There is a lot to do and see in the city of Madrid, with it being both the capital and the largest in Spain, with it having a population of over three million. With it being so big, there will be so many different things to do in Madrid.
You could choose to visit a museum, eat at a restaurant, go to an amusement park, take in the nightlife, enjoy some local music, and more.
Planning a trip can be overwhelming when there is so much choice, so we have decided to try and make the process easier for you and highlight some of the best things to do in Madrid.
Keep reading to find out about things to do in Madrid, and how we can help you get there to do them.
1. Visit a museum
One of the best things to do in Madrid and immerse yourself into the local culture is to visit a museum. There are many to choose from, so there will always be one that suits your interests.
You could visit a museum to explore the history of Madrid and see some ancient artefacts, look at some thought-provoking art, or even try some sweet treats.
Some examples of museums in Madrid include:
National Archaeological Museum
This museum showcases artefacts from across Mediterranean cultures, dating from the classical period to the modern day; there are also some artefacts from South America.
Museo Naval
As the name suggests, it is focussed on maritime history and is full of historical artefacts, model ships, and even has some information about naval engineering.
Museo Nacional del Prado
An art museum with pieces of artwork from Spain and around the world.
Museo Sorolla
Also an art museum, but a more intimate experience with it being the home and study of Joaquรญn Sorolla y Bastida, with his works on display. It also has a garden he designed himself.
Museum of Illusions
Experience a world of visual and sensory illusions that will leave you full of awe and wonder, and make you question your senses.
Robot Museum
Explore the history of robotics with the unique Robot Museum, and see some robots in action. They also offer guided tours in English on certain days of the week.
Sweet Space Museum
A unique, interactive museum that allows you to eat the art; there are many sweet treats and artistic displays to enjoy here.
2. Have some food and drink
Madrid is home to some high quality restaurants with incredibly tasty food and thirst-quenching drinks. You can find cuisines from various cultures, but the majority will be serving Spainโs own cuisine, and food from around the Mediterranean. Having a bite of the local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Madrid.
You can get a taste of the Mediterranean at restaurants like:
Gran Cafรฉ de Gijรณn
Whether you want a drink of coffee, or want a bite to eat, then Gran Cafรฉ de Gijรณn is here for you. However, this is not just any cafรฉ, it is old and has a rich history of visitors. It was founded in 1888 by Gumersindo Gรณmez, and is named after his home town in Asturias. It Is known as โthe last literary cafรฉ in Madridโ, with many of Spainโs popular authors visiting the cafรฉ over the years, such as poet Garcia Lorca. Orson Welles even visited this cafรฉ once.
Los Montes de Galicia
Whilst this restaurant is in Madrid, the food they serve is from the Galician region of north-western Spain. Visiting Los Montes de Galicia can allow you to see what kinds of food are eaten in Galicia, made by some of the most skilled chefs in Madrid.
Restavrante Botรญn
This is not just any restaurant, it is the oldest in the world according to the Guinness World Records, with it being founded in 1725. Whilst you dine in this restaurant, think about all the types of people who have sat where you have sat over the centuries, and eaten the same delicious food.
Taberna El Sur
Taberna El Sur is another example of high quality Mediterranean and Spanish food, with it offering traditional dishes such as patatas bravas, among other things.
Wine Tours
Those who love wine will find many wine tours that will take you on a journey through all the wine Madrid has to offer. For example, the Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour will fill you with both tasty food and plenty of drinks.
3. Take in the nightlife
Whilst there is plenty to do in the daytime, Madrid comes to life at night. From live music and dancing, to bars and pubs, there is a lot to explore and enjoy, making taking in the nightlife one of the best things to do in Madrid.
For a unique Spanish experience, have a drink while you watch some flamenco dancing. As Madrid is the capital of flamenco dancing, there are many places that showcase this unique form of dancing, with the first ever flamenco theatre in the world being the Teatro Flamenco Madrid.
For music, there are a vast range of places to choose from depending on what kind of music you like to listen to. From Barracudas for rock and alternative music, to El bรบho real with its acoustic musical sets, there is something that you will enjoy.
You can even become a musical act yourself by partaking in some karaoke. With
4. Visit an aquarium or a zoo
Throughout Madrid, there are many attractions that you can visit, with many being perfect for a family day out with your children, though you might enjoy it more without them.
For animal lovers, there are zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks full of exotic creatures. Not only is it an opportunity to get close to some animals you would not normally see, you can also learn something whilst supporting the survival of some endangered species. Also, your kids will love it.
A list of animal attractions includes:
Atlantis Aquarium Madrid
This is just 20 minutes outside of Madrid, and provides an exciting and educational experience; from fish to penguins, you can see all sorts of aquatic life, with there being around 150 species calling this aquarium home.
Faunia
Home to 1,200 animals and 152 species, Faunia has ecosystems ranging from jungles, to the largest polar ecosystem in all of Europe; there is plenty to see here, and there is even a dinosaur park that your kids will enjoy adventuring around.
Zoo Aquarium
Madridโs Zoo Aquarium is a truly global attraction, with there being animals from five different continents, and from within the oceans. You can see insects, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, including sharks, dolphins, bears, kangaroos, parrots, elephants, pandas, orangutans, and more.
5. Do an activity
Those who like to get stuck in will find there are many things to do in Madrid, with some being physical, and others being more technical. Whether you are going solo, in a group with your friends, or are looking for fun for all the family, there is something for you.
People who want a more physical activity can choose between going to a water park, climbing walls, adventure parks, and more. Meanwhile, people who want something that is still physical but has less exertion, can explore Madridโs Planetarium or even go karting. Examples include:
Carlos Sainz Karting Madrid
Blast around a karting track with all the modern safety precautions, and see who is the fastest in your family or friend group. There are different sessions suitable for different ages, with children as young as 8 being able to partake.
De Pino a Pino
40 minutes outside of Madrid lies this forest adventure park full of zip lines, suspension bridges, nets and more. There are difficulty levels suitable for all ages, so adults and children alike can have fun adventuring through the trees.
Madrid Fly
Feel the breeze and experience free-falling in a safe environment by visiting the largest wind tunnel in Europe, and watch your friends and family have their turn. There is also an escape room located onsite, and a restaurant for when you get hungry.
Planetarium
Explore the mysteries of the cosmos at Madridโs Planetarium, where a state-of-the-art projector displays the night sky and allows you to learn about what is out in the depths of space.
Rolling Dance & Burger
Get a taste of the 80s by visiting this American themed roller rink by skating to some music, and refuel yourself with some American style food. They even have lessons for those new to roller skating.
SputnikClimbing
One of the largest climbing walls in Madrid, with challenges suitable for all ages. There is also a gym for other workouts, a canteen full of healthy food, and there are even camps for children during the school holidays.
The Magic Forest
Aimed at children is The Magic Forest, which is designed to look exactly how you would expect based on its name. There are slides, labyrinths, climbing trees, and a restaurant to fill up after adventuring.
Tirolinas GO! Madrid
Another forest adventure course is Tirolinas GO!, which is very similar to De Pino a Pino, except that you can also go canoeing.
Parque Warner Beach
Just 20 minutes outside of Madrid, this water theme park is suitable for both adults and children alike. It is themed after 1950s California, with there being Loony Toons and other famous cartoon characters from the time period as well.
Virtual Zone
As the name suggests, this is a virtual reality adventure where up to 16 players partake in one of two adventures: fight against an alien invasion, or play through an escape room combined with a virtual shooter. Virtual Zone is an immersive experience suitable for all ages.
Zero Latency
Similar to Virtual Zone, Zero Latency also offers a virtual reality space. It was the first of its kind in Europe, and has space for up to 8 players. They offer a range of experiences that you can choose from when booking, with some being from well-known universes like Warhammer.
How we can help
Before you can experience these things to do in Madrid, you will first need to get there. Whether you are planning on going to Spain for a long period of time, or are moving for work, to study, or for another reason, we can help you.
Our Spanish visa team has helped countless clients with their needs, and they will be happy to assist you on your way to Spain. You can book a free 10-minute assessment to discuss what you need, which allows our team to see how they can help you. After this, a plan will be made to start applying for your visa.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you get to Madrid.
