Madrid Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Eat

Updated on July 14, 2026
A travel guide to Madrid. Discover the top sights to see, activities to do, and local foods to eat.
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Madrid is a city rich in history, art, and food. This travel guide lists the best sights, activities, and local dishes to try.

Status: All tourist guidelines, ticket procedures, and public transport pricing in this guide are verified against official sources as of July 2026.

What to see

Madrid has world-class museums and historic plazas. You can explore these top sights on foot.

  • Museo del Prado - One of the finest art museums in the world, displaying masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. You should book tickets in advance on the official Museo del Prado ticket portal to avoid long queues. Tip: Admission is free Monday to Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00, and Sundays/holidays from 17:00 to 19:00.
  • Palacio Real - The official residence of the Spanish royal family, featuring grand baroque architecture and the beautiful Sabatini Gardens. You can purchase tickets at the official Patrimonio Nacional ticket site.
  • Plaza Mayor - A historic porticoed square in the center of Madrid, featuring red buildings, slate spires, and the statue of King Philip III. It is a perfect place to start a walking tour of the Old Town (Madrid de los Austrias).
  • Parque del Retiro - A massive green space and UNESCO World Heritage site near the Prado museum. You can rent a rowboat on the lake or visit the beautiful Palacio de Cristal (Glass Palace), which hosts temporary art exhibitions managed by the Reina Sofía Museum.

What to do

Madrid offers many unique cultural activities. You should experience these local routines.

  • Stroll down Gran Vía - Madrid’s most famous avenue, featuring theater buildings, major shops, and impressive early twentieth-century architecture like the Metropolis Building.
  • Explore El Rastro - A massive open-air flea market held every Sunday and public holiday in the La Latina neighborhood. It features over 1,000 street vendors. Learn more at the official El Rastro portal.
  • Watch the sunset at Templo de Debod - An ancient Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC, gifted to Spain and rebuilt in the Cuartel de la Montaña Park. It offers excellent views of the Royal Palace and Casa de Campo. Access to the surrounding park is free; check opening hours on the Madrid City Council portal.

What to eat

The most famous street food is the bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich). You can also enjoy gourmet tapas at local food markets.

  • Bocadillo de calamares - A simple, classic sandwich made of fresh bread and fried squid rings. Try traditional spots around Plaza Mayor, like La Campana or El Brillante.
  • Churros con chocolate - Crispy fried dough pastry served with thick hot chocolate. You should try them at the historic Chocolatería San Ginés, which has been serving churros since 1894.
  • Mercado de San Miguel - A historic covered iron-and-glass market near Plaza Mayor. It features gourmet tapas stalls offering Iberian ham, local cheeses, fresh seafood, and Spanish wines. Plan your visit via the official Mercado de San Miguel site.
  • La Latina tapas crawl - Walk down Calle de la Cava Baja in the evening. This street is packed with traditional tapas bars serving pinchos, tortilla, and local vermouth (vermut de grifo).

Questions and answers

How many days do I need in Madrid?

Three days. Three days allows you to see the main golden triangle museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen), visit the Royal Palace, and explore the historic neighborhoods like Barrio de las Letras and Malasaña.

Is Madrid safe for tourists?

Yes, mostly. Madrid has low rates of violent crime. However, like any major tourist destination, you should watch your pockets in crowded areas, especially on the Metro and around Puerta del Sol, to avoid pickpockets.

What is the best way to get around Madrid?

Public transit. The metro and bus systems are fast, clean, and cheap. You can purchase a rechargeable Multi Card (Tarjeta Multi) at any metro station. Check routes and timetables on the official Metro de Madrid website.

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

Spring or autumn. Summer is extremely hot (often exceeding 40°C in July and August), and winter can be cold. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather for walking.

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Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Madrid?

Three days. Three days allows you to see the main golden triangle museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen), visit the Royal Palace, and explore the historic neighborhoods like Barrio de las Letras and Malasaña.

Is Madrid safe for tourists?

Yes, mostly. Madrid has low rates of violent crime. However, like any major tourist destination, you should watch your pockets in crowded areas, especially on the Metro and around Puerta del Sol, to avoid pickpockets.

What is the best way to get around Madrid?

Public transit. The metro and bus systems are fast, clean, and cheap. You can purchase a rechargeable Multi Card (Tarjeta Multi) at any metro station.

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

Spring or autumn. Summer is extremely hot (often exceeding 40°C in July and August), and winter can be cold. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather for walking.