Madrid is Spain’s sun-baked capital, a city of grand boulevards, world-class art museums, and a nightlife that runs until dawn. This guide covers the best things to do in Madrid.
Art Museums: The Golden Triangle
Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art contains three world-class museums within walking distance. The Prado houses masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, and El Greco (15 euros, free Monday to Saturday 6 PM to 8 PM and Sundays 5 PM to 7 PM). The Reina Sofia is home to Picasso’s Guernica alongside works by Dali and Miro (10 euros, free Monday and Wednesday to Saturday evenings). The Thyssen-Bornemisza fills the gaps with a comprehensive private collection (13 euros). Book tickets online to skip queues.
Royal Madrid
The Royal Palace is Europe’s largest functioning royal palace with over 3,400 rooms. Entry is 12 euros (free for EU citizens Monday to Thursday 4 PM to 6 PM). Book online. The adjacent Almudena Cathedral and the Plaza de Oriente gardens complete the royal ensemble. Allow 2 to 3 hours. The Changing of the Guard takes place Wednesdays and Saturdays (subject to schedule).
Madrid Life
The Retiro Park is Madrid’s green heart: 125 hectares of formal gardens, a boating lake, and the stunning Crystal Palace. Free, open daily. Sunday mornings are liveliest. The Mercado de San Miguel near Plaza Mayor is a gourmet food market in a beautiful iron-and-glass structure. La Latina’s tapas bars on Calle Cava Baja offer the quintessential Madrid evening. For churros with chocolate, San Gines has been serving since 1894. Madrid’s nightlife starts late: dinner at 10 PM, bars at midnight, clubs at 2 AM.
