Things to do in Madrid: top sights for art, history and strolling
Quick answer
Madrid's essentials are the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, the Golden Triangle of Art (Prado, Reina Sofía with Guernica, and Thyssen), Retiro Park and sunset at the Temple of Debod. The centre is walkable: one day covers the basics and two days let you see all three major museums at a relaxed pace.
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More Madrid guides
- Madrid in one dayMadrid in one day on foot: Royal Palace, Almudena, Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market, Sol, Barrio de las Letras, Prado and Retiro, with timings.
- Madrid in 2 daysTwo days in Madrid: Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Prado, Reina Sofía (Guernica), Thyssen, Gran Vía and sunset at the Temple of Debod, with timings.
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Habsburg and Bourbon Madrid
The historic heart sits around the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, built in the 17th century under Philip III. A few minutes away is the Royal Palace, raised in the 18th century after the old alcázar burned down, and next to it the Almudena Cathedral, whose construction took more than a century. This is where you best see how a small town became the capital of an empire.
The Golden Triangle of Art: Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen
The three museums are a short walk apart along the Paseo del Prado. The Prado holds Velázquez, Goya and Bosch; the Reina Sofía, Picasso's Guernica and 20th-century avant-garde; and the Thyssen runs from the Gothic to pop art, filling the gaps in the other two. If you can only pick one, pick the Prado: we have a guide with our 2-hour Prado route to see the essentials without rushing.
Parks, viewpoints and sunsets
Retiro, once the kings' pleasure garden, is the best place to slow down: the lake, the Crystal Palace and the avenue of statues. The Temple of Debod, a 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple moved stone by stone to Madrid in the 1960s, is the classic spot to watch the sun set over the Casa de Campo and the mountains.
Eating, tapas and wandering
- San Miguel Market: lovely, crowded and pricey; better for a snack than a proper meal.
- La Latina and Lavapiés: bar-hopping for tapas, especially on Sundays after the Rastro flea market.
- Barrio de las Letras: cafés and taverns on streets where Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo once lived.
- Gran Vía: early 20th-century architecture, theatres and life at any hour.
Practical tips
- Book Prado and Royal Palace tickets online, especially on weekends.
- Check closing days: the Reina Sofía closes on Tuesdays and the Temple of Debod on Mondays.
- Use the free slots, but arrive early: there are lines.
- With the AnyArt app you can point your camera at a painting, statue or facade and hear its story without hunting for the label.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Madrid?
One day covers the essentials of the centre; two days let you add the Reina Sofía, the Thyssen and a sunset at the Temple of Debod. Three days allow day trips to Toledo or Segovia.
Which museums in Madrid are free?
The Prado is free every day during its last two hours, the Reina Sofía Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 19:00–21:00 and the Thyssen on Mondays for the permanent collection. Always check the official websites for current times.
What is the best museum in Madrid?
The Prado, for its Spanish, Flemish and Italian painting. For 20th-century art, the Reina Sofía, home of Picasso's Guernica.
What day are museums closed in Madrid?
The Reina Sofía closes on Tuesdays and the Thyssen and Temple of Debod on Mondays. The Prado is open every day except 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
Is Madrid walkable?
Yes. The old town and the Art Walk are easy on foot; to reach Retiro or the Temple of Debod from the centre, take the metro or a 20–25 minute walk.