What a gorgeous city Madrid is! Ethan and I came here for almost 2 weeks of Ethan’s training and I got plenty of time to explore this beautiful destination. In this article, I share some of my favorite places to visit during your stay. What to do in Madrid? Keep reading and you’ll know!

There are many things to do, see and try and no matter what you like to see when travelling (museums, architecture, historical places, food & drinks, culture & shows), Madrid has it all!

Here are some of my favorite things, but I still have many more to discover!

 

 

1. RETIRO PARK

Come here to have a walk, relax and enjoy a sunny day. Enjoy the lake (you can even rent a little boat) or the rose garden. This park is wonderful also to come for a picnic. And don’t miss the grand monument (see next point).

 

2. Monumento a Alfonso XVII

While you are in Retiro Park, you absolutely don’t want to miss the magnificent Monumento a Alfonso XVII in front of the lake (the Estanque Grande). It’s grand and definitely worth a visit.

 

 

3. CRYSTAL PALACE

Located in Retiro Park, this majestic glass palace is quite stunning. it was under renovation when I went there (September 2024) and we could not go inside, but it still worth a little stroll by to see the structure, the lake with the black swans and the surroundings.

Definitely one of the best photo spots in Madrid!

 

4. THE ROYAL PALACE

A must see when you visit Madrid, definitely one of it’s most important landmark. The Royal family use to live here, but it is now an administrative building. You can visit the Palace inside with an audio-guide tour book.

 

5. SABATINI GARDEN

It was under some renovation when I was in Madrid (September 2024), but usually this is a fabulous garden, make sure to take a stroll here when you visit de Royal Palace. It’s an excellent spot for the photographer in you!

 

6. CAMPO DEL MORO

Another one that I missed, the Campo del Moro is a park located behind the Royal Palace. The entrance is free and it’s an absolute dream. We were planning on having a walk here the morning of the day we were leaving, but it turned out the garden opens only at 10am.

 

7. FUENTE DE LOS TRITONES

Located in the Campo del Moro, this fountain looks like a Bridgerton dream.

 

8. CERRALBO MUSEUM

This was my favorite Museum in Madrid! This Museum displayed an exquisite art collection and remains furnished and arrange just as it was when it was inhabited.

 

9. TEMPLO DE DEBOD

Built 200 BC, this temple is accessible for free and right in the middle of the city. There was no water around it when we went, and though it would have been more impressive with the water around, it’s still a beautiful site to visit, especially at sunset.

 

10. LA PUERTA DE ALCALA

On your way to Prado Museum and the Retiro Park, you can admire this impressive gate, one of Madrid’s oldest landmarks.

 

11. CYBELE PALACE 

Another marvellous architecture to admire! Nowadays, the Cybele Palace is an administrative building.

 

12. CYBELE FOUNTAIN

Located just in front of the Cybele Palace, this is another beautiful landmark of Madrid.

 

13. PRADO MUSEUM

One of the most famous museum in Europe, with an impressive Spanish art collection. Make sure to admire the building from outside, it is from the Spain’s Neoclassical architecture.

 

 

14. REAL JARDÍN BOTÁNICO

This is one thing on my list that I did not get the chance to do, but I heard many good things about it and I am saving it on my list for my next time in Madrid!

 

15. BARRIO DE LAS LETRAS

A beautiful neighbourhood that you don’t want to miss. Walk around and stop in one of its old taverns (Cervecia) for some traditional tapas, admire the buildings and the tile walls, go see a Flamenco show (1911).

 

16. METROPOLIS BUILDING

Indisputably one of the most gorgeous buildings in the city, it’s located on Gran Via. Make sure to admire its spectacular architecture and statues.

 

17. CHURROS CON CHOCOLATE

This is a classic thing to try here in Madrid: a warn churros (mainly; fried dough) that you dip in hot and thick melted chocolate. Not my favorite, but still a cultural experience that’s worth it!

Chocolatería San Ginés is one of the most popular places, but you might have to wait in line. There are also many other places to try it.

 

18. MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL

The outside of the 20th-century building was also being renovated when I was in Madrid, too bad because I was hoping to get some picture from the outside of the beautiful building. But the inside was as busy as ever!

I went twice and it was very crowded so I end up not ordering anything, but it was still worth a visit to see all the bustling and the food.

 

19. PLAZA DE ESPAÑA

A lively plaza where you’ll find (according to the season) different activities. When I was there, there was an outdoor cinema and a fun market place full fo food stands, music and ambiance.

 

20. PLAZA MAYOR

One of the main square in Madrid’s old town. It’s fun to walk around and explore. It’s also quite photogenic!

 

21. PLAZA DE ISABEL II

A cute plaza full of things to see and rich in history.

 

 

22. PLAZA SANTA ANA

This is a perfect spot to sit at one of the beautiful terrasses. I love the old taverns (Cerveceria) with their vintage looks, wood and marbles counters.

 

 

23. SEE A FLAMENCO SHOW

A must when in Madrid!

 

---

 

24. ENJOY THE VIEW FROM A ROOF TOP BARS

On Gran Via and around, you’ll find a lot of roof top terrasse for a drink or dinner. Some of them will have you pay a cover to get in, others, no. Here’s a little list of the one I got to try, but there are many more.

 

25. El Cielo de Chicote (Curio)

Beautiful decor – this one was my favorite! You have to pay 10 euros to get up, and it will be credited when you order drinks or food.

 

 

26. El Jardin de Diane (Hyatt)

Located in the Hyatt on Gran Via, this one as a pretty festive terrasse vibe, with lots of plants, palm trees and flowers. Staff was very friendly and there was no cover cost.

 

27. Dani (Four Seasons)

Located in the very chic Four Seasons, this one is definitely the most high-end one I went to. The view is fantastical. This place is more of a splurge (in term of the menu), but I would definitely go back for a fabulous cocktail.

 

28. 360 (RIU)

Located on the 26th floor, this one definitely has the most impressive view, 360 degrees around! You’ll have to pay an entrance fee of 10 euros. Once upstairs, you’ll probably have to wait for a table (unless you want to sit at the bar, in that case, you may not wait at all)!

There is a nice restaurant where you can eat at, but make sure to have a reservation.

 

29. Pestana CR7

I could not get all the way to the roof top, as I was too early (it opened at 7pm that night) but that one looked like the decor is great. It’s located right next to the Jardin de Diane, on Gran Via.

 

30. Azotea Circulo de Bellas Artes

You’ll have to pay 5 euros to get up here, but they are more than worth it. Here you’ll have an amazing view of the famous Metropolis building.

I love the concept of a pool club; you can sit in lounge chairs to enjoy the sun, the view and a cocktail or a Aperol Spritz. Or you can just walk around and enjoy the view, there is no pressure to eat or drink.

 

 

---

 

31. SHOPPING

Madrid is a fantastical city to do shopping.

32. Gran Via

You’ll find all kind of fashion boutiques along this street. It’s crowded and animated all day long!

 

33. Galeria Canalejas

A beautiful mall of high end brands. Located near the Four Seasons, it’s outside architecture is superb.

 

 

---

 

34. DO A COUPLES PHOTOSHOOT WITH OLIVIA

Ethan and I had to chance to do a photoshoot with photographer Olivia Baker around the Royal Palace and we had so much fun. If you are not use to being photographed by a professional, don’t worry; Olivia knows how to guide people and how to make them feel comfortable.

She specialize in elopement weddings and couple photoshoots.

 

---

 

35. EAT TAPAS!

Ah the restaurants in Madrid! There are literally thousands of them and it’s so hard to chose! Here are a few ones that I tried and loved, and others that I heard from reputation!

 

36. El Pero y la Galleta
elperroylagalleta.com/malasana/

A super cute resto with amazing food! There are more then one of them; the one I tried was in Malasaña and we loved it! Lovely decor and orignal plates and tapas – not your average Madrid’s resto!

 

 

37. La Carbonera
www.lacarboneramadrid.com

A small restaurant that has so much to offer! This is quite an experience and we loved every second of it!

Here you can have amazing plate cheeses from Spain – it’s a mus try. Food is spectacular, the wine list is made with love, and the service is so careful and pleasant. Bread is freshly made, the desert are to die for. You’ll need a reservation – and you’ll have a great experience.

 

 

38. Ana la Santa
grupotragaluz.com/restaurantes/ana-la-santa

On la Plaza de Santa Ana, this tapas restaurant was highly recommended to us! I did not get the chance to go yet, but heard lots of good things about it.

 

 

39. Rosi la Loca Bestial
www.bestialbyrosi.com

An explosion of colour (think bright purple, blue, pink) in a pretty amazing under-the-water decor! The designer here had a blast doing this theme for sure! I didn’t have the time to try it but I had a peak in and that’s quite something! You should definitely make a reservation if you want to come here.

 

 

40. Revoltosa Prado
revoltosamadrid.com

Excellent tapas and big portions! We came here in the afternoon so it was quiet and so nice. The Albariño (a white wine from Spain) was so good!

 

 

---

 

And there you go!

There are many, many more things to see, do, try and taste – Madrid is an endless source of discoveries!