Hola! Here are the best things to do in Madrid for any traveler this 2024

If you’re on a trip to Spain, there’s no question about whether you should go to Madrid or Barcelona — you must visit both! Both places have distinct cultures and ways of living, and you might be surprised at the regional differences you’ll find. Plus, with Europe’s interrail train system, you can conveniently get to and from both places in just 2-3 hours. Either way, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with the country and its warm and vibrant atmosphere. 

You’ll definitely need a few days to explore each city, so to help you organize your itinerary, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Madrid in this article. Keep reading, and who knows? You might just find your next core memory abroad below. 😉

From culinary adventures to museum-hopping to biking tours around iconic landmarks, there’s something for every kind of traveler in this cosmopolitan city. 

If you’re a foodie or just someone who just loves to sit back and chat over good food and drinks, then you’ll love Spanish tapas culture. Tapas refers to small, flavourful snacks eaten throughout the day between big meals, and are an essential part of Spain’s social scene. You’ll find plenty of bars and taverns around the city that offer these alongside their alcoholic beverage menus. 

Since tapas are served in small quantities, most people will order a variety in one spot, or go bar-hopping to sample even more specialties. If you’d love an intimate tour through different spots in Madrid’s famous marketplaces and culinary districts, consider trying out this Tapas & Wine Tasting tour. You’ll get to explore hidden gems with a local guide and cap off the day with delicious cocktails. 

Now, if you’re a foodie who loves trying out new recipes, this Paella Cooking Class is for you. From the name alone, you can probably guess what you’re going to be making. Paella is a hearty rice dish and one of the hallmarks of Spanish cuisine. 

You’ll also get to learn how to make Gazpacho, a cold and refreshing tomato-based soup, as well as a classic Sangria! And of course, after the cooking is done, you get to enjoy your creations along with your fellow chefs. 

If getting a taste of Spanish cuisine has you hungry for more, spending a day in one of Madrid’s world-class museums is a sure way to fall even deeper in love with the place. 

The first on our list is the Prado Museum, a massive space home to paintings from famous masters like Goya, Velázquez, and Rembrandt. You can easily spend an entire day here, especially since other famous art museums like the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and the Reina Sofía are within walking distance from the Prado.

This whole stretch is called the Paseo del Arte, or the Golden Triangle of Art. If you book on Klook, you can skip the line and get entry to all three museums with a single pass for just US$38.95. It would be a shame to waste time worrying about entrance tickets, too, since the entire Retiro district — where the Paseo del Arte is located — is a wonder to explore. 

The sprawling Retiro Park is home to designated UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Crystal Palace, known locally as the Palacio de Cristal. More than just a gorgeous place to snap photos, you can also find temporary art exhibits here as it is owned by the Reina Sofia, a modern art museum part of the Paseo del Arte. You can go on this guided walking tour if you want to make sure you see all that Retiro Park has to offer. 

The walking tour also brings you to the heart of the park, the Estanque Grande del Retiro. It’s a peaceful area with a large pond where you can rent a small boat to paddle, sunbathe, or simply just take in the sights. Your guide will help you learn more about this area’s rich history.

And speaking of history, you would not want to miss out on the Royal Palace of Madrid. It is one of Madrid’s most famous attractions, and a trip to the city wouldn’t be complete without it. 

You don’t have to be a history or culture buff to appreciate its beauty. As the official residence of the Spanish royal family with over 3000 intricately decorated rooms, the sheer size and extravagance of the place are enough to wow even the casual visitor. Besides, who wouldn’t want to live like royalty for a day?

If you do want some background, though, you can get a Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour (and early entry into the place) if you book on Klook. The guide will also bring you to nearby attractions like the Calle Mayor, San Miguel market, and the iconic Plaza Mayor on a relaxed walking tour. 

At the time of writing, you can choose from the following timeslots: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 13:00. It roughly takes around 2 hours for both the palace and the walking tour, so you have plenty of time left on that day for other sights. 

Another way to get up close and personal with Madrid is through a biking tour of the city! You’ll start from the city center and visit the most iconic attractions including the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, and the Las Letras district. The bike, helmet, and insurance are provided, so you can explore worry-free. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people from all over the world (and burn off all that tapas).

And this activity isn’t just for adults! You can request a baby seat that can accommodate children up to 6 years old. Kids aged 12 and up can ride on their own bikes. You can choose from a standard bicycle or an e-bike. 

If you’d love to see beyond Madrid, one option to consider is the Guadarrama National Park just about an hour away by car. It’s a good break from the hustle and bustle of city life and a way to rejuvenate yourself from all the sightseeing. Just don’t forget to bring some sunscreen, water, and your best hiking shoes. 

With a guide, you can hike along its easy mountain trails to visit La Pedriza, a mountain pass with scenic views of the Guadarrama mountain range from all sides. You can find graphite rock formations and unique flora and fauna here!

You’ll also get to visit the slopes of Puerto de Navacerrada (perfect for skiing in the winter), and the Manzanares el Real Castle, one of Madrid’s most well-preserved castles from the 15th century. There are no additional fees to enter these areas, so you can make the most out of your trip to the national park. 

Calling all football fans, this one’s for you! You can now visit the Bernabeu Stadium, the home stadium of Real Madrid FC.

One of the most famous football venues in the world, it has been the club’s home since its opening in 1944. It has hosted some of the most important matches in football history, including the European Cup finals, the 2010 Champions League final, and Italy's World Cup victory in 1982.

Celebrate the triumphs of the world’s most famous football club through an interactive museum tour in the Bernabeu Stadium, where you can revisit the legacies of famous players and coaches. You can even find all of the club’s trophies there!

Now, if you’re a lover of pop culture, this Wax Museum tour lets you get up close and personal with the biggest names in entertainment. You'll come face-to-face with famous figures from Spain’s rich history, legendary movie stars, sports icons, and even some of your favorite fictional characters!

One of the coolest parts of the museum is the interactive section, where you can dive into themed settings that make you feel like you’re part of the action — whether it’s on a film set or in the middle of a historic event.

The photo opportunities are endless here, so you’ll have to make sure your phone or camera is fully charged for this one!

Skip the hassle of purchasing multiple tickets for different attractions using the Klook Pass Madrid! With one pass, you can get entry to 3, 4, 5, or 6 activities of your choice including the Prado Museum, Bernabeu Stadium and Museum, and a tour of Toledo and Segovia. 

The pass is valid for 30 days, so you can visit any of the activities you choose within that period.  No need to stress yourself out with a crammed itinerary — just take it at your own pace. Plus, you can save more compared to buying individual tickets, with discounts reaching up to 52%. How’s that for fuss-free travel? 😉