25 Cool things to do in Madrid now

 

I love visiting Madrid, the capital of Spain, there’s so many cool things to do in Madrid and it constantly surprises me with so many cool and new things to do every time I visit the city.

I do love the old and new vibe and just exploring the city on foot and wandering through the many neighborhoods and checking out what’s new and fun to do in town. Many of these inspiring places are repurposed old buildings, dedicated spaces to art and culture or even a haven for foodies – one of them a site built by a former monk who wanted to create a cathedral made with scraps and recycled materials.

All of these places are cool and inspiring, definitely worth putting on your must do places to explore while visiting Madrid.

Here are some of my favorite cool and fun things to do in the city.

25 Cool things to do in Madrid – the capital city that is always evolving and fun

Looking for cool things to do in Madrid beyond the typical tourist attractions and monuments? Add these sites, activities and places to explore below to get a unique and fun experience in the city.

 

 

1. A cathedral made of recycled materials and garbage

Visit the Catedral de Basura, Catedral de Aquarius, of Don Justo. It’s literally a CATHEDRAL that big made out of recycled materials and from just one person who was inspired to do this. Located in a small town outside of Madrid called Mejorada del Campo in Madrid, it stands out in that town and is almost a landmark on its own. This cathedral of garbage is mind boggling and to think it is created by just one person’s vision and using a lot of recycled materials he envisioned this to be a poor man’s place of worship.

Even though the found, Don Justo has passed away, his work is being continued with volunteers that believes in his vision of creating this cathedral of scaps and recycled materials.

The only way to really get to this site is by car or a bus that takes about a half hour to get to the town.

 

2. Free or reduced Museum visits

Free museums Caixa Forum and Fundación Telefónica are great cultural outlets with ever-changing exhibitions. They are 100% free of charge. And so is the National Library, a worthy visit if only for the building itself. Here’s an outline of free-museum visits in Madrid: which museums allow free entry, when, and any important caveats. Let me know if you want by-neighborhood or map-friendly version.

 

Museum	Free Times / Free Days	What’s Usually Included / Notes
Museo del Prado	– Monday–Saturday: 6:00-8:00 PM  – Sundays & public holidays: 5:00-7:00 PM  – Special dates: International Museum Day (May 18), Constitution Day (Dec 6), etc. (National Geographic)	Free access usually applies to permanent collection; temporary exhibitions may still need a ticket or pay fee. Expect longer lines during free slots.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía	– Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7:00-9:00 PM  – Sundays & holidays: 12:30-14:30 (Museo Reina Sofía) – Closed Tuesdays.	Free during those times; the timing may vary slightly by season. Best to check ahead. (Museo Reina Sofía)
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum	– Free on Mondays from 12:00 to 16:00	Only applies to certain hours; temporary exhibits might still cost; queues possible.
Museo Lázaro Galdiano	– Tuesday-Saturday: free 15:30-16:30  – Sundays: free 14:00-15:00	Small but high-quality collections; great for seeing some classic works without large crowds.
Museo Cerralbo	– Thursdays (non-holidays) from 17:00-20:00 – Saturdays from 14:00 until closing  – Sundays: free all day	More relaxed atmosphere, often fewer tourists. Good for architecture and decorative arts.
Museo de América	– Free every Sunday (España) – Also free on certain public holidays (e.g. 18 April, 18 May, 12 October, 6 December)	Offers ethnographic, colonial, archaeological collections. Check exact exhibit hours.
Museo de Historia de Madrid	– Generally free (except Mondays)	Always a good option for understanding Madrid’s evolution; less crowded.
Other smaller / always-free museums & sites	– Museum of Naval History, Anthropology, Arts & Traditions, etc. often free except Mondays. – Real Jardín Botánico: free Tuesday mornings (≈10:00-13:00)  – Some house-museums are free during certain weekend / holiday slots. (España)	Smaller collections, more niche interest — but often good finds & less busy. Check their website for closures and special events.

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Tips & Caveats

• Arrive early if possible for the free slots: queues often build up just before free-entry times.
• Temporary exhibitions may not be included in the free entrance. Usually only the permanent collection is free during those hours.
• Check for seasonal changes: hours vary by season (summer vs winter), and some museums shift free-hours.
• Closures: Many museums are closed on Mondays. Also public holidays may affect opening and free-slots.
• Special free days: besides usual hours, there are days like May 18 (International Museum Day), Constitution Day (Dec 6), etc., when many museums have full-day free admission.

 

3. Cool things to do in Madrid

Ever wondered what it’s like to experience a meal at the oldest restaurant in the world – enter Botín. Located just of Plaza XXXX, Botin was founded in 1725 and it is still operating and serving popular dishes today like their suckling pig and them signature lamb dish. You can have a meal here or you can just pass by and take a picture or admire famous celebrities, writers and personalities from the past and present to includ Goya and Ernest Hemingway.

 

4. Non-touristy real markets of Madrid

Go to the much better bang for your buck markets outside of the typical touristy markets of Madrid, here are two local favorites:

Mercado de Antón Martín

Exploring an indoor food market has become one of the trendiest activities in Madrid to do and you can also have this fun experience. Situated in the heart of the Chueca Neighborhood is this three-story market. The market offers a delightful traditional fare in a classic market, an array of food stalls, and a rooftop restaurant and bar.

For a perfect afternoon, savor a leisurely late lunch, treat yourself to some delectable desserts  and conclude your visit with a refreshing drink in hand as you unwind and relish the picturesque views.

Mercado de San Fernando

This unique market is in the heart of the Lavapiés area. It offers everything from traditional stalls, such as butchers and greengrocers, to stalls offering the highest-quality Spanish and international foods. And it is very close to the El Rastro street market, which you can wander around afterwards.

 

International Food venues at Vallehermoso Market

What is it? Another example of how traditional markets have reinvented themselves with new stalls selling international cuisine.

Why go? Some people think hunger sparks creativity, and that certainly seems to have been the case for a group of merchants at the Vallehermoso Market. In 2015, after nearly two decades of decline, they decided to breathe new life into the space by opening it up to dining and tasting venues like Prost Chamberí, Graciana, and Craft 19. Today, the stalls are fully occupied once again. It’s the perfect plan when you don’t know what to do and the weather isn’t on your side.

Don’t miss: Tripea serves delicious fusion cuisine and is one of the best market stalls in the entire city.

 

5. Check out the street art of Madrid

Madrid’s street art scene thrives in several neighborhoods known for their creativity and edge. Lavapiés is one of the top areas, where murals cover building walls and alleys, often changing with new works by both local and international artists. Nearby, La Tabacalera, a self-managed cultural space inside a former tobacco factory, features an indoor gallery of graffiti and politically charged art. Malasaña also stands out for its colorful facades, stencil art, and expressive pieces that reflect the neighborhood’s youthful and alternative vibe. For larger-scale works, visit Urban Art Gallery in Embajadores, part of the Muros Tabacalera project, or take a short trip to Madrid Río, where murals line the underpasses and bridges along the riverfront.

Madrid has a rich urban art scene. You can take a guided tour that will introduce you to the Spanish street art culture in Lavapiés, Embajadores and La Latina neighborhoods. Definitely an off the beaten path adventure.

 

6. Gorgeous city views from Palacio de Cibeles

I am obsessed with pretty views, so I seek them everywhere I travel to. That’s also how I picked the apartment I currently live in. So trust me when I tell you that the observation deck at Palacio de Cibeles is the perfect place to enjoy one of the best views of Madrid.

 

7. Learn about the history of the Spanish inquisition

If you like to learn about the history of the places you visit, then you’ll love this evening walking tour in Madrid. You will learn more about the Spanish inquisition, the mysteries and ghost stories of Madrid, and the local superstitions. A little spooky and a lot of fun.

 

 

 

8. Enjoy churros and hot chocolate at San Ginés

One of the must try foods in Spain is churros. They serve them with hot chocolate, but it’s that thick, creamy kind of hot chocolate. The combination is amazing! Plus, calories don’t count while traveling, right?

 

 

 

9. Visit a real Egyptian temple called the Temple of Debod

If you visit the Royal Palace and continue walking past its gardens, you will get to the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple. You might be a little confused. Why is there an Egyptian temple in the heart of Madrid? It was a gift from the Egyptian government in 1968 for the help provided by Spain in saving the Abu Simbel temples.

10. Explore and stroll Paseo de Recoletos

It is a wide boulevard with lots of trees and it’s a great place for a long stroll. You can also find a few interesting things along it: the lucky frog statue (pictured above), the statue of Christopher Columbus, and the National Library of Spain. The frog is a sign of good fortune in feng shui and the artist engraved various symbols of good luck from multiple cultures on its belly.

 

11. See the peacocks in the hidden gardens of Retiro Park

Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez are Madrid’s secret gardens located in the center of Madrid in El Retiro Park. You can stroll through the gardens and you’ll be surrounded by majestic peacocks.

You can spot peacocks at Retiro Park in the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, a quiet, beautifully landscaped garden tucked away on the southeastern side of the park near the Retiro’s main entrance from Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo. This enclosed area is less crowded than other parts of the park and features elegant fountains, rose bushes, and shaded walkways where peacocks roam freely, showing off their vivid plumage. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and those looking for a peaceful escape within the city. Note that the garden has set opening hours and may close during bad weather, so it’s best to visit during the daytime when the gates are open.

 

 

12. Check out the statue dedicated to the devil

Fountain of the Fallen Angel is a bronze statue in El Retiro Park. However, it’s not just any statue. It’s the only statue in the world dedicated to the devil. Definitely worth seeing it while you’re in the capital of Spain.

The Fallen Angel statue in El Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s most intriguing and unusual landmarks. Created by sculptor Ricardo Bellver in 1877, this bronze statue depicts Lucifer at the moment of his fall from heaven, inspired by Milton’s Paradise Lost. It stands atop a dramatic pedestal adorned with demonic figures and serpents, giving the piece an intense, almost theatrical presence. Interestingly, the statue’s base sits at an elevation of 666 meters above sea level, a detail that adds to its mystique. Located near the Fuente del Ángel Caído on the south side of the park, it’s a must-see for visitors interested in art, symbolism, and Madrid’s more mysterious side.

13. Go Row boating at the Pond in Retiro Park

A very popular pastime for both locals and tourists visiting Retiro Park, the Pond is a fun weekend thing to do with row boats, kayaks and even SUP boards that you can rent out at vendors located around the pond area. Costs average 6 Euro per 45 minute sessions on weekdays and 8 Euro on weekends. Go to the Estanque del Retiro Municipal Sports Centre for rental information and booking a boat.

14. Visit the Tabacalera cultural center

 

the Tabacalera, a cultural center maintained and managed by the local community. I have been there a few times and found the most diverse events taking place (sometimes, all at once). The building itself is interesting: its walls are entirely covered by graffitti — which is constantly being replaced by new art, so if you visit twice with an interval of a few months you are likely to find enterely new art on your second visit —, but there are also improvised music studios, workshops offered by the community about many subjects, random parties, etc. It is very likely that you are going to be surprised (also, sometimes, the surprise is that you get there and it is closed).

Tabacalera cultural center offers you a sneak peek into alternative Spanish counter-culture for free and you can admire tons of great street art inside of it and at the adjacent streets. If you’re lucky, you might be able to watch a local pressing catch match completely for free. They are very, VERY fun (and hilarious)

Which “Tabacalera” are you referring to (city or country)? Meanwhile, here are two well-known ones:

• Tabakalera (San Sebastián, Spain) — Address: Plaza de los Zigarrogile, 1, Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain
  Website: https://www.tabakalera.eus (Tabakalera)
• La Tabacalera de Lavapiés (Madrid, Spain) — Address: Calle de Embajadores 51 (or close by)
  Website: https://latabacalera.net (latabacalera.net)

 

15. Find a rooftop bar

Here’s an outline of some of the coolest rooftop bars in Madrid — what makes them special, where they are, when to go, vibe, etc. Happy to pick ones by neighborhood too if you want.

Rooftop	Location / Neighbourhood	Highlights & Vibe	Best Time & Tips
360° Rooftop Bar (Hotel Riu Plaza España)	Gran Vía / Plaza de España	Multi-level rooftop + sky bar; literally 360° views of Madrid. Has a glass walkway (“walk on air”) that gives dramatic views. (The Rooftop Guide)	Great at sunset or early evening. It tends to get busy as the light fades. There’s usually an entry fee. (The Rooftop Guide)
Picos Pardos Sky Lounge by Martini (BLESS Hotel Madrid)	Salamanca	Stylish, lush setting. Rooftop pool, comfy loungers (Balinese beds), upscale food and cocktail program. A good mix of relaxation and glam.	Best in summer or late afternoon toward evening. Dress up a bit.
Oroya (The Madrid EDITION)	Sol / central Madrid	Greenhouse-like décor, indoor & outdoor elements, Peruvian flavors; rooftop + garden atmosphere.	Lazy lunches, early evening cocktails, or after dinner. Cooler evenings are more comfortable.
Azotea del Círculo (Círculo de Bellas Artes)	Calle de Alcalá / near Gran Vía	Historic building, iconic views over the city (Gran Vía, Metropolis, etc.). Elegant but not overly formal.	Go just before sunset to catch daylight + night lights. Expect lines / crowds.
La Terraza de Óscar (Room Mate Óscar Hotel)	Plaza de Pedro Zerolo (central)	Fashionable, colourful, casual luxe. 360° views, pool / solarium vibes. Has good cocktails and a stylish crowd.	Great mid-evening; summer afternoons if you want the pool. Go early on weekends.
Picalagartos Sky Bar & Restaurant	Gran Vía, 9th floor	Bohemian / design feel, nice food + drink, views over Gran Vía & city centre. Good for full meal or casual drinks. (Forbes)	Dinner into night is great. Towards later evening get more lively. (hotels)
Radio Rooftop Bar (ME Madrid Reina Victoria)	Plaza de Santa Ana	Chic, modern, great skyline views. A bit more upscale, good cocktails. (Forbes)	Sunset to late night. Dress smart casual. (Forbes)
Casa Suecia (NH Collection Madrid Suecia)	Central, near Cibeles / Retiro area	Dual-level rooftop cocktail bar. 360° views; good sunset spot; comfortable sofas and relaxed elegance. (The Rooftop Guide)	Try to go during golden hour. Arrive early (walk-ins) especially weekends. (The Rooftop Guide)
El Cielo de Alcalá (H10 Puerta de Alcalá)	Salamanca / near Retiro Park	Rooftop bar + glass- enclosed pool, stylish design, lush setting. Nice views over Retiro & Salamanca districts. (The Rooftop Guide)	Daytime into evening; weekends are nicer. If you’re staying in the hotel, bonus to use amenities. (The Rooftop Guide)

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Pros & Cons Across Rooftops

• Pros:
  • Amazing city views, especially at sunset or night.
  • Many combine food + drinks so you can stay for dinner.
  • Some have unique features (pool, glass walkways, atmospheric design).
  • Good mix: casual vs upscale, locals vs tourist-friendly.
• Cons:
  • They fill up fast; sometimes a wait or reservation is needed.
  • Cost tends to be higher for drinks & snacks.
  • Access fees for some rooftops, especially the big ones.
  • Weather dependency: wind, heat, rain can affect comfort.

 

16. A slaughterhouse converted into a cool hipster hangout spot

Matadero is an old XIXth century slaughterhouse with a really interesting neo-mudejar architecture, re-converted into a hipster-esque mecca full of free modern art exhibits and tons of food truck festivals, local designer markets and different activities. It’s a fun place to explore, hang out, grab a bite and people watch in the city.

Address:
Plaza de Legazpi, 8
28045 Madrid, Spain (Matadero Madrid)

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Website:
https://www.mataderomadrid.org/ (esmadrid.com)

 

 

 

17. Do a Tapas tasting tour

Here are some of the best tapas tasting tours in Madrid — routes, food stops, what makes each special, good fits + possible caveats. If you tell me your food preferences (budget, spicy, seafood, vegetarian, etc.) I can suggest ones tailored for you.

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Top Tapas Tasting Tours in Madrid

Tour	Area(s) Covered	What You’ll Taste / Do	Duration & Logistics	Pros & Things to Know
De Tapas in Malasaña: Evening Wine & Tapas Tour (Walk and Eat Spain) (Walk and Eat Food Tours in Madrid)	Malasaña neighborhood (hip, central, full of energy) (Walk and Eat Food Tours in Madrid)	Visit 4 locally owned tapas bars/restaurants, try ~9 different tapas + 5 drinks per guest (wine, beer, vermouth, etc.). Dishes include classic cured Iberian meats, croquetas, huevos rotos, seasonal veggies. (Walk and Eat Food Tours in Madrid)	Evening tour (starts around later afternoon/evening). Small groups (max ~8) for more personal feel. (Walk and Eat Food Tours in Madrid)	Fantastic for those who want a mix of traditional & modern, want to interact with locals/guides. Because it’s small group, more intimate. Probably best to reserve ahead. Might be pricier than DIY tapas crawl.
De Mercados: Neighborhood Market & Food Tour (Walk and Eat Spain) (Walk and Eat Food Tours in Madrid)	Malasaña, including local markets (Mercado Barceló, etc.) and surrounding neighborhood food spots (Walk and Eat Food Tours in Madrid)	Breakfast + churros, then tastings of Iberian ham, olive oil, fresh produce, cheeses, a tapas-lunch at a local bar. Expect ~12 different foods + multiple drinks. (Walk and Eat Food Tours in Madrid)	~2.5 hours; half-day morning tour. Small group. (Walk and Eat Food Tours in Madrid)	Very good for understanding local food culture, not just eating tapas but seeing where food is made/sold. More relaxed; less intense than doing lots of bars at night. If you want nightlife, this is more daytime.
Madrid Tapas Crawl Tour (Food Lover Tour) (Food Lover Tour)	Local neighborhoods off the beaten path (not just tourist core) (Food Lover Tour)	4-stop crawl, 10-12 tapas + ~4 drinks. Includes classic dishes (tortilla de patatas, croquettes, maybe calamari, local wines / beers) and hidden gems. (Food Lover Tour)	Usually 3 hours (evening). Runs daily. English & Spanish. Private option available. (Food Lover Tour)	Great value, breadth of food and bars; more variety perhaps. If your stomach is small, might be a lot. Also depends on walking between stops. Good if you like “surprise” hidden spots.
Tapas Tour Madrid (TapasTour.Madrid) (Tapas Tour)	Central Madrid (meeting at Plaza Santa Ana / Monumento a Calderón de la Barca) (Tapas Tour)	Visit 3 different tapas bars/restaurants; degustation of Spanish wines, sidra, and different tapas plates. (Tapas Tour)	~3 hours (5-8pm typ. slot) everyday. Moderate-size groups. (Tapas Tour)	Very accessible (central meeting point), good for evening food + drinks. Because fewer stops, more time in each place; a bit slower pace. If you want many bars, might feel like less variety. Also drinks (wine/sidra) might push cost up.

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Neighborhoods & Food Styles to Explore

These neighborhoods are worth considering when choosing a tour or doing your own tapas-crawl.

• Malasaña: Bohemian, creative, good mix of old vs new. Classic small bars and places doing modern twists. Many tours focus here.
• La Latina (Cava Baja, etc.): The heart of the tapas crawl culture. Lots of small bars, lively atmosphere, good for wandering & spontaneously stopping.
• Lavapiés: Multicultural & eclectic. You’ll find traditional Spanish tapas, but also fusion and international influences. Good if you like more adventurous or variety.
• Chamberí / Calle Ponzano: Slightly more upscale or “local after work” vibe. Bars with creative tapas, well-done ingredients. Less touristy.

 

 18. Free walking tours of Madrid

Here are several free walking tours in Madrid summarized in outline form — where they go, when, what you see. Let me know what time of day or what style you like (history, food, neighborhoods, etc.) and I can suggest which might suit you best.

Tour Name	Meeting Point & Schedule	Duration	Areas / Highlights Covered
Walkative! — Madrid Historic Centre	Meet at Opera Metro Station, outside Teatro Real (Pl. de Isabel II). (Free Walking Tour)	~2h 30min (Free Walking Tour)	Old Town (Madrid de los Austrias), Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza de la Villa, Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Prado area, ending at Fuente de Neptuno. (Free Walking Tour)
OgoTours — Free Walking Tour Madrid (Old Town)	Puerta del Sol (by the Equestrian Statue of Carlos III), at 10:45am daily (except some holiday dates). (OgoTours)	~2h 30min (OgoTours)	Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza de la Villa, Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza de Oriente. (OgoTours)
Free Tour Madrid — Essentials	Meet at Callao square. Times ~11:00 AM & 3:30 PM in English/Spanish. (Free Tour Madrid)	~2h 30min (Free Tour Madrid)	Key historic and architectural sites: Royal Palace, Opera House, Almudena Cathedral, the medieval / Muslim past of Madrid, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, San Miguel Market, etc. (Free Tour Madrid)
Turixe — Free Walking Tour Madrid	Puerta del Sol. (Turixe)	~2h 15min (Turixe)	Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market, old Muslim walls, Almudena Cathedral, older parts of Madrid, “Old City Walls,” barring into local stories & historical anecdotes. (Turixe)
Free Tour Community — Madrid City / Monumental	Plaza del Callao (in front of Callao Metro) — look for a coloured umbrella. (Free Tour Community)	~2h 30min (Free Tour Community)	They offer more than one route: the Old Town (Austrias), also “Monumental / New Town” covering Art’s Triangle (Prado / Reina Sofía / Thyssen), Retiro Park, etc. (Free Tour Community)

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What Different Tours Offer / Trade-offs

• Tours focused on Old Town / Madrid de los Austrias tend to cover medieval / Renaissance history, plazas, old architecture, major landmarks like the Royal Palace and Almudena.
• Those that include Gran Vía, Art Triangle, Retiro give you contrast: newer architecture, museums, green space.
• Some tours are more storytelling-based (history, legends, local anecdotes), others are more sightseeing + orientation heavy.
• “Pay what you want” model is common: free up front, tip at end. Good tours tend to be well rated in advance.

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If you tell me which day(s) you’ll be in Madrid and what kind of walking you prefer (leisurely stroll vs history heavy vs food & local vibe), I can pick 2-3 tours that match your style.

 

19. Find a cool city view of Madrid from above

The Cerro del Tío Pío in the Puente de Vallecas area is a group of seven small hills, popularly known as “the seven tits”. You can walk and walk until the sun goes down, with the sunset bathing a panoramic view of Madrid.

 

20. Thrift shopping in Malsana district

I love thrift shopping especially in neighborhoods filled with cool vintage shops and collectibles. you’ll find the best of these at the Malsamana neighborhood.

Thrift shopping in Madrid offers a fun mix of vintage style, affordable finds, and retro charm. Head to Malasaña, the city’s vintage hub, where shops like Magpie Vintage, Flamingos Vintage Kilo, and El Templo de Susu sell everything from 70s denim to classic leather jackets by the kilo or piece. In Chueca, you’ll find curated boutiques such as Williamsburg Vintage and The Corner, blending secondhand fashion with designer selections. For a more eclectic experience, explore the El Rastro market in La Latina on Sundays, where dozens of stalls and small stores sell vintage clothes, antiques, and quirky collectibles. You can also check out Humana stores scattered around the city for sustainable, low-cost clothing that supports social projects.

21. Light shows at the Museo de la Luz

This cool museum in Madrid highlights light as the main medium of expression with 13 spaces dedicated to a cool and unique experience with lighting sensory experiences through these interactive installations, lights projections and sculptures along with unique digital landscapes and visual effects.

This pioneering museum also hosts a variety of conferences, temporary exhibitions, performances and emerging creators and artists.

 

22. Mirador de la Cornisa

One of the easy to get to Mirador of Viewpoints is the Mirador de la Cornisa. Located between the Royal Palace and the Museum of Royal Collections. You’ll find gorgeous views of the Capital city’s green areas including the Campo del Moro gardens and the Casa de Campo.

The Mirador is open from 12 pm to 10 pm daily with the most popular timeframe being sunset when the light in the area tends to be amazing.

23. Flamenco Shows in Madrid

Experience the passion of Flamenco, Spain’s traditional dance and music. You can watch this traditional style of dance at many venues performed in the city and here are some of the best below:

Flamenco show with dinner and drinks in Madrid

Flamenco show with artists talk and drink

Madrid’s oldest Flamenco show and drink

 

 

24. Used book shopping at Claudio Moyano Street

Located at Claudio Moyano street which is a sloped hill, this famous street is located between Atocha station and Retiro Park. With many book stalls that line the area and tables of used books to browse through. You can easily spend the morning to afternoon browsing through the various stalls and find some reading gems

Tip – Check out the full schedule of book presentations, author meet ups and greeting sessions and other interesting programs that happen throughout the calendar year.

 

25. La Casa Encendida – Avant garde cultural center

This modern cultural center in the city showcases the most avant garde and cutting edge arts programs in Madred. With four floors of exhibition space to feature emerging artists in many creative arts from performances, theater, concerts, movie screenings and childrens activities;

What’s very popular at the center is the summer concerts and outdoor cinema program along with the various events like the women’s electronic music festival, She Makes Noise, the Puwerty Festival for teenagers and many other events happening yearly.

La Casa Encendida in Madrid is located at:

Address:
Ronda de Valencia, 2
28012 Madrid, Spain (ESMadrid)

Website:
http://www.lacasaencendida.es/ (ESMadrid)

 

Details to visiting Madrid

If you are looking to spend more time to visit the capital city of Madrid, check out these other FAQs and details to visiting.

 

What is the Best time to visit Madrid

How can I get to the city center from Adolfo Suarez Madrid–Barajas Airport?

Train

You can take the RENFE train from terminal T4. If you land at other terminals you can take a free shuttle bus to take you to T4 to catch the train. A round trip costs 5.2 euros. There are trains leaving T4 every 15 minutes. The trains do not operate during the night though. If you take the train you should get to Atocha Train Station in about 30 minutes.

Bus

You can take Bus Line 203 which will take you to Atocha Train Station in about 45 minutes. Follow the “Airport Express Aeropuerto” sign to get to the two bus stops located at the Departures and Arrivals levels of T1 and T2, as well as the on the ground level of T4. Buses run 24/7. Bus tickets cost 5 euros and you can buy them on the bus using either cash or a credit card.

Metro

You can catch the metro from the airport  with the Pink Metro Line 8. However, you will have to switch to Metro Line 10 or Metro Line 1 at Nuevos Ministerios subway station. There are two airport metro stations, one at T4 and another one on the first floor of T2 which serves T1, T2, and T3. A ticket costs around 5 euros.

Taxi / uber

This is the most convenient option since it leaves you right in front of your hotel. Taxis have a flat fee of 30 euros. Ubers are a bit cheaper to use and just as accessible.

 

How can I get around Madrid?

Madrid is a very walkable city and fairly compact. It also has a great subway system with stations near all major attractions and locations. You can take public transportation and even use an app like Uber to get you somewhere quickly if you have no time dealing with schedules.

Do I have to tip in Madrid?

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. I usually leave 1-2 euros as tip when I eat out. They highly appreciate it when you do this.

Do I need to book tickets for attractions in advance?

I highly recommend you book all the tickets online in advance of your trip. Madrid is a very popular destination so it’s very likely that tickets will sell out. Especially if you visit during the summer months. Booking in advance will give you peace of mind.

 

Weather and best time to visit Madrid, Spain

Madrid, the capital of Spain, experiences a continental Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit Madrid largely depends on your preferences for weather and the type of activities you want to enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and the ideal times to visit:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit Madrid. The weather is mild, with temperatures gradually warming up throughout the season. Flowers are in bloom, and outdoor cafes start bustling. This is an excellent time for sightseeing and enjoying the city’s parks and gardens.

Summer (June to August): Madrid summers are hot and dry, with temperature often soaring above 30°C (86°F) or higher. If you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, this is the best time for you. However, be prepared for high temperatures, and make sure to stay hydrated. Many locals escape the city during the peak of summer.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Madrid is also a pleasant time to visit. The weather remains warm and comfortable during September and October. Fall foliage in the city’s parks can be stunning. November starts to get cooler, but it’s still a good time for exploring.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Madrid are cold and can be quite chilly, especially in December and January. Daytime temperatures typically range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). However, if you don’t mind the cold, this can be an excellent time to experience fewer crowds and enjoy the city’s cultural attractions, museums, and indoor activities.

In summary, the best time to visit Madrid for pleasant weather and outdoor activities is during the spring and early autumn (March to May and September to October). If you prefer hot weather and are comfortable with high temperatures, then summer (June to August) is suitable. Winters (December to February) are ideal for travelers who want to explore the city’s indoor attractions and experience a quieter atmosphere.

 

Looking for more inspiration to visiting Madrid, check out my other posts below

Visit to Retiro Park

Explore Madrid’s el Rastro

Visit Madrid in Two Days

Guide to Madrid’s Atocha Train station

Free things to do in Madrid

Hidden Gems of Madrid

Top things to do in Toledo

A day trip to Toledo from Madrid

Unique things to do in Madrid

 

Conclusion to 25 Cool things to do in Madrid

In conclusion, Madrid is a city that never ceases to surprise and captivate its visitors with its wealth of 20 Cool things to do in Madrid.

Beyond the well-known attractions, these lesser-explored treasures offer a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods.

Thanks for checking out this post on the Hidden Gems of Madrid, Spain on Visiting Spain and Mediterranean.com, hope that this was helpful for planning a visit with things to do, attractions and other fun places to explore. Please come back again for more adventures in Spain and the Mediterranean coast.

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