16 Best Things to Do and See in Madrid
Exploring Madrid on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Madrid, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Madrid. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Retiro Park
Retiro Park in Madrid is one of the city's most pleasant green spaces. Discover shaded avenues, landscaped gardens, fountains, statues and a large lake for boat rides. It is ideal for relaxing, exercising or simply enjoying a peaceful break in the heart of Spain's capital. Popular with both locals and visitors, it offers a lively yet tranquil atmosphere.
2. Plaza Mayor of Madrid
Plaza Mayor of Madrid is one of the most iconic squares in the Spanish capital. Surrounded by arcaded buildings and uniform facades, it offers a large pedestrian space where you can admire traditional Madrid architecture in a lively atmosphere. Visitors will find terraces, cafes, shops, and often street performers, making it a pleasant place to take a break in the heart of the city. It is also a busy historic site, ideal for exploring Madrid on foot and enjoying its authentic atmosphere.
3. Prado Museum
Located in the heart of Madrid, the Prado Museum is one of Spain’s great art museums and a must-see for discovering the richness of European painting. Its galleries display a vast collection of masterpieces, with a strong presence of Spanish, Italian and Flemish schools. Visitors admire famous paintings, portraits, religious scenes and works that reveal the evolution of art through the centuries. The visit appeals to art lovers and curious travelers looking for heritage and culture.
4. Reina Sofía Museum
The Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid is one of Spain’s great art museums and a must-see for lovers of modern and contemporary art. Located within a large cultural complex, it features a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and multimedia works. Visitors can discover Spanish and international pieces that trace the major artistic developments of the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also stands out for its exhibition spaces, shop and vibrant cultural atmosphere in the heart of the city.
5. Almudena Cathedral
Almudena Cathedral is one of Madrid’s most iconic religious landmarks, known for its location opposite the Royal Palace and its mix of architectural styles. Inside, visitors find bright spaces, chapels and decorative details that contrast with the more austere crypt. It offers a working church, a heritage site and a key landmark in Madrid’s historic center.
6. Museo del Jamón
Museo del Jamón in Madrid is a ham and Iberian deli venue on Calle Mayor in the historic center. Discover a very typical Madrid eatery where ham, tapas and a lively counter-service atmosphere take the lead.
7. CaixaForum Madrid
CaixaForum Madrid is a versatile cultural venue where visitors discover art and creative exhibitions, music events, and visual arts programming. The experience is as much about the building as the content inside, with its striking presence on Paseo del Prado. Its blend of reinvented industrial architecture and contemporary programming makes it an essential stop for understanding Madrid’s cultural life beyond the major classic museums.
8. Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions in Madrid offers a visit based on perception, trompe-l'oeil and visual effects that change the way you see space. Discover installations that blur reference points, create unexpected contrasts, and invite you to observe differently. Located in central Madrid on Calle del Dr Cortezo, 8, it is a tourist attraction that is as much a visual experience as a museum.
9. Sorolla Museum
Sorolla Museum offers a glimpse into Joaquín Sorolla’s world in the home and studio where he lived and worked. See luminous paintings, portraits, beach scenes, and studio objects. In Madrid, this museum provides a more intimate visit than the city’s major museums, while giving access to one of the great figures of Spanish art.
10. Madrid Railway Museum
The Madrid Railway Museum explores Spain’s rail history through locomotives, carriages and railway objects displayed in the former Delicias station. The building itself is part of the visit, with its identity as a historic station in Arganzuela. Visitors also discover technical and documentary exhibits that place trains in the evolution of transport, industry and urban life in Madrid. It offers a vivid look at Spanish railway heritage.
11. Quinta de los Molinos Park
Quinta de los Molinos Park is a large green space in Madrid where walks, old trees, and a garden-like urban atmosphere come together. Located in the San Blas-Canillejas district, it stands out for its almond trees, shaded areas, and peaceful feel, which contrasts with the city around it. A walk here reveals a park that feels simple yet unique, shaped by abundant greenery and the memory of an old estate turned into a public space.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
