The Spanish capital is full of tapas to try, art to see, and neighborhoods to explore.
Not sure where to start?
Here are the 24 best things to do in Madrid, according to locals who know it best.
People at the entrance of Palacio Real.Credit:Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
Explore Madrid’s art history.
Window-shop in Salamanca.
Market-hop around Madrid.
Entrance to The Prado.Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
Take in the grandeur of Plaza Mayor.
See peacocks in the heart of Madrid.
Marvel at a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
People walking down the streets of the Salmanca neighborhood in Madrid.Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure
Explore a hidden gem of nobilitythe Palacio de Liria.
Catch a flamenco show.
Cheer on the home team.
Interior of Mercado San Miguel.Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Explore Madrid’s historic palaces.
Dont leave without taking a spin through the classical Sabatini Gardens.
Enjoy a cocktail at one of Madrids most storied bars.
Visitors walking around Plaza Mayor.Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
YorVen/Getty Images
Madrid has no shortage of stylish cocktail bars.
Take a walk on the wild side at Casa de Campo.
See Picassos Guernica.
People in row boats in Retiro Park.Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
But theres plenty more to take in.
Buy a capeyes, really.
Marvel at the Puerta de Alcala.
A Roman aqueduct outside of Madrid.Vadim_Nefedov/Getty Images
GoranQ/Getty Images
A symbol of Madrid, thePuerta de Alcalais one of the citys five former royal gates.
Pair a visit with a stroll through Retiro Park and a spin around the stylish Salamanca district.
Escape to Avila for the day.
Exterior of Palacio de Liria.rninov/Adobe Stock
Tibor Bognar/Getty Images
Avila is a lesser-known but one of my favorite weekend getaways, says Perez-Navazo.
He also raves about the local cuisine.
Sample a Spanish tortilla.
A flamenco dancer.Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure
Pick up an made-in-Spain souvenir.
Take in sweeping views of the city skyline.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort.
Aerial view of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Catch a show at a theater.
One of the citys oldest venues,Teatro Espanolin Barrio de Las Letras, continues to showcase Spanish classics.
Tour an Ancient Egyptian temple.
Exterior of the Royal Palace of Madrid.Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
Peruse flea market finds at El Rastro.
Pro tip: Some of the best deals can be found on the markets outskirts.
Experience Madrids thriving gallery scene.
A bartender preparing a cocktail.YorVen/Getty Images
Standouts include Galeria Helga de Alvear, El Chico, and Albarran Bourdais.
Hit the beachor a national park.
Jose Ramiro Laguna/Getty Images
The Comunidad de Madrid is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
A cyclist in Casa de Campo on a fall day.Daniel Hernanz Ramos/Getty Images
The exterior of Reina Sofia.Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
A man wearing a cape from Capas Sesena.Courtesy of Capas Sesena
The Puerta de Alcala.GoranQ/Getty Images
Basilica de San Vincente in Ávila, Spain.Tibor Bognar/Getty Images
A traditional Spanish omelette.etorres69/Getty Images
Green ceramics from Ubeda.joserpizarro/Adobe Stock
A guest enjoying the Madrid skyline from their hotel room at the Four Seasons Madrid.Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort.
Exterior of the Matadero theatre.Alberto Manuel Urosa Toledano/Getty Images
vichie81/Getty Images
Souvenirs being sold in Rastro market.Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure
People observing a painting in a Madrid gallery.Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images
View of San Juan Reservoir.Jose Ramiro Laguna/Getty Images
