What to do when you travel to Madrid

No matter what kind of traveler you are, in Madrid you will find your place and your essence; it has space for everyone to feel welcome and for every experience to become an unforgettable moment.
Check out these recommendations we've put together for you today to add to your must-see list:

Free museums? And free tours? Oh yeah!

The 3 most important museums in Madrid (Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen) have free visiting hours*:

The Prado, Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 8pm.

The Reina Sofia, Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm and Sundays from 2pm to 7pm

The Thyssen Museum, Mondays from 12pm to 4pm (permanent exhibition)

* We advise you to check their official websites before you go, in case these free visit times have changed.

The fact that it's free is great. The downside is that if you're interested in art and want to really explore the museums, two hours won't be enough, and you won't be alone... so if you want to enjoy the museums properly, you'll have to pay (they're not expensive).

For art lovers:

If you love art, you absolutely must take the Art Walk tour , which will take you through the three main museums in Spain, also known as the art triangle : the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and the Reina Sofía Museum.

Prado Museum

It's the most important museum in Spain, with a collection of nearly 8,000 paintings and over 700 sculptures. You'll definitely need more than a day to visit it! The works of Velázquez, El Greco, Goya, and Bosch are the main reason to visit, both in its permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Make your own Book online here . There you can check the opening hours, ticket prices and the days you can enter for free.

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After visiting them, head to El Retiro Park , which you'll find right in front of the museums, near the Art Station metro station. Enjoy the large pond where you can take rowboats and other boat rides, and also take in the Solar Classroom, the Velázquez Palace, and the Crystal Palace.

For food lovers (foodies):

Discover Madrid with every bite. Be sure to try traditional dishes like paella, tapas, and cocido madrileño; savor every culinary experience , steeped in history, culture, and delicious flavor.

San Miguel Market :

Discover traditional Spanish cuisine, and admire the city's stunning architecture and historic spaces. Located near Madrid's Plaza Mayor , the hardest decision will be choosing which of the 75 stalls to visit to sample typical Madrid dishes. Learn about each new flavor and don't hesitate to ask about anything unfamiliar; there's sure to be a story behind it that you'll want to uncover. Don't miss the Iberian ham and paella, accompanied by a glass of tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade).

San Antón Market

You'll eat the most delicious tapas in Madrid. This market is spread over three floors where you can buy ingredients to cook yourself, find exquisite restaurants, numerous tapas stalls, terraces where you can enjoy delicious hot chocolate with churros or glasses of wine, and visit art exhibitions . This place has it all! As a special recommendation, visit La Cocina de San Antón restaurant where you can try the Gin Brunch.

Check out their schedules:

Market: Mon - Sat: 9:30 - 21:30 h.

Food stalls: Mon - Sun: 12:00 - 24:00 h.

Restaurant: Mon - Sun: 1:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

*Check with each location for their specific hours.

The Antón Martín market

Located in the Lavapiés neighborhood, you'll recognize it by the street art on its facade. It boasts over 60 food stalls offering cuisine from around the world : Mexican, Colombian, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Australian, and Galician. And don't miss the cheeses, cured meats, beers, and artisanal wines from small producers—they're sure to impress.

Entry to these markets is free. Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week; we recommend checking their websites before visiting.

San Ginés Chocolate Shop

You can't leave Madrid without trying the classic Spanish churro accompanied by a cup of thick hot chocolate; it's an authentic place full of stories, simply a must-see on your list.

This chocolate shop is located near Puerta del Sol, and its walls are adorned with photos of famous people who have visited. It's a place with a unique charm, and you can sit and enjoy a delicious churro in one of its rooms or on its terrace.

You can't leave it out of your travel guide.

Guided Tours

If guided tours are your thing, join a free walking tour to explore the city's main landmarks with a local guide. You'll find many tours online, but you'll need to register in advance . Most last around two hours, and while they're free, we recommend leaving a tip for the guide at the end of the tour as a way of showing appreciation for their work.

Party nights

If you want to have fun and party at night, visit the Malasaña neighborhood and experience its vibrant nightlife with a bohemian atmosphere, surrounded by numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Don't miss the classic Madrid spots for rumba: La Vía Láctea, El Penta, Madrid Me Mata, and El TupperWare.

The list of places to party is endless, but don't worry, you'll be able to see all the recommendations in an upcoming blog post.

We hope this guide has inspired you to explore every corner of Madrid and enjoy everything this incredible city has to offer. Whether you're immersing yourself in the cultural richness of its museums, indulging in its culinary delights, or dancing until dawn in its nightclubs, Madrid always has something exciting to offer.

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So, don't hesitate to explore, discover, and share your experiences with the world!