If you’re deciding what to do in Madrid for the first time, the trick is not cramming in everything. It’s picking a short list you’ll actually enjoy, then grouping it so you are not crossing the city all day.
My guide gives you the 12 first-timer favourites with how much they cost and how long to spend there. I also cover what is easy to group together, and a plan for 1-3 days built around markets, tapas and viewpoints. It will allow you to plan a trip you love, easily and quickly
The top 12 things to do in Madrid for first-timers
People often try to fit everything in on day one, don’t do this, as the day turns into queues and long walks, and you’ll find yourself rushing, rather than enjoying yourself.
For your trip, I recommend you pick 6 must-dos, add 4 extras that appeal most to you. Then choose 2 picks to keep in your back pocket if you have time, need to tweak your plans or have bags of energy left. Here are my favourites.
More of my Spain guides to help plan your trip
- What to do in Granada: A full guide to the best sights, restaurants and view points
- Where to stay in Granada: Advice on the best areas to stay, some great hotels and why
- Alhambra Palace Granada Guide: An easy to follow route, tips and photo spots
- Where to stay in Madrid: The best areas and hotels to make the most of your trip
- How many days in Seville: A first timers guide to the best of Seville
- 3 days in Barcelona: My favourite route and tips for first time visitors
- Where to stay in Barcelona: Neighbourhood comparisons and best hotels by budget
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The 6 must-do Madrid attractions
Royal Palace and Almudena exteriors, plus Sabatini Gardens
My top tip is to do this as an outdoor loop. You get the scale of the palace area without committing to a timed visit. I did this on my first visit and really enjoyed it. If you have a particular interest in history or the royals of Spain, it’s worth considering gettings tickets to go inside. Plan in advance if you want to do this.
Time 1-1.5 hours • Cost Free
Plaza Mayor
Walk through, take the photos, then leave. It’s a beautiful plaza that is well worth seeing, but in my opinion it’s a see it and tick it off site en route to your next stop. The cafés on the square are rarely the best value, but you do get some good people watching.
Time 15–30 mins • Cost Free
Retiro Park, including Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez
A stunning park, right in the middle of Madrid. The perfect place proper reset and great photos, but it can feel sprawling if you wander without a plan.
My tip is to aim straight for the rose garden, then Jardins de Cecilio Rodriguez, Palacio de Cristal and stroll back via the lake. There’s some beautiful wildlife too, with peacocks, black swans and turtles. Note that the Palacio de Cristal is closed for work until 2027, so you cannot go inside.
Time 1.5–3 hours • Cost Free
CentroCentro at Cibeles, Mirador observation deck
A nice viewpoint in a building that feels properly grand. CentroCentro is the old post office and features several art galleries, included in the rooftop entry price. It is another option for sunset, with drinks available, but is less dramatic than some of the others I recommend here.
Time 30–60 mins • Cost typical €4 (£3.50) – online booking fee of €0.50 or purchase on site.
Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop, Azotea del Círculo
For me, this is my favourite rooftop in Madrid, particularly stunning for sunset. It is a ticketed rooftop with wide views on both sides, over Gran Vía and Alcalá. Keep an eye out for the Quadriga statues.
My recommendation is to stick with wine, beer or sangria, the cocktails were less impressive. 100% worth it for the view alone.
Time 1–1.5 hours • Cost about €5.50 (£4.80)
Templo de Debod at sunset
This is a pretty Egyptian temple, but my advice is to treat the area like a park. You get a relaxed sunset view over Madrid with no need for tickets. It’s weather-dependent and busiest on clear evenings.
My Top Tip Bring a picnic and some drinks, get there an hour before sunset and soak it all in. There will be several musicians to enjoy as well.
Time 45–90 mins • Cost Free
6 more things to see in Madrid
Antón Martín Market
This works at lots of times of day and I find myself visiting a few times on a trip. You get choice without booking, it’s more “graze and move” than a long sit-down meal. It also has a nice atmosphere at night, with the side alley in particular attracting people searching good conversation and some drinks.
Time 45–90 mins • Cost typical €10–€25 (£8.70–£21.80)
Mercado de San Fernando (Lavapiés)
More local feel, traditional market. You get good-value options and more space, but it’s less polished than the headline tourist markets. Part of the charm I think!
Time 1–2 hours • Cost typical €10–€25 (£8.70–£21.80)
Lavapiés murals and street art
A good “in between” stretch when you are in the area. A quirky neighbourhood with good cafes and several murals and bits of street art, some plotted on google maps, some you just have to stumble across yourself.
Walking down Calle de Embajadores, from the Gran Teatro end, is where you can see most. From whole building sides multiple storeys high, to more subtle ones that are easy to miss, keep your eyes peeled.
Time 45–90 mins • Cost Free
Atocha tropical garden
Literally in the train station, it is worth a look if you’re passing through the area, or arriving by train. You get a quick change of scenery and a nice photo opp. Note, last time I was in Madrid it was closed for maintenance, so check before making a special trip.
Time 10–25 mins • Cost Free
Churros con chocolate at San Ginés
A classic stop for chocolate loving Madridistas and tourists alike. San Ginés has been around since 1890 and is arguably the most famous Churros con chocolate in Spain. A sugar hit that fits almost any day. You get the experience in 20 minutes, but you may queue at peak times. Take away or eat in options.
Time 20–40 mins • Cost typical €5–€8 (£4.40–£7)
Malasaña tapas night
My favourite area of Madrid for a tapas crawl. My top tip Keep it little and often, a couple of smaller plates and then move to the next. You get variety and a proper night-out feel, experiencing more in each spot. Made much easier if you’re happy to stand at the bar, although tables are available everywhere, expect a little wait.
Time 2–3 hours • Cost typical €25–€50 (£21.80–£43.60)
Downloadable google map of things to see and do in Madrid
Walkable sights: build your own day without backtracking
Madrid is a big city, things can look close on a map, but before you know it you have done a lot of walking. Below I have clustered together some of the most popular sights by proximity, so you can create your own itinerary
Pick one cluster per half-day, then add one extra if you have the energy for it.
| Sights to cluster together | Best time of day | Booking needed | Easy swap |
| Plaza de Oriente, palace and cathedral exteriors, Sabatini Gardens | Morning | Only if going inside the Palace | Swap gardens for a longer Plaza Mayor walk |
| Prado or Thyssen, then Retiro and Cecilio Rodríguez | Late morning to afternoon | Yes for museums | If it’s raining, do CentroCentro instead of the park |
| Círculo rooftop or CentroCentro Mirador | Late afternoon | Sensible for sunset slots | Go earlier, then do Debod later |
| Mercado de San Fernando, Lavapiés murals | Lunch to mid-afternoon | No | Do Antón Martín instead of San Fernando |
| Malasaña crawl list, then live music | Evening | No | If it’s too busy, switch to Las Letras |
| Royal loop plus one museum | Morning to afternoon | Museum tickets | If you’re museumed-out, do parks and viewpoints instead |
Madrid days organised by style: Pick what you like
Below I’ve created some days grouped with common themes to take some of the thinking out of it for you. These are all planned with a relaxed day in mind, just pick based on your likes and drop it into your itinerary.
Art and classics day
You want one big cultural “we’re in Madrid” moment, plus some time outside to enjoy the weather.
- Royal exteriors loop (palace area and gardens)
- Pick one museum (use the chooser below)
- Finish with Retiro or one viewpoint
Why pick it. It gives you the headline Madrid feel without overloading the plan. Book a timed entry and plan your day around that
Parks and viewpoints day
A relaxed day that is ideal when the weather is good and you want wow views and the best photo variety.
- Retiro (Cecilio Rodríguez)
- One paid viewpoint (Círculo or CentroCentro, not both)
- Debod at sunset if you want a second outdoor view
Budget friendly day
Perhaps surprisingly, Madrid is excellent value, with several activities that cost you nothing. This is what I recommend if you are watching your budget. Everything I recommend is free!
- Plaza Mayor and central walk-throughs
- Retiro or a longer park loop
- Lavapiés murals and a market stop
- Debod sunset with a cheap picnic
Best family-friendly Madrid day
Less queues, more space to enjoy, and food options that don’t require one big decision.
- Retiro Park to start the day
- One short viewpoint
- Antón Martín Market so everyone can pick what they want
- Churros at San Gines, who doesn’t love Churros
What sights do I need to book in Madrid
Madrid is quite a flexible city, but there are some things sell out in advance and you will want to book if they are important to you.
- Book it now (I recommend a month before your trip)
Prado museum. Bernabéu tour. - Book soon (at least a week before your visit)
Royal Palace interior. Other museums. Michelin star dinners. - Turn up early on the day (no booking, just plan ahead)
Plaza Mayor. Temple of Debod.
Which museum should you choose: Prado vs Reina Sofía vs Thyssen
It’s tempting to buy tickets for all three, and then find yourself skimming them in a blur. That costs money and can leave you with museum fatigue.
I recommend you pick the one that appeals most and book that, keeping it to one a day maximum. Below I will help you choose which one is the best fit for you:
Museo Nacional del Prado
Choose Prado if you want classic European art and the “this is the big one” feeling. It’s popular, so I recommend getting a timed entry ticket, it can feel intense if you try to do it fast, so plan a good chunk of your day and make the most of it.
Time 2–3 hours • Cost about €15 (£13.10)
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Choose Reina Sofía if you prefer modern and contemporary work and want a more focused visit. If modern art isn’t your thing it can feel like a slog. You can get tickets in advance.
Time 1.5–2.5 hours • Cost about €12 (£10.50)
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Choose Thyssen if you like variety and want a museum that’s easier to do in one sitting. For me, it’s the most manageable choice when your group can’t agree, but it won’t give you one single “big moment” like Prado can. Book your tickets in advance as it can sell out.
Time 2–3 hours • Cost about €14 (£12.20)
Where to stay in Madrid for first-timers: a quick area guide
Picking the right area in Madrid is important, so you spend as much time as possible enjoying the city, rather than commuting.
I have written a detailed guide on where to stay in Madrid and why, but if you are short on time, see my summary below.
Sol and Gran Vía
Best if you want the centre right outside the door and short walks back after dinner. It can be loud and busy late, so check recent reviews to ensure you are far enough from the noisiest streets.
Barrio de las Letras
Great for food and bars on foot, with a slightly calmer feel than the very centre. You may walk a bit more to some daytime stops, but evenings are easy.
La Latina
Good for tapas culture and a more local feel. It’s less “everything at your doorstep” than Sol.
Malasaña and Chueca
Great if nightlife and café culture matter. Late-night sound is the risk, so pick streets carefully.
Lavapiés
Often good value and brilliant for markets and street life. It’s not everyone’s comfort zone late at night, so choose well-lit streets and solid, recent reviews.
3 Excellent hotel picks
Hostal Art Madrid – Budget (high value, central).
A small, simple base in the heart of Old Madrid, handy for walking to Plaza Mayor, Sol and late-night food without taxis. You get location for the money, but you won’t get big-hotel facilities.
Cost typical €105–€185 (£90–£160)
Rating 9.0
Artrip Hotel – Mid-range (character area, easy access)
A modern, design-led small hotel in Lavapiés that works well if you like markets, street art and neighbourhood bars. You get a more local base, but you give up being right in the centre.
Cost typical €150–€250 (£130–£220)
Rating 9.0
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá – High-end (proper treat, old-Madrid location).
A five-star option steps from the Royal Palace area, set up for people who want a special stay and a great base between big sightseeing. You get comfort and a standout hotel for special occasions. The rooftop pool is also a lovely extra.
Cost typical €370–€550 (£320–£480)
Rating 9.2
What to do in Madrid at night: 3 easy, proven evenings
It can be easy to wander round until you’re hungry and then fall into the first place you see. Let me help you avoid that with three evening options that ensure you sample the best Madrid has to offer.
Evening 1: Market bites, then a skyline view
Start at Antón Martín Market for something to eat, then head to Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop for the view. I recommend you go for sunset and ensure you check out both sides of the top, as the views are different.
If you want a small detail that makes it feel “Madrid”, look for the quadriga statues from up there, because they’re surprisingly obvious once you’ve spotted them.
Evening 2: Malasaña tapas crawl
As i mentioned earlier, this is my favourite area for a tapas crawl. Pick 3–4 places, not all of them. A solid set: Casa Julio for croquetas, Casa Camacho for the Yayo cocktail, Bodega de la Ardosa for tortilla, then a wildcard like La Colmada (my favourite) for something different.
You get energy and variety, and as much food and drink as you are happy with. I guarantee you’ll quickly find out how friendly the people of Madrid are.
Evening 3: Debod sunset, then Las Letras
Do the temple of Debod with snacks and a drink, then head to Las Letras for a relaxed evening. I recommend Cerveceria Cervantes and La Delores. Casa Alberto is a good “one more stop” option if you want something traditional and easy too. It’s also a good place to try Vermut if you haven’t yet, they have it on tap. You get great food and a calmer end to the night, it’s less of a party atmosphere than Malasaña.
If you have an extra day: the best day trips from Madrid
Toledo
Toledo is layered history and atmosphere, with a dense old town that rewards wandering and viewpoints rather than ticking everything. You get depth and a real sense of the place, but it’s not the fastest see it all destination.
Train time each way about 34 mins
Time 6–9 hours • Cost about €30–€55 (£26–£48) return by train
Segovia
Segovia is the wow landmark day, built around the Roman aqueduct and a compact historic centre that’s easy to enjoy without a complicated plan. You get big visuals with less travel effort, but there’s not as much there as Toledo.
Train time each way about 25–26 mins
Time 6–8 hours • Cost about €18–€40 (£16–£35) return by train
FAQ’s about Madrid Spain
2 or 3 days is ideal for first-timers. It covers the main highlights, one or two museums, Retiro, a viewpoint, and a good tapas night. It also means you aren’t rushing everywhere to squeeze it all in.
Start with big, open spaces. Do a park (Retiro or Madrid Río), add one quick viewpoint, and choose one hands-on visit like the Natural Science Museum, the Railway Museum, or the Zoo and Aquarium. Break up sightseeing with markets, playgrounds, and churros.
It’s mid-range for a European capital. You can keep costs down with free sights (parks, squares, neighbourhood walks), markets for food, and choosing one paid highlight per day (museum or viewpoint) rather than lots of tickets.
Yes. Madrid is the country’s main rail hub, so high-speed trains make day trips and short breaks straightforward. Toledo and Segovia are quick, and bigger cities like Barcelona, Seville, Granada and Valencia are easy to reach by train or bus.
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