Ever thought about taking a little adventure just for you? The kind where you wander a new city at your own pace, meet amazing locals, and soak up a culture that’s completely different from home?
If you’re craving a destination with history, AMAZING food, gorgeous architecture — and one that feels super safe for solo travelers — then it’s time to put Madrid on your radar.
Here are the must-knows for planning a choose-your-own-adventure through Spain’s capital.
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With delicious food, affordable living, and deluxe shopping, the capital of Spain deserves its own spotlight of fame. Check out all of my tips in the ultimate Madrid travel guide!
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Where to Stay in Madrid
Madrid makes it almost impossible to choose where to stay…in the best way.
You’ve got everything from luxe five-star hideaways to boutique gems and hotels with rooftop pools. Wherever you check in, you’ll feel right at home and instantly welcomed.
Many hotels also offer those extra touches that make a trip feel special: think beautiful spas, great restaurants, and super unique interiors.
If you’re looking for places to stay, here are my top recommendations.
New openings worth checking out:
- The Madrid Edition: modern, elegant, and partly designed by Studio 54’s Ian Schrager.
- JW Marriott Madrid: a polished stay right by Plaza de Canalejas.
Iconic Madrid favorites:
- Mandarín Oriental Ritz: home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Deesa.
- Four Seasons Hotel Madrid: located in the heart of Madrid.
- Hard Rock Hotel Madrid: with its contemporary, music-inspired style.
The Best Local Experiences in Madrid
Madrid is one of the most sociable cities you’ll ever visit, and you feel it instantly. The vibe is warm, lively, and so easy to slip into. Make sure to add these local experiences to your itinerary to really make the most of it.
Terraceo and Tardeo
Do what the locals do: grab a seat at a terraza (aka a restaurant in the open air), order some tapas or a glass of wine, and just enjoy the moment.
“Terraceo”, or moving from terraza to terraza, is all about hopping between outdoor tables, sharing plates, and people-watching. “Tardeo” is its early-evening cousin, relaxed, fun, and perfect if you don’t want a late night.
Stroll Through El Retiro
For a classic Madrid moment, wander through the huge El Retiro Park (it’s 125 hectares!). For a bit of fun, jump in one of the multicolored boats to row around the lake.
Sundays at El Rastro
If you’re in town on a Sunday, head to Plaza de Cascorro in the central neighborhood of La Latina to explore El Rastro. It’s full of stalls selling vintage finds, clothing, accessories, and handmade goods for all ages.
End your visit with a customary aperitivo in the area’s bars and tabernas, pairing a glass of wine, beer, or vermouth on tap with tapas like some paella or cod fritters. And yep, this tradition goes all the way back to the 18th century, so it’s hard to say no to!
Helpful Tip:
Need a little extra guidance while you’re in Madrid? Stop by one of the city’s tourist information centers — the Plaza Mayor Information Centre is open year-round. You can also use the virtual tourist video assistance service if you prefer quick, on-the-go answers.
Where to Eat in Madrid
Madrid is a dream for foodies, especially if you enjoy wandering around, sharing plates, and discovering places locals actually love.
I highly recommend taking a tapas tour to find the best authentic spots and to learn more about the food, culture, and history.
Traditional Tapas Neighborhoods
Start in neighborhoods like Madrid de los Austrias (Habsburg Madrid), La Latina, and Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter). These central pockets are full of traditional tapas bars and give you that classic Madrid food experience without having to go too far.
Local Favorites
If you want to step off the tourist path, try Chueca, Malasaña, Conde Duque, or Lavapiés. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, from trendy and creative to international and eclectic, and they’re all packed with great, casual spots full of Madrileños.
Trendy Food Streets
Near El Retiro, Boulevard de Ibiza is lined with bars and terrazas that locals adore. And Calle de Ponzano in Chamberí is one of the city’s trendiest foodie streets, perfect for hopping between bars all afternoon or evening.
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Top Cultural Experiences
Traveling solo in Madrid is a dream if you love culture, as there’s always something to see, explore, or stumble upon.
The city is packed with museums, galleries, historic landmarks, and creative spaces that make simply wandering feel like an adventure in itself.
Start with the Art Walk
Begin at Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is home to Madrid’s “big three” museums:
You’ll also find beautiful spots like the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Royal Spanish Language Academy, the National Museum of Decorative Arts, and even the Royal Astronomical Observatory.
Explore Smaller Museums
Madrid is full of charming, lesser-known museums that are perfect for a quieter morning or afternoon. Don’t miss the Sorolla Museum, the Lázaro Galdiano Museum, the Lope de Vega house-museum, or the Museum of Romanticism.
Discover Modern and Creative Spaces
If you’re into contemporary art and design, places like Matadero Madrid, Casa Encendida, and Conde Duque offer exhibitions, performances, and installations. You’ll also find plenty of independent galleries, especially around the Reina Sofía museum.
Catch a Show on Gran Vía
For something fun in the evening, see a musical along the Gran Vía — Madrid’s version of Broadway. If opera is more your style, Teatro Real is one of the world’s top opera houses and absolutely worth experiencing.
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Explore Madrid by Bike
Renting a bike is such a fun way to see a different side of Madrid.
Start with Madrid Río Park, a long stretch of riverside paths and gardens that used to have a city motorway running through it, but is now a calm, green space perfect for cycling. It’s an easy, scenic ride and feels worlds away from the busy streets.
If you want even more nature, head to Casa de Campo, the city’s largest public park. You can ride for miles here, stop at a terraza by the amazing artificial lake (that dates back to the 16th century!), or even take out one of the rowboats for a moment on the water.
It’s the perfect way to slow down and enjoy a peaceful break from the city.
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Where to Shop in Madrid
Madrid is firmly on the list of Spain’s best travel destinations, especially if you love shopping!
And don’t just stick to the name brands, Madrid has plenty of independent shops where you can find truly unique pieces.
If you love bringing home souvenirs that feel personal and tied to the place, you’ll have plenty to choose from — capes, handcrafted fans, ceramics, jewelry, handbags, tapestries, violet sweets, even traditional Spanish guitars.
For the best mix of old and new, explore neighborhoods like:
- Salesas
- Lavapiés
- Barrio de las Letras
- Chueca
- Malasaña
- Conde Duque
- La Latina
- Los Austrias
As you wander, you’ll come across century-old institutions like Capas Seseña, Sombrerería Medrano, and Guitarras Ramírez, as well as contemporary studios such as Andrés Gallardo with his distinctive jewelry pieces, and Javier Medina, known for his “ecological trophies” crafted from bamboo.
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Where to Watch the Sunset
Madrid has a way of slowing you down in all the right ways, especially at sunset.
It’s the perfect time to take a breath, soak in the moment, and enjoy some of the city’s most magical viewpoints.
For dreamy golden-hour views, head to spots like Las Vistillas Gardens or the Mirador de la Cornisa by the Royal Palace. Another favorite is the area around Oeste Park, home to the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian monument that gives sunset a little extra mystery.
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Enjoy Dinner with Live Music
If you want a fun night out in Madrid, book a spot somewhere that mixes great food with great music.
There are plenty of places that pair set menus with live performances, like Aurora, Bule Bule, and Fanático, all known for their lively atmosphere and creative dining rooms.
If flamenco is on your list (and it absolutely should be!), check out the program at Corral de la Morería. It’s one of the most iconic flamenco venues in the world and even offers Michelin-star dining. Tablao de la Villa and Las Carboneras are also fantastic options, combining incredible flamenco shows with classic Spanish dishes.
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Best Rooftops in Madrid
To end your day on a high note, head up to one of Madrid’s many rooftop bars or restaurants. The city does rooftop culture incredibly well, with skyline views that feel even prettier after sunset.
Some favorites to bookmark include:
- Ginkgo Sky Bar at VP Plaza de España Design
- Azotea del Círculo at Círculo de Bellas Artes
- Casa Suecia rooftop with its incredible 360-degree views
- El Jardín de Diana at Hyatt Centric Gran Vía
- Picos Pardos Sky at Bless Hotel
- El Cielo de Chicote at Hotel Montera Madrid
Final Thoughts
So, have I sold you on Madrid yet?!
With more direct flights to Madrid from U.S. hubs than ever before, the city is fast becoming one of the best cities in Europe to visit.
Madrid weather is pleasantly mild in spring and fall — perfect for sightseeing without blistering heat — allowing you to wander its grand boulevards and sunny plazas in total comfort.
And whether you’re strolling through the Royal Palace or catching a live flamenco show, all the best things to do in Madrid deliver on both culture and fun. I think you will fall in love with the heart of Spain as much as I did!
If you would like help planning your visit, check out VisitMadridGPT, an AI-based virtual assistant that will provide you with all sorts of tailored recommendations.
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