Things to do & places to visit in Community of Madrid, Spain

Community of Madrid #3 destination in Spain 2023. The average rating score is 4.37 based on 405.4k traveler reviews, of 1.066 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Madrid, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 11:24.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Pi Theory Room ( ESCAPE ROOM RIVAS ) (574 reviews)
- Scaperoom hotel
Monday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Escape Games

El scaperoom ha sido de los mejores que he ido. Muy original y 100% recomendable. Nos ha encantado!!! See more..
5.0 Clock 60 (497 reviews)
- fantastic experience and very warm atmosphere.
Spent < 1 hour Escape Games

We were with my kids to celebrate the birthday party of my son and they open the Scape room just for us. Very warm and nice experience. We really recommend for other visitors. Miguel See more..
4.5 Prado National Museum (57.8k reviews) from $25.16
- First memorable museum
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Art Museums

The Prado has one of the largest art collections in the world, and is best known for its diverse assortment of works by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco. See more..
4.5 Parque del Retiro (56.6k reviews)
- Beautiful park - definitely a must see!
Spent More than 3 hours Parks

Peaceful urban park centered around a beautiful lake. See more..
4.5 Royal Palace of Madrid (35.1k reviews) from $23.55
- Must see!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Luxurious, over-the-top rococo palace with over 2,000 opulently gilded rooms. See more..
4.5 Santiago Bernabeu Stadium (23.0k reviews) from $24.62
- Amazing tour of the Bernabéu
Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Whether you are or aren’t massive on football the Bernabeu is a must see. With easy access to get to from Gran Via in the city centre (we got a cab for €9) you cannot miss the stadium as you approach! Tours start at column B and you can take everything in at your own pace which was ideal for us as you get to spend as long as you want in every section. We paid €25 each for the stadium tour (no audio guide included) which involved views of the stadium from the very top, middle, dug out, full access to the changing rooms, press room and of course full knowledge and never ending shrine to the many trophies Real have won over the years. The tour also has fun interactive things to do along the way as well as photo opportunities with players and the champions league trophy. We overall spent 2-3 hours here and it was definitely worth every penny we paid. See more..
4.5 Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza (16.8k reviews)
- Loved it so much
Monday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers visitors an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century. In the nearly one thousand works on display, visitors can contemplate the major periods and pictorial schools of western art such as the Renaissance, Mannerism, the Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism and the art of the 19th and 20th centuries up to Pop Art. The museum also features works from some movements not represented in state-owned collections, such as Impressionism, Fauvism, German Expressionism and the experimental avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. In addition, it boasts an important collection of 19th-century American painting not found in any other European museum institutions. Permanent collection hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 to 19.00 Monday: 12.00 - 16.00* *Free entry with the sponsorship of Mastercard. See more..
4.5 Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (16.5k reviews) from $20.34
- A lot of beautiful paintings, but the exhibition is not systematically arranged
Monday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

World famous modern art museum featuring a diverse collection of 20th century Spanish art, from Picasso to Solana. See more..
4.5 Mercado San Miguel (15.4k reviews)
- Fantastic place for foodies
Flea & Street Markets

Back in 1916, San Miguel started as a wholesale food market. Today, this covered gourmet market’s drawcard is some of Spain’s finest produce and regional specialties. You'll find it nestled in the city center, clad in cast-iron architecture—it's also the last remaining iron market hall in Madrid. The market’s fleet comprises traditional tapas bars, seafood stalls, artisan bakeries, quality butchers, and an array of booths selling other fresh ingredients. It gets busy during lunch hour, so arrive early. Walk over from the famed Plaza Mayor, or make a pit stop after touring the Royal Palace of Madrid and the adjacent Plaza de la Armería. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Gran Via (14.6k reviews) from $26.77
- Shopping options galore!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This shopping area is massive, with an extensive selection of shops offering major global brand names. There are also many cafes and restaurants scattered throughout, making it easy to take a break and grab a bite to eat. However, we recommend avoiding weekends and peak times, as it can get incredibly busy, with people walking in all directions, making it difficult to navigate. Additionally, there are some old, magnificent architectural buildings interspersed between the shops, adding to the charm of the area. See more..
4.5 Museo Sorolla (6.480 reviews)
- An art gem in Madrid
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

The Sorolla Museum preserves the original atmosphere of both home and study of the painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (Valencia, 1863 - Cercedilla, 1923). It houses the richest collection of his works, colourful paintings irradiating light and vitality. It is one of the more complete and best preserved artist homes remaining in Europe. The garden, also designed by himself, is a beautiful oasis in the city. See more..
4.5 Plaza de Cibeles (5.575 reviews)
- The iconic square of Madrid
Monuments & Statues

Plaza de Cibeles is a big square located at the intersection of Paseo del Prado, Paseo de Recoletos, and Calle de Alcala. The areas of Centro, Retiro, and Salamanca are bordering the square. In the center of the square is a striking fountain with a statue of Cybele, the goddess of nature and fertility, seated in a chariot drawn by two lions. The square was completed in 1782 during the reign of King Charles III. Lining the square, you can see many imposing buildings like the main post office Palacio de Comunicaciones and the central bank Banco de Espana. Plaza de Cibeles is especially known as the place where players and supporters of the football club Real Madrid gather to celebrate championships. See more..
4.5 Palacio de Cibeles (5.020 reviews)
- Free tours are available - take advantage
Architectural Buildings

Stunning building designed by architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi opened in 1919 and served as the Head Post Office. It is now Madrid’s City Council headquarters and home to CentroCentro (Cultural Centre). This venue is a public meeting place and a setting for action, participation, leisure, and learning. Activities held here include concerts, exhibitions, workshops, seminars, performances, screenings, and publications. Inside the palace are City Council offices, an Auditorium, Crystal Gallery, and Exhibition areas. There is also a cafeteria, 2 restaurants, a bar and the 8th floor Mirador observation deck where one can see the outstanding Madrid views. The Palace was declared a Cultural Heritage Monument in 1993. Free tours are available- take advantage See more..
4.5 Paseo del Prado (4.365 reviews)
- Two enlightening and enchanting strolls each way along this cultural mile.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is very much the cultural hub of the city. It is a long tree lined boulevard stretching foom Cibeles to Atocha and as well as many fine examples of architecture it contains the "big three" museums and galleries as well as some less well known. There are also fountains and statues to various artistic figures including Goya.Well worth not just one but two or three strolls as you will spot something new each time. See more..
4.5 Museo Arqueologico Nacional (4.167 reviews)
- Start museum hopping from here!
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums • History Museums

Works dating mostly from Hispanic prehistory to the Modern Age, but it also includes some other cultural remains: Greek, Etruscan, Roman and various South American cultures. See more..
4.5 Puerta de Alcala (4.027 reviews)
- Impressive Gate to the Old City
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

When you come out of the North-Western corner of the Retiro Parc, in the Independence Square, Calle de Alcala curves graciously around this massive, neoclassical five arch triumphal gateway. I was unsure why this monument left such a lasting impression with me and after reading about it further, I learned that in fact, it is considered as the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe, older than the similar Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Somehow, its presence and greatness tells the story of its uniqueness and historical value. See more..
4.5 Palacio De Cristal (3.671 reviews)
- Quite charming
Architectural Buildings

It's full with nature and the architecture of the palace is so beautiful!! It’s really a tall building. There were ducks and turtles in the lake next to the mirror's palace, and also what it seemed to be a beautiful black swan. I recommend going early in the morning around 8-9am since it's not crowded yet so that you can appreciate the sounds of nature around it! See more..
4.5 Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial (3.369 reviews)
- Do it yourself!
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Stopped to visit Escorial whilst driving between Toledo and Segovia. Originally booked conducted tour in English through "Tiquets.com" who charged us £52.30 for 2. Chose this as they said the guide would meet us at the entrance and we would skip any queue. The night before, we were furious to receive an email from Tiquets saying there were insufficient numbers to make up an English tour, so they had cancelled it, refunded our money, leaving us high and dry, or so we thought. This turned out to be good news in the end as we decided to do it ourselves. We arrived at the Escorial about 11:00 on a Tuesday morning. Parked on the free parking area on Calle Calleja Larga and walked 300 yards to entrance. There were no crowds. We walked straight in and bought 2 English conducted tour tickets for 20 euro (senior citizen rate), which started at 11:30. The tour lasted 2 hours and took us all around the main building. It was fantastic. The only potential problem with doing it this way would be if there was a queue but I suppose the earlier you get there, the better it is. See more..
4.5 Plaza de Santa Ana (2.791 reviews)
- One of Madrid's most vibrant nightlife areas
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Tapas bars and clubs line this scenic plaza, making it one of Madrid's most popular nightlife hotspots. See more..
4.5 Royal Palace of Aranjuez (2.327 reviews)
- Excellent Visit
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

We booked easily via the Patrimonio website and chose the first visit slot of 10am as we were staying at the NH hotel just opposite. By being the first people in on the day, there were no crowds ahead of us, so it enabled us to see everything easily. It was not a guided tour, but each room had an information board in Spanish and English to read. There were some magnificent rooms, our favourites being the ornate Arab room and the amazing porcelain room. See more..
4.5 Parque Madrid Río (2.225 reviews)
- What a great park!
Parks

One of the places I enjoyed while in Madrid was the Parque Madrid Rio. I loved the many photo opportunities this place has to offer ... nature, health buffs working out, old bridges, modern bridges, and the fact that it was not busy and is big. A great way to stay healthy ... forget the gym. This park is the way to go. I walked one direction the first day of my visit and went the opposite direction the following day. Lots of things to see and take pictures of. See more..
4.5 Museo Cerralbo (2.185 reviews)
- Great little museum
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Art Museums

A small but very interesting museum. A surprising place. From the outside, a classicist building from the end of the 19th century. Built and used as the home of the Marquis de Cerralbo. Currently an art museum. Perfectly preserved palace with beautiful interiors, kept in perfect condition. Furniture, paintings, lamps, at the same time retain its charm to make it seem like life goes on in the palace. It is worth getting lost in his rooms and transferring to another time. I recommend it especially to people who love art and do not like large crowds. See more..
4.5 Naval Museum (1.873 reviews)
- Soooo cooool
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

** This place is temporarily closed**The Madrid Naval Museum is a State institution which belongs to the Ministry of Defense. The Museum is under the organic command of the Admiral Chief of Naval Staff and is governed by a Board of Trustees (Real Patronato). The Naval Museum is a living institution opened to the public. Its curators not only study, look after, exhibit and acquire new objects, but use it as an instrument of communication, education and dissemination of the maritime history of Spain and its traditions. The following are some of the research fields: History of the Spanish Navy Naval shipbuilding Nautical science and auxiliary sciences like cosmography, cartography and nautical instruments. History of maritime voyages and discoveries. Underwater archaeology Maritime heritage See more..
4.5 Barrio de Salamanca (1.866 reviews)
- Interesting district of Madrid
Monday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Poshest, most conservative section of Madrid was developed through the investments of the Marquis of Salamanca. See more..
4.5 Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande (1.822 reviews)
- Beautiful Basilica & Beautiful Staff
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

This basilica is a work of art. The first chapel on the left has a fresco by a young Goya before he was famous. We took the guided tour which was very informative and our tour guide was superb. The gentleman had a great voice, was eloquent, and had a very organized tour which was easy to follow. Admission was €5.00 per person which was a bargain given the quality of the tour and the beauty of the basilica. Our tour was in Spanish and I don’t know if there are tours in other languages available. We went on a Wednesday at opening hour and purchased tickets onsite with a credit card. There were no lines and we had the place all to ourselves for a while. The staff here is most welcoming and helpful. There is also a painting by Francisco de Zurbarán here. Pictures don’t do this basilica justice and should be seen in person. We highly recommend a visit here. See more..
4.5 Valley of the Fallen (1.660 reviews)
- Impressive
Monday: Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

The Valley of the Fallen is a Spanish monumental complex built between 1940 and 1958 and located in the valley of Cuelgamuros, in the municipality of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, in the Community of Madrid. It is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, 9.5 km north of the monastery of El Escorial. See more..
4.5 Parque de El Capricho (1.650 reviews)
- A hidden gem at the outskirts of Madrid
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Gardens

This gorgeous and serene park is definitely worth the Metro trip to the suburbs. Easy to get to as well, just exit at the eponymous station and follow the signs to the park. You will be greeted by lush gardens à la Versailles, ancient Roman columns, an 18th century palace, and even a Spanish Civil War bunker (although the latter is not open to the public). The highlight of your visit will be the Monument to Bacchus, a picturesque Roman edifice placed on the top of a hill deep inside the park. Be advised that El Capricho is only open during the weekends, so you need to plan ahead! See more..
4.5 La Latina (1.439 reviews)
- Amazing old Spanish style!
Neighborhoods

I loved this neighbourhood so much!! If you are curious about the old Spanish architecture, vivid colors (in opposite to white city center) and artistic buildings, this is a place for you! Just enjoy and wonder around to get into the right Spanish energy If you are coming during weekend, use your Sunday (somewhere between 10 and 3 pm) to visit the huge local market El Rastro. But get ready for big crowds if you are going between 12 and 2 :) It's amazing, with many souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, kitchen supplies etc. It is not only a touristic place, because most of the customers there were actually Spanish! Also, during weekends you can try great sandwiches at El Capricho Extremeno, to taste some of the local bites. They have really interesting and authentic combinations! The other old district I really liked and is similar is Malasana. See more..
4.5 Plaza mayor de Chinchon (1.313 reviews)
- Iconic balconies
Historic Sites

Chinchon can be visited in around 2 hours or even less. The plaza Mayor is for sure the most iconic place of the city with the narrow balconies where some restaurants have tables. Even on a Monday afternoon during the pandemic it was good visited, definetly not empty. Good for pictures. See more..
4.5 Calle Mayor (1.022 reviews)
- A PLACE TO MEANDER
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The main street of the town is great for wandering, eating, people watching or buying a trinket or two. It boasts Spain’s longest porticoed street. It is historically tied to the Jewish barrio. Of interest to locals and tourists alike is the home where the great author Cervantes was born. You will spend appreciable time here. It intersects with the Plaza de Cervantes. Look up too to the many second floor balconies. See more..