Top Things To Do In Madrid

Tailoring each tour to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourist couple posing in a lush green park on a sunny day in Madrid

Top things to do in Madrid

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See the city like
you would with a friend who lives there

See all

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See the city like
you would with a friend who lives there

Wondering what to do in Madrid?

The energy in Madrid is like nowhere on earth, and it’s easy for the seductive Spanish capital to bewitch you with its buzzing nightlife, beautiful medieval architecture, and artistic heritage spanning centuries. The myriad things to do in Madrid will enchant any type of traveler, from art- and architecture-lovers to culinary connoisseurs to rowdy revelers. But the city is anything but predictable, and you might find that some of the most memorable things to do in Madrid – taking sunlit siestas, eating churros for breakfast, planning day trips to ancient neighbors, and browsing tiny boutiques – aren’t necessarily the ones you’ll find on a top 10 travel list.

Meet some of our Madrid local hosts

Like the people who travel with us, they have different backgrounds and interests – but they’re all so passionate about the place they call home, they choose to spend their free time sharing it with the like-minded travelers matched to them.

We’ve handpicked them and we’ll match you to your perfect one!

Tourists exploring a popular neighborhood in Madrid with a local

Art and architecture for the ages

The city is a paradise for art-lovers – exploring its world-class museums and galleries is one of the most exciting things to do in Madrid. Madrid’s enviable art scene is spilling over not only with masterpieces by home-grown icons Goya and Velázquez, but famous works by other Spanish painters like Picasso and Dalí. The city’s stunning architecture itself is part of its artistic appeal. From medieval mansions and opulent royal palaces to Baroque buildings and sleek, contemporary angles, Spain’s rich architectural history is proudly on display as the beautiful backdrop for Madrid.

Tourists enjoying tapas at a local tapas bar in Madrid with a local guide

Spanish food at its finest

From paella in Valencia to the hearty casseroles of Cataluña, Spain’s cities have their own regional cuisines – and Madrid is the place you’ll find them all. Spain’s six national roads meet in the heart of Madrid, so it’s no surprise the city’s food scene represents flavors from all over Spain. Whether you head to an old-school tapas bar for century-old Spanish snacks like patatas bravas and Iberian ham or try out trendy fusion food and experimental tasting menus at upmarket restaurants doing fearless riffs on the classics, the food-related things to do in Madrid are equally delicious.

Tourists crossing a road on a night out in a vibrant neighborhood in Madrid

The city after sunset

When night falls, the list of things to do in Madrid only gets longer. You might join locals for a convivial feast under a centuries-old ceiling (or grab some traditional Spanish snacks at a tiny tapas bar), before getting swept along in a tide of happy revelers on their way to the city’s pulsating clubs, cozy bars, and cool cocktail lounges. Dancing until dawn not quite your scene? There are plenty of equally exciting things to do in Madrid at night. See a flamenco show, visit a museum, or simply stroll down twinkling city streets where restaurant tables spill out onto the sidewalks.

Madrid travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Madrid and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

We loved just wondering around with Ricardo. He knows the city very well and he is a skilled storyteller. It was our first day so we got a feel for the city and will dive deeper on our own tomorrow. I highly recommend Ricardo.

May 2023

Heather Z
The architecture was wonderful. We were transported into history. Marina conveyed many interesting facts about the city.

May 2023

Gary S
Ricardo was a wonderful guide! Very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Madrid. We enjoyed a leisurely walk through the city and saw Plazas, the royal palace, amazing cathedrals and beautiful neighborhoods. We stopped at a candy store for samples, we enjoyed a glass of wine at a cafe. Ricardo also helped us with important Spanish phrases and recommended delicious wines! Truly a fantastic tour!

May 2023

Jodi A
Marina was very knowledgeable and showed me the highlights of the city, as well as some that not all tours see and only the locals, know about.

April 2023

Bill S