Things to Do in Madrid
Planning a trip to Madrid(Madrid) soon? Lucky you! Here are the top attractions and activities to experience in Spain's capital city:
1) Triángulo del arte(Triangle of Art)
3) Parque del Retiro(Retiro Park)
4) Puerta del Sol(Puerta del Sol)
7) Templo de Debod(Debod Temple)
8) Mercado San Miguel(San Miguel Market)
9) Palacio de Cibeles(Cibeles Palace) and Fuente de Cibeles(Cibeles Fountain)
10) Enjoy a cocido madrileño(cocido madrileño)
11) Eat chocolate con churros(chocolate with churros)
12) Explore Malasaña(Malasaña) and La Latina(La Latina)
Questions This Article Answers
What should I visit in Madrid?
What should I do in Madrid?
What are the best things to do in Madrid?
Where is Bernabéu Stadium?
What is the Triángulo del arte?
What to visit in Madrid?
Triángulo del Arte
The Triángulo del arte or Triángulo de oro(Golden Triangle of Art) is a term used to refer to three major art museums situated close to one another on the Paseo del Prado(Prado Avenue) in Madrid. These museums, which are listed below, collectively house one of the world's most outstanding collections of arte europeo(European art), with works ranging from la Edad Media(the Middle Ages) to la actualidad(the present day).
Interested in visiting these museums and other top museums in Spain? Check out the following articles!
Palacio Real
El Palacio Real is the official residence of the Spanish familia real(royal family). While they no longer reside there, it's still used for state ceremonies and is open to the public.
Parque del Retiro
Parque del Retiro is Madrid's pulmón(lung). This vast, beautiful park is perfect for relaxing, boating, or simply dar un paseo(taking a stroll).
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is Madrid's most famous square, a hub for events and gatherings. The Km 0 (kilometer 0) plaque here marks the centro geográfico(geographical center) of Spain.
Gran Vía
Gran Vía is Madrid's bustling main street, lined with tiendas(shops), restaurantes(restaurants), and teatros(theaters).
Plaza Mayor
La Plaza Mayor is a grand arcaded square in the heart of the city, surrounded by cafes and shops.
Eating a bocadillo de calamares(calamari sandwich) in the Plaza Mayor is a quintessential experience for those seeking to savor a classic Spanish street food in a historic setting.
Templo de Debod
Templo de Debod is an ancient templo egipcio(Egyptian temple) that was given to Spain as a gift and reconstructed in Madrid.
Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel is a gourmet tapas market, perfect for trying a variety of Spanish manjares(delicacies).
Palacio de Cibeles and Fuente de Cibeles
Palacio de Cibeles and Fuente de Cibeles are a stunning piece of architecture and one of Madrid's most iconic landmarks.
The soccer team Real Madrid has a tradition at Cibeles Fountain that involves the team's players and fans gathering at the fountain to celebrate major victorias(victories), with the team's capitán(captain) often placing a club flag and scarf on the statue of the goddess Cybele.
Enjoy a Cocido Madrileño
Cocido madrileño is a traditional hearty stew from Madrid, primarily made with chickpeas; meats like pork, chicken, and beef; and vegetables. It's typically served in winter, offering warmth and sustenance during the colder months. Eating cocido madrileño is a cherished costumbre(custom), with many madrileños(natives of Madrid) considering it a staple dish to enjoy with family and friends.
Eat Chocolate con Churros
In Madrid, there is a custom of indulging in churros(churros), which are crispy, fried dough pastries, dipped in a thick, rich chocolate caliente(hot chocolate), often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or after a night out in the early morning hours.
Visit the famed Chocolatería San Ginés(San Ginés Chocolate Shop) for a taste of this delightful treat.
Explore Malasaña and La Latina
These barrios(neighborhoods) offer a mix of the old and the new, with vintage shops, trendy cafes, and lively bars.
El Rastro
El Rastro is Spain's largest open-air flea market, brimming with antigüedades(antiques), crafts, and a vibrant local atmosphere.
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
For football enthusiasts, a tour of Real Madrid's home stadium is a must. It is renowned for its rich football history, state-of-the-art facilities, and iconic status in the world of fútbol(soccer), hosting numerous legendary partidos(matches) and events over the decades.
Go Out to Eat Tapas
Going out to eat tapas in Madrid provides a genuine taste of cultura española(Spanish culture), letting you experience a range of traditional platos(dishes) and enjoy the city's vibrant social scene.
When visiting Madrid, remember to also enjoy the spontaneous moments: stopping for a café con leche(coffee with milk), people-watching at a plaza, or simply wandering the city's historic streets. Every rincón(corner) of Madrid offers a new discovery!
Want to learn more about Spain? Check out the following articles!
• Top 10 Cities To Visit in Spain
• Top 5 Beaches to Visit in Spain
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Central Spain
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Northern Spain
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Spain's Islands
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Southern Spain
• Green Spain: The Northern Coast
