by Jess Signet *
Read on for some ideas of what to do on a Madrid City break, including sightseeing and shopping on the Gran Via, relaxing in ‘El Retiro’ Park , soaking up some culture at the ‘Prado National Museum’, visiting the ‘Santiago Bernabéu Stadium’ (home to Real Madrid) and eating and drinking in the Plaza de la Latina.
What to do on a Madrid City break
When people think of vacationing in Spain, they often picture sunny beaches, drunk teenagers and late night partying. However, you only have to head to the country’s capital—Madrid—to find an urban paradise filled to the brim with diverse culture and life.
Unfortunately, for those spending a short amount of time there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the great attractions available. Luckily we’ve compiled a list of some of the best activities to make your weekend away in Madrid a fulfilling and exciting experience.
Have tapas in the Plaza De La Latina
By far one of the most attractive selling points of any visit to Spain is a taste of the local cuisine, and in Madrid, the place you want to go for this is the Plaza De La Latina.
The square is filled to the brim with restaurants and bars and specializes in all the Spanish classics. Wash down your baked chorizo and Spanish omelette with a jug of Sangria or a pint of Estella, and sit back and enjoy the lazy evenings in the bubbling atmosphere of this famous barrio.
Travelers and locals frequent this area equally, so it’s a great place to meet people and the perfect spot to fill your tummies after a long day sight-seeing.
Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
All sports fans should head to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of the world-class football team—Real Madrid. This pitch has seen many incredible matches over the years and is home to memorabilia from some of the team’s greatest seasons. You can book a tour that takes you around the entire venue or simply visit the museum and panoramic viewing platform by yourself. Catching an actual game is an incredible experience but the tickets are extremely pricey.
If you can’t afford it, you can always head out to a local bar to get a piece of the action. The atmosphere in the city when the team is playing is incomparable, so don’t miss out if you get the chance to be a part of it!
Stroll down the Gran Via
Locally known as “Spanish Broadway,” La Gran Via is a must-see whether you’re a theatre lover or not. The beautiful boulevard is home to many large cinemas and playhouses and has a vibrant shopping district; however, it’s the stunning architecture that truly sets it apart.
The endless towering skyscrapers, with their intricate 1920’s designs, means that even just a short wander down the street is a delightful and worthwhile activity. It’s also home to many upmarket hotels, so if you have the budget for it, it’s a fantastic place to stay and base your Madrid adventure from.
Relax in El Retiro Park
No city break is complete without spending some time relaxing in the local greenery. El Retiro is a stunning park that offers 125 hectares of natural beauty. With a large woodland area, Andalucian style gardens, a vast artificial lake and many palaces and buildings, there are hours of entertainment to be had in this tranquil retreat.
It’s even home to the city’s oldest tree—a bald Cypress that is supposedly an incredible 400 years old. Alongside offering picturesque views and a welcome break from the noises and traffic of the center, there are many sorts of leisure opportunities all over the grassed areas, which are well worth investigating.
Visit the Prado National Museum
Featuring one of the most extensive collections of European art anywhere in the world, if you’re going to visit a gallery while in Spain, then this is the one to see!
The works on display span from the 12th century right up to the early 1900s. There are currently around 7,600 painting, 1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings, alongside numerous art history documents and records, so it truly is a dream come true for all art enthusiasts.
It’s located extremely centrally so is easy to access, and the admission is free unless you want to visit a certain exhibition, making it a fantastic way to spent a few hours soaking up culture and enjoying the beautiful works.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about What to do on a Madrid City Break by Jess Signet, and please have a look here for more of our travel guides.
I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post,
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With love,
Jess Signet has been obsessed with the beauty and the wonder of this wide world since before she could walk or even talk. She was always exploring as a toddler – much to her parents dismay – and things haven’t changed since. She has spent the last 3 1/2 years exploring every corner of this incredible globe .
Thanks to Julia for publishing this article. Her site is an amazing resource for tips of fashion, beauty and travel. After reading this, be sure to check out her post on making the most out of a weekend away in nearby Lisbon!
Yes, it would be a great experience. Hope you get there 🙂
This city looks amazing !
Yes – definitely worth a visit!
That looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I’d love to go to the Plaza De La Latina. Eating different foods is one of my favourite things to do on vacation.
~Lili
I couldn’t agree more Lili and Spanish tapas is one of my favourite things 🙂
Looks amazing – another one for the bucket list methinks.
Yes – so many places to visit 🙂
I went to Madrid a year and a half back and absolutely loved it. These pictures are making me feel so nostalgic, I would love to go back!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Yes, they’re making me nostalgic too! I would love to go back as well 🙂
Madrid is so beautiful!! and ofcourse the culture!!
Absolutely! 🙂
great refresher course on all of the great things to do and see while in this marvelous city! The theatre, and the Prado Museum, Yes!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Thank you Elle 🙂
Madrid looks magical! On my bucket list!!
http://www.thestyletune.com/
I definitely recommend a visit! 🙂
Beautiful pics, Jess! Madrid is one of my fave cities in Europe!!
Happy Monday, love!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you Vanessa. I love Madrid too 🙂
Great post and beautiful pictures.
Nina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
Thank you Nina 🙂
Amazing photos!!! Love it! Thanks for sharing! Happy Monday!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Thank you so much Len! 🙂
I’ve never been to Madrid but it looks amazing!
I think It would be great to go and take some outfit photos as well, what do you say? Streets looks totally camera ready:)
xx
I agree! I think Madrid would be a great place to take some outfit photos! I will definitely have to plan for that! See you there?
meraviglia di posto
Thank you 🙂
Wonderful post. I would absolutely love to go there! Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you Gemma! I would love to go back there! xx
Would love to visit here! These pics are stunning! I have always wanted to go to El Prado. Wonderful guest post!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you Kathrine. I haven’t been to Madrid for a few years but Jess’s wonderful post has inspired me to go back 🙂
Madrid is a so interesting city! Beautiful photos!
xxx
S
http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it
Yes, it is a great place to visit 🙂
Madrid looks amazing, definitely on my to do list! hope you had a great time xx
Thank you! I haven’t been recently, but I would love to go back xx
I’ve never been to Madrid before but it’s definitely on my travel bucket list! Love these tips and pictures!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
Thank you Courtney! I love Madrid and would definitely recommend it as a place to visit 🙂