Top 10 Things To Do In Madrid

Madrid is the most travelled city in Europe and it’s not had to see why. If you’re looking for the perfect European city break – whether it’s a romantic getaway, a party break or solo travelling for one. Madrid is for you. Instagram girls get excited and Instagram husbands get your cameras ready. Not to mention it fits everyone’s budget. From last minute no-fuss Air BnB deals to luxury hotels.


Firstly- a few basics.


Learn your key phrases. Please don’t assume everyone will know English or you could end up in some pretty awkward situations so be prepared to feel a little embarrassed when you don’t understand the waitress and she can’t understand you either, just try your best and laugh it off. A few key phrases could take you a long way.


Bring comfortable shoes. Although Madrid is a city break the majority of attractions are located near each other, it’s still big enough to get lost in. Meaning you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

A taxi from Madrid airport to anywhere in the city is 30 euros. However, I highly recommend purchasing a metro card with unlimited travel. It’s only 26.80 euros for 5 days or 22.60 euros for 4 days of unlimited travel.


If you’re visiting Madrid from October to April be sure to bring a rain coat or a least a jumper. Even if the weather forecast looks nice. Take my word on this one. It won’t be sandals and sundresses just yet.

1)      It’s not a coincidence that number one on your top 10 must-see things in Madrid is the temple of Debod. Don’t overlook this as your typical tourist attraction. ‘Oh, is that it? Cool.’ The temple of Debod, a gift from ancient Egypt to Madrid is a truly magical place. Located near the centre of Madrid it is raised up to give the perfect birds eye view of Madrid, the city lights, the sky scrapers. If you’re as lucky as we were, they’ll be a musician playing to set the mood. The photos are magnificent, and the atmosphere is equally magnificent. The monument itself is breath taking. It truly deserves its place on every guide to Madrid. The camera just doesn’t do it justice. Don’t take my word for it check it out yourself at sunset.

2)      The Royal Palace. In all our time we have never seen something so extravagant. Want a headache from seeing so much gold? This palace can do just that. It would be a shame to leave Madrid not seeing this incredible building. Be sure to schedule this on a Monday to Thursday evening from 6p-8pm when entry is free. Entry is also half price (5 euros) for students, so make sure you have some form of student ID. 

3)      Plaza de Mayor. If you’re looking for a fancy dinner out, I’ve got the location. Plaza de Mayor is the main plaza in Madrid and is open until late with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Fancy dinner to tapas it’s all in one place and looks stunning at night. 

4)      Always wanted to see Picassos art in the flesh? The Renia Sofia modern art museum is the place for you. A museum with some breath-taking modern art from names like Picasso and Dahli. To top it all off it has a charming garden in the centre perfect for a break on those sunny days or a café if you’re feeling peckish. Although it's worth noting he café is a little bit more on the pricey side. 

5)      Park El Retrio has so much to offer. Please don’t leave Madrid without going there. This one is slightly bitter sweet for us. When we went due to a tragic accident it was closed. So, do this one for me, taking a romantic boat ride (for just 6 euros) and them have a picnic outside the crystal palace. You won’t regret it.

6)      Wondering where to get your picnic snacks

from? That’s easy San Miguel market is the biggest food market in Europe filled with tonnes of goods. Both sweet and savoury. Although I would have to point out prices are higher as this is a market largely for tourists. Want to avoid this? I’ve got you covered -find a smaller local's market, the prices will be much better. We headed down to the Anton Martin metro station and found a smaller market.

7)      Visit Almudena Cathedral. Right next to the royal palace, where you’re religious or not is still breath taking and free entry.

8)      Take a stroll through the historic centre and admire the spectacular architecture and check out some boutiques. Seriously, allocate some time aside for shopping otherwise it’s so easy to fall into the trap of losing time checking out every cute boutique in Madrid. Trust me I know that from experience. 

9)      Visit a Choleteria there are multiple in town and Madrid is known for its churros served with a cup of indulgent melted chocolate. Every chocolate lovers dream come true.  

10)   The Masalana neighbourhood. This colourful and quirky neighbourhood is heaven for any vintage shopping lovers, this bright neighbourhood is any creatives heaven. It’s like taking a step into a much slower pace than central Madrid. Take some time out to laze around is this slower neighbourhood and grab a pizza out in the sun.