All the cool things to do in Madrid in one place ✨
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital where historic landmarks go hand-in-hand with trendy neighborhoods.
From culinary adventures to museum-hopping to biking tours around iconic landmarks, there’s something for every kind of traveler in this cosmopolitan city.
Food Trips & Cooking Classes 🧑🍳
One of the cool things to do in Madrid is to go on a gastronomic journey. So if you’re a foodie or just someone who just loves to sit back and chat over good food and drinks, then you’ll love Spanish tapas culture.
Tapas refers to flavourful snacks eaten throughout the day between big meals. You’ll find plenty of bars and taverns around the city that offer these alongside their alcoholic beverage menus.
The beauty of tapas culture is that you get to indulge in delicious food while in great company.
If you’d love an intimate tour through Madrid’s famous marketplaces and culinary districts, consider trying out this Tapas & Wine Tasting tour. You’ll get to explore hidden gems with a local guide and cap off the day with delicious cocktails.
Craving for something more than tapas? This Secret Food Tour might be the one for you. Experience a more local VIP vibe when you eat at Madrid’s best-kept secrets. 👀
Bring home the tapas you love when you learn how to cook it.
Now, if you’re a foodie who loves trying out new recipes, you might want to consider learning to cook your favorite tapas in this Tapas Cooking Class. You’ll even get to make a dessert and a glass of sangria to go with it!
Up for a more challenging class? Then this Paella Cooking Class is for you! Paella is a hearty rice dish and one of the hallmarks of Spanish cuisine.
You’ll also get to learn how to make Gazpacho, a cold and refreshing tomato-based soup, as well as a classic Sangria! And of course, after the cooking is done, you get to enjoy your creations along with your fellow chefs.
Museums & Art Galleries 🏛️🖼️
If tasting Spanish cuisine has you hungry for more, spending a day in one of Madrid’s world-class museums is a sure way to fall deeper in love with the city.
Get a taste of history in the modern at Madrid’s Paseo del Arte.
When it comes to museums, you shouldn’t miss out on Madrid’s Paseo del Arte. Paseo del Arte is known as Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, and is home to three of the city’s major museums: the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, the Prado Art Museum, and the Reina Sofia Art Gallery.
If you book on Klook, you can skip the line and get entry to all three museums with a single pass!
Discover centuries of art at the Thyssen.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is the first museum you should stop by at the Paseo del Arte. The Thyssen houses historic Italian art pieces, Impressionist and Expressionist paintings, and 20th century American and European paintings. Marvel at the works of Munch, Monet, van Gogh, and more.
There are almost 1000 sculptures at the Prado Art Museum. | Wikimedia
The next museum at the Paseo del Arte is maybe the most famous museum in the triangle: the Prado Art Museum. It's a massive space home to the single best collection of Spanish art, as well as to paintings from famous masters like Goya, Velázquez, and Rembrandt.
A piece of Picasso’s Guernica is at the Reina Sofia.
End your Paseo del Arte trip with a visit to the Reina Sofia Art Gallery. The Reina Sofia is Madrid’s museum dedicated to Spanish Expressionist and Impressionist art. Be amazed at the works of Spain’s three greatest 20th century masters: Dali, Miro, and Picasso.
Feel like royalty when you step into the Royal Palace. | Jack Cousin on Flickr
And finally, the list of cool things to do in Madrid won’t be complete without the Royal Palace of Madrid!
You don’t have to be a history or culture buff to appreciate its beauty. As the official residence of the Spanish royal family with over 3000 intricately decorated rooms, the sheer size and extravagance of the place are enough to wow even casual visitors. Besides, who wouldn’t want to live like royalty for a day?
Klook Tip: Indoor attractions like the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid might be closed for maintenance on certain days of the year. Make sure to check out the official websites of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace for their schedules before booking your tickets!
Parks & Outdoor Tours 🌳
Time to bask in the sun for some outdoor fun (and Vitamin D)!
At the heart of El Retiro, you can rent a boat to paddle, sunbathe, or just take in the sights.
First on the list is Madrid’s famous El Retiro Park. The sprawling El Retiro Park is home to designated UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Crystal Palace, known locally as the Palacio de Cristal. More than just a gorgeous place to snap photos, you can also find temporary art exhibits here as it is owned by the Reina Sofia!
You can go on this guided walking tour if you want to make sure you see all that El Retiro Park has to offer.
Watch where you’re stepping - there might be famous literary quotes engraved there! | Wikimedia
Speaking of history, you shouldn’t miss out on Madrid’s historic literary quarter, Barrio de las Letras. This guided walking tour will take you through the house-turned-museum of renowned playwright and poet, Lope de Vega.
Pick your tour of choice!
Looking to visit more tourist spots while saving money? Consider taking a highlights tour of Madrid!
You can take a panoramic tour of the city with a hop-on hop-off bus. The bus will take you to the historical side of Madrid and then to its modern side, making you experience the best of both worlds!
If you’re looking to experience Madrid up close, why not go on a bike tour of the city?
You’ll start from the city center and visit the most iconic attractions including the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, and the Las Letras district. The bike, helmet, and insurance are provided, so you can explore worry-free. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people from all over the world (and burn off all that tapas).
But if you’re not up for pedaling, you might want to take a tuk tuk tour instead! You’ll get to experience Madrid up close, while staying cool and relaxed.
Go on a walking tour and discover the details that often go unnoticed. | Victor Nuño on Flickr
There’s also the option of discovering Madrid the classic way: through a walking tour! Walking tours offer not just an up-close experience of Madrid but also a more personal experience of it.
This walking tour showcases the highlights of Madrid, taking you from the heart of the city in Puerta del Sol to a historic conclusion at the Temple of Debod. This unforgettable stroll will surely be a perfect way to experience Madrid’s history and culture.
Sports & Entertainment ⚽️🎥
Calling all football fans, this one’s for you!
Madrid’s football culture comes alive inside the Bernabeu Stadium!
You can now visit the Bernabeu Stadium, the home stadium of Real Madrid FC.
One of the most famous football venues in the world, it has been the club’s home since its opening in 1944. It has hosted some of the most important matches in football history, including the European Cup Finals, the 2010 Champions League Final, and Italy's World Cup victory in 1982.
Celebrate the triumphs of the world’s most famous football club through an interactive museum tour in the Bernabeu Stadium, where you can revisit the legacies of famous players and coaches. You can even find all of the club’s trophies there!
Klook Tip: If you’re going on a match day, you can purchase Real Madrid match tickets on Klook! No need to worry about getting those seats anymore. 😉
The Wax Museum has themed settings that make you feel like you’re part of the action.
If you’re a lover of pop culture, this Wax Museum tour lets you get up close and personal with the biggest names in entertainment. You'll come face-to-face with famous figures from Spain’s rich history, legendary movie stars, sports icons, and even some of your favorite fictional characters!
The photo opportunities are endless here, so make sure your phone or camera is fully charged!
Experience your first flamenco in Madrid!
Looking for some upbeat tunes? Get to know more about Madrid’s music scene when you watch a flamenco show!
If you’ve never heard of flamenco before and don’t know where to start, read this guide to know about the must-see flamenco shows in Madrid.
And if you’re a dancer looking to get into that flamenco spirit, you could even attend a flamenco dance class! Now that’s definitely one of the cool things to do in Madrid. 😉
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some lesser-known things to do in Madrid beyond the usual tourist sights?
When it comes to sports, Madrid is usually known for football, but there’s also a huge bullfighting culture in the city. Learn more about Madrid’s bullfighting culture in their very own Las Ventas Bullring and Museum, the largest bullring in Spain. You can even experience using the bullfighter’s props!
But if you want to make the most of your trip, we recommend taking the Guided Night Walking Tour in Madrid. Tourists often go for morning or afternoon walking tours, but evening walking tours are just as good! Walk under the streetlights of Madrid, and you might just view the city in a different light. 🤩
2. What neighborhoods in Madrid are best for discovering cool local culture, street art, and cafés?
For trendy vibes, check out the Malasaña neighborhood! Take a walk through Fuencarral Street, and discover its cozy restaurants, cafes, and countless spots for shopping.
For the street art scene, this Street Art and Graffiti Tour takes you to the Lavapiés neighborhood. From street art to cultural centers, Lavapiés has it all for those who want to immerse in Madrid’s art culture.
And for the food, your go-to should be La Latina. Go hopping from tapas bars to traditional taverns and even to indie cafes. If you’re going on a Sunday, make sure to visit the El Rastro Flea Market where you can shop for antiques and handmade goods.
3. What time of day should you do certain activities in Madrid (markets, sunset views, rooftop bars)?
Markets are certainly a morning activity!
Late afternoon means visiting outdoor spots like El Retiro Park or Temple of Debod. That way, you’ll be able to catch the sunset views right on time.
Rooftop bars are also good for sunset views, but you’ll have to stay until the evening to experience Madrid’s nightlife.
4. Are there budget-friendly “cool” experiences in Madrid for travelers?
Definitely!
Fan of art? Admission to the Banksy Museum in Madrid costs less than US$20! There’s also the IKONO Art Gallery, which is literally a visual paradise for your Instagram feed! 📸
What about football fanatics? Fans of Atletico de Madrid will be delighted to know that admission to their stadium and interactive museum costs less than US$30! ⚽️
Travelling with kids? Two of the cool things to do in Madrid is visiting Parque de Atracciones Theme Park and Zoo Aquarium (fun fact: there are pandas in Madrid 🐼)! Make sure to book tickets at least a week in advance so you can enjoy the attractions for less than US$30.
Travelling with just adults? Have the nightlife experience with a Pub Crawl in Madrid. You’ll be going to three bars for less than US$20 - what a steal! 🍻
5. How many days should you spend in Madrid to cover the “cool” experiences and main sights?
It’s best to spend at least five days to one week to experience all the cool things to do in Madrid. You can even make the most out of your trip by exploring more and spending less with the Madrid City Pass!
Visit multiple attractions using a single pass with the Klook Pass Madrid 🌟
Enjoy fuss-free travel with the Klook Pass Madrid.
Skip the hassle of purchasing multiple tickets for different attractions using the Klook Pass Madrid! With one pass, you can get entry to 3 to 6 activities of your choice including the Prado Museum, the Bernabeu Stadium and Museum, and a tour of Toledo and Segovia.
The pass is valid for 30 days, so you can visit any of the activities you choose within that period. No need to stress yourself out with a crammed itinerary — just take it at your own pace. Plus, you can save more compared to buying individual tickets, with discounts reaching up to 52%. How’s that for fuss-free travel? 😉
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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