10 Things to Do In Madrid
There’s clearly a lot more than 10 things to do in Madrid, but I’ve narrowed it down to the “must see’s” and more like the “must do’s”. What does that mean exactly? Well, I haven’t included the likes of Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Sol and Gran Via in this list as even though they are beautiful and there’s not much to do there apart from taking in the view, I have included things that you can actually ‘do’ rather than just see as personally I think that’s more fun. They’re also places that are pretty hard to avoid as they are right in the centre! For example, later I mention that you can buy bocadillos de calamares right around Plaza Mayor.
10. Cable cars – Madrid teleferico
If you fancy a way to look at Madrid from above, look no further than Madrid’s teleferico. You can start in Casa de Camo, one of Madrid’s larger parks which houses a zoo aquiariaum and amusement park, and finish back in the city by Temple de Debod or vice versa. The cable car opened in 2018 and flies both residents and tourists over the city, where you can enjoy a view of of course, Casa de Campo but also some of Madrid’s more well known monumental buildings. Each cabin car fits 6 people and travels at 3.5 metres per second, taking an overall ride of 11 minutes.
9. Sobrino de Botin – the oldest restaurant in the world
You can join the likes of Ernest Hemingway, in eating in the oldest restaurant in the world and famed for its delicious suckling pig, baked in the oven used since its opening in 1725. Despite being almost 300 years old, the restaurant has only ever closed once, during the pandemic but operated all the way throughout the Spanish Civil war.
8. Retiro
Retiro is Madrid’s most famous green space, and in July 2021 was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s particularly famous for its lake, where you can rent a rowing boat with a backdrop of the monument to Alfonso XII. But you can also find many Madrileños, using the park for a Sunday stroll or for a jog as this place is 308 acres of land. It’s huge! There’s plenty to see here, including many monuments, fountains and gardens for everyone’s taste
7. Prado museum
Just over 200 years old, Prado is arguably the most famous art museum in Spain, holding 8,600 paintings and 7000 sculptures, including works from the artists Goya. Gerneral admission is €15 euros but you can get access for free between Monday-Saturday between 6-8pm and on Sunday’s 5-7pm. However, there are two things to beware of. The first is that the museum is huge so you definitely won’t be able to see everything within those free hours.And the second is, when buying tickets you have to get them 24 hours in advance.
6. Bocadillo de calamares
Unlike sangria and paella, bocadillo de calamari is one of the lesser known famous foods of Madrid. Not everyone is a fan, but it would be a crime to visit Madrid and not try it! There are many places located around Plaza Mayor that sell this delicacy.
5. Templo de Debod
The temple of Debod is a real Egyptian temple from 200 BC. It was gifted to Madrid in 1968, to save it from floods in Egypt and had to be rebuilt stone by stone where it stands today. It’s located in Parque Oueste, which has views of the city and palace. It’s genuinely the best place to catch the sunset so I would recommend going at that time.
4. Palacio Real Madrid
The palace’s history starts way beyond from when Madrid wasn’t even the capital of Spain. However, it only became a residence to the royal family in 1734. Today however, although the palace is technically the residence of the king and queen of Spain although its now only used for official ceremonies.A basic entrance fee costs €12 to see the inside. Although is free to some, such as if you are a citizen or resident of the EU or Latin America.
3. Campo del Moro
Created by the Spanish King Prince Phillip II, Campo del Moro is one of Madrid’s hidden gems. With free entry and open every day, why not check out the view of the palace from the gardens. It’s even home to peacocks.
2. Cuesta de Moyano
If you’re a bookworm, this is perfect for you. Since 1925, book stalls along Cuesta de Moyano have been open every day of the week. You can buy second hand books ranging from philosophy, art, literature, antique comics for a very good price. Or if you like, you can also sell a book to them. Nowadays, the stalls are still run by the same families of those that ran it back in 1925.
Chocolateria de san Gines is Madrid’s oldest chocaletria, dating back to 1890. The building certainly gives that feel. The most famous order is churros and chocolate, which comes in a mug which you can drink from after. Normally, pandemic aside the shop is open 24 hours a day, 356 days a year to tackle that chocolate craving.
1. Chocolatería de San Gines
Chocolatería de san Gines is Madrid’s oldest chocaletria, dating back to 1890. The building certainly gives that feel. The most famous order is churros and chocolate, which comes in a mug which you can drink from after. Normally, pandemic aside the shop is open 24 hours a day, 356 days a year to tackle that chocolate craving.
If you want to see this in video format, check it out here:
