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Madrid
Spain

Things to do in Madrid

1,436 attractions · Spain

Photo: Eric Salard, CC BY-SA 2.0

Community of Madrid, Spain · 40.400, -3.683

About Madrid

Madrid sits at the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, functioning as the high-altitude capital of Spain. The city is renowned for the Golden Triangle of Art, which includes the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Visitors can explore the expansive royal history at the Royal Palace of Madrid or find urban reprieve in green spaces like El Retiro Park. The city's layout is defined by grand boulevards and historic squares, anchored by iconic landmarks such as the Cibeles Fountain.

Good to know

  1. 1

    Madrid is the highest capital city in the European Union, situated at an elevation of approximately 650 meters above sea level.

  2. 2

    The city is home to the world's oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, which has been operating continuously since 1725.

  3. 3

    Madrid contains more trees per inhabitant than any other city in Europe, with over 300,000 trees lining its streets.

  4. 4

    The official symbol of Madrid is a bear reaching up to eat fruit from a strawberry tree, an emblem dating back to the 13th century.

  5. 5

    Unlike many European capitals, Madrid was not established as a city by Romans or Greeks but was founded by the Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba in the 9th century.

Plan your visit to Madrid

Best time to visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and avoid the extreme summer heat common in the interior of Spain.

How many days

3-4 days to explore the major museums, historic palaces, and primary city parks without rushing.

Getting around

The city features a highly efficient metro system, and the central districts are densely packed and largely walkable.

Where to stay

Stay in the Barrio de las Letras for a central, historic atmosphere or near Salamanca for upscale shopping and high-end dining.

Budget

Mid-range; while luxury options abound, the city offers diverse dining and accommodation options that cater to varying budgets.

Top things to do in Madrid

The 1,436 most popular places in Madrid.

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  1. 571 PARROQUIA SAN JUAN BOSCO
    Temples Hidden gem

    PARROQUIA SAN JUAN BOSCO

    Parroquia San Juan Bosco is a central religious and community hub located in the Latina district of Madrid, operated by...

  2. 572 Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista de la Concepción
    Temples Hidden gem

    Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista de la Concepción

    Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista de la Concepción is a modern Catholic parish church located in the Aluche neighb...

  3. 573 Parroquia San Juan Evangelista
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parroquia San Juan Evangelista

    Parroquia San Juan Evangelista is a Catholic parish church located in the upscale Salamanca district of Madrid, specific...

  4. 574 Parroquia de San Alfonso María de Ligorio
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parroquia de San Alfonso María de Ligorio

    Parroquia de San Alfonso María de Ligorio is a Roman Catholic parish church located on Calle de Escalona in the Latina d...

  5. 575 Church of the Immaculate and San Pedro Claver
    Temples Hidden gem

    Church of the Immaculate and San Pedro Claver

    The Church of the Immaculate and San Pedro Claver is a functional religious site situated in the Conde Duque district of...

  6. 576 Parish of Christ the King of Usera
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parish of Christ the King of Usera

    The Parish of Christ the King of Usera is a Roman Catholic place of worship located in the Usera district of Madrid. The...

  7. 577 Iglesia de San Pío X
    Temples Hidden gem

    Iglesia de San Pío X

    Iglesia de San Pío X is a functional parish church located in the Moncloa-Aravaca district of Madrid. The building featu...

  8. 578 Church St. Hilario de Poitiers
    Temples Hidden gem

    Church St. Hilario de Poitiers

    Iglesia de San Hilario de Poitiers is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the Latina district of southwestern Madr...

  9. 579 Parroquia Virgen de la Fuensanta
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parroquia Virgen de la Fuensanta

    Parroquia Virgen de la Fuensanta is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the Usera district of southern Madrid, ope...

  10. 580 Parroquia de la Virgen del Mar
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parroquia de la Virgen del Mar

    The Parroquia de la Virgen del Mar is a modern Catholic parish church located in the San Blas-Canillejas district of eas...

  11. 581 Alcalde Jesús Pérez Quijano Park
    Parks Hidden gem

    Alcalde Jesús Pérez Quijano Park

    Parque del Alcalde Jesús Pérez Quijano is a neighborhood green space located in the Vicálvaro district of Madrid, Spain....

  12. 582 Iglesia del Hospital del Niño Jesús
    Temples Hidden gem

    Iglesia del Hospital del Niño Jesús

    The Iglesia del Hospital del Niño Jesús is an active Catholic church integrated into the historical Niño Jesús Universit...

  13. 583 The Pan Viewpoint
    Places of interest Hidden gem

    The Pan Viewpoint

    The Pan Viewpoint (Mirador del Pan) is an elevated observation point located in the Moncloa-Aravaca district, positioned...

  14. 584 Parroquia del Santísimo Cristo del Amor. Madrid
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parroquia del Santísimo Cristo del Amor. Madrid

    Parroquia del Santísimo Cristo del Amor is a contemporary Catholic parish church located in the Latina district of Madri...

  15. 585 Parroquia San Sebastian Martir
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parroquia San Sebastian Martir

    Parroquia San Sebastián Mártir is a historic parish church located in the Carabanchel district of Madrid, Spain. Situate...

  16. 586 Parish Church of Santa Maria del Pilar
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parish Church of Santa Maria del Pilar

    The Parish Church of Santa Maria del Pilar is a Catholic religious site located in the Retiro district of Madrid. It fun...

  17. 587 El Lago
    Parks Hidden gem

    El Lago

    El Lago is a prominent artificial lake and recreational park located within the vast Casa de Campo green space in the Mo...

  18. 588 Church of The Saviour and Saint Nicholas
    Temples Hidden gem

    Church of The Saviour and Saint Nicholas

    The Church of the Saviour and Saint Nicholas is a Catholic parish church located on Calle de Atocha in central Madrid. T...

  19. 589 Parroquia María Madre del Amor Hermoso
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parroquia María Madre del Amor Hermoso

    Parroquia María Madre del Amor Hermoso is a Catholic parish church located in the Villaverde district of southern Madrid...

  20. 590 Fuente de las Esfinges
    Historical places Hidden gem

    Fuente de las Esfinges

    The Fuente de las Esfinges, also known as the Fuente Egipcia, is a 19th-century monumental fountain located within Madri...

  21. 591 Taller del Prado
    Museums Hidden gem

    Taller del Prado

    Taller del Prado is a specialized art space located on Madrid's Gran Vía that functions primarily as a high-end printmak...

  22. 592 YellowKorner
    Museums Hidden gem

    YellowKorner

    YellowKorner in Madrid is a specialized contemporary art photography gallery located on Calle de Hermosilla in the upsca...

  23. 593 Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
    Places of interest Hidden gem

    Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

    The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Madrid is a bronze bust of the Indian leader located within the Jardines de San Fernando....

  24. 594 Monument to Santiago Ramón y Cajal
    Places of interest Hidden gem

    Monument to Santiago Ramón y Cajal

    The Monument to Santiago Ramón y Cajal in Madrid’s Retiro Park honors the Nobel Prize-winning scientist known as the fat...

  25. 595 Ruins of the Church of Saint Isidore of Ávila
    Historical places Hidden gem

    Ruins of the Church of Saint Isidore of Ávila

    The Ruins of the Church of Saint Isidore of Ávila, also known as the Ermita de San Pelayo y San Isidoro, are located wit...

  26. 596 Monument Calderon de la Barca
    Places of interest Hidden gem

    Monument Calderon de la Barca

    The Monument to Calderón de la Barca is a bronze sculpture located in the center of Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid. It hon...

  27. 597 Glorieta de las Pirámides
    Places of interest Hidden gem

    Glorieta de las Pirámides

    Glorieta de las Pirámides is a prominent traffic circle located in the Arganzuela district of Madrid. It serves as a vit...

  28. 598 Luis de Trelles Park
    Parks Hidden gem

    Luis de Trelles Park

    Luis de Trelles Park is a neighborhood green space located in the Chamartín district of Madrid. It features paved walkin...

  29. 599 Parroquia Purificación de Nuestra Señora
    Temples Hidden gem

    Parroquia Purificación de Nuestra Señora

    Parroquia Purificación de Nuestra Señora is a Catholic parish church located in the Carabanchel district of Madrid, situ...

  30. 600 Museum of Anatomy Javier Puerta
    Museums Hidden gem

    Museum of Anatomy Javier Puerta

    The Museum of Anatomy Javier Puerta is located within the Complutense University of Madrid's Faculty of Medicine and hou...

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Frequently asked

How many attractions are there in Madrid?

Aventuro lists 1,436 curated attractions in and around Madrid, sorted by popularity.

What's the top attraction in Madrid?

El Retiro Park is the most popular place to visit in Madrid right now.

What kind of attractions does Madrid have?

The largest category is places of interest, with 364 places to explore.

Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?

Travellers also explore Barcelona, Valencia, Seville.