Like many European capitals, Madrid is a busy place–wide thoroughfares filled with honking cars, sidewalks teaming with locals walking to work or lunch dates, tourists seeing the sights, and some of the best nightlife anywhere. Somehow, at the same time, Madrid is also a peaceful place, a place to enjoy world-class museums as well as stunningly beautiful parks. You’ll find no shortage of things to do in this bustling city, but here are some of the best things to do in Madrid.
El Rastro Flea Market
El Rastro de Madrid is couched as a flea market, but oh what a flea market! A staggering 3,500 vendors come out each Sunday and public holidays, and if that’s not enough for you, there are antique shops that line the streets. What you’ll find at the many, many stalls is…just about everything. Clothes, furniture and knick knacks galore are common, but special items to keep an eye out for are souvenirs. If you want to buy a Spanish fan or a box decorated with marquetry, skip buying them at Plaza Mayor or other tourist havens. Buy them here. You’ll get cheaper prices and much more adventure as you shop alongside tourists and locals alike. El Rastro takes place along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, between Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo.
El Retiro Park
At one time, El Retiro Park (or Parque del Retiro) was the playground of royals, which should tell you just how lovely this park really is. Hands down one of the most beautiful spots in Madrid and easily among the most beautiful parks in Europe, El Retiro is a landscaped paradise. Stroll perfectly manicured paths highlighted by topiary and marble sculptures. Sit by the lake and sip an espresso while you watch row boats paddle by (or hop in a row boat yourself!). Or visit the Palacio de Cristal, a glasshouse south of the lake. Visit on weekends and you’re sure to find buskers or other happenings at the park.
Palacio Real
Palacio Real translates to Royal Palace and you might be surprised to know that Palacio Real is the largest royal palace in all of Western Europe. Visitors are welcome to enter so long as there’s no royal business taking place on a particular day. Inside the palace, you’ll get to see full suits of armor, a rather impressive Royal Pharmacy, as well as artwork by known Spanish artists. The palace does have an admission fee and if you want to skip that, you can still wander the palace grounds for free. Highlights include Plaza de Oriente, filled with statues of former kings and leaders that were meant for the roof of the palace, but deemed too heavy to go up there, as well as the Sabatini Gardens.
Almudena Cathedral
No visit to a European capital is complete without at least viewing the exterior of a cathedral, but it gets even better if you venture inside. Almudena Cathedral is located directly across from the front of Palacio Real and is the site of many coronations and royal weddings. Step inside and you’ll see stained glass windows, chapels, and artwork–the most famous of which is a mural of Nuestra Señora de la Flor de Lys. Don’t miss the crypt as it’s one of the most beautiful areas of the cathedral. As lovely as Almudena Cathedral is, it’s a bit more modern in style than many other well-known cathedrals, which is a nice change if you’ve seen other European churches.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is tourist central, but it’s still worth a stop. The largest plaza in Madrid, Plaza Mayor is simply beautiful, but also historical as it’s been the hub of public life for centuries. In the past, Inquisition trials, royal crownings and even executions have all taken place here. Today, it’s more known for the shops that dot the corridors surrounding the open square as well as its restaurants and cafes, which charge a premium for your meal or snack in such a nifty spot, but might just be worth it if you enjoy the view.
Go to a Museum
Madrid is a museum city, but above all it’s an art museum city. If you enjoy fine art, the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen museums are an absolute must–especially the Prado, which is usually considered Madrid’s premier attraction. All house works by some of Europe’s most amazing artists, including Goya, Velazquez and El Greco. Because these museums are so top notch, expect lines if you show up without a plan. Buy your tickets in advance so you can avoid waiting in line (’cause you will otherwise) and consider getting an “Abono Paseo del Arte,” a pass that gets you into all three top museums, or a Madrid Tourist Card, which gets you priority access to these museums as well as other museums and sights.
Tapas and Nightlife
At least one night during your time in Madrid, go out on the town. Madrilenos are known for staying up late and, as such, you’ll find lots of restaurants and bars open into the night. Head to Gran Via and the streets branching off of it to find the highest concentrations of restaurants, theaters and nightlife. Hop around to different tapas restaurants and sample the many varieties of small snacks for which the city is known; see a flamenco show or a concert; or hit the nightclubs and dance the night away. It’s a big city and whatever floats your boat, you’ll be sure to find it–and it will be a ton of fun.
It’s easy enough to get around by renting a car in Madrid. Spaniards drive on the right side of the road, making the experience easier and safer for North American drivers.
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Photo credits:
Madrid: PromoMadrid – Max Alexander via Flickr
El Rastro: Hans Dinkelberg via Flickr
El Retiro Park: Gregorio Puga Ballon via Flickr
Palacio Real: Javier Losa via Flickr
Almudena Cathedral: Leon Fishman via Flickr
Plaza Mayor: Rick Lighthelm via Flickr
Prado Museum: Iosmininos via Flickr
Tapas: Jessica Spengler via Flickr