Madrid blends centuries of royal heritage with a creative modern energy. Whether you come for the food, art or relaxed street life, Spain’s capital rewards every visitor. From early-morning art tours to late-night tapas, here are the best things to do in Madrid.
Best Food Tour in Madrid A Taste of Local Life
The Devour Madrid Tapas, Taverns & History Tour is one of the most immersive culinary experiences in the city. Founded in 2011, Devour offers walking tours that uncover authentic Spanish flavours with plenty of history and humour. Led by professional chefs and guides, these small-group tours are both educational and indulgent.
Highlights include Casa Labra, famous for its crispy salt cod goujons and vermouth on tap, and Mesón del Champiñón, serving sizzling garlic mushrooms and padrón peppers.
Top Museum in Madrid The Prado Experience
No trip to Madrid is complete without visiting the Museo del Prado. Home to masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, Bosch and Titian, the Prado holds over 33,000 works, with around 2,000 on display at any time.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds and give yourself at least 90 minutes to wander through the grand galleries. Highlights include Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, Velázquez’s Las Meninas, and Goya’s haunting Black Paintings. The Prado’s mix of Renaissance beauty and dark imagination reveals the full spectrum of Spanish art.
Best Restaurants in Madrid Historic and Modern Flavours
Madrid’s dining scene balances centuries-old tradition with modern creativity. Sobrino de Botín, founded in 1725, is recognised as the world’s oldest restaurant. Its wood-fired oven has been burning continuously for 300 years, roasting Segovian suckling pig and lamb to perfection.
Nearby, Il Riojano serves exquisite cakes and coffee in a marble-and-mahogany salon that once hosted Spanish royalty. For a more casual experience, Casa González pairs excellent local cheeses and wines.
For something truly special, book Devour’s Prado Museum and Botín lunch tour, which is an unforgettable morning combining art and appetite.
Walking Tours in Madrid Discover the City on Foot
Madrid is a city made for walking. Start at Plaza Mayor, once the site of markets and festivals, and wander through narrow streets lined with cafés and boutiques. Guided walking tours offer an excellent introduction, from royal history routes to street art trails in Malasaña and Lavapiés.
Don’t miss El Retiro Park, where locals jog, row boats, or simply relax in the shade. The Monument to Alfonso XII stands watch over the lake — an ideal spot to pause after a morning of sightseeing.
How to Do Tapas in Madrid A Local Tradition
Eating tapas in Madrid isn’t just about food — it’s a way of life. Start with porras (thick churros) dipped in rich chocolate at Chocolate, then move to small taverns where locals stand at the bar with vermouth and olives.
Each order comes with something complimentary — perhaps tortilla, croquettes or anchovies. Madrid’s best tapas areas include La Latina, Huertas and Chueca, where each bar has its own specialty. Order a drink, enjoy the free tapa and move on — it’s the most sociable dining experience you’ll find.
Where to Drink in Madrid Classic Bars and Hidden Gems
Madrid’s nightlife rivals its cuisine for variety and charm. From century-old cocktail lounges to rooftop terraces, the city comes alive after dark.
The Cock Bar, tucked just off Gran Vía, is one of the city’s most legendary watering holes. Founded in 1918, it has hosted the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Ava Gardner. Its dark wood panelling and mirrored walls evoke a bygone glamour, while skilled bartenders mix flawless martinis and negronis. The bar’s elegant atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking old-world sophistication.
For a more traditional experience, try a vermouth bar such as Bodega de la Ardosa or Casa Camacho, where the drink is served straight from the tap with a side of spicy olives.
If you prefer something modern, Salmon Guru in the city centre offers colourful, inventive cocktails and has earned a spot among the world’s best bars. Rooftop bars like Radio ME Madrid and The Hat Madrid near Plaza Mayor are ideal for sunset drinks, with panoramic views across Madrid’s terracotta rooftops.
Places to Chill in Madrid Green Spaces and Rooftop Views
When it’s time to slow down, Madrid’s many green spaces offer welcome respite. El Retiro Park is the city’s best-known retreat, but smaller plazas and shaded courtyards provide peaceful corners to relax with a coffee or a book.
For a scenic perspective, head to one of the city’s rooftop bars or hotel terraces for sunset — the warm light on the skyline is one of Madrid’s simplest pleasures.
Where to Stay in Madrid
For a comfortable and central base, stay at Ocean Drive Madrid Hotel on Plaza Isabel II, opposite the Opera. The rooms are modern and spacious, each with a coffee machine. Although the rooftop bar and small pool were closed during our visit, they offer outstanding views across the city when open.
For a more personal perspective on Madrid’s art and culinary scene, see Mark Bibby Jackson’s Food and Culture in Madrid article. Main image: created by Walks in partnership with the Museo Nacional del Prado .
