17 Things You Must Do in Madrid — Destination Dreamer Diaries

Madrid is essentially a big, typical European city… but then it has its moments where it screams the mountains and streets of Spain, cause, well, you know… it is.

Discovering the colorful side streets of Madrid; June 2019

I once met a woman from South Africa who married a man from Madrid while I was in Italy. I never forgot what she said about her initial impression of Madrid,

“At first I thought Madrid, was a big, dirty, really ugly city… but then after I was there for a while I saw that it’s actually a really beautiful place.”

As I got to know Madrid as well, I realized that she was exactly right. Madrid, on the surface – only sells itself as a massive metropolis… but as you walk it and stray from the tourist prone parts of the city, and find it’s hidden surprising spots…

… you’ll realize the same.

Coming across the most sudden and random corners of beauty in Madrid; June 2019 — Coming across the most *sudden* and *random* corners of beauty in Madrid; June 2019

Near Plaza de Espana in Madrid; June 2019

Given it’s Spain largest city and capital – there’s a lot to see and do.

Not sure where to start?

Let me help you out with a list of what I think you must do while you’re in Madrid:

1. Plaza Mayor

A red and vibrant plaza worth seeing. It’s definitely one of the more touristy parts of the city, but it could be your opportunity to see some Spanish dancing as you grab a bite at one of the many restaurants here.

2. Spot the Atocha Monument

Writing this now, I finally realize what this reminded me of… the Sydney Harbour Bridge… but with a Spanish flag!

The Atocha Monument in Madrid; June 2019

3. Plaza de Santa Ana

Not the prettiest of plaza there, but there are several tapas places here if you’re looking for one.

4. Royal Palace of Madrid

One of my favorite spots in found in Madrid. The garden on the not-cathedral-side enables the sweetest of silence; besides a bird chirping here and there, but I have no complaints about that!

It’s a really good place to sit, reflect, write, and soak it up.

The other side of the Royal Palace of Madrid; June 2019

5. Plaza de Oriente

It’s behind the Royal Palace and the Cathedral beside it.

Plaza de Oriente in Madrid facing the Royal Palace; June 2019

There’s not much there, but it makes for a good place to take pictures of the other two famous landmarks in front of you.

6. Cathedral de la Almudena

Neighbor to the Royal Palace with the mountains of Madrid behind it: the steps of this cathedral make for the perfect place to people watch.

7. Walk Gran Via

It’s basically Madrid’s most exquisite and extensive shopping street: anything you want; it’ll be here.

The Primark on Gran Via is literally bigger than the one I went to on Oxford Street in London.

It has moments of excessive advertisement that’ll trick you into thinking you’re in Manhattan for a moment.

If you’re not a shopper like I am, you won’t last long – but you should still see it, because it’s one of the liveliest parts of the city.

8. Plaza de Cibeles

Cybele Palace reminded me a bit of the Duomo in Milan off hand… I think it’s one of the prettiest buildings I saw, in Madrid.

9. Take a La Siesta

I didn’t do this when I was in Barcelona, so I was determined to do it on my three-day trip to Madrid.

If you think you’ll look goofy doing it… don’t think twice about it.

Madrid’s parks have many fences for you to take a la siesta. — Madrid’s parks have *many* fences for you to take a la siesta.

In all honestly, you’ll stand out more if you sit in one of Madrid’s many parks and don’t take a la siesta. Many locals are trying to get an afternoon nap on the benches, just like you.

10. Eat Tapas

Again, I didn’t do this in Barcelona because I was more into the La Boqueira and fresh food atmosphere of that city… and I’m glad that I saved it for Madrid.

There are way more tapas places to choose from in Madrid because it’s so much bigger than Barcelona.

I think I saw a Tapas place every fifty feet in Madrid… you think I’m kidding, but I’m not. — I think I saw a Tapas place every fifty feet in Madrid… you think I’m kidding, but *I’m not.*

I went to a hole in the wall place called ‘La Encomienda’.

Outside La Encomienda near La Latina in Madrid; June 2019

Oh. My. Lord…

… it was the best meal I had during my three and a half week Europe trip.

The most unfathomable part?

My three-course tapas meal only costed me €7,90!

… €7,90!!!!!!!!

I had some sort of fried eggplant ball, a fennel salad, the best bread…

… and chocolate cake for dessert… ugh, I’m remembering the fudgy, rich texture of this as I’m writing this.

Besides superb food, the restaurant itself has the coziest character and the friendliest staff. I even tipped them…

… and it takes a lot, for me to want to tip someone.

I highly recommend coming here if you’re near la Latina and looking for some plant-based tapas. Which brings me to…

11. Explore Barrio de la Latina

This is hands down, the cutest neighborhood I saw I Madrid.

It’s quiet, yet still funky.

Barrio de La Latina in Madrid; June 2019

Best of all, it’s mostly locals, thus – it’s a great place to go for when your craving separation from the tourist attractions.

If you’re looking for the neighborhood with all of the hip, gluten-dairy-free food… this would be it.

12. El Retiro Parque

It’s another giant European Park that’s reminiscent of Regent’s Park in London – but the difference was that I walked through this one on a Saturday, meaning, I got to see all the Europeans picnicking and enjoying their weekend together.

There are plenty of places to eat and sights to see, but my favorite spot that I found, was at Estanque grande del Retiro – where I found families paddle boating.

I don’t know why I found this view so enchanting, captivating… but I did.

Paddle Boating in Buen Retiro Park; June 2019

Probably because I was at the point in my trip where I knew it was time to be highly cognizant of everything I was seeing and doing... after all, you never know when your luck will change.

I realized in that moment how privilegedI was to have a body that is able to walk 7+ miles (11+ km) a day, to not have to worry about other complications.

I never realize these things when I’m in my day to day life in the states, but my eyes never cease to open wide when I’m abroad.

Watching everyone enjoy their weekend whilst paddle boating reminded me to never take these moments of capability for granted.

13. Find Palacio de Cristal

It really does look like its name in Spanish – a Crystal Palace. I walked by people getting their wedding pictures done against this…

Palacio de Cristal in El Retiro Parque in Madrid; June 2019

… now you know why. You can go inside as well, but just be prepared (especially if you go in the summer) that it’s hace calor del diablo!

Meaning… it’s hot like the devil, in there.

Inside the Crystal Palace in Buen Retiro Park; June 2019

Still – make sure to take a peak regardless of the heat.

14. Puerta de Alcala

This is like the Arc de Triomph of Madrid. I didn’t expect it to be much, because is there a city that’s really going to do an arc better than Paris?

But to my surprise, I was impressed by its aesthetic… it’s color scheme is different. The gate itself is grey, and it sits on a green bed of grass with bright pink flowers.

15. Plaza de Espana

When I was there this past June, it was under construction… so, hopefully when you go – it’ll be up and running again.

Plaza de Espana under construction in June 2019

It was a shame; from what I could see, looked like it would’ve been the perfect place to journal or take a la siesta!

16. Puerta del Sol

Okay, this is the main hub for tourists. There are giant characters (Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob…) that will try to hassle you for a picture.

It’s always crowded – whether it be eleven in the morning or five in the afternoon.

I think you should see it, but I don’t think you should stay for too long. The other plazas I listed above are less congested and easier to enjoy.

17. Go up Círculo de Bellas Artes

In all of my travels… this perhaps was the best (not including the stellar views I have seen for free), least expensive view I have ever paid for.

t’s only €4 for a ticket up to the top.

The view is spectacular.

View from the top of Círculo de Bellas Artes; June 2019

If you want a drink, no Spaniard is going to stop you from relaxing a little before five o’clock – however, be warned, it’s expensive up there… but the price to go up is nothing, so it all evens out.

I hope this helped you plan your upcoming trip to Madrid! If you’re looking for other things to do in Spain, click here.

Want to see all of the things I just talked about for yourself? I vlogged all three days of my trip to Madrid – click to watch it below!