Madrid is much more than just Spain’s capital.  With numerous urban-improvement projects, it has become a true must-see European destination.  From the lavish and ornate Royal Palace to the charming plazas to the beautiful and relaxing Retiro Park, there is a lot to do, see, eat, and experience in Madrid.  I hope you enjoy my Madrid Bucket List!

1. Attend a Flamenco Show

This was one of my favorite shows in Spain (I went to one in Sevilla).  Be amazed by the fancy footwork by the Flamenco dancers and be awed at the beautiful rhythm and harmony from the singers and the guitar player.  If you love, love dance, then attempt a Flamenco class before the show.  Regardless, you will leave the show wishing you had those moves!

2. Bar Hop down the Mesones of Cava de San Miguel

Cava de San Miguel is a street filled with traditional dive-bars/pubs (called Mesones). Actually, these cave-like bars are located underneath the Plaza Mayor!  For a fun night out, go bar hopping down these old, but cool, bars!

3. Drink Sangria

I do not think I need to explain further. Yumm 😉

4. Eat Tapas

Spain is known for its Tapas.  And, you will find plenty of places here to indulge in multiple servings of tapas!

Recommendation: To fully appreciate and understand Tapas, go on a Tapas Tour.  I recommend the Savoring Madrid Food Tour: Tavernas and Tapas by Context Travel.

5. Eat at Resturante Sobrino de Botin

Resturante Sobrino de Botin has two cool facts: (1) This is the oldest operating restaurant in the world.  That is right, the world! It was started in 1725. Now, that is some serious history! (2) Hemingway ate here!

Insider Tip: If you want to eat here, make a reservation!

6. Eat a Treat at La Mallorquina

Located on the corner of the Puerta del Sol, La Mallorquina is a shop famous for its sweet and delicious treats!

7. Explore and Eat at Mercado de San Miguel

Mercado de San Miguel is located in a historic iron-and-glass building and houses many different vendors of fresh produce, tapas, wines, and so much more!  You can find almost anything to eat here.  I had a fresh smoothie, tapas, and even some frozen yogurt — it was one of my favorite lunches in Madrid!

8. Find the Symbol of Madrid in the Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol or Gate of the Sun is the center square in Madrid (as well as the hub for the Metro, meeting point for groups, etc.).  Find the statue of a bear pawing at a tree, which is the symbol of Madrid.

9. Find Town Hall

I personally just enjoyed the beautiful architecture and history of Madrid’s 17th century Town Hall!

10. Gaze at the Turtles at the Atocha Train Station

In the middle of the Atocha Train Station, there is an indoor botanical garden and turtle sanctuary!  How cool 🙂

11. Go on a Day Trip

With Madrid situated in the center of the country, there are multiple day trip options!  The most popular day trips are Toldeo and Segovia, both are an easy train ride from Madrid.  The historical city of Toledo, which was the former capital of Spain, is filled with old world charm.  Meanwhile, Segovia is known for its historic Roman aqueduct.  Avila, Alcalá de Henares, and El Escorial are a couple other options.

Recommendation: There are so many great day trip options.  Here are a couple of my day trip tour suggestions.  A. Toledo: City of the Three Cultures by Context Travel. B. Segovia Day Trip From Madrid by Context Travel. C. El Escorial Day Trip From Madrid by Context Travel. D. Although I suggest going to Seville for a couple of days, you can take the Introduction to Seville Tour by Context Travel.

12. Hang out at Retiro Park

The Parque del Buen Retiro (aka Retiro Park) is Madrid’s most famous park.  And, there are so many things to do!  I loved the Park so much that I thought each item should get their own Bucket List point 🙂 

• 13. Explore Crystal Place
  

The 19th-century glass and iron Crystal Palace is the perfect place to pull out that selfie stick or to post envious pictures of on Instagram.

• 14. Rent a Boat on El Estanque (the lake) 

You can rent a rowboat on the huge lake in the middle of the park.  If rowing isn’t your thing, then just enjoy the lake from one of the cafes or on the Monument to Alfonso XII.

• 15. Take a Siesta

Well, this doesn’t necessarily have to happen in the park, but the park is so lovely to just lay back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  But, a lot of Spaniards do take a siesta or a rest/time with family in the middle of the day (yes, a lot of shops do close for a time period).  Personally, I am a fan of the Siesta 🙂

• 16. Walk the Grounds

This Park is absolutely beautiful!  It is filled with numerous gardens, fountains, benches, and statues. It is a great place to take a leisurely stroll.  If you go early in the morning, you will see a lot of locals running and playing with their dogs!

17. Look at Palacio de Cibeles

This former post office is now a cultural center.  But, the main attraction is the beautiful building itself.  You can also go to the top of the building to the observation deck and admire the beautiful views of Madrid!

18. People Watch at the Plaza de Mayor

This former marketplace has an interesting history.  It is where people were executed (especially during the gruesome Inquisition), bullfights, and even royal pageantry has all played out.  Now, it is a great place to sit, people watch and admire the beautiful buildings.

Recommendation: For a great introduction to the city of Madrid, take the Introduction to Madrid Tour: Madrid Through the Centuries by Context Travel. I suggest on taking this tour on your first day in Madrid to understand the history of Madrid, see some major landmakrs, and get some great reommendations for the city!

19. Plaza “Hop”

There are so many different little plazas and squares to explore while you are in Madrid.  They are perfect to just walk through, grab a drink, explore the area, or grab some ice cream (if you’re visiting in the summer).   Here are just a few I stumbled upon:

– Plaza de Oriente — This quiet square (the traffic runs underneath this square) is located in front of the Royal Palace.

– Plaza de Isabel II — Marked by a statue of Isabel II, this plaza is located in front of the opera house.

– Plaza de Santa Maria — A cute plaza filled with restaurants and shops.

– Plaza de Espana — Located at the end of the Gran Via, it has statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

– Plaza Callao – Just off the famous Gran Via, this plaza is located in the heart of the city!

– Plaza de Colón — A plaza in honor of Christopher Columbus

20. See the Almudena Cathedral

The Almudena Cathedral is located right next to the Royal Palace.  It is where King Filipe married Queen Letizia. This impressive cathedral took more than 100 years to build, and it was only completed in 1993.

21. See the Puerta de Alcala

Located in the city center and steps from the Retiro Park, this was the gate of the former walls surrounding Madrid.  Def an Instagram-worthy spot to visit!

22. Stoll down Various Calles

Bring your walking shoes!  Madrid is a very walkable city.  Spend time strolling down various streets and areas in this beautiful city.

23. Stand on Kilometer Zero

Located in the Puerta del Sol outside the entrance to the governor’s office, kilometer zero is the symbolic center of Spain. Additionally, it is the Kilometer Zero for Spain’s motorways.

24. Stay at the Westin Palace

I stayed at the Westin Palace for my visit to Madrid, and I loved it!  It is a 5-star hotel located right across the way from the Prado Museum.  Additionally, you can just walk about anywhere from the hotel!  It was the perfect location for my “home base” as I explored the city. And, if you book with me, I can get you these extra wonderful Virtuoso amenities (for 2018):

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in-room guests
• A complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people per room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes, and gratuities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

25. Take in the View

There are many different rooftop spots in Madrid to take in the beautiful views of the city.  The best time to take in the views is at sunset.  Some great spots are Tartan Roof at the Círculo de Bellas Artes Tower, Palacio de Cibeles, The Principal Madrid Rooftop Bar, the 9th floor of El Corte Inglés (a huge department store), and so many more.  Keep in mind, some places may charge you just to go up to their rooftop!

26. Take a Tapas (or Paella) Cooking Class

I took at tapas cooking class in Madrid, and I absolutely LOVED it!  It was such a cool and unique experience!  We learned about the history of tapas, made Sangria, and then learned to make several different tapas recipes.  At the end of the class, we all sat down and ate our meal.  I am not a cook AT ALL, but I had so much fun!

Recommendation: I took this Spanish Tapas (or Paella) Cooking Class in Mardid.  It was one of my favorite expierences in Spain!

27. Try Churros con Chocolate

Chocolate lovers, rejoice!  Churros con Chocolate are a special treat in Spain.  You dip churros (a deep-fried doughy treat) into thick, delicious hot chocolate.  The locals LOVE to go to Chocolateria San Gines, which is open 24 hours a day.

28. Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is Europe’s third greatest palace (after Versailles outside of Paris and Schonbrunn in Vienna) and the current “official” resident of the royal family (although they live in a mansion a few miles away).  Built by King Phillip V, it is packed with history with beautifully decorated rooms filled with priceless items.  It is a must-see in Madrid!

29. Visit the Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is one of the greatest art museums in the world filled with over 3,000 works by Goya, Velazquez, and so many more. It is worth spending a couple hours here admiring all the famous artwork.

Recommendation: Take the Prado Museum Tour: Crash Course by Context Travel to get a wonderful overview and hit the highlights of all the major works in the Prado!  If you want to focus on all the famous works by Goya, take the Goya Madrid Tour: Art and Revolution by Context Travel where you will visit just more than the Prado!

And, as a bonus for you art lovers, there are other famous art museums in Madrid.

– Cento de Arte Reina Sofia — A modern-art museum (you can take the Reina Sofía Museum Tour: Crash Course by Context Travel)

– Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum – Features both classic and modern art (you can take the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum Tour: Crash Course by Context Travel)

30. Walk Down the Gran Via

The Gran Via is one of Madrid’s most famous streets, built between 1910 to the 1930s.  It is Spain’s equivalent to 5th Avenue.  It is filled with shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, and so much more!

31. Walk like an Egyptian at Templo de Debod

The Temple of the Debod was a gift from Egypt.  Madrid is the only place in Europe where you can actually see an intact, original Egyptian temple!

Insider Tip: Go during sunet.  It is absolutely beautiful!

32. Watch a Football Match

The Real Madrid is Madrid’s Football (aka Soccer for us Americans) team.  Europeans love their soccer!  So, it is always such a treat to be in the stands (or, at a pub) to cheer on the Real Madrid!

33. Watch a Bullfight

I debated if I should include this point… Personally, I did not watch a bullfight.  And, as an animal lover, I don’t know about how I feel it ethically for animals.  However, bullfights are an important part of Spain’s culture.  Venture over to La Plaza de Toros de las Ventas to watch a famous Spanish bullfight.  So, it is your call to go or not 😉