25 Fun Things to Do in Madrid Spain for First-Timers

Looking for the best things to do in Madrid, Spain? You’re in the right place! 

As a travel blogger who lives in Spain and has spent a lot of time exploring the capital, I’ve put together a list of fun, can’t-miss experiences to help you make the most of your trip. 

From iconic landmarks and local markets to must-try foods and easy day trips, this guide covers a little bit of everything. 

You’ll get a mix of famous sights and lesser-known spots, plus helpful ideas for where to eat, what to see, and how to experience the city like a local. 

Keep reading for 25 fun things to do in Madrid for first timers.

Here are some of my top picks for activities in Madrid:

#1 Food
Tour

Taste your way through Madrid’s best tapas and drinks with a local guide.

↳ Book Here

#2 Flamenco
Show

Experience the passion of authentic Spanish flamenco in an intimate setting.

↳ Book Here

#3 Royal Palace of Madrid

Take a tour of the inside of one of the largest royal palaces in western Europe.

↳ Book Here

Retiro Park (Parque El Retiro) is one of the most iconic green spaces in the city and a must-visit if it’s your first time visiting Madrid. 

It’s a massive park with wide walking paths, leafy gardens, historic monuments, and tons of room to relax or explore. 

The most popular attraction and photo op within the park is the beautiful lake in front of the grand Alfonso XII monument. 

Rowboats can be rented here if you’re up for a challenge–I’ll never forget how hard I laughed attempting to row with friends years ago! 

You can also spot peacocks roaming freely in the gardens on the right side of the park, or grab a drink at Florida Park, a popular bar inside the grounds. 

The Crystal Palace is usually a highlight too, but on my last visit it was fully covered due to renovations.

Next on the list of things to do in Madrid is visiting Plaza Mayor, the city’s most famous square. 

It’s a wide, open space framed by red-brick buildings, arched entryways, and rows of iron balconies that give it a very stately look. 

In the center stands a bronze statue of King Philip III on horseback, watching over the crowds.

It’s a nice place to walk around or sit with a drink, but I wouldn’t eat here since most of the surrounding restaurants are overpriced and touristy (there’s even a Pizza Hut). 

You’re better off picking up something more authentic nearby and enjoying it on one of the benches while people-watching.

​​Another fun activity in Madrid is sampling foods at Mercado de San Miguel, which is one of the top attractions in Madrid located just steps from Plaza Mayor. 

This famous food market is a little bit bougie, but I think it’s still worth a visit for the food and atmosphere. 

You’ll find everything from jamón ibérico and fresh oysters to mini burgers, croquetas, and pastries, all from different stalls. Plus, there’s tons of different wines, vermouth, and alcoholic drinks to try.

It can get crowded, but there are standing tables in the center and around the edges where you can enjoy whatever snacks you pick up.

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in western Europe and touring the inside is one of the most popular things to do in the city. 

The interior is incredibly ornate, with gold details and crystal chandeliers everywhere you look, plus highlights like the grand staircase, banqueting hall, and throne room. 

If you want to go inside, make sure to book your tickets online at least a couple of weeks in advance.  Tickets usually aren’t available at the door. 

And even if you skip the tour, the exterior is impressive on its own and worth stopping by for photos.

Joining a food tour is one of the best ways to experience Madrid, especially if it’s your first time in the city. 

I personally did the Tapas, Taverns, and History Tour with Devour Tours and would highly recommend it—it made trying new foods so easy and fun! 

You’ll get to sample all the classic foods in Spain without having to guess what or where to order. 

Plus, most tours include a walking tour with a local guide, so you’ll learn some interesting history along the way too.

If you’re looking for a fun nighttime activity, definitely consider seeing a flamenco show in Madrid.

I saw a show at Essential Flamenco and would highly recommend it!

The venue is small and intimate, with no sound system so you just hear the raw sound of the music and the energy of the dancers right in front of you.

The performers were incredibly passionate, and you could feel every stomp and clap. It’s a powerful way to experience one of Spain’s most iconic art forms.

Right across from the Royal Palace, you’ll find Almudena Cathedral, which is another one of the top attractions in Madrid.

It’s one of the few major cathedrals in Spain that’s relatively modern (it was only completed in the 1990s). 

The outside has a more traditional look, but the inside feels surprisingly contemporary compared to most European cathedrals. 

If you want to go inside, there’s just a suggested donation of 1€. It’s a quick but worthwhile stop, especially if you’re already visiting the palace.

Another quick stop to add to your Madrid itinerary is Puerta del Sol, one of the city’s main squares. 

It marks the official center of Madrid.  Look for the “km 0” plaque on the ground, which is where all distances in Spain are measured from. 

You’ll also see the famous statue of a bear reaching up to a strawberry tree, which is a symbol of the city. 

This is more of a photo stop than a place to hang out, but it’s worth passing through while you’re in the area.

If you’re really into art or history, then checking out Madrid’s top museums along the Paseo del Prado (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a nice indoor activity to break up your sightseeing. 

The Prado Museum is packed with old school classics from artists like Velázquez and Goya, while the Reina Sofía is home to Picasso’s Guernica and other modern pieces. 

Just across the street, the Thyssen-Bornemisza has everything from medieval art to pop art, so it’s a nice mix. 

And the Sorolla Museum is usually another favorite, but it’s temporarily closed for renovations.

One thing you’ve definitely got to try in Madrid is a bocadillo de calamares, which is a simple and cheap sandwich filled with fried squid rings. 

It might seem odd to eat seafood in a landlocked city, but Madrid is actually known for having some of the best seafood in Spain thanks to its daily shipments from the coast. 

The most famous place to try one is La Campana, which is just around the corner from Plaza Mayor. 

Get it to go and eat it on a bench in the square–just don’t forget the aioli for the finishing touch!

Another must-try in Madrid is churros and chocolate, and the best place to get them is Chocolatería San Ginés, which is the OG shop that has been serving them since 1894. 

Spanish churros are less sweet than the ones you might be used to, but they’re still super satisfying, especially when dipped in thick hot chocolate. 

They’re traditionally eaten for breakfast, so I recommend going earlier in the day for a true local experience. 

The Templo de Debod is an actual ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain in the 1960s and rebuilt piece by piece in Madrid. 

It’s one of the top monuments in Spain and free to go inside, but you’ll need to reserve tickets online in advance since spots are limited. 

The temple is set in a park near the Royal Palace with wide walking paths and some of the best views over the city. 

It’s especially popular at sunset, but it’s a cool spot to visit any time of day.

​​If you’re looking for something more local than Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid has some great neighborhood markets worth checking out. 

One of my favorites is Mercado de la Paz in the Salamanca area, where I had one of the best tortilla españolas of my life at a spot called Casa Dani. 

Another good option is Mercado de Vallehermoso, which has a mix of fresh produce, casual eateries, and laid-back bars. 

These markets feel a lot more local and give you a better sense of everyday life in the city.

Strolling along Gran Vía is one of those classic Madrid sightseeing experiences, even if it’s a bit touristy. 

The area is sometimes compared to Times Square in New York City because of all the chain restaurants and big-name stores, but the architecture is way more impressive. 

You’ll pass grand old buildings with ornate details, including the famous Metropolis building with its black dome and golden accents. 

And if you’re heading toward Retiro Park, make sure to also walk past the Cibeles fountain–it’s one of the most iconic in the city.

If you’re in Madrid on a Sunday, make sure to check out the El Rastro Flea Market, which is one of the city’s most-loved weekend traditions. 

This open-air market has stalls selling everything from vintage clothing and vinyl records to secondhand books, antiques, and quirky souvenirs. 

It’s a fun place to hunt for hidden gems, whether you’re looking for unique jewelry or old postcards.

If you’re a soccer fan, taking a Real Madrid stadium tour is a must while you’re in Madrid. 

I got to see a game when I studied abroad, and it was such a fun, high-energy experience that I’ll never forget. 

Even if there’s no match while you’re in town, you can still tour the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and see club memorabilia and trophy displays. 

It’s a cool way to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most famous football clubs in the world.

If you’re in the mood to shop, head to some of Madrid’s trendier neighborhoods for a mix of styles and price points. 

Salamanca is the place to go for luxury shopping, with designer stores and high-end boutiques lining the streets. 

For something more relaxed and local, check out the Malasaña neighborhood–I found the cutest jewelry and home goods at a boutique called Kiti. 

Real Fábrica is another great stop for cute, made-in-Spain foods and souvenirs that are way better than your typical touristy trinkets.

Sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar is a great way to take in the city from above, especially in the late afternoon or evening. 

Madrid has an amazing rooftop scene with spots that offer both good drinks and even better views. 

Some of my favorites are Azotea del Círculo, which overlooks the Metropolis building, Ella Sky Bar, and Cielo at Hotel Montera Madrid. 

These places do get busy, so it’s a good idea to go early or make a reservation if you can.  Some also charge a small fee or minimum consumption to get in.

Going tapas hopping is one of the best parts of visiting Madrid and you can’t come to Spain without trying a few classic small plates. 

There are tons of great tapas bars with both indoor and outdoor seating, and the neighborhoods are super walkable, so it’s easy to try a few in one night. 

As a general rule, look for places with a family name or a brass plaque on the ground outside the door, which means they’ve been around for over 100 years.

Plaza de España is a well-known square in Madrid, located near the Royal Palace and the Temple of Debod. 

There’s not a ton to do here, but it’s a nice spot to sit for a bit and take a break, and they sometimes have special events going on in the square. 

I probably wouldn’t go out of your way to see it, but it’s a quick and easy stop if you’re already exploring the area.

Barrio de las Letras, or the Literary Quarter, is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Madrid and a nice place for a stroll. 

It was once home to famous writers like Cervantes and Hemingway, and you’ll see quotes from classic Spanish literature engraved into the streets.

Nowadays, there are a ton of lively bars and restaurants in this neighborhood so it’s a fun place to go out at night.

The Real Jardín Botánico (Royal Botanical Garden) is right next to El Retiro Park and is a beautiful place to visit in Madrid.

It’s a historic garden with tons of plants, trees, and greenhouses, all spread across a few different levels. 

There’s a small entrance fee (around 4 €), but it’s free on Tuesday mornings if you go between 10am and 1pm.

Having a meal at Sobrino de Botín is a fun way to check off a major Madrid bucket list item, as it’s said to be the oldest restaurant in the world. 

They’re known for their roast suckling pig, which they cook in the same wood-fired oven that’s been running since the 1700s. 

It’s super popular, so definitely make a reservation ahead of time if you want to eat there.

If you’re spending more than a couple of days in Madrid, it’s worth setting aside time for a day trip. 

Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila are all easy to reach and packed with history, architecture, and amazing views. 

Segovia is especially popular for its Roman aqueduct (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and fairytale-like Alcázar, which is one of the best castles in Spain. 

You can book a half or full-day tour with roundtrip transportation included, so it’s super easy to fit into your itinerary.

For something a little different, check out the Nomad Museo Inmersivo on Gran Vía. 

It’s a digital art space with huge projections, music, and interactive rooms that make you feel like you’re inside the artwork. 

They have different exhibitions around major artists (like Van Gogh and da Vinci), and since it’s indoors, it’s a fun rainy day activity in Madrid.

I hope this list helped you get a better idea of what to do in Madrid on your first trip! 

From iconic landmarks and food experiences to local markets and easy day trips, there’s so many things to see in Madrid without feeling overwhelming. 

The city has such a fun mix of history, energy, and everyday life, but it’s never boring and I always find something new each time I visit. 

No matter how long you’re staying, you’re sure to leave with some pretty epic memories.

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