{"id":203483,"date":"2020-06-25T05:12:44","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T09:12:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=203483"},"modified":"2024-12-27T17:39:52","modified_gmt":"2024-12-27T22:39:52","slug":"best-things-to-see-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/best-things-to-see-madrid\/","title":{"rendered":"The 21 Best Things to Do in Madrid"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

Madrid<\/a> is an energetic city known for its late nights, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. As the capital of Spain<\/a>, there’s also a lot of history and art here, which you could spend weeks discovering. It’s also bursting with beautiful architecture. There’s an endless number of things to see and do in this lively metropolis. <\/p>\n

The earliest mention of Madrid was in 865, when Emir Muhammad I commissioned the construction of an Arabic fortress in the village of Mayrit (meaning \u2018plenty of waterways\u2019), on the banks of the river Manzanares. However, the city didn’t gain prominence until the Middle Ages when it was conquered and invaded by various armies throughout the centuries (something that helped the city develop its cosmopolitan flair).<\/p>\n

Today, Madrid is a vibrant international hub. I’ve been numerous times over the years, reveling in the winding alleys and charming restaurants and bars. The locals here start their nights late and party well into the morning (it’s definitely a night-owl city). It\u2019s also a big city; with 3.4 million inhabitants, it is the third-largest city in Europe<\/a> after London and Berlin.<\/p>\n

To help you make the most of your time in this world-class city, here is my list of the best things to do in Madrid:
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1. Take a Free Walking Tour<\/h3>\n

I love taking free walking tours. They’re a budget-friendly way to see the main sights, learn some history, and get a feel for the city. You also get access to a local guide who can answer all your questions and give you insider tips on where to go and what to do. Free Walking Tours Madrid<\/a> and New Europe<\/a> both offer comprehensive tours. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!<\/p>\n

For a more in-depth tour, Walks<\/a> offers the best paid tours in the city. It’s my go-to walking tour company, because its tours are super detailed and insightful. Tours start from 48 EUR. <\/p>\n

For even more walking tour recommendations, check out this post<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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2. Visit the Royal Palace<\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The palace’s construction began in 1735, and it was home to Spain’s monarchs until the 1930s. Although it is still the official residence of the Spanish royal family (it is one of the few official seats of a Head of State that is open to the public), it is only used for official state functions. <\/p>\n

The palace is the largest in Western Europe (in fact, it’s one of the largest in the world). it has over 3,400 rooms and encompasses a massive 1.4 million square feet. The interior is lavishly decorated with massive vaulted ceilings, paintings, murals, and intricate wood carvings. You can explore the historic buildings and grounds via both guided and self-guided tours. <\/p>\n

Oriente Square, +34 902 044 454, patrimonionacional.es. Open daily, 10am\u20136pm (7pm in the summer). Basic admission is 14 EUR for an unguided tour or 20 EUR for a guided tour in Spanish. Admission that includes access to the royal collections is 24 EUR. Skip-the-line tickets<\/a> are 18 EUR.<\/em>
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3. See the Madrid Cathedral<\/h3>\n

\"The
\nOpened in 1993, the Catedral de la Almudena, which took over one hundred years to complete, is the main cathedral in Madrid. The name Almudena is derived from the Arabic word al-madinat<\/em> (meaning ‘the little city’ or ‘citadel’) and is the name Madrile\u00f1os use to refer to the Virgin Mary. The Virgin of Almudena, Mary, is the patron saint of Madrid. Built in the Gothic Revival style, it is said to have been built on the site of a medieval mosque. It offers some beautiful views overlooking the city.<\/p>\n

Calle de Bail\u00e9n, 10, +34 915 422 200, catedraldelaalmudena.es. Open daily from 10am-8:30pm. Mass is held at 12pm, 6pm and 7pm. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Dress respectfully as this is a place of worship. <\/em>
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4. Relax in Plaza Mayor<\/h3>\n

\"The
\nDating to the 15th century when King Felipe II’s court moved to Madrid after it became the new capital of Spain, this square is the heart of Madrid\u2019s old quarter. It was built on the site of the former Plaza del Arrabal, which used to be where the city’s main market took place. It’s a popular place for locals and tourists to gather, eat, and shop. It’s a bit overpriced these days, but it offers some nice people-watching, and there are also usually events and concerts during the summer.
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5. Take a Food Tour<\/h3>\n

Madrid is a foodie’s dream. If you aren\u2019t sure where to start, I suggest taking a food tour. I took a Devour Madrid Food Tour<\/a>. It was informative, delicious, and absolutely filling. You can learn more in this video here:<\/p>\n