Things to do in Madrid, Spain

Brimming with quality art museums, the city of Madrid is known as one of the best places – if not simply the best place – in the world to see European art or even art period. This recognition is in large part thanks to what is known as the Golden Triangle of Art. The privileged downtown slice of Madrid includes the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Reina Sofia Museum. The Prado’s collections include European art from the 12th to 19th centuries while the Reina Sofia focuses on contemporary Spanish art and the Thyssen on Spanish and European art collections that complement the other two museums.

Despite all the talk about the aging of the Spanish population and the memory of the wild Madrid Movida movement, the party in the Spanish capital has not ended. Not even close! Madrid is still known for its vibrant nightlife, myriad bars and nightclubs, partying in the streets and the number of seemingly constant parties. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised that the city’s bars and nightclubs have their own timetables – closing as early as 2 am or as late as 7 am. 

Café culture, while a delicious legacy of the past, is still a strong, modern feature in Madrid. Beautiful cafes are...  

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Brimming with quality art museums, the city of Madrid is known as one of the best places – if not simply the best place – in the world to see European art or even art period. This recognition is in large part thanks to what is known as the Golden Triangle of Art. The privileged downtown slice of Madrid includes the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Reina Sofia Museum. The Prado’s collections include European art from the 12th to 19th centuries while the Reina Sofia focuses on contemporary Spanish art and the Thyssen on Spanish and European art collections that complement the other two museums.

Despite all the talk about the aging of the Spanish population and the memory of the wild Madrid Movida movement, the party in the Spanish capital has not ended. Not even close! Madrid is still known for its vibrant nightlife, myriad bars and nightclubs, partying in the streets and the number of seemingly constant parties. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised that the city’s bars and nightclubs have their own timetables – closing as early as 2 am or as late as 7 am. 

Café culture, while a delicious legacy of the past, is still a strong, modern feature in Madrid. Beautiful cafes are everywhere and Madrid locals love to while away the hours over a cup of coffee and a newspaper or a round of beers in little cups with a group of their friends. The profusion of sidewalk cafes in the summertime especially feels like a blessing to locals and visitors alike. 

People always seem to be out socializing in the streets at all hours in Madrid, especially during the warmer months. From children playing in the squares to young adults hanging out with their friends on street corners to senior citizens busy chatting on the many benches, you will never be alone in Madrid.

The fact is that people just tend to eat late in Madrid. When most people around the world have long finished and forgotten about their meals, Madrid locals are just getting ready to eat. Lunch starts at 2 pm or even 3 pm and dinner at 10 pm. Most restaurants won’t even open for lunch before 1:30 pm or for dinner before 9:00 pm. Visitors to Madrid must be prepared to adjust their stomachs accordingly or keep a stock of their own food on hand.

As Spain's capital for over 400 years, Madrid is a lively, thriving city, famous for bullfights and all-night fiestas. Its streets are always hopping, from sightseers marveling over historic landmarks to partygoers darting in and out of noisy cafés. Tourists often stroll through the old center (Madrid de los Austrias) or along the tree-lined Paseo del Prado. Highlights include the Palacio Real, a shrine to Rococo extravagance, and the Plaza Mayor, where heretics were once burned at the stake. The city boasts several world-class museums, such as the Prado and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which features work by Picasso, Dalí and Miró. Each May, the San Isidro festival kicks off two weeks of the best bullfighting in Spain.

As Spain's capital for over 400 years, Madrid is a lively, thriving city, famous for bullfights and all-night fiestas. Its streets are always hopping, from sightseers marveling over historic landmarks to partygoers darting in and out of noisy cafés. Tourists often stroll through the old center (Madrid de los Austrias) or along the tree-lined Paseo del Prado. Highlights include the Palacio Real, a shrine to Rococo extravagance, and the Plaza Mayor, where heretics were once burned at the stake. The city boasts several world-class museums, such as the Prado and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which features work by Picasso, Dalí and Miró. Each May, the San Isidro festival kicks off two weeks of the best bullfighting in Spain.