A very interesting experience. One of the most beautiful palaces we have visited. Incredible history and art.
The Best Places to Visit in Madrid
The museums, landmarks and cultural experiences most worth your time in Madrid, picked for you and ready to book on Fever.
See Madrid's Top AttractionsOfficial tickets
Book official attraction tickets directly through Fever.
Instant confirmation
Receive your booking confirmation in seconds.
Mobile tickets
Access your tickets directly from your phone.
24/7 support
Get help whenever you need it, day or night.
Why Madrid is worth visiting
Madrid rewards visitors who plan a little. Three of Europe's great art collections sit a short walk apart, alongside a royal palace that is still in use, a living flamenco scene and some very good parks and squares. This guide covers what is worth your time, how to group nearby sights and which experiences to book ahead.
UNESCO LANDSCAPE - Paseo del Prado and El Retiro form Madrid’s UNESCO-listed Landscape of Light.
KILOMETRE ZERO - Puerta del Sol marks the starting point of Spain’s six historic radial roads.
AN EGYPTIAN TEMPLE - The Temple of Debod was built over 2,000 years ago and later gifted to Spain by Egypt.
MADRID’S SYMBOL - The bear and the strawberry tree appear on Madrid’s coat of arms and stand in Puerta del Sol.
Recommended Itineraries: The Best Places to Visit in Madrid
Routes for one day, a weekend or three days, grouping Madrid's landmarks and museums.
1 Day in Madrid: What to Do and See
Short on time? This one-day Madrid itinerary connects the city's most important museum, green space, royal landmark and historic streets.
Morning: the Prado and Retiro Park
Begin at the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and Rubens. Afterwards, walk into Retiro Park to see its lake, monuments and the Palacio de Cristal.
Afternoon: the Royal Palace and historic Madrid
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid and continue through Plaza de Oriente, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, exploring the historic centre on foot.
Evening: Gran Vía and flamenco
Walk along Gran Vía before ending the day with tapas and an authentic flamenco performance in central Madrid.
2 Days in Madrid: What to Do and See
Two days in Madrid is enough for the big art museums, Retiro Park, the historic centre, the Royal Palace and an evening of flamenco.
- 1
Day 1: Art Walk, Retiro and Gran Vía
Start at the Prado Museum and choose a second collection at the Reina Sofía or Thyssen-Bornemisza. Continue through Retiro Park before spending the evening around Gran Vía.
Prado Museum · Reina Sofía or Thyssen-Bornemisza · Retiro Park · Gran Vía
- 2
Day 2: Royal Madrid and local culture
Visit the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Continue through La Latina or Barrio de las Letras before finishing with tapas and a flamenco show.
Royal Palace · Plaza Mayor · Puerta del Sol · La Latina · Flamenco
3 Days in Madrid: What to Do and See
Three days is ideal for a first visit to Madrid, with time for its essential landmarks, major museums, local culture and one experience tailored to your interests.
- 1
Day 1: Masterpieces and Retiro
Start with the Prado and the rest of the Art Walk, then cross Retiro Park. Finish in Barrio de las Letras for dinner and an evening in the centre.
Prado Museum · Art Walk · Retiro Park · Barrio de las Letras
- 2
Day 2: Palaces and historic streets
Visit the Royal Palace before walking through Plaza de Oriente, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. End the day around Gran Vía with tapas or a live flamenco show.
Royal Palace · Plaza Mayor · Puerta del Sol · Gran Vía · Flamenco
- 3
Day 3: Choose your Madrid
Pick one thing for the third day: a tour of the Santiago Bernabéu, a family attraction, Madrid's contemporary cultural spaces or a royal site elsewhere in the region.
Must-See Attractions in Madrid
The paid attractions to book first. Most use timed entry in high season, so book ahead.
01 Royal Palace of Madrid
Europe's largest working royal palace, home to the Throne Room.
02 Prado Museum
Stand before Las Meninas and the best of Velázquez, Goya and Bosch.
03 Reina Sofía Museum
Home to Picasso's Guernica, best seen on a quieter evening visit.
04 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Walk Real Madrid's tunnel to the pitch and see the trophy room.
05 Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Eight centuries of art in one route, from Italian masters to Pop Art.
Madrid's Best Museums & Iconic Experiences
World-famous art collections plus Madrid's history, science and football museums.
Madrid's Leading Cultural Spaces
Temporary exhibitions, contemporary art and digital culture in Madrid's creative centres.
Flamenco, City Tours and Local Flavours
Flamenco nights, city tours, historic quarters and a guided taste of Madrid's tapas.
The Best Family Attractions in Madrid
Theme parks, roller coasters and wildlife: Madrid's best days out for families.
The Best Free Things to Do in Madrid
Some of Madrid's defining places are free and open-air. Fit them around your bookings.
Madrid's green centre of gravity, with rowing boats, shaded avenues, gardens and the glass Palacio de Cristal. Combine it with the Prado or Reina Sofía for an easy culture-and-outdoors itinerary.
- Best for
- Parks and relaxing
- Allow
- 2-3 hours
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Nearby
- Prado Museum and Puerta de Alcalá
Madrid's busiest square and the starting point for Spain's radial road network. Watch the crowds converge beneath the Tio Pepe sign and the Casa de Correos clock tower, then walk down to Plaza Mayor or up to Gran Vía.
- Best for
- People watching and city life
- Allow
- 30-60 minutes
- Best time
- Morning or evening
- Nearby
- Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía and El Oso y el Madroño
The main square of Habsburg Madrid and a good place to start in the old city. Walk through its archways towards Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza de la Villa and the Royal Palace.
- Best for
- Historic Madrid
- Allow
- 30-60 minutes
- Best time
- Early morning or evening
- Nearby
- Mercado de San Miguel and Puerta del Sol
Madrid's great early-twentieth-century boulevard, known for architecture, theatres, shopping and rooftop views. Walk from Plaza de España towards the Metrópolis Building as the city lights come on.
- Best for
- Architecture and city life
- Allow
- 1-2 hours
- Best time
- Dusk and evening
- Nearby
- Plaza de España, Chueca and Cibeles
An ancient Egyptian temple that Egypt gave to Spain, and one of the best places in Madrid to watch the sunset. Get there early to walk the park and find a spot.
- Best for
- Sunset views
- Allow
- 45-60 minutes
- Best time
- 45 minutes before sunset
- Nearby
- Plaza de España and the Royal Palace
A restored historic market beside Plaza Mayor and an easy introduction to Spanish produce, vermouth and small plates. It is atmospheric but busy, so visit outside the main lunch and dinner periods.
- Best for
- Food and drinks
- Allow
- 45-90 minutes
- Best time
- Before noon or late afternoon
- Nearby
- Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace
Royal Sites Across the Madrid Region
The Royal Palace, plus the palaces, monasteries and royal estates across the region.
Practical Tips for Visiting Madrid
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and are ideal for exploring on foot. During summer, plan museums and indoor attractions for the hottest hours of the afternoon.
Getting around
Central Madrid is easy to explore on foot, while the Metro provides quick connections to attractions further apart. Purchase a public transport ticket or travel card based on the length of your stay.
Getting from the airport
Madrid Airport is connected to the city by Metro, train and express bus. Taxis offer a convenient door-to-door alternative, particularly when travelling with luggage.
Book ahead
The Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Bernabéu Tour and popular flamenco shows can sell out. Reserve timed-entry attractions before your visit, especially at weekends and during peak periods.
Museum opening hours
Opening days, schedules and free-entry periods vary between museums. Check the latest information for each attraction before finalising your itinerary.
Accessibility
Many major attractions provide step-free access and adapted facilities, but available routes and services differ by venue. Review the attraction's accessibility information before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three days is ideal for a first visit. It gives you enough time to explore the historic centre, visit major attractions such as the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, enjoy Retiro Park and experience Madrid’s food, neighbourhoods and nightlife without rushing.
Madrid’s essential attractions include the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor. A live flamenco show is also one of the city’s most distinctive cultural experiences.
Booking ahead is recommended for the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Bernabéu Tour and popular flamenco shows. Timed-entry tickets can sell out during weekends, holidays and peak travel periods, so reserving in advance gives you a better choice of times.
The Paseo del Arte Pass is worthwhile if you plan to visit the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. If you only want to see one or two of them, individual tickets may offer better value and greater flexibility.
Many of Madrid’s most famous places are free to explore, including Retiro Park, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía and the Temple of Debod. Several major museums also offer limited free-entry periods, although schedules and availability vary.
Yes. Madrid offers family-friendly attractions including Parque Warner, Parque de Atracciones, Zoo Aquarium and Faunia, as well as spacious parks and interactive museums. Booking online is advisable for the major theme parks and animal attractions.
Several major sights are close enough to combine in one itinerary. Visit the Prado Museum with Retiro Park, the Royal Palace with Plaza Mayor, or the Reina Sofía with the Art Walk; the Bernabéu can be paired with shopping or dining in the Salamanca and Chamartín areas.
Beyond the city centre, you can visit the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and the Royal Palace of El Pardo. These historic royal sites are all located within the Madrid region and are suitable for a half-day or full-day excursion.
What People Are Saying About Madrid
Real feedback from Fever guests who booked Madrid attractions through the app.
I liked it all, especially the library, and the tombs too, above all the Pantheon of the Kings.
A spectacular palace. Well kept and full of detail. Definitely worth a visit.
An unforgettable museum, with spectacular works such as Picasso's Guernica.
Very interesting. The guide was very professional, with a clear and concise explanation.
It is breathtaking! Grateful to be able to visit places with so much history. Thank you.
Unique pieces. You definitely need several days to see it properly.
Always great to come. I hope we can come back soon.
Great for a day out with the family! Going midweek meant it was not crowded.
Ready to book your Madrid plans?
Every Madrid attraction, museum and show on Fever, with live availability.
See all Madrid attractionsExplore more destinations in Spain
Cultural landmarks, top attractions and experiences across Spain.
Near Madrid
- Things to do in Toledo
- Things to do in Segovia
- Things to do in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
- Things to do in Aranjuez
More destinations across Spain
- Things to do in Barcelona
- Things to do in Valencia
- Things to do in Bilbao
- Things to do in Seville
- Things to do in Zaragoza
- Things to do in Majorca
- Things to do in Valladolid
- Things to do in Málaga
- Things to do in Alicante
- Things to do in Granada