Since 2013, Madrid’s annual visitors have climbed nearly 60% (to 6.7 million), which has done wonders for the local economy (for comparison’s sake, Barcelona had 32 million visitors in 2016). While Madrid may not rival Barcelona’s tourism stats, it does offers some the richest culture of any European capital. Madrileños are some of the most welcoming people in Europe, the food rivals any city in the world, and the sun shines year-round.


My friends often ask me what there is to do in Madrid, and my snarky reply is, “not much.” What I actually mean, is “whatever you want.” Unlike Paris where you feel the pressure to visit the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, there are few ‘can’t miss’ sights in Madrid, and the absence of these congested monuments are what make visiting Madrid so enjoyable.

Enjoying your time in Madrid is quite simple: ride a bike through Retiro, enjoy a gin and tonic in the shade along the Paseo, and if there’s time, visit a museum. Some of my favorite spots are below:

Palacio de Cristal, Retiro Park (September 2016)

  • Retiro Park
    • Retiro is my favorite place in Madrid. It’s a clean and enchanting place, allowing visitors to escape the city noise just a few blocks away.
    • Highlights include the Rose Garden, Crystal Palace, and Estanque Grande (“Big Pond”).
  • Salamanca
    • Along the north side of Retiro sits Salamanca, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Madrid.
    • The boutique shops and neighborhood restaurants are a great place to relax after your afternoon bike ride.
  • Plaza de Cibeles
    • Palacio de Cibeles is one of the most beautiful buildings in Spain and the Cibeles Fountain is where Real Madrid celebrates its titles.
    • The Paseo, adjacent to Cibeles, is a beautiful tree-lined pedestrian promenade. Walk around the area and enjoy the Spanish sun.
  • Templo de Debod
    • This park offers a great view of the city (and Royal Palace) and many locals go here for sunset.
    • Pack some San Miguels (local beer), and in the summer, head to the park around 8pm to enjoy the show.
  • Mercado de San Anton
    • Mercado de San Miguel is the most popular traditional market but the loads of tour coaches can make it impassable.
    • Instead, I recommend Mercado de San Anton in the Justicia neighborhood. It’s a similarly designed market, comprised of dozens independent food stalls. If you want hang out with a few more locals, the rooftop bar is is a good place to stop for tapas and a beer.

Mercado de San Miguel (May 2017)

  • Plaza Santa Ana
    • The plaza is surrounded by bars and restaurants an it’s my favorite place to dine outdoors in Madrid.
    • This square can fill with tourists, but it’s nothing like Plaza Mayor. You will see locals here.
  • Museums
    • The Prado gets all the attention, but the Museum you should visit is Reina Sofia (home to Guernica, one of Picasso’s most famous paintings). Like many things in Spain, check their hours – for whatever reason, this place is closed on Tuesdays but Sundays are free after 1:30pm!
    • The most popular museum in Madrid might be Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, home the the world’s biggest football club, Real Madrid. On non-game days, you can take an all-access tour of one the most historic stadiums in Europe, which includes the pitch and changing rooms.
  • San Gines Church 
    • San Gines Church is another spot that’s worth a quick stop. This Mudejar style church is home to some wonderful and historic artwork, including an El Greco’s The Purification of the Temple (c. 1570s). This paining, however, has incredibly limited viewing hours (Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 18:00-19:00; Saturdays: 10:00-11:00, 11:30-12:00).

San Gines Church (September 2018)

  • Chocolateria San Gines 
    • Also, around the corner from the church is one of the most visited churro shops in the city: Chocolateria San Gines. For 6 Euros, enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee, a plate full of churros, and a cup of warm chocolate sauce — there’s nothing better on a cool Madrid night.

Chocolateria San Gines (September 2018)

  • Plaza Mayor
    • This place is a trap (overpriced and street performers everywhere).
    • Stop for a quick photo and then get out.
  • Gran Via and Sol
    • Gran Via is the most ‘touristy’ strip in Madrid, especially near Puerta del Sol.
    • Sol is the figurative center of Madrid (and Spain) and many Madrileños meet here before hitting the town each night.
    • During the day, there are many shopping options; it’s Madrid’s answer to Piccadilly Circus.

Puerta del Sol (September 2018)