Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain, is centrally located in the heart of the country and is a must-visit for many travelers. While it may not be the most visually stunning city in Spain, it offers a wealth of activities and experiences that make it worth a visit. I recommend spending around three full days in Madrid, one day being a day trip to another city. Here are 7 of the best activities to enjoy during a visit to Madrid:
- Explore Almudena Cathedral
- Relax in Retiro Park
- Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid
- Discover the Masterpieces at The Prado Museum
- Stroll through the Royal Botanical Garden
- Experience Modern Art at Reina Sofía Art Center
- Toledo Day Trip
1
Explore Almudena Cathedral
The Almudena Cathedral, located right next to the Royal Palace, is a symbolic building in Madrid. Though construction took over 100 years, the final structure blends neo-Gothic and modern influences, giving it a unique charm. The interior is just as impressive, with contemporary stained glass windows and art.
Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10AM until 8PM (September to June) and 9 pm (July and August).
Price: Free to enter, but €1 donations are encouraged.
2
Relax in Retiro Park
The Retiro Park is Madrid’s largest and most famous green space. It’s a perfect spot to relax, rent a rowboat on the lake, or visit the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). It’s also home to various statues, fountains, and monuments.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal, as the weather is mild, and the park’s natural beauty is at its peak.
Price: Free entry.
Information: Renting a rowboat on the lake costs around €6 for 45 minutes.
3
Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace is a must-see when visiting Madrid. This stunning baroque palace, once home to the Spanish Royal Family, is now open to the public. It’s the largest functioning royal palace in Europe and offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Spanish monarchy.
Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning to avoid long queues.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: open from 10AM – 6PM from October to March and 10AM – 7PM from April to September. Sunday: 10AM – 4PM.
Price: €12 for general entry, with discounts for students and seniors.
Duration: Can take up to 2 to 3 hours.
Tip: The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. It’s worth seeing if you’re there on those days.
4
Discover the Masterpieces at The Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world, housing masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and Bosch. If you have time for just one museum in Madrid, this is the one to visit. Its vast collection of European art spans from the 12th to the early 20th century.
What to Expect: Iconic works like Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Goya’s The Third of May 1808, along with temporary exhibitions.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 8PM, and Sundays from 10AM to 7PM.
Best Time to Visit: Free entry from 6PM to 8PM on Monday through Saturday, and from 5PM to 7PM. on Sundays.
Price: €15 for adults, with reduced prices for students and seniors. Free during specific hours.
Duration: Can take up to 2 to 3 hours.
Tip: Arrive early for the free entry hours, as it can get crowded.
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5
Stroll through the Royal Botanical Garden
Located next to the Prado Museum, the Royal Botanical Garden is a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With over 5,000 species of plants, it’s a great place for a leisurely stroll through beautifully maintained gardens. There are different sections for plants from various climates and parts of the world.
Opening Hours: The hours change seasonally, so click here to check the correct times for your visit.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for the best blooms.
Price: €4 for general admission, with discounts for students and seniors.
6
Experience Modern Art at Reina Sofía Art Center
Madrid’s modern art museum, the Reina Sofía, showcases some of the most important works of the 20th century, including Picasso’s Guernica. The museum focuses on Spanish artists but also features prominent works from international artists such as Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.
Opening Hours: 10AM to 9PM on Monday and Wednesday to Saturday. 10AM to 2:30PM on Sundays. Closed on Tuesday.
Best Time to Visit: Free entry from 7PM to 9PM on Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, and from 12:30PM to 2:30PM on Sundays.
Price: €12 for general admission, with free entry during specific hours.
Duration: Can take up to 1.5 to 2 hours.
7
Toledo Day Trip
Just a short train ride from Madrid, the ancient city of Toledo is a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Known as the “City of Three Cultures” due to its historical cohabitation of Christians, Muslims, and Jews, Toledo offers a unique blend of architecture, art, and atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.
To reach Toledo, hop on a high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha Station. The journey takes only around 30 minutes, making it an easy and convenient day trip.
A day trip to Toledo offers a captivating escape from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, allowing you to step back into Spain’s medieval past and immerse yourself in a city where history and culture come alive.
I visited Toledo with GetYourGuide which made my visit incredibly easy.
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