Madrid. Royal & Elegant.
Introduction
Madrid. Beautiful, elegant, and royal. Alluring museums, electrifying entertainment, and delicious food. Continue reading to discover the absolute best things to do in Madrid.
Tip: If you are only in Madrid for a few days then I would recommend getting the Red Metro Card. You can purchase a Red Metro card at any metro station. The card is good for up to 10 trips. The Metro in Madrid is the best Metro system I have used. Taking a taxi everywhere can get rather expensive, so just take the metro.
Tip: If you do want to take a taxi everywhere, then I would recommend the app Cabify. Cabify is essentially Spain's version of Uber. Cabify is generally cheaper than a taxi, and plus you can request a ride right from your cell phone.
Tip: Do not get a sim card from a random corner store. I purchased a sim card from one of these stores and ran out of data in one day. They scammed me and chances are they will scam you as well. Save yourself the hassle and go to legitimate cell phone store such as: Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, etc. They will hook you up with a legitimate plan. Just make sure to bring your passport, or they will not give you a sim card.
Book your Tour of Madrid by Bike HERE
Book your Highlights & Hidden Gem Tour with a Local HERE
Museums
Reina Sofia & The Prado
Madrid is known for its museums. The two most prominent museums are The Prado and Reina Sofia. The Prado and Reina Sofia are on opposite sides of the spectrum. The Prado focuses on pieces in the renaissance style and highlights artists such as: Goya, Greco, Titian, Velazquez, Peter Paul Rueben, Tintoretto, Rafael, Caravaggio, Bosch, and Antonio de Pareda. The Reina Sofia focuses on modern and contemporary art and highlights artists such as: Picasso, Gris, Dali, Tapies, Braque, Picabia, Miro, and Brasai.
Which one is better? It all depends on your taste. I am not a big fan of modern art so I preferred the Prado. If I venture back to Madrid in the future, then I would definitely go back to the Prado, but I never need to visit Reina Sofia again. Reina Sofia was not bad, it just did not move and inspire me in the way that the Prado did.
Landmarks/Attractions
El Retiro
My favorite landmark in all of Madrid is the El Retiro park. I have been to Madrid twice and it remains my favorite part of the entire city. It is perhaps my favorite city park in the entire world. The park is massive so there is always something new to discover.
Some notable things to see and do in El Retiro include:
Walk along the lake while gazing at the stunning statue of King Alfonso.
Check out the Casita del Pescador which is reminiscent of a miniature doll house.
Admire one of the current art exhibits in the Palacio de Cristal, a building made almost entirely out of glass, and happens to be my favorite attraction in the park.
Visit La Rosaleda rose gardens. A stunning circular rose garden and an ideal photo spot.
Book your Retiro Park Segway Tour HERE
Royal Palace
A trip to Madrid would be incomplete without going to the Royal Palace. You can go inside but it will cost you. I opted not to go inside for budget reasons. Instead I walked around the exterior and admired it from a distance. There are a couple of free experiences near the Royal Palace that anyone can do. First, there are beautiful gardens near the palace you can walk in, and secondly there is The Catedral de Almudena located directly next to the Royal Palace. The Catedral de Almudena is Madrid's most significant church and the resting place for many royal family members. You can meander around inside the church and appreciate the beautiful art pieces.
Book your Madrid Walking Tour with Royal Palace Entrance Tickets HERE
Gran Via
The Gran Via is Madrid's most famous street and translated it means, “the great street.” It is a bustling street full of shops and restaurants. If you love shopping, then you will love the Gran Via. If you love the nightlife scene then chances are your feet will find you here. This street is also home to some of Madrid’s most prominent buildings, including the Metropolis and Telefonica buildings. If you are an admirer of urban architecture, then make sure to take a stroll on the Gran Via. PSA: It can get quite crowded, so be warned!
Plaza Mayor
If you like people watching, then this is your spot. Take a meander about the plaza, have a seat, and relax. If you want a drink or a meal here, just know that it will cost you extra. The prices are inflated here because of the overall demand, but if you have the money then this is a great place to eat at. Do it like the Spanish and have a long meal by taking a couple hours to drink coffee, eat, and chat.
Mercado de San Miguel
If you want to try traditional Spanish tapas, then this place is your one stop shop. This market has been in operation since 1916 and is not too far from Plaza Mayor. It sees over 10 million people every year and has over 30 stalls for you to choose from ranging from desserts to traditional tapas. This market is also home to some Michelin star chefs, so if you want exquisite food at a reasonable price, then this place is a must.
Book your Tapas Tour HERE
Book your Spanish Cooking Class HERE
Flamenco Dancing
Tablao Flamenco
I lived in Sevilla for two months which is the birthplace of flamenco dancing. With that said, the best flamenco show I have seen was in Madrid. I hear the best dancers move to Madrid and Barcelona for better opportunities. So it makes sense that the big cities would have the most talent. We chose to go to Tablao Flamenco based on its stellar reviews. The show there did not dissapoint. I am not an emotional person, but this show moved me to tears. If you only do one thing in Madrid, then it should be going to a Flamenco show.
You can book your Flamenco Show HERE
Conclusion
Madrid differs from other Spanish cities in that it is royal, elegant, and distinguished. There is no other Spanish city quite like it. If you love amazing museums, beautiful architecture, and great entertainment, then you will love Madrid.
