by Jess Signet *

Read on for some ideas of what to do on a Madrid City break, including sightseeing and shopping on the Gran Via, relaxing in ‘El Retiro’ Park , soaking up some culture at the ‘Prado National Museum’, visiting the ‘Santiago Bernabéu Stadium’  (home to Real Madrid) and eating and drinking in the Plaza de la Latina.

Madrid City break

What to do on a Madrid City break

Madrid City break

When people think of vacationing in Spain, they often picture sunny beaches, drunk teenagers and late night partying. However, you only have to head to the country’s capital—Madrid—to find an urban paradise filled to the brim with diverse culture and life.

Unfortunately, for those spending a short amount of time there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the great attractions available. Luckily we’ve compiled a list of some of the best activities to make your weekend away in Madrid a fulfilling and exciting experience.

Have tapas in the Plaza De La Latina

By far one of the most attractive selling points of any visit to Spain is a taste of the local cuisine, and in Madrid, the place you want to go for this is the Plaza De La Latina.

The square is filled to the brim with restaurants and bars and specializes in all the Spanish classics. Wash down your baked chorizo and Spanish omelette with a jug of Sangria or a pint of Estella, and sit back and enjoy the lazy evenings in the bubbling atmosphere of this famous barrio.

Travelers and locals frequent this area equally, so it’s a great place to meet people and the perfect spot to fill your tummies after a long day sight-seeing.

Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

All sports fans should head to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of the world-class football team—Real Madrid. This pitch has seen many incredible matches over the years and is home to memorabilia from some of the team’s greatest seasons. You can book a tour that takes you around the entire venue or simply visit the museum and panoramic viewing platform by yourself. Catching an actual game is an incredible experience but the tickets are extremely pricey.

If you can’t afford it, you can always head out to a local bar to get a piece of the action. The atmosphere in the city when the team is playing is incomparable, so don’t miss out if you get the chance to be a part of it!

 Stroll down the Gran Via

Madrid City break

Locally known as “Spanish Broadway,” La Gran Via is a must-see whether you’re a theatre lover or not. The beautiful boulevard is home to many large cinemas and playhouses and has a vibrant shopping district; however, it’s the stunning architecture that truly sets it apart.

The endless towering skyscrapers, with their intricate 1920’s designs, means that even just a short wander down the street is a delightful and worthwhile activity. It’s also home to many upmarket hotels, so if you have the budget for it, it’s a fantastic place to stay and base your Madrid adventure from.

 Relax in El Retiro Park

boat in water and building with statue

No city break is complete without spending some time relaxing in the local greenery. El Retiro is a stunning park that offers 125 hectares of natural beauty. With a large woodland area, Andalucian style gardens, a vast artificial lake and many palaces and buildings, there are hours of entertainment to be had in this tranquil retreat.

It’s even home to the city’s oldest tree—a bald Cypress that is supposedly an incredible 400 years old. Alongside offering picturesque views and a welcome break from the noises and traffic of the center, there are many sorts of leisure opportunities all over the grassed areas, which are well worth investigating.

Visit the Prado National Museum

Madrid City break

Featuring one of the most extensive collections of European art anywhere in the world, if you’re going to visit a gallery while in Spain, then this is the one to see!

The works on display span from the 12th century right up to the early 1900s. There are currently around 7,600 painting, 1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings, alongside numerous art history documents and records, so it truly is a dream come true for all art enthusiasts.

It’s located extremely centrally so is easy to access, and the admission is free unless you want to visit a certain exhibition, making it a fantastic way to spent a few hours soaking up culture and enjoying the beautiful works.

Madrid City break

I hope you enjoyed this feature about What to do on a Madrid City Break by Jess Signet, and please have a look here for more of our travel guides.

Jess Signet has been obsessed with the beauty and the wonder of this wide world since before she could walk or even talk. She was always exploring as a toddler – much to her parents dismay – and things haven’t changed since. She has spent the last 3 1/2 years exploring every corner of this incredible globe .

Thanks to Julia for publishing this article. Her site is an amazing resource for tips of fashion, beauty and travel. After reading this, be sure to check out her post on making the most out of a weekend away in nearby Lisbon!