Madrid Travel Guide: All the Best Things to Do in the Capital of Spain

¡Bienvenidos a Madrid! Explore Spain's capital and political centre, packed with history, culture, and great food.

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. Located on a plateau around 650 metres above sea level, it is also Europe's highest capital city. Its central location makes it well-connected to other major Spanish cities by road, rail, and air. With a metropolitan population of more than 6 million people, it is the country's political, cultural, and economic hub.

Visiting the capital city of España soon? This guide covers ways to get around Madrid, as well as plenty of things to do suitable for every type of traveller.

Madrid Overview

Country: Spain
Country Code: +34
Continent: Europe
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: Euro
Airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
Language: Spanish, English

Getting Around Madrid

Before heading out to explore, let's look at the ways to get around the city. Madrid has one of the best public transport systems in Europe, so you can easily explore the city without renting a car. Most visitors can reach major attractions quickly using public transport. Here are the best ways to get around the capital of Spain.

1. By Metro

Arrived at Príncipe Pío Station. Photo: Lord Acuña

The Metro de Madrid is usually the fastest way to get around the city. It has more than 300 stations serving Madrid and its surrounding suburbs. The operating hours are generally from 06:00 AM to 01:30 AM, although they may vary slightly by station. You can travel using a transport card, contactless bank card (on supported services), or single and multi-journey tickets.

2. By Bus

The Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid (EMT Madrid) operates an extensive bus network throughout the city. It's especially useful for reaching areas not directly served by the Metro. If you're out after the Metro closes, you can use the búhos (night buses), which run throughout the night on selected routes.

3. By Taxi or Ride-hailing

Official Madrid taxis are easy to spot with their white colour and distinctive red diagonal stripe. You can also book a ride using apps such as Uber, Bolt, or Cabify. In general, taxis are reliable, and trips to and from the airport are charged at a fixed fare, so that's one less thing to worry about.

4. By Bike or Scooter

If you'd rather explore at your own pace, Madrid has a public bike-sharing system called BiciMAD. Also widely available are electric scooters throughout the city, although operators and local regulations can change from time to time.

5. By Walking

If all else fails, simply walk. Madrid's city centre is surprisingly walkable, and many of the main attractions are just a short stroll from one another. In many cases, you'll get there faster on foot than by car or public transport.

Best Things to See and Do in Madrid

For first-time visitors, these must-visit attractions are a great way to get to know Madrid. From iconic landmarks to unique attractions, these highlights deserve a spot on your itinerary.

1. Palacio Real

Nearest Metro station: Ópera

At Jardines de Sabatini with my aunt Babit.

The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, although it is used only for state ceremonies, official banquets, and other formal events. Instead, they reside at the Palacio de la Zarzuela, just outside the city. Visitors can explore the palace's two gardens for free. One is the Sabatini Gardens, with formal hedges, fountains, and symmetrical landscaping. The other is Campo del Moro, a larger park with walking paths and picturesque views of the Royal Palace.

If your timing is right, you can also watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. On the first Wednesday of most months, a more elaborate Solemn Changing of the Guard takes place, featuring guards on horseback, marching bands, and historical uniforms.

The Royal Palace grounds in Madrid. Photo: Lord Acuña

Finally, you can tour the lavish interiors, including the Throne Room, the Royal Armoury, and the beautifully decorated State Apartments. With more than 3,000 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe. Its grand halls, historic artworks, elegant furnishings, and centuries-old ceremonial spaces offer a fascinating glimpse into Spain's royal heritage.

Book Palacio Real Tour

2. Almudena Cathedral

Nearest Metro station: Ópera

Inside La Almudena Cathedral. Photo: Lord Acuña

Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena, or simply Almudena Cathedral, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid. Located directly opposite the Royal Palace, it is one of the city's most important religious landmarks. Construction began in the late 19th century, but the cathedral was not consecrated until 1993 by Pope John Paul II during his fourth visit to Spain. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated. If you have time, don't miss the dome, which offers panoramic views of Madrid and the Royal Palace.

3. Puerta del Sol

Nearest Metro station: Sol

Puerta del Sol, which means Gate of the Sun, is one of Madrid's busiest and most important public squares. It is home to several landmarks, and is often the first place visitors explore. In particular, here are a few highlights to look out for:

Kilómetro Cero

Found the Kilometre Zero sign in Madrid! Photo: Lord Acuña

Let's start with the Kilómetro Cero (KM 0) marker, embedded in the pavement directly in front of the Real Casa de Correos. This small plaque marks the official starting point from which distances on Spain's historic radial roads are measured. Although it is an important landmark, it's surprisingly easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it.

El Oso y el Madroño

The statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. Photo: Lord Acuña

Another highlight is El Oso y el Madroño, or The Bear and the Strawberry Tree, which appears on Madrid's official coat of arms. Created by Spanish sculptor Antonio Navarro Santafé in 1966, the bronze sculpture stands on the eastern side of the square. It's a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists, and one of the city's most photographed landmarks.

Spain's Only Jollibee

Of course, I had to try Jollibee in Madrid! Photo: Lord Acuña

And for fellow Filipinos, you'll also find the first and only Jollibee branch in Spain just a few steps away. Located on Calle del Arenal, it's a familiar taste of home if you're craving Chickenjoy or Jolly Spaghetti while exploring Madrid. Since opening in 2021, the beloved Filipino fast-food chain has also become popular with locals and tourists.

4. Plaza Mayor

Nearest Metro stations: Sol and Ópera

The statue of King Philip III on a horse in Plaza Mayor, Madrid. Photo: Lord Acuña

Plaza Mayor is Madrid's historic main square, with an equestrian statue of King Philip III standing at its centre. The current plaza was built between 1617 and 1619 and, more than 400 years later, remains one of the city's liveliest gathering places. Nine entrance arches lead into the plaza, now filled with cafés, street performers, tourists, and locals. Its symmetrical rectangular layout and distinctive red-painted façades also make the square an architectural highlight.

The impressive murals adorning one of the buildings in Plaza Mayor. Photo: Lord Acuña

In addition, movie buffs may find this area familiar. Plaza Mayor has appeared in several films and television series. Notable examples include The Bourne Ultimatum, The Dictator, Manolete, and Open Your Eyes, as well as various Spanish television dramas.

5. Mercado de San Miguel

Nearest Metro station: Ópera

The entrance to San Miguel Market. Photo: Lord Acuña

Just beside Plaza Mayor is Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling food market known for its gourmet food stalls. The market dates back to 1916 and is one of the few remaining iron-and-glass market halls in the city. Restored and reopened in 2009, it transformed from a traditional neighbourhood market into a culinary destination.

The famous tapas! Photo: Lord Acuña

Now, the food market focuses on ready-to-eat food and Spanish gastronomy. Dozens of stalls offer a wide variety of tapas, from fresh seafood and cured meats to local cheeses and pastries. As a result, visitors can sample many different dishes in a single visit.

6. Sobrino de Botín

Nearest Metro stations: Sol and Ópera

Botín Restaurant is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest continuously operating restaurant. Founded in 1725 by French cook Jean Botín and his wife, it has remained in the same location for centuries. Today, it is owned by the González family, who took over in the 20th century. Just a few minutes' walk from Plaza Mayor, the restaurant serves classic Castilian dishes such as cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) and cordero asado (roast lamb).

7. Plaza de Cibeles

Nearest Metro station: Banco de España

The striking white-stone façade of Palacio de Cibeles. Photo: Lord Acuña

Plaza de Cibeles is among Madrid's most recognisable landmarks. At its centre stands the Cibeles Fountain, depicting the Greek goddess Cybele riding a chariot pulled by two lions. Overlooking the square is the Palacio de Cibeles, formerly known as the Palace of Communication. Now Madrid's City Hall, the building's observation deck, open every day except Monday, offers panoramic views over the city.

8. El Retiro Park

Nearest Metro stations: Retiro and Ibiza

A peaceful afternoon by Retiro Lake. Photo: Lord Acuña

El Retiro Park, or Parque del Buen Retiro, is a beautiful green space covering around 125 hectares. It's the perfect place to relax, exercise, enjoy a picnic, or simply escape Madrid's busy streets. Best of all, entry to the park is free, making it an easy stop for visitors exploring the city.

Park Attractions

A. Palacio de Cristal – Built in 1887, the Crystal Palace features glass walls supported by an elegant iron framework. Reflections on the nearby lake make it a favourite with photographers.
B. Estanque Grande – Retiro Lake is a large artificial lake located near the park's entrance. Visitors can rent rowboats or simply stroll along the waterfront.
C. La Rosaleda – A beautifully designed garden with thousands of roses, best visited in spring and early summer when the flowers are at their peak.
D. Fuente del Ángel Caído – The Fallen Angel Statue is one of the park's most unusual landmarks, depicting Lucifer falling from heaven. It is one of the few public monuments in the world dedicated to the devil.
E. The Gardens – Explore quieter areas, including the Parterre Garden, a French-style garden, and the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens, known for their fountains and resident peacocks.

9. Rizal Monument

Nearest Metro station: Islas Filipinas

(L) The statue of José Rizal. (R) The poem he wrote before his execution. Photo: Lord Acuña

Filipino hero José Rizal spent several formative years in Madrid as a student, writer, and reformist before his execution in the Philippines in 1896. For many Filipinos, visiting the Rizal Monument in Parque de Santander, at the corner of Avenida de Filipinas, is a meaningful stop. Unveiled in 1996 to mark the centenary of Rizal's death, the monument is a near-exact replica of its Manila counterpart.

10. Nuevos Ministerios

Nearest Metro station: Nuevos Ministerios

(L) Me standing in front of Nuevos Ministerios. (R) Screenshots from Money Heist.

While not a traditional tourist attraction, fans of the Netflix series La Casa de Papel (or Money Heist) may find Nuevos Ministerios worth a visit. In the show, the building's façade was used as the exterior of the Bank of Spain during the heist. If you loved the series as much as I did, make a quick stop for a few photos and pretend El Profesor is about to rescue you.

In case you didn't know, Plaza Mayor also makes a brief appearance in the series. Nuevos Ministerios is a little farther from the usual tourist circuit, so if you don't have time to visit, you can check out Plaza Mayor instead.

Conclusion

If your schedule allows, I recommend spending at least a week in Madrid to discover more of what the Spanish capital has to offer. This gives you enough time to explore its rich history, sample traditional cuisine, and experience the charm of the Madrileños. I hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip. ¡Adiós!