Long considered the gateway to Spain, Madrid is a vibrant, cosmopolitan European capital that is steeped in rich history, world-class art and a lively cultural scene.
The city is known for being the country’s art center, with the Golden Triangle of Art (composed of the Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza). But there’s much more to see here, from the stately El Retiro Park to the majestic Royal Palace.
Marvel at the great Spanish masters at El Prado
Officially the Museo Nacional del Prado, this is home to one of the most important and vast art collections in the world. Among the more than 8,000 paintings, you’ll find masterpieces like Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s The Naked Maja and El Greco’s The Holy Trinity, as well as famous works by foreign artists like Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights.
Seasoned travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences will appreciate exploring the premises without the crowds. Walks offers a VIP Alone in the Prado experience before the museum opens to the public, where you’ll be able to spend a peaceful morning alone with the great masters.
Appreciate modern and contemporary art at Reina Sofía
With almost 25,000 pieces in its permanent collection, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía should be one of the first stops on any contemporary art lover’s itinerary. You’ll find renowned pieces by Dalí, Miró and Picasso, with the latter’s Guernica — a canvas of epic proportions depicting the bombing of the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War — taking center stage.
Trace art’s evolution at the Thyssen
With a diverse collection spanning various periods and styles, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum rounds out the aforementioned Golden Triangle of Art. It fills in the historical gaps between the Prado and the Reina Sofía. Highlights among its more than 1,600 paintings include works by Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Monet and Hopper, as well as an impressive selection of early European art and 20th-century avant-garde movements. The museum shop is well worth a visit.
Regale in luxury at the Royal Palace of Madrid
Considered the official residence of the Spanish royal family (though not its primary home), the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest of its kind in Western Europe. Visitors can roam its lavish halls to admire the intricate decorations and furnishings in its opulent interiors, from the Throne Room to the Royal Armory. Large-scale panels display photographs depicting important scenes in the life of the modern royal family.
Outside, you can witness the Changing of the Guard, a ceremonial tradition held every Wednesday and Saturday at 11 a.m. (weather permitting and barring official events).
Journey to ancient Egypt at the Temple of Debod
Few cities can boast having an authentic 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple within their borders. The Egyptian government gifted the Temple of Debod to Spain in 1968, and it was meticulously reconstructed in Parque del Oeste.
Beyond its fascinating reliefs depicting pharaohs and Egyptian deities, the temple offers sweeping panoramic views across Madrid’s western districts. It becomes particularly enchanting at sunset when the honey-colored stones glow against the evening sky.
Stroll through El Retiro Park
The 350-acre Retiro Park is a green oasis in the middle of the city that offers respite from the busy streets. The tree-lined promenades and manicured gardens are home to the iconic Crystal Palace, a stunning iron and glass pavilion that hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions, and the grand Monument to Alfonso XII overlooking the park’s tranquil boating lake.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely row on the peaceful waters, explore the elegant Rose Garden or simply find shade beneath centuries-old trees.
Experience Madrid’s energy along Gran Vía
Gran Vía, Madrid’s main artery, pulses with energy from dawn until well past midnight. This iconic avenue, completed in the early 20th century, showcases a stunning array of architectural styles from Belle Époque to Art Deco, with landmark buildings like the Telefónica Building and the ornate Edificio Metrópolis defining its skyline.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Gran Vía offers world-class shopping, from international flagship stores to local boutiques, while its historic theaters host Broadway musicals and classic plays.
Savor Spanish flavors at Mercado de San Miguel
Housed in a stunning early 20th-century iron and glass structure, Mercado de San Miguel has transformed from a traditional neighborhood market into the city’s buzziest food hall. Peruse the stalls in search of the tastiest Iberian ham and artisanal cheeses — but don’t stop there. La Casa del Bacalao, a stall selling tapas of smoked, salt-cured and preserved fish on thinly sliced toast, is not to be missed.
Pair a glass of wine or an Aperol spritz with oysters and gildas — these skewered pintxos with olives, pickled peppers, anchovies and other creative ingredients are tasty, simple snacks — to make a night of it as you wander through the aisles.
Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant
Sobrino de Botín, or Botín, is considered the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, according to Guinness World Records. Serving traditional Castilian cuisine since 1725, the restaurant’s wood-fired oven produces its legendary cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) and cordero lechal (roast lamb).
Devour Tours curates a combined visit to El Prado and Botín, including a three-course lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen and underground wine cellars before the restaurant opens to the public.
Witness the passion of flamenco at Corral de la Morería
No visit to Spain is complete without experiencing the artistry of flamenco. Corral de la Morería, one of the city’s most prestigious tablaos (venues where live flamenco is performed) since 1956, provides an intimate setting where world-class dancers, guitarists and singers create an electrifying atmosphere of passion and rhythm. It’s worth booking a table at its restaurant for the full experience.
