Madrid bucket list for first-time visitors 

Madrid, for me, is like revisiting an old friend.  

It matters not how many years we haven’t seen each other. What matters most, is that when we do reconnect, we pick up right where we left off.  

And despite being a regular visitor to Madrid, I've never written about my favorite things to do here. So, I’m finally ticking that off my list by presenting this Madrid bucket list for first-time visitors. 

It includes not just the main attractions in the center of Madrid, but also things to do in other neighborhoods. Use this post to plan your own 1, 2, 3 or even 4-day itinerary for Madrid.  

Hola Madrid  

Madrid is the thriving capital of Spain, beckoning visitors to explore its charming streets and bask in its electric atmosphere.  

Situated in the center of the country, this bustling metropolis boasts a population of over 6.9 million inhabitants. One of the largest cities in Europe, Madrid makes for a perfect city break or a long weekend.   

Boasting a rich and storied history, Madrid is best known for its architecture and awe-inspiring museums.  

Some of the most visited include the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Beyond its artistic sights, Madrid also entices visitors with its electric nightlife, tantalizing cuisine, and enchanting parks and gardens.  

Every corner of Madrid pulsates with energy and life, making it a must-see destination for travel lovers everywhere. 

When is the best time to visit Madrid? 

If you ask me, any time is a good time to visit Madrid. But, if we’re talking about the weather, I personally prefer to visit in winter or in early spring. 

January in Madrid can get very cold. Average high temperatures can range from 5°C (41°F) to 16°C (61°F). On the other end, average low temperatures can range from -3°C (26°F) to 4°C (39°F).

Temperatures in Madrid in January can drop below freezing, especially at night, so packing the right clothing is essential. 

During previous trips to Madrid in late February, we experienced daily average temperatures of around 17°C (62.6°F). This was unusual for February in Madrid, but with global warming, this might (un)fortunately become the norm. 

Visiting Madrid during winter will probably be an unpopular opinion. But the truth is, I’m not a fan of extremely hot weather. Like our summers in Italy, I tend to suffer, then enjoy, the very hot weather. 

Summer in Madrid

In July, the average high temperature in Madrid is around 35°C (95°F), with average low temperatures of around 22°C (72°F). However, temperatures can sometimes reach 40°C (104°F) during the day, making it unbearable (for me) to enjoy the city. 

However, it’s during the summer months that you see Madrid really come to life. Popular festivals and events fill the city’s ‘to do’ calendar as well as its streets. Madrid’s parks, gardens and outdoor cafes are teeming with locals and tourists all wanting a taste of summer in Madrid. 

Madrid bucket list for first-time visitors  

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Now that I’ve listed the basics of visiting Madrid, it’s time to get to the best part. Below is an easy Madrid bucket list to help you make the most out of your visit to the city. 

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Popular landmarks in Madrid  

• Book a skip-the-line tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) 

• Visit the Almudena Cathedral (Cathedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena)

• Stroll slowly around Plaza Mayor and soak up the atmosphere 

• Stop by the Puerta del Sol  

• Stroll through Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro) 

• Wander around the Palacio de Cristal 

• Enjoy the views from the Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod) 

• Walk and explore the shops along Gran Vía 

• Book a guided tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (home of football club Real Madrid) 

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Museums in Madrid  

• Book a fast access ticket for the Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)  

• Spend a few hours at the Reina Sofia Museum (book a guided tour) (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia) (free entry on Sunday from 12:30 to 2pm and on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 9pm) 

• Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (book skip-the-line tickets) (Museo Nactional Thyssen-Bornemisza)  

• Check out the collections at Cerralbo Museum (Museo Cerralbo)  

• Book tickets to see the 18th century Liria Palace (Palacio de Liria)  

• Learn about wartime history at the Royal Armoury of Madrid (Real Armería de Madrid) 

• Check out ancient cave art and Islamic pottery at the National Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico Nacional) 

• Visit the 18th century National Library of Spain (Biblioteca Nacional de España)  

• See how they make tapestries and rugs at the Royal Tapestry Factory (Fundación Real Fábrica de Tapices)  

• Learn about pre-Columbian, Spanish-American & Native American art and artifacts at the Museum of the Americas (Museo de América) 

• Take photos with celebrities and ride the ghost train at the Wax Museum (get entry tickets) (Museo de Cera)  

• Get brainy at the National Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales) 

• Take in some culture at the San Fernando Fine Art Royal Academy (Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando) 

• Explore the Fundación MAPFRE Museum (get advanced entry tickets) that includes works by Miró & other notable 19th and 20th century artists  

Churches and other notable places/buildings to visit in Madrid

• Pass through the crypt of the Almudena Cathedral (Cripta Parroquia de Santa María la Real de la Almudena)

• Walk around Cibeles Square (Plaza de Cibelles) 

• Take photos of the landmark Cibeles Fountain (Fuente de Cibeles) 

• Watch a show or book a guided tour of the Teatro Real 

• Enjoy the nature at the Royal Botanic Garden (Real Jardín Botánico)  

• Admire the chapel painted by Goya in the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great (Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande) 

• Check out the royal tombs and marble statues at the Parish church of Santa Bárbara (Parroquia de Santa Bárbara)  

• Take a tour of the Royal Monastery (guided tour only) (Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales) 

• Enjoy a fun day of learning at Madrid Planetarium (Planetario Madrid) 

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Fun places to eat and drink in Madrid

• Enjoy a traditional Spanish Cocido Madrileño at a Madrillan restaurant like Malacatín (book an Old Madrid walking food and wine tour) 

• Join the crowds for some churros con chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés 

• Sample some sherry and tapas at La Venencia 

• Try some popular Spanish tapas like morcilla, ensalada rusa and jamon iberico at any of the places along Calle Cava Baja (book a guided tapas and wine tour with rooftop views)

• Have a bite to eat at the Mercado San Miguel 

• Stop for some Spanish street food and drink at Saint Ildephonsus Market (Mercado de San IIdefonso)  

• Go for a cocktail, or two, at Viva Madrid 

• Check out the international food scene at Mercado de San Antón 

• Grab a quick bite to eat at Mercado de la Cebada 

• Order a bespoke cocktail in the chic yet cozy Punch Room in The Madrid EDITION 

• Browse the indoor market or get something to eat at Antón Martín Market (Mercado Antón Martín) 

Entertainment

• Get tickets for a live flamenco show at a venue like Las Carboneras tablao flamenco 

• Watch an outdoor concert at Templete de la Música - Parque del Oeste  

• Take a stroll through the lively Chueca neighborhood 

• Admire the views across Madrid from Príncipe Pío Mountain viewing point (Mirador de la Montaña de Príncipe Pío) 

• Take the kids on a fun day out to the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid (buy tickets for the theme park)

• Go for a boat ride at the Countryside House Park (Parque Casa de Campo) 

• Browse the many stalls at the El Rastro flea market (Sundays and public holidays in the Latina neighborhood) 

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Map: places to add to your Madrid bucket list

48-hour itinerary for Madrid 

In case you want something more structured for planning your trip to Madrid, I’ve also put together this simple suggested itinerary.

Feel free to add anything from the Madrid bucket list when putting yours together. 

Day 1 in Madrid 

Kick off your first day in Madrid at the Prado Museum. Arrive early, especially if visiting at the weekend as the lines can get very long. Don't miss the chance to see Las Meninas by Velázquez; it’s one of the museum's most renowned pieces. 

Book: skip-the-line Prado Museum tour and optional tapas

After spending an hour or so at the museum, head outdoors and make the 5-minute walk to Retiro Park. Rent a boat to paddle around the park's central lake or stroll through its beautiful gardens.  
Retiro Park is where you’ll also find the Palacio de Cristal.

Inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco designed the glass pavilion in the late 19th century. It was originally designed for the exhibition of exotic plants from the Philippines. 

Take a break on your 48-hour trip to Madrid at the Antón Martín Market. An indoor market with eateries inside, it’s a local place in Madrid to sample the city’s food scene. 

Afternoon of day 1 in Madrid 

In the afternoon, make your way to the historic center of Madrid. Start at Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid's busiest public squares. Always bustling with people, it’s like Piccadilly Circus in London or Times Square in New York City. 

From here, we make the short walk to Plaza Mayor. Dating to the 16th century, at its heart is a bronze statue of King Philip III atop his horse. If your palate is itching for something sweet, join the line of hungry patrons at Chocolatería San Ginés. They serve up batches of freshly cooked churros accompanied by velvety liquid dipping or drinking chocolate. 

Next, head to the Royal Palace of Madrid. The official residence of the Spanish royal family since the 1700’s, booking a tour is essential.  

Inside, you can tour the palace's opulent rooms, which are filled with priceless artworks, antique furniture, and intricate tapestries. Just 2 minutes’ walk away is the Almudena Cathedral.

Book: guided tour for the Royal Palace of Madrid and Almudena Cathedral

Construction first began in 1879 but it wasn’t completed till 1993. The architectural style is a combination of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque. 

Madrid in the evening 

For dinner, head to one of Madrid's many tapas bars to sample some of the mouthwatering food culture. Personally, I love any of the places along Calle Cava Baja, but Lamiak is one of my favorites.

Finish off your first night in Madrid with a cocktail or sherry. La Venencia serves a variety of sherries, while The Madrid EDITION has superb cocktails and a matching atmosphere. 

Day 2 in Madrid

Begin your second day in Madrid at the Reina Sofía Museum.

It’s home to Pablo Picasso's moving piece ‘Guernica,’ which depicts the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. While here, be sure to also see works by Spanish masters Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. 

Get Reina Sofia Museum entry tickets

After visiting the museum, make the short walk to the Malasaña neighborhood. Filled with vintage clothing stores and cute coffee shops, it’s worth exploring.

Consider stopping by Lolina Vintage Café for a coffee, cocktail or brunch. Alternatively, Syra Coffee – Leganitos offers its patrons good coffee and delicious pastries. 

Upon leaving Malasaña, stroll down Gran Via. Madrid’s principal shopping street is where you can splash the cash if the mood takes you. At the western end of Gran Via is Plaza de España. In the center is a large fountain and a monument of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. 

Around a 10-minute walk away is the Templo de Debod. Located in Parque del Oeste, the ancient Egyptian temple was gifted to Spain in the 1960s. Come here to admire the temple’s unique architecture as well as panoramic views of the city. 

Evening of day 2 in Madrid 

End your 48-hour visit to Madrid with a bit of bar/tapas hopping in a local area. Around 15 minutes from the center (by Metro), are the bars and restaurants around Cuatro Caminos.  

Book: guided tapas tour with tastings and drinks

Local in feel, you get a taste of life as a Madrileño/a plus you get to eat and drink well too.   
An easy-to-follow 2-day itinerary for Madrid, it’s a suggested guide for first-time visitors to the city.

If you plan to stay longer than 2 days in Madrid, consider making a few day trips. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo is 45 minutes from Madrid by train, while Segovia is around 1 hour. 

Book: Segovia and Toledo tour, Alcazar and cathedral

What do you think of this Madrid bucket list for first-time visitors? Is there anything else you’d like to see on here? Let me know in the comments below.  

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