside, this is item number zero – a must for anyone visiting any city, Madrid included.
The past part of free walking tours are the local guides. They really do an amazing job at showing you Madrid from the eyes of a person who lives there. And you can ask them for recommendations or get some tips about what you can do after your tour.
How do free walking tours work? Free walking tours do not come with a fixed price, therefore they are free.
However, at the end of the tour, you’ll have the chance to tip your local guide. And it is really up to you how much you want to give them. It usually depends on your budget and on how much you liked the tour.
Book your free walking tour in Madrid here
35+ Ultimate Madrid Bucket List Things to Do and See
1. See the “Guernica” painting by Pablo Picasso at the Reina Sofía Museum
This is one of the most important European art museums in Madrid. It holds many contemporary art pieces and paintings from Spanish painters. For example, Picasso or Goya. My favorite painting here—and also one of the most impressive—is Picasso’s “Guernica”. This is an anti-war painting from the 1930s.
I would recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket before going to the museum. The lines in front of the Reina Sofia museum are quite long. You will save significant time by just buying your fast-access ticket online
2. Spend Time at Madrid’s Most Important Art Gallery: Museo del Prado
Visiting the Prado National Museum should be at the very top of your Madrid bucket list! This is Madrid’s most important art museum housed in a huge neo-classical building. The Prado museum offers a hugely impressive permanent collection. Not only a single best collection of Spanish art (like El Greco, Francisco Goya) but apart from that, you will also find artwork from international artists like Rembrandt or Albrecht Dürerrer. This museum covers various art movements—showing artworks from the 14th to the 19th century. And believe me, it does not get boring, especially if you are an art lover!
This museum is much bigger than you would expect. I do recommend buying your entry ticket online in order to be able to skip the line. You could probably spend a whole day in the Prado Museum and you still would not get to see everything!
And for the art lovers, make sure to do a guided tour, it is so worth it!
3. Go to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum are the three most important art museums in Madrid. This museum mostly shows paintings owned by Heinrich Thyssen and his son. It covers many different international art movements as well. You will find vast galleries of American Art, art from German painters, Russian art, and much more.
And I have heard from many of my friends that this is their favorite museum in Madrid, because it is so interactive! Another great museum to add to your Madrid bucket list
I advise booking your entry ticket beforehand in order to skip the line in front of the Museum.
4. The start of our Madrid bucket list: Visit Madrid’s main square “Puerta del Sol”
“Puerta del Sol” is Madrid’s main square and the main transportation hub of the city. There are some interesting monuments on this main square you have to know about:
- El Corte Inglés: This Spanish Mall is perfect if you want to go shopping in Madrid or are looking for souvenirs from Madrid
- Kilometro 0: Right in front of the Postal Office is a big circle on the floor which marks the starting point of the six main streets of Madrid.
- El Oso y el Madroño: This statue of a bear and a strawberry tree has become one of Madrid’s most popular monuments. Make sure to take a “Madrid bucket list” photo!
5. Walk towards Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s historical square
You cannot leave Madrid without visiting Madrid’s Plaza Mayor first! It was the city center of old Madrid in the 15th century and was used for markets and fairs. And it’s only a short walk away from Puerta del Sol.
Nowadays it is more of a tourist attraction than anything else. I would not recommend eating here as the restaurants are very overpriced. But it is worth visiting to have a look at one of the most iconic landmarks in Madrid. And while you are here, there is an information spot for tourists in case you need any help during your stay in Madrid.
5. Explore Madrid’s gastronomy on a wine & tapas walking tour on your Madrid bucket list
Are you a fan of Spanish food? Then, you came to the right place. Madrid is famous for its international food culture and incredible gastronomy. You will have the chance to try a lot of different Spanish food during your stay and believe me, it will be delicious.
What I can always recommend is doing a tapas walking tour with a local guide. These tours usually include several stops in different bars and restaurants in Madrid. There, you will get the chance to try local food. And your guide will teach you so much about Madrid’s food culture.
An activity that should be at the very top of your Madrid bucket list!
If you are interested in participating in these food tours, you can find more information here.
6. Madrid bucket list must-do: Visit the Retiro Park, Madrid’s green oasis
Visiting the “Parque del Retiro” is one of my favorite things to do in Madrid! This beautiful park is one of Madrid’s most beautiful landmarks that is popular amongst locals and tourists. A true must-visit destination.
The Retiro Park is so big, you will forget that you are in the biggest city in Spain! HEre are some things you have to do in the Retiro Park
- La Rosaleda (a rose garden)
- Fountain of the Fallen Angel (the only statue in the world dedicated to the devil)
- Check out the monument to Alfonso XII, live music during sunset!
- The great lake, how about going on the rowing boats?
7. Look for the peacocks in the Retiro Park
Did you know there is a garden in Retiro Park where you can find peacocks that are walking around freely? The beautiful garden is called “Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez” and is such a calm hidden oasis in the Retiro Park.
There, you will find beautiful trees, water fountains, and of course, beautiful peacocks. This is the perfect place to visit in Madrid with small children. The peacocks are used to humans and roam around freely.
8. Go on the little boats on the lake in the Retiro Park
Since we are still in the Retiro Park, there is one more thing I have to tell you about: One of the highlights of the park is the lake, where you will always see little rowing boats with people on them. It is so much fun to go on these and I encourage you to try it out yourself!
Boat rental: You can book 45 min time slots from Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm – 5:30/8:30 pm (depending on the time of year) (until 5:15 in December)
Price per boat: Mon-Fri: 6 euros / Sat-Sun and Public Holidays: 8 euros
9. Check out the current exhibition at “Palacio de Cristal”, my personal Madrid bucket list favorite
The “Palacio de Cristal” is a conservatory located in the center of the beautiful El Retiro Park. It belongs to the Reina Sofia Museum and hosts very interesting art exhibitions. The current exhibition is about colonialism. One of the must-see places in El Retiro Park.
By the way, the Retiro Park and the “Paseo del Prado” form part of Madrid’s UNESCO world heritage site “Landscape of Light”.
10. Check out the current exhibition at “Palacio de Cristal”
The “Palacio de Cristal” is a conservatory located in the center of the beautiful El Retiro Park. It belongs to the Reina Sofia Museum and hosts very interesting art exhibitions. The current exhibition is about colonialism. One of the must-see places in El Retiro Park.
El Retiro is big and beautiful! Apart the crystal palace, the many things you can do here, you’ll get to explore:
- The lake (you can rent a boat and paddle around it)
- La Rosaleda (a rose garden)
- Fountain of the Fallen Angel (the only statue in the world dedicated to the devil)
By the way, the Retiro Park and the “Paseo del Prado” form part of Madrid’s UNESCO world heritage site “Landscape of Light”.
11. Walk around the Botanical Garden of Madrid
The Botanical Garden in Madrid is one of the best things to do in Madrid with kids, because it offers a great educational experience. If you happen to come during winter they usually have light shows with different themes that you can check out in the evening. A great place to go to in Madrid during any season!
12. Admire the Royal Palace in Madrid
The Royal Palace is one of THE must-do attractions in Madrid. Of course, the Royal Family does not live there anymore, but you can still walk through the rooms and admire the interior how it was hundreds of years ago. Did you know it is almost twice as big as Buckingham Palace?
There are soooo many rooms you can visit. I promise you will be very impressed. My favourite part of the Royal Palace is the Porcelain room, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: A room covered in beautiful porcelain from China:
Here comes the trick: If you plan to visit the Royal Palace I would recommend getting your tickets in advance. Every time I pass by the palace the lines of people waiting to get in are ridiculous. So, if you are in a rush and are only in Madrid for a short amount of time, I would recommend getting a fast-access ticket. That way you can skip the line and continue with your Madrid Bucket List on time 🙂
Attractions you have to put on your Ultimate Madrid Bucket List:
9. Spend Sunday at “El Rastro”, Madrid’s most famous outdoor market
El Rastro is Madrid’s famous open-air flea market that is open on Sundays and public holidays. This market has everything from old furniture, jewelry, and second-hand clothes to video games or souvenirs. And you get to walk around the neighborhood of La Latina, which is very beautiful.
10. Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a Madrid bucket list MUST!
It is not a secret anymore that Madrid is a great destination for football fans. If you have the time, watching a football match there will be an amazing experience. But did you know you can do a tour inside Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as well? The highlight of this tour is the Football museum of the stadium. And at the end, you can take a panoramic photo of the stadium.
For the Real Madrid fans: Maybe you want to watch a football game while you are in town? You can look for tickets here.
Here again, I would recommend booking tickets in advance as it is one of Madrid’s most popular attractions. You can book your tickets here
11. Watch an amazing Flamenco Show during your stay in Madrid!
Now, what’s Flamenco? Let me explain: A traditional dance from Southern Spain—one that’s full of passion. It combines folklore music and emotions, and uses the arms as well as a rhythmic stomping of feet. You can find some of the best Flamenco shows in Madrid here.
It is performed by men and women dressed in traditional Flamenco clothes. The performance is guided by a Spanish guitar. Very romantic! Apart from the music, the clothes the dancers wear are also very important. You have to see the female dancers with their long colorful dresses, in Spanish “traje de flamenco”. Absolutely beautiful.
And the best part: It is very affordable! This Flamenco show costs only 25 Euros and is one of the best ones in Madrid. The interior looks very Andalusian and is full of South of Spain vibes. I would recommend booking one week in advance because these tickets sell out very fast!
I also found other Flamenco Shows you can visit in Madrid:
12. Check out the Views from the Roof Top Bar “Circulo de Bellas Artes”
Circulo de Bellas Artes is a very popular Rooftop Bar in Madrid. Once you are there you will understand why: It offers amazing views of Gran Via, the Metropolis Building, and even Palacio Cibeles. I would recommend going there during the week, as it gets very crowded during the weekend. Some stunning architecture from start to finish.
13. Take a photo in front of “Puerta de Alcalá”
Puerta de Alcalá is a neoclassical gate located right in front of the entrance to Retiro Park. When you cross the street to head to the park, there is a small spot where you can take an amazing photo with the gate in the background. This will be a perfect memory photo.
By the way, Puerta de Alcalá was under construction for the longest time! So if you can catch a photo now you will see Madrid’s iconic monument in its newest form!
14. Enjoy a birdseye view of Madrid from the RIU Hotel
Madrid is the city of rooftop hotels and there is one I really have to recommend to you: The RIU Hotel in Madrid has a mindblowing rooftop terrace on the 27th floor. The best views of Madrid are guaranteed!
This is the perfect place to visit to enjoy panoramic views of Madrid and to have a drink on the rooftop. When I took my mom there during our visit, she was beyond excited!
You can find the prices and opening hours here.
15. Visit Palacio Cibeles and have a drink on their rooftop¡
The Palacio Cibeles is the seat of the city council of Madrid. Apart from that, it offers great temporary exhibitions as well. The best part: These exhibitions are free and show art from local artist and different social topics.
Did you know it also has a rooftop bar overlooking Gran Vía? How about having a drink and enjoying the views from there?
18. Enjoy Madrid’s famous Arab Baths at Hammam al Andaluz
Did you know you can enjoy Arabic baths in Madrid like they used to have in Andalucia? There is a SPA center Hammam al Ándaluz in the neighborhood of Las Letras that offers the full wellness experience: a beautiful pool with a stunning interior design, massages, and other treatments. You will feel like you are in Andalusia.
More information about the Arab Baths here.
19. Watch the sunset at Templo de Debod, Madrid’s iconic sunset location
If you were to ask me my recommendations on things to do in Madrid TODAY, I’d recommend watching the sunset in a pinch. And Templo de Debod is one of the best places in Madrid to watch the sunset. The temple was gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government and has been open to the public since 1972.
Did you know that this ancient Egyptian temple arrived in single stones and they had to assemble it where it stands right now? If you have time to wait in line, you can even have a look at the inside of the temple.
20. Take the cable car “Teleférico” and enjoy Madrid’s skyline from above
Did you know Madrid had a cable car? This cable car connects Parque del Oeste with Casa de Campo. You will get the chance to see Madrid’s incredible skyline from above and have a spectacular view over Casa de Campo.
By the way, Casa de Campo is also the perfect place to visit for a nice Sunday afternoon walk. Madrid is surrounded by beautiful nature and lush green spaces, and this park proves it!
22. Go Shopping on Gran Vía and Salamanca
Madrid is THE capital of fashion! The local madrileños are absolute fashion icons. So if you want to go on a shopping spree, you will not have to look far. I recommend going to Gran Vía if you want to check out the typical Spanish brands like Zara, Mango or Stradivarius.
If you want to check out some luxury brand, make sure to visit the bougie barrio de Salamanca. Here, you can find some high fashion brands like Gucci, Prado or Louis Vuitton.
The best places for food and drinks in Madrid, Madrid bucket list for foodies:
23. Try to get a table at the world’s oldest restaurant
Did you know that Madrid is home to the oldest restaurant in the world? “Sobrino de Botín” is known to be the oldest restaurant in the world, that has been operating since its inauguration in 1725. And it offers one of the best Spanish food you can imagine! If you end up going there you have to try the suckling pig.
This is a super popular place so make sure to make a reservation here.
24. Have a walk around Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado San Miguel is the famous indoor food market close to Plaza Mayor in Madrid. It is known for its different food stalls, tapas and wine offers. In my humble opinion, it is one of the most touristy spots in Madrid. If you want to have a more authentic experience, visit “Mercado de Chamberí” or “Mercado de Anton Martin”
25. Have a Calamari Sandwhich at “La Campana” at Plaza Mayor
Madrid is famous for its Bocadillo de Calamares (Calamari Sandwich). It is a tradition that origins in the coastal regions of Andalucia but it became a popular snack in Madrid during the last decades. There are many places that offer Calamari sandwiches around Plaza Mayor, but the one I recommend is La Campana.
If you’re looking for more plaza action, then also check out plaza de españa. Basically translated as Spain’s Square, plaza de españa is one of Madrid’s most important squares. Go find out why!
26. Try “Churros con Chocolate” at La Mallorquina
You have to try Churros con Chocolate during your visit to Spain. And is the best place to do so! It was inaugurated in 1894 and since then La Mallorquina has been baking Spain’s best pastries. After having so many years of experience, there is no doubt they must be good, right?
24. Try a traditional “pan con tomate” for breakfast
Pan con Tomate is probably my favorite breakfast to have in Spain. It is usually a piece of bread that is toasted and served with mashed tomatoes, olive oil, and salt. It sounds very basic but it’s it is very tasty. It’s a very typical breakfast in Madrid that you can find at all breakfast places or bakeries. The best way to start your day!
If you feel like it, you can even order tomato and ham!
25. Enjoy a Tinto de Verano at Plaza Olavide
I challenge you to try a Tinto de Verano during your stay in Spain. It is very similar to Sangría, but less sweet, which makes it very refreshing. One of my favorite drinks to have during the afternoon. Plaza Olavida is a very beautiful plaza that has A LOT of bars on it. And it is the perfect place for me to have a drink on one of the terraces on a Saturday afternoon.
26. Enjoy an authentic Paella in Marina Ventura
Where to have the best paella in Madrid?
Paella is not a typical dish from Madrid but I know that many people want to try Paella when visiting Spain. There are many places that offer low-quality paella so you have to watch out! Here are two places that I can recommend: Marina Ventura is a very popular place for Paella. And you can choose from many different ingredients.
You can book a table here.
The photo below shows a paella from Restaurante La Casa de Valencia. My mom absolutely adored this place when I took her there during her visit.
You can reserve a table here.
28. Order a fancy cocktail at “Ficus Bar”
One of my favorite things to do in Madrid is going out for cocktails! There are a lot of really nice cocktail places in the neighborhoods of Chueca and Malasaña, but I really want to recommend Ficus Bar. Their interior is absolutely stunning. And the cocktails are SO GOOD and look so beautiful. The perfect place for a fancy night out.
29. Have Spain’s best hamburger at “Juancho’s” at Mercado de Chamberí
Here, I am sharing one of the hidden gems in Madrid: “Juancho’s” is a burger restaurant in the lovely Mercado de Chamberí. And the best part: It won the title of the best hamburger in Spain in 2019. Trust me, it is delicious. And if hamburgers are not your thing. This market has so many different restaurants. They will have your favorite foods for sure!
30. Try the best Spanish wines at “Casa Gonzalez”
Casa Gonzalez is a Spanish Bodega in the neighborhood of Las Letras. It offers a HUGE variety of Spanish wines. And you can order them with even better Spanish tapas. How many glasses of wine can you handle before leaving?
31. Spend the night in the bars in the street “Calle de la Cava Baja”
I have read that Spain is the country with the highest ‘bars per capita’ rate worldwide and Calle Cava Baja in Madrid is proof: You will find 50 bars in only 300 meters. Here, you have everything from Spanish Tabernas to pubs or cocktail places. A great plan for an evening out. What I love about this street is that all the bars are beautifully decorated inside. Just look at the photos:
By the way, the neighborhood of La Latina is one of the oldest areas of Madrid and so worth visiting. There you can even find ruins of medieval walls from the 12th century!
33. Order a “Yayo” at “Casa Camacho”, the famous drink in Malasaña
A Yayo is a famous drink from Madrid’s neighborhood of Malasaña. It contains Vermouth, Gin, and Soda. I know it might sound weird, but it is actually very tasty (and strong!). I would suggest trying it in Casa Camacho, a very traditional Spanish Taberna in Malasaña.
34. Find the hidden rooftop bar of Salvador Bachiller
Salvador Bachiller is a very popular brand for bags, suitcases, and other accessories. But did you know they also own several restaurants in Madrid? One of the most impressive ones is located on the last floor of the Salvador Bachiller Shop in Calle Montera. A recommendation: This place is amazing for brunch, too! Make sure to reserve before going there.
Make sure to reserve before as this place is very popular. Book a table here.
35. Enjoy Madrid’s fine dining scene
Don’t get me wrong. Madrid offers gastronomy for all budgets, but if you want to splurge and treat yourself, you came to the right place! Madrid is home to many fine-dining restaurants, and some of them are not even that expensive:
If you like great food, I recommend you visit “Fismuler” or “La Bien Aparecida”. For a night out, you have to make a reservation at “Bar Trafalgar”. If you want to try some Michelin Star places, check out “CEBO” or “Chispa Bistró”
One-day trips for your Madrid bucket list
36. Visit Toledo, the city of three cultures
A short train ride away from Madrid lies the famous city Toledo, the city of three cultures. Toledo is famous for its rich history and was home to three major religious communities: Christians, Muslims and Jews. And you can find signs of all of them in the city’s architecture.
My mom always tells me that this was her favorite one-day trip from Madrid. And while you are here, make sure to try the suckling pig. Toledo is famous for it!
37. Ride the countless roller coasters at Parque de Atracciones
If you are looking for something a little bit more energetic, I got you! This is the perfect one-day trip idea from Madrid, and it will take you less than half hour to get there:
Spend the day at the amusement park on the outskirts of Madrid and try to ride all the roller coasters. This idea is especially great if you are visiting Madrid with children. You can get your tickets for the Parque de Atracciones here.
And that’s it! How many items can you tick off of this Madrid Bucket List? I hope I could give you some ideas for your Madrid trip and for your ultimatum Spain bucket list! Let me know if you were able to see some major attractions from this bucket list. Or maybe you are thinking that some items were missing? Let me know in the comments below 🙂
Other blog posts that could be interesting for you for your Madrid bucket list:
104 cheap or free things you can do in Madrid: This guide includes more than 100 cheap things you can do in Madrid. I really made sure to include all the activities you can do in Madrid that won’t break the bank: Free museums, parks, sunset places and more!
Let’s do a self-guided walking tour of Madrid: This blog post includes an itinerary for a self-guided walking tour in Madrid. That’s why you can see Madrid’s most important places in one afternoon. And I made sure to include amazing food spots as well 🙂
25 museums in Madrid you can visit for free: This blog post includes a list of ALL museums in Madrid you can visit for free. And I mention the exact time when the entrance is free of charge so you can plan your trip accordingly! And guess what, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Royal Palace are on this list as well!
16 things to do in Madrid at night, that aren’t just partying: This guide gives you amazing ideas about what to do in Madrid during the evening or at night. And no, we don’t just talk about partying! This blog post includes Flamenco Shows, night tours, and other fun activities. Check it out!!
