Top 20 Unique Things to Do in Madrid (2024)
Top 20 Unique Things to Do in Madrid: Explore the Heart of Spain Like Never Before
We have all dreamed of exploring Europe's historic and vibrant cities at one point or another. Spain's dynamic capital, Madrid, effortlessly combines the ancient with the modern. This city has something to offer every kind of tourist, from its modern attractions to its ancient relics.
We advise you to complete the whole tour of Madrid in a day. Does it sound crazy?
Opt for a reliable Madrid bus tourz that will take you around the city and to one of the most prominent tourist attractions without rushing in a hoch-poch.
Here are some of the most amazing “must-visit” attractions and unique things to do in Madrid ~
1. Experience the History at The Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the largest palaces worldwide, and it housed the kings of Spain from the mid-1700s to the early 1900s. This grand residence still belongs to the royal family, although they no longer live here.
This palace is the living dream of every Bridgerton fan! You can experience the essence of European history and architecture firsthand by witnessing the beautifully decorated rooms, hallways, corridors, and salons.
Make sure to align your visit with the guard changing ceremony every first Wednesday of the month, accompanied by 400 people and 100 horses — just like how it was done in the 19th century.
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Location — Centro, 28071 Madrid, Spain.
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Ticket Price — €14 ($15.29) for adults; €7 ($7.65) for children aged 5–16: and free entry for children aged 4 years and younger.
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Timings — Monday to Saturday–10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
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Ideal Duration — You can easily spend around 3–5 hours exploring this place.
2. Relax and Rejuvenate at El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park will always be there on the list when talking about the unique things to do in Madrid. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike to chill and have a slow and relaxed weekend. Being one of the largest parks in the city, El Retiro has gardens, galleries, an artificial lake, and even some event-hosting venues spanning an area of 1.4 km2 (350 acres).
You can witness some regular exhibitions happening at the Crystal Palace or stop at the Rose Garden, boasting more than 4000 roses. So, if you’re visiting from May–June, try not to miss this marvel.
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Location — Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Entry to the park free of cost
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Timings — Spring (April to September) — 6 am – 12 am; Winter (October to March) — 6 am–10 pm
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Ideal Duration — 2 to 4 hours might be enough to explore the park.
3. Marvel Art at Museo Nacional del Prado
There’s a special place for museums in Europe, and Museo del Prado is known as one of the most prominent museums in the world for European paintings.
Artwork like The Annunciation by Fra Angelico; The Descent from the Cross by Rogier van der Weyden; a Self-portrait by Albrecht Durer; The Crucifixion by Juan de Flandes, and many more are some of the most important paintings in the museums.
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Location — Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — €15 ($15.29) for adults and free for visitors who are 18 and younger.
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Timings — Monday to Saturday 10 am — 8 pm; Sunday 10 am — 7 pm
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Ideal Duration — About 2 hours to half a day is the ideal duration.
4. Witness a Thousand Art pieces at Thyssen Bornemisza National Museum
This iconic museum in the city is a must-visit, with more than a thousand works of art from the 1920s. Take shelter in the cultural artistry and experience art like nowhere else.
Do not miss eating at the restaurant and café inside the museum for an aesthetically relaxing time.
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Ticket Price — €13 ($14.20) for adults and free entry for kids ages 17 and younger.
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Timings — Tuesday to Sunday–10 am to 7 pm, and it stays closed on Monday.
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Ideal Duration — 2 to 4 hours
5. Chill at the Plaza Mayor
This enchanting square located in the heart of Madrid is THE place to be! The spectacular Spanish architecture, the antiquated vibe, and the amazing but overpriced cafés would not let you just walk by.
Experience the cultural heritage of Spain and spend some time in this mesmerizing square, having delicious food and collecting some beautiful souvenirs.
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Location — Pl. Mayor, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free entry
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Timings — Open 24/7 and seven days a week.
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Ideal Duration — 2–3 hours
6. Shop to Your Heart’s Content at Gran Vía
Gran Via is the heart of the city and a bustling place, just like Times Square in New York. This avenue is both historical and modern; the place marks the first-ever skyscraper in Madrid and the beginning of the modernization of Madrid.
If you’re at the Gran Via, try the traditional bocadillo de calamares, which is a squid sandwich, and visit the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes for a cool drink while enjoying a breathtaking sunset.
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Location — Centro, Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free entry
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Timings — Open 24/7 daily
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Ideal Duration — 2 to 3 hours
7. Enjoy the Aesthetics of Lavapiés
A historical walk around the city is incomplete without stepping into the neighborhood area of Lavapiés. This area emerged in the Middle Ages and has since maintained its historical charm.
If you’re traveling on a budget, this place is perfect for you since it’s free to visit. Align your visit on Sunday, when you can witness live music performances and take a leisurely walk around the area with your loved ones, sharing drinks and enjoying the open-air cinema.
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Location — Lavapiés, Madrid, Spain.
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Ticket Price — Free of cost
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Timings — Open 24/7 daily
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Ideal Duration — 2 to 4 hours
8. Experience the Holiness of the Temple of Debod
The temple of Debod is an ancient Nubian temple that was originally erected in Aswan, Egypt. The government of Egypt later donated the whole temple to Spain in 1968. Interesting right?
Immerse yourself in the holiness and savor the peace of this historical place, along with understanding the significance of the mesmerizing temple.
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Ticket Price — Free of cost
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Timings — Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am — 8 pm; it stays closed on Mondays
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Ideal Duration — 1 to 3 hours
9. Experience Art Differently at Nomad Museo
This extraordinary place is quite different from the traditional museums you’ll see dotting the streets of Madrid. The Nomad Museo is a must-visit and will give you an experience like no other! The museum will show you how beautiful, interactive, and breathtaking art can be!
The Nomad Museo will let you discover the art, and its essence on your own. You’ll be involved, allowed to touch, and experience the colors firsthand.
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Ticket Price — €37 for VIP tickets; €18 (weekdays) and €21 (weekends/holidays) for adults; €15 (weekdays) and €18 (weekends/holidays) for children aged 3–15; and free entry for children under 3 years.
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Timings — 10 am to 10 pm
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Ideal Duration — 2 to 3 hours
10. Barrio de Salamanca — The Times Square of Madrid
Madrid’s Salamanca neighborhood is one of the most popular places and is famous for its designer stores and lavish restaurants.
You won’t believe that this Parisian-looking neighborhood was once a rugged area that was renovated and turned into one of the most expensive square meters in the city.
This place was designed for the nobility, just like Paris. You can explore and experience the neighborhood in its rawest form, along with some of the most luxurious mansions, such as the Saldaña Palace on Calle Padilla.
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Location — Salamanca, Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free entry
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Timings — 24/7 daily
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Ideal Duration — 1 to 3 hours
11. Paddle Your Way Through Matadero Madrid
Matadero Madrid also comes under the category of unique things to do in Madrid. This is a hub of art and culture located in the heart of the city. The place is graced with many dimensions of the city, be it the theater complex, the film archive, the citizen’s laboratory, or restaurants.
Matadero Madrid once used to be a slaughterhouse in 1908 and was later renovated. Showcasing historical architecture and essence, this place is a gem for travelers and citizens alike. Take a bicycle and take your time to explore this culturally rich place.
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Ticket Price — Free of cost
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Timings — Hours vary by venue.
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Ideal Duration — 1 to 2 hours
12. Experience the Gothic Life of Malasaña
There’s a lot to discover in this small and beautiful neighborhood area while taking a leisurely walk around. The Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans is one of the main attractions of Malasaña.
The Bohemian atmosphere and the vintage shops create a magical vibe around the neighborhood that attracts tourists greatly. The beauty of this place is mainly hidden in the unexplored corners and narrow streets of the area.
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Location — Malasaña, Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free of cost
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Timings — 24/7 daily
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Ideal Duration — 1 to 2 hours
13. Relax and Chat at the Puerta del Sol
Another public square called Gate of the Sun in Madrid is one of the busiest places in the city. Puerta del Sol is famously known for its New Year’s celebration, which has been broadcast every year since 31 December 1962.
Take a stroll in the neighborhood and learn about the history of the place. I bet you wouldn’t look at it the same way if I told you the basement of the GDS (General Directorate of Security) was infamous for being a place where dissidents of the regime were tortured.
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Location — Centro, Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free of cost
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Timings — Open spaces — Every day from 9 am to 10 pm; Exhibitions — Tuesday to Thursday, 5 pm to 9 pm and closed on Monday.
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Ideal Duration — 2 to 3 hours
14. Experience the Serenity of Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo is the largest park in Madrid. This is another historical place in the city that was also a hunting ground for the royal family and is conveniently located just west of the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Although at one point it was meant for royalty and nobility, it was opened to the public in 1931. You can chill and relax in the park with your family, soaking in the sunlight amid the pine trees.
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Location — Casa de Campo, Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free of cost
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Timings — 24/7 daily
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Ideal Duration — 2 hours to half a day
15. La Latina
Another neighborhood to explore! At this point, you might be well aware that each and every corner of Madrid is worth exploring. Barrio de La Latina is mainly popular for its exotic restaurants and tapas, (bite-sized Spanish delicacies) that attract a huge number of tourists.
Explore food rich in both culture and cheese at La Latina’s top restaurants, like La Musa Latina near the Basilica de San Miguel and Pez Tortilla.
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Location — Barrio de La Latina, Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free of Cost
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Timings — 24/7 daily
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Ideal Duration — 1 to 3 hours
16. Delve into the History of Segovia
The historical city of Segovia, which is known as the old town, is about an hour's drive away from the main Madrid city, but it’s worth the trip.
If you have enough time to explore, rent a bicycle and experience the culture and architecture of the city from the front. The architecture of the Roman aqueduct is so well-preserved that it’ll take you back to AD 50, definitely a must-visit.
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Location — Sagovia, Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free of Cost
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Timings — 24/7 daily
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Ideal Duration — 1 to 3 hours
17. Explore Plaza de Cibeles
The Plaza de Cibeles is a square in Madrid with some breathtaking neoclassical marble sculptures and is the heart of the city when it comes to tourist attractions.
The main attractions of the place include the Palacio de Cibeles or Cibeles Palace. What surprised me most about this palace is that it used to be the city’s main post office, but has now been converted into Madrid’s City Hall (thank God).
Other attractions include the fountains featuring the Roman goddess Cybele, Terraza Cibele — a rooftop bar, and Madrid Art Walk.
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Location — Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free of Cost
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Timings — 24/7 daily
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Ideal Duration — 1 to 3 hours
18. Shop Souvenirs at El Rastro Market
Who doesn’t love some good retail therapy? And if you’re a traveler, this flea market in Madrid is a perfect start for you! If you’re looking for souvenirs and gifts without spending much, El Rastro Market is the only place in Spain to be!
You can find here everything from cowboy hats to leather boots and vintage clocks. Remember to carry enough cash with you, and take care of pickpockets!
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Location — Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
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Ticket Price — Free entry
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Timings — Sun 9 am — 3 pm
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Ideal Duration — 2 to 3 years
19. Witness the Beauty of El Capricho Park
This beautiful park is like a fairy tale dream! The architecture is old but very well maintained, it takes you back in time and makes you feel as if you’ve found your very own secret garden.
The small architecture of the park, the variety of flora and fauna, and the water bodies complete it in a way that magnetizes travelers and romantics.
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Ticket Price — Free of cost
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Timings — Only open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. October–March: 9 am — 6:30 pm; April–September: 9 am — 9 pm.
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Ideal Duration — 2 to 3 hours
20. Meet Your Feel-Good Hormones at Chocolateria San Gines
Visit Chocolateria San Gines for the best hot chocolate and churros in the entire world! And I’m not even exaggerating, it’s more of a compulsion than a “must-visit.”
This renowned chocolate shop has existed in the area ever since 1894, you can witness glimpses of history in its architecture and blissful taste of chocolate.
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Ticket Price — Free entry
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Timings — Mon to Sun: 8 am — 11:30 pm
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Ideal Duration — 1 to 2 hours
Conclusion
Madrid enthralls with its blend of contemporary energy and old-world elegance. Every attraction that we mentioned here is connected to the roots and history of Spain, entailing a unique experience for travelers.
Madrid is bound to make an impact, whether you're visiting its historical landmarks, indulging in its delectable cuisine, or just meandering through its vibrant districts.
