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Madrid

Things to Do in Madrid in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April 2025) | Trip.com

About Madrid

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

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Madrid Local Travel Guide 2025

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Madrid Brief Guide

The capital of passionate Spain, Madrid attracts many tourists with its diverse culture. Here there is luxurious royal architecture, world-famous works of art and museums, and of course, exhilarating football matches and bullfighting displays that you absolutely shouldn't miss out on. As you slowly stroll through the city's lively plazas, go on a shopping spree, or savor the food, Madrid is incredible in the warm Iberian sunshine.

Madrid Must-try Local Experiences

1. Discover Madrid's Iconic Landmarks Visit the Royal Palace, stroll through El Retiro Park, and experience the vibrant energy of Plaza Mayor. These landmarks showcase Madrid's rich history, architectural brilliance, and lively atmosphere. 2. Discover Art at the Golden Triangle of Art Explore masterpieces at the Prado Museum, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. These museums house works by Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, and Dalí. 3. Experience a Traditional Flamenco Performance Delve into Spanish culture with a captivating flamenco performance. Witness the passionate dance, soulful music, and intricate footwork at one of Madrid's renowned tablaos. 4. Sample Local Cuisine Try traditional dishes like tapas, cocido madrileño, and churros with chocolate. Visit a local market like San Miguel Market for a true taste of the city's food culture. 5. Savor Spanish Wines and Sangria Enjoy a glass of Spanish wine or a refreshing sangria at one of Madrid's many bars and restaurants. Spain is known for its excellent wines, and Madrid offers plenty of opportunities to sample them. 6. Find Treasures at El Rastro Flea Market Experience the lively atmosphere of El Rastro, One of the Madrid's largest open-air flea markets, held every Sunday. Discover unique antiques, vintage clothing, and handmade crafts. 7. Shop at Gran Via and Calle de Serrano Visit Gran Via for high-street brands and theaters, and Calle de Serrano for luxury boutiques and designer stores. 8. Capture the Beauty of Temple of Debod Head to Temple of Debod for stunning sunset views. The ancient Egyptian temple, set against the vibrant hues of the Madrid sky, offers a picturesque spot for memorable photos. 9. Catch a Real Madrid Football Match For an unforgettable experience, catch a Real Madrid football match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere and witness world-class football firsthand. 10. Take a Day Trip to Toledo Escape the city for a day and visit Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its medieval streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the Tagus River. 11. Attend a Bullfight at Las Ventas Bullring Experience the traditional Spanish sport of bullfighting at Las Ventas Bullring, Madrid's famous bullring. While controversial, it remains an integral part of Spanish culture and history.

Madrid Must-see Attractions

Madrid is a city steeped in cultural richness, boasting landmarks like the Royal Palace with its artistic heritage, the Prado Museum's extensive European art collection, the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the traditional Las Ventas Bullring, and the modern art-filled Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, each offering unique historical insights and experiences.

Madrid Food Guide

Madrid's food scene is a rich tapestry of traditional Spanish flavors, featuring iconic dishes such as the seafood-laden Paella, the sweet indulgence of Churros with hot chocolate, the ubiquitous Tortilla de Patata integral to tapas culture, and the hearty Cocido Madrileño stew, each reflecting the city's culinary heritage and love for both simple and elaborate fare.

Madrid Transportation

Madrid's transportation infrastructure is robust, with Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport and Estación Sur de Autobuses being key intercity travel hubs. Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is the primary airport in Madrid, located approximately 12 kilometers from the city center. It is the second-largest airport in Europe and serves as a hub for several airlines. To reach the city from the airport, passengers can take the Madrid Metro Line 8 or use bus services provided by EMT and CRTM. Taxis and long-distance coaches are also available for travel to other cities in Spain. Estación Sur de Autobuses, also known as Méndez Álvaro, is Madrid's main bus station for domestic and international routes. It is situated in the south-east of the city center, not far from Atocha train station. The station is a large public transportation hub, including access to the Metro, city buses, and Cercanías trains. To reach the city from Estación Sur, the C-1 Cercanías train line is the most convenient option. Taxis are available in front of the bus station, and there is a direct connection to Barajas airport.

Madrid Where to Stay

Madrid is a city that offers a diverse range of accommodation options, with each neighborhood providing its own unique charm and characteristics.

Madrid Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Madrid is during the spring, specifically from March to May, when the city's parks are vibrant with blooming flowers and the weather is warm but not too hot, making it perfect for outdoor sightseeing. Additionally, the Fiestas de San Isidro in mid-May offer a rich cultural experience with traditional festivities.

Madrid Travel Tips

1. Dress Modestly at Religious Sites: When visiting churches and other religious sites in Madrid, dress modestly. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and hats inside these places. 2. Watch for Pickpockets: Madrid is generally safe, but pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol. Keep your belongings secure, avoid placing bags on chair backs, and keep valuables out of sight. Use front pockets for wallets and ensure bags have zippers. 3. Drone Photography Restrictions: Flying drones in Madrid requires special permits. Avoid using drones near airports, military bases, and crowded areas to comply with local regulations. Always check the ENAIRE Drones application for current restrictions and ensure you have the necessary authorizations from AESA, especially for urban areas. 4. Museo Reina Sofía Photo Policy: Photography is allowed in most areas of the Museo Reina Sofía without flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. Some temporary exhibitions may have stricter no-photo policies, so always check with staff or look for signage before taking pictures. 5. Save with Menu del Dia: Many restaurants offer a 'Menu del Dia,' a fixed-price lunch menu that includes multiple courses and is often cheaper than ordering a la carte. 6. Alcohol Consumption Rules: Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Madrid, except in outdoor cafés and bars or during official fiestas. Enjoy your drinks at bars, restaurants, or designated areas to avoid fines. Alcohol cannot be sold to persons under 18 or in shops after 10 pm.

Madrid Useful Guide

Madrid's official language is Spanish, with the Castilian dialect being the most formal and widely understood version. Despite Spanish being the primary language, Madrid's multicultural landscape includes various immigrant languages. Translation apps and local phrases can aid communication. When language barriers arise, gestures and facial expressions are useful.

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Things to do in Madrid

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Madrid? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Madrid, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Madrid dishes and foodie spots.

Madrid Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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Royal Palace of Madrid

Anonymous User

The Palace of Madrid is the third largest palace in Europe after Versailles and the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. It covers an area of 148 square meters and has 3,148 rooms. In the 9th century, it was a castle for Arab rulers, and was recaptured by Christians and became the residence of kings of all generations. A fire destroyed the castle in 1734, and the palace is now seen as a rebuilt palace in 1764. The Palace of Madrid is a very beautiful building, and it is also one of the world's well-preserved palaces. The whole palace is very magnificent, with countless gold and silver utensils, porcelain, tapestries and other royal supplies, brilliant lights and candles, rich and luxurious, and dazzling.

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Prado Museum

Anonymous User

As one of the world's four major museums, traveling to Madrid is not to be missed. The creation is 10 points rich, the space is wide, and you can slowly enjoy it. Trip.com Buying tickets in advance can save queue time. 10 points are convenient.

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Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

小熊杰里米Sissi

The glorious journey of exploring the football temple of the Bernabeu, the moment you step into the Bernabeu Stadium, it is as if you have stepped into the bright stars of the football world. This legendary stadium standing in Madrid carries the glory and honor of Real Madrid for a hundred years, and every inch of land tells the passion and dream of football. When you step into the stadium, the first thing that comes into view is the fascinating green field. Even without the bustling crowd during the game, it still exudes an indescribable magic. The sun shines on the grass, and the tender green grass is glittering with vitality, making people can't help but imagine the figures of superstars such as Ronaldo and Benzema galloping here. They break through the defense line like lightning, and the wonderful shots seem to still echo in their ears. Walking along the passage, you will come to the players' locker room. This is the heart of the team, and every corner is full of the atmosphere of the team. The neatly arranged lockers, with familiar players' names and numbers hanging on them, seem to be able to see their tense and fighting preparation scenes before the game. The coach's passionate tactical arrangements and the players' shouts of encouragement seem to echo in this space. Walking into the Hall of Honor is like entering the hall of football history. In the display cabinet, the shining trophies are the witnesses of Real Madrid's brilliant achievements. The Champions League trophy, the La Liga trophy... they carry countless days and nights of hard work and struggle, and are the eternal pride in the hearts of the team and fans. Here, you can deeply feel Real Madrid's persistent pursuit of victory and its infinite love for football. Climbing onto the stands of the Bernabeu Stadium, the view suddenly opens up. Imagine that on match days, the seats here are full, and nearly 80,000 fans wearing white jerseys together form a white ocean. Their shouts and cheers are intertwined to form a powerful force to cheer for the team. This shocking atmosphere is the unique charm of football. Visiting the Bernabeu Stadium is not only a tour of the stadium, but also an exploration of the spirit of football. Here, you can feel the profound heritage of Real Madrid and appreciate the passion and charm of football. It is a holy place in the hearts of football fans. Every corner is worth savoring and every piece of history is worth remembering. 🇪🇸Hola, Madrid. ⚽️Glory belongs to Real Madrid🏆

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Las Ventas Bullring

厉害的绿绿

Tickets are issued very fast, and they will be out in half a day. But in fact, there is no need to buy tickets in advance. On the opening day, you can go to the bullring door one hour in advance to buy them. It is much cheaper than this ticket. The whole process is about2-2.5 hours, and the fight is6-7 cows. It depends on the matador of the day. Someone is going to work on a routine basis. Some people are very enthusiastic. It looks very good. Anyway, you can come and see a game. Come. If you don't have to buy shaded noodles for special sun on the day, the sunny noodles are very good and cheap. You can spend 1.5 European rent cushions in the venue, it is recommended to rent one, or your ass hurts.

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Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Lola Coveñas

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is a must-see for modern art lovers in Madrid. The museum is home to iconic works, including Picasso’s Guernica, as well as pieces by Dalí, Miró, and other 20th-century artists. Its spacious layout, clear signage, and serene atmosphere make it easy to navigate and enjoy. Whether you’re a dedicated art enthusiast or just looking to explore Madrid’s cultural scene, this museum is an essential stop.

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El Retiro Park

118***86

The park is large and shaded by trees. It feels quite nice to walk around and stop whenever you have time. The Crystal Palace and the small lake in front are pleasant, and there are swans, ducks and pigeons playing around, creating a peaceful atmosphere. There are also free art exhibitions to see, which is worth mentioning.

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Plaza Mayor

咕噜眯糗

Stay near Mayor Gardens, after seeing a few gardens and museums, walk from this pleasant and exquisite area to several attractions on the side of Dejima Square, and visit the whole city market in the old town of Marrakech. There are various crowds, streets, and a stroll of smoke. The market in the sunset square has become a group of food stalls, experience it, eat barbecue, Moroccan breakfast is colorful, you can taste it.

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Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

风中小草F

Compared with the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Art Center in Madrid, the Thyssen Museum has fewer visitors, and its exhibits are mainly works by famous painters from various periods collected by Thyssen.

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Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas

东张西望望东西

The performance was particularly wonderful, the passionate and unrestrained Flamenco performance made people intoxicated, but I was not sure whether I could take pictures, so I didn't take any. The dance with a very strong sense of rhythm gave people a very shocking visual experience.

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San Miguel Market

生长在海边的果果

It is highly recommended to go, you must leave some space for your stomach before going. The market is not big, but the food is very rich and attractive. Every one wants to taste it. I only hate that the stomach is not big enough and the taste is good, which subverts my understanding of European monotonous diet. It is recommended that friends who go to Madrid go to punch a card, half of them take pictures.