Madrid, the capital and the largest city of Spain, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for travellers of all kinds. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, cuisine, or nightlife, you will find something to suit your taste and mood in Madrid. Here are the top 10 things to do in Madrid in 2024, based on popularity, beauty, and diversity.
Prado Museum
1. Admire the masterpieces at the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the most renowned and visited art museums in the world and one of the most impressive and important cultural institutions in the world. The Prado Museum houses more than 8,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints, from the 12th to the 19th centuries, with a focus on the Spanish, Italian, and Flemish schools. The museum is famous for its collection of masterpieces by artists such as Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian, Rubens, and Bosch. Some of the most celebrated works in the museum include Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Third of May 1808 by Goya, The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, and The Descent from the Cross by Van der Weyden. The Prado Museum is open every day, except on Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and until 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The admission fee is 15 euros for adults, and free for children under 18 and EU residents under 26. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but it is advisable to book in advance, as the museum can be very crowded and the lines can be very long.
Gran Via, Madrid
2. Stroll along the Gran Vía
The Gran Vía is the most famous and glamorous avenue in Madrid, and one of the most prestigious and elegant streets in the world. The Gran Vía stretches for 1.3 km, from the Plaza de Cibeles to the Plaza de España, and is lined with magnificent buildings, shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and theatres. The Gran Vía is also the venue for many cultural and festive events, such as the Christmas lights, the Carnival parade, and the Gay Pride celebration.
The Gran Vía is open every day and is free to access. You can walk along the avenue, or take a bike, a bus, or a metro to explore its attractions. Some of the highlights of the Gran Vía include the Metropolis Building, a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture, the Telefónica Building, the first skyscraper in Madrid, the Capitol Building, a landmark cinema and hotel, and the Callao Square, a popular meeting point and entertainment hub.
Royal Palace, Madrid
3. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family and one of the most magnificent and opulent palaces in the world. The palace was built in the 18th century, on the site of a former Moorish fortress, and covers an area of 135,000 square meters. The palace consists of more than 3,000 rooms, decorated with exquisite furniture, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and chandeliers. Some of the most famous and impressive rooms in the palace include the Throne Room, the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and the Royal Armory. The palace also has a vast and splendid garden, the Campo del Moro, which features fountains, statues, and flowers. The palace is open every day, except on official occasions, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer, and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter. The admission fee is 13 euros for adults, and free for children under 5 and EU residents under 18. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but it is recommended to book in advance, as the palace can be very busy and the tickets can sell out fast.
4. Enjoy the tapas and the nightlife at the Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is the main square and the heart of Madrid, and one of the most popular and picturesque places to visit in the city. The Plaza Mayor was built in the 17th century and is surrounded by elegant arcades, balconies, and facades. The Plaza Mayor is also the centre of the social and cultural life of the city, with many cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as street performers, artists, and vendors. The Plaza Mayor is also the venue for many traditional and festive events, such as the San Isidro festival, the Christmas market, and the New Year’s Eve celebration. The Plaza Mayor is open every day and is free to access. You can walk around the square, or sit at one of the terraces and enjoy the atmosphere and the culture of the city. You can also taste the delicious tapas, the small plates of food that are typical of Spanish cuisine, and sample the local wine, beer, or vermouth. The Plaza Mayor is also a great place to start or end your night out, as it is close to many of the best bars, clubs, and theatres in the city.
5. Explore the art and the history at the Reina Sofía Museum
The Reina Sofía Museum is the Spanish national museum dedicated to 20th and 21st century art, and one of the most important and visited art museums in the world. The museum is housed in a former hospital, which was renovated and expanded by the architects Jean Nouvel and Antonio Cruz. The museum covers an area of 84,000 square meters and displays more than 20,000 works of art, from paintings and sculptures to drawings and photographs, to installations and videos. The museum is famous for its collection of modern masters, such as Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Gris, and Tàpies. Some of the most celebrated works in the museum include Picasso’s Guernica, a huge and powerful painting that denounces the horrors of war, Dalí’s The Great Masturbator, a surreal and erotic portrait of the artist’s subconscious, and Miró’s The Man with a Pipe, a colourful and playful representation of the human figure. The museum is open every day, except on Tuesdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and until 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The admission fee is 10 euros for adults, and free for children under 18 and EU residents under 26. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but it is advisable to book in advance, as the museum can be very crowded and the lines can be very long.
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