Madrid Travel Guide

Madrid is a city that has it all. Art, history, nightlife, food, beautiful green spaces, and fantastic shops. You can peruse masterpieces in the morning, row across a lake at noon, pick up an entire new wardrobe in the afternoon, have sundowners at a romantic rooftop bar, and before you know it be piling up tapas and following the locals to hidden speakeasies and the city's thumping underground clubs. And that's just day one.

It’s a dream of a city for art lovers, especially at iconic museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia. But the artistic spirit of Madrid isn't confined to grand halls; it thrives in hidden galleries and studios, breathing life into the city's cultural landscape. Its landmarks, from grand triumphant arches to fountains that are the backdrop to the country's celebrations, are works of art too.

Summer in Madrid? It's sizzling. Romantic rooftop bars offer panoramic views, and Retiro Park turns is a destination for picnics and outdoor concerts. And over recent years, Madrid has pulled the plug on mediocre when it comes to food — its family-run joints and fantastic restaurants attract visitors from around the world to its coolest neighborhoods.

Jump into all of this and more with this guide to the best of Madrid and you’ll be booking your return to the Spanish capital before you've even left.

Best places to visit in Madrid: top attractions you don't want to miss

With its sleepy, sun-soaked parks and treasure-packed museums, Madrid is a vibrant city that attracts travelers of every stripe. You can spend your time seeking history at architectural gems like the city’s royal palace or dig even deeper through antiquity at the Temple of Debod.