A Guide to Madrid: What to Do and Where to Stay

Madrid has it all: world-class art museums, an outstanding tapas scene, fantastic nightlife and grand city parks. Madrileños are as eclectic as their city, but all unite in their love for the Spanish capital and will be happy to show it off to you.

The best neighbourhoods to visit in Madrid

Sol

Puerta del Sol, Madrid

Sol is the buzzing heart of the Spanish capital, where life never seems to stop, any time of day or night. At its centre sits the 18th-century sunset-shaped plaza, the Puerta del Sol, filled with classic fountains and elegant statues. One of these is the famous statue of the bear and a strawberry tree, the symbol of the city, which can be found on everything from Madrid’s coat of arms to its manhole covers.

A short walk away lies one of the city’s main streets, Gran Vía, lined with superb theatres, designer stores and some of Madrid’s most iconic buildings. One of these is the Edifício Metrópolis, topped by the winged victory statue. Base yourself in the very centre of the city by booking a room at the adults-only Círculo Gran Vía, Autograph Collection or the urban-inspired Aloft Madrid Gran Vía with its laid-back rooftop bar, offering spectacular views across the city skyline.

Los Austrias

Templo de Debod is one of the most unique attractions in Madrid

Wondering where to go for Madrid’s most iconic sights? It has to be Los Austrias, the old royal centre of the city, which lies just to the west of Sol. Begin in the grand porticoed square, the Plaza Mayor, which is lined with restaurants and cafés. Don't miss a chance to sample the churros (either for breakfast or as a late-night snack) at the historic Chocolatería San Ginés.

Whether you visit at lunch or dinner, you’ll find something delicious at the elegantly renovated Mercado de San Miguel. Try the cured Iberian ham, Galician-style octopus and filled crispy croquetas. When you’ve had your fill, head over to the royal core of the city – the majestic Palacio Real Madrid, the largest palace in western Europe, and the Catedral de la Almudena with its contemporary ceiling, painted in vibrant colours, stars and gold leaves.

A visit to the nearby Templo de Debod ranks among the most unique things to do in the city. This ancient temple was originally erected in Egypt in the 2nd century BC, before being rebuilt, stone by stone, in the centre of Madrid in 1968. A little to the south-east of the temple lies a real in-the-know Los Austrias address – the Madrid EDITION, from whose Opera Penthouse and rooftop the sights of Los Austrias are laid out elegantly before you. Let your eye gaze beyond the neighbourhood's red-tiled roofs and winding alleyways to the magnificent Palacio Real and Teatro Real (Opera House), before you head inside to enjoy the hotel's in-demand Peruvian restaurant – not to mention the biggest pool in downtown.

Barrio de Las Letras

To the west of Sol lies Madrid’s literary quarter, the Barrio de Las Letras. The neighbourhood got its name because of the great authors – Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Tirso de Molina among them – who lived here during Spanish literature’s Golden Age, which lasted from the early 16th to the late 17th century. Look down when walking around this area and you’ll see some of their words inscribed into the pavements.

Besides its literary connection, locals and tourists come to these parts to gather around the lively Plaza Santa Ana, packed with vibrant bars and great places to eat. Head to La Fragua de Vulcano, a wonderfully colourful tapas bar replete with old bullfighting and flamenco posters, and hams hanging from the rafters. One of the best dishes to try there is gambas alijo (shrimps cooked in garlic, parsley and a dash of cayenne pepper).

Paseo del Arte and Retiro

Parque del Retiro is Madrid’s favourite city park and a UNESCO World Heritage site

Tourists, business people and local families mingle along the wide boulevards and tree-lined streets of the Paseo del Arte. This is where you’ll find the golden triangle of Madrid’s art museums – the Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, home to some of the world’s greatest artworks. Enjoy some downtime in the nearby Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s favourite city park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s filled with interesting things to do: you could rent a rowing boat for a romantic ride across the lake, amble around the Andalusian-inspired gardens or visit the contemporary art exhibits in the Palacio de Cristal, part of the Reina Sofía.

Two of the best places to stay in these neighbourhoods are the exquisite Hotel Palacio Del Retiro, Autograph Collection, housed in a palatial 20th-century mansion, and the landmark Westin Palace, Madrid, commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1912.

Malasaña and Chueca

Trendy, stylish Chueca is the heart of the city’s LGBTQ scene

There are a few neighbourhoods that vie for the title of Madrid’s hippest barrio (neighbourhood), with Malasaña and Chueca two of the main contenders. Sitting side by side, they’re found just north of Sol, across Gran Via. A favourite hang-out for bohemians and hipsters, Malasaña is Madrid’s nightlife capital, where pumping clubs and lively bars sit alongside vintage stores and small designer boutiques.

Fun things to do here include sampling the city’s renowned nightlife. Head to El Jardín Secreto, a quirky cocktail bar filled with eclectic decor. Trendy, stylish Chueca, meanwhile, is the heart of the city’s LGBTQ scene. One of the best alternative things to do here is to visit the Museo del Romanticismo, housed in an 18th-century mansion with a cute little garden.

La Latina

Madrid’s oldest neighbourhood, La Latina, is renowned for its excellent tapas scene. Don’t miss Calle Cava Baja, Madrid’s most famous tapas street. Head to Pez Tortilla, known for their many different types of omelettes, and the cosy wine bar Díaz y Larrouy. Order one of their delicious tostadas (topped toasties) to pair with your glass of Rioja.

Alternatively, book a table for dinner at Sobrino de Botín, the oldest continually operating restaurant in the world, dating back to 1725. If you’re in Madrid on Sunday morning, one of the best things to do is to browse the famous El Rastro flea market, where you can find everything from vintage lamps and antiques to jewellery and original artwork. It’s more than just a market: the whole street comes alive with musicians and street performers, bringing a fair-like atmosphere to proceedings.

Go deeper

A few Spanish phrases will go a long way, especially when ordering in bars and restaurants. Try these for starters: ¿Me pone una cerveza, por favor? (Will you get me a beer, please?) and Quiero la tortilla de patatas, por favor (I would like the Spanish omelette, please).

Published: July 26, 2022

Last Updated: August 08, 2022