There are so many things to do in Madrid, though they are often a little harder to find than they are in, say, Barcelona. Read on for more on the ten best things to do in Madrid.
Ten things not enough? Then check out my list of 100 Things to Do in Madrid
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1. Things to Do in Madrid: Centro de Arte de Reina Sofia
Image: CanadaGood (Creative Commons)
The Reina Sofia is Spain's premier modern art gallery. It's prized possession is La Guernica, Picasso's most famous painting, but there's much more to see besides that.
2. Things to Do in Madrid: Enjoy the Madrid Nightlife
Image: Tnarik (Creative Commons)
Madrid is famous for its nightlife. And with its neatly compartmentalised nightlife zones, you'll find something for everyone if you know where to look.
3. Things to Do in Madrid: Take a Day Trip
Madrid is blessed with some of the greatest day trips in Spain. Which one should you choose? The history of Toledo? The aqueduct and fairy tale castle of Segovia? Avila and its spectacularly well-preserved city walls and turrets? The twin marvels of El Escorial's monastery and the tragic yet magnificent Valle de los Caidos. Whichever you decide, you won't be disappointed.
4. Things to Do in Madrid: Plaza Mayor and Madrid de las Austrias
Image: Damian Corrigan
Madrid and Salamanca compete for who has the nicest Plaza Major (main square) in Spain. Around this area too you'll find excellent bars and cafes, plus the opera house and royal palace.
5. Things to Do in Madrid: Santiago Bernabeu
Image: Damian Corrigan
Real Madrid are Europe's most successful soccer team. Santiago Bernabeu is their home. Getting to see a match here is cheaper than seeing the equivalent club in, say, the UK. Alternatively, take a tour of the museum and hallowed turf.
6. Things to Do in Madrid: See a Bullfight at the Ventas Bullring
Image: Aranarth
A lot of bullrings in Spain are more like tourist attractions than places for true bullfighting aficionados. Not so Madrid. The Ventas bullring in Madrid is where the most hardcore of bullfighting fans can be seen every week, watching the very best bullfighters. Of course, bullfighting is not for everyone, but if you're interested, this is the best place to try it.
7. Things to Do in Madrid: Lavapies, Huertas and La Latina
Image: Chusoart (Creative Commons)
These neighborhoods to the south of Puerta del Sol are Madrid's most diverse. Featuring an eclectic mix of immigrant communities and trendy Spaniards, a wander around these parts of Madrid is an essential part of your trip.
8. Things to Do in Madrid: Try Chocolate con Churros
Spain's famous breakfast and late night snack is at its best in the San Gines Chocolateria in Madrid.
9. Things to Do in Madrid: El Prado
Image: Ruth L
The Prado is Spain's most visited tourist attraction. Madrid's answer to Paris's Louvre, the Prado has a colossal collection of classical art. If Spanish artists are your passion, this will be the highlight of your Madrid trip.
10. Things to Do in Madrid: El Retiro
Image: danjc003
Few capital cities have such a huge park in their center. Retiro is (literally) a breath of fresh air in Madrid. Take a boat out on the lake, catch some rays or go round to the monument (behind the lake and join the hippy drumming at the weekend.
