Fantastic museums, famous art galleries and historic monuments add up to a terrific host of possibilities in the incredible Spanish capital.
Check out famous football grounds, fill up on traditional tapas and take in the spectacular views of the Manzanares river. To help you make the most of your time, here are some of the best things to do in Madrid while you’re in the city.
Templo de Debod
Templo de Debod is an impressive monument dating all the way back to ancient Egypt. Dedicated to the gods Amun and Isis, this Egyptian shrine is believed to have been built in 2200 BC. Saved from destruction, it was eventually transported from Lake Nasser in southern Egypt to Madrid, as the rising water was causing damage to the structure.
Set in pretty gardens, enjoy the unusual site with epic sunsets lining up with the stone arches. The parking lot along the Paseo de la Florida, which is well within walking distance from the site, is a convenient option.
Cibeles Fountain
In the centre of the Plaza de Cibeles is the iconic Cibeles Fountain, one of Madrid’s most famous monuments. A striking image of Cybele – the Roman Mother of Gods and a symbol of fertility – was carved in 1782.
Behind the fountain is the ornate Palacio de Cibeles – the city hall of Madrid. Built in a gothic architectural style, peer up at the detailed facade and its scaling tower which stands at 40 metres tall. You can also browse the rolling programme of cultural events that take place in the conference hall before you arrive.
You’ll find a number of galleries and museums in the wider Cortes area, with plenty of parking available nearby.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The iconic Bernabéu Stadium has an extraordinary capacity of 81,000, and is a must-see for any sports fan. Built in 1947 and found in the north of the city, in the Chamartín neighbourhood, it hosts one of Europe’s greatest soccer teams and offers lofty spectacle to match.
Park your car outside the stadium and take a guided tour (be sure to reserve well in advance) to be in awe of the sheer scale of the stadium. Explore the pitch, visit the well-stocked trophy rooms, and even watch the world-famous Real Madrid in action if you’re lucky enough to have tickets for a game.
El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park is at the beating heart of Madrid. Spread over 291 acres, this ornate garden is deeply rooted in the city’s history. Surrounding a quaint Baroque cloister, the park includes a peaceful boating lake, fish-filled ponds and a vibrant rose garden. Wander around to spot peacocks and other birds through the pruned greenery.
In the centre sits an alluring Crystal Palace which was built in 1887 to house exotic plants, gifted by the Philippines. Today, you will find temporary art exhibits on display.
The park also features the popular Statue Walk. This quaint promenade is lined with marble and stone statues, which date back to the 18th century and depict Spain's royal lineage.
You can leave your car in one of the designated parking lots along the Avenue de Menéndez Pelayo.
CaixaForum
Occupying an abandoned power station, the CaixaForum is the epicentre for contemporary art and events. With an extensive annual program of exhibitions, music, workshops and educational exhibits, there’s always something great to see.
CaixaForum is home to a permanent collection of more than 700 works, ranging from the 1980s to the present day, including sculpture, photography and film.
Even if you don’t venture inside, the building itself is an impressive work of art. The structure is an innovative blend of old and new architecture – not to mention the incredible vertical garden right outside. This lush 24-metre wall of plant life is composed of 15,000 plants from 250 species and is certainly worth a visit.
Palacio Real
Palacio Real is a spectacular Neoclassical and Baroque palace, and the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Mainly used for royal ceremonies, visitors can tour its most lavish spaces and explore all 50 of the opulent state rooms too.
Dressed in plush velvet and featuring an intricately painted Rococo ceiling by painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, the throne rooms are awe-inspiring. There’s also a large collection of art and precious antiques, including 215 ornate clocks, 16th and 17th century armour and a set of pristine Stradivarius violins.
Set in front of the Campo del Moro Gardens, the palace is on the Calle de Bailén stretch. The best place to leave your car is in one of two parking lots on the A-5, Cuesta de San Vicente, which runs adjacent to the gardens.
Museo del Prado
Visit this world-famous gallery, where more than 7,000 paintings are archived and 1,500 are displayed, showcasing Spain’s iconic journey through art. Historic and renowned creatives have their work displayed in this vast western wing, which was built in 1785.
There’s an impressive collection of work from Francisco Goya that spans three floors, including the infamous Black Paintings – a series of 14 dark, eerie works on permanent display. There's also an esteemed Flemish and Dutch collection, where you can view work from Rembrandt, Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Hieronymus Bosch.
This important gallery is on the Paseo del Prado Boulevard, next to the city’s botanical gardens and San Jerónimo el Real monastery. You’ll find several places to leave your car near the Anthropology Museum, which is just south of the botanical gardens.
Explore all these attractions and more at your own pace, and savour the best things to do in Madrid, when you rent a car here. Travel in style and comfort as you take in the sights.
