Spain is an old country packed with history. Known for its good food, priceless artworks, vibrant culture, and friendly people, the country is always a hotspot for tourists. Once you touched down to Spain, the first place you need to explore is Madrid. Hence, here are some activities you can do in Madrid:
- Appreciate the Architecture
Being the center and capital of Spain, Madrid boasts of grand architecture which evolved each century. If you plan to visit Madrid, head to Faro de Moncloa, a former transmission tower turned observatory. Nothing beats a bird’s eye view of the city, especially if it is your first visit.
Madrid has a lot of historical buildings to the point that there’s a UNESCO site less than two hours away from your starting point. Buildings vary from Baroque to Modernist architecture. Each district has a default style to follow so wherever you go, the buildings will fascinate you during your stay.
- Visit Historical Sites
Madrid is an old city, that is why it has multiple historical and cultural sites you cannot visit in a day alone. For starters, visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. The palace was formerly inhabited by the royal family but is now used as a museum and activities of the state. The palace contains a huge number of art collections from Mengs, Sorolla, and Flanders fill the palace. It is also the home of the Spanish Crown and Scepter. Best visit it during Wednesday and Saturdays so you can witness the change of shift of the Royal Guards.
Madrid is also home to 44 museums. The infamous Nacional Museo del Prado has a myriad of art collections and The National Archaeological finds sits historical pieces of Spain. The city also has more than 40 parks for the public to enjoy. The best of them all is El Retiro Park. It has boat rides and a rose garden complete with 19th-century sculptures and statues.
- Enjoy the Food
If you ever get hungry, the place is filled with restaurants and cafes around the Plaza Mayor. If you are craving for tapas, head out to Casa Revuelta to have your hearty meal.
Try some churros while you are there. It’s fried dough best served with hot chocolate and considered a snack time favorite. If you’re looking for the best churros and chocolate, head out to Chocolat Madrid, only 2 kilometers away from Plaza Mayor. There are also cafes and kiosks that offer delicious snacks whenever you need.
Paella originated from Valencia, but since this is Madrid, it will also have its own restaurants serving the dish. Originally, Paella consists of rice, peas, and lots of seafood. Madrid still adopts the traditional recipe but some restaurants reinvent and fuse flavors. La Paella del Reina is being frequented by tourists and crowded for good reason. Their paella follows the fundamentals yet offer variants of the flavorful food. Match it with white wine for great effect.
- Experience the Culture
Madrid is a melting pot of Spanish culture. Flamencos is a huge deal in these parts so better get a ticket to watch one, though there are open-air performances while you enjoy a sip of wine. Theaters are also plenty in the city from high-class operas to intimate shows with themes and genres varying. Art galleries are scattered along with the city and visit the works of Dali, Picasso, Sorolla, Goya, and Velasquez.
- Watch a Football Game
Football fans will look for the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and have a ticket if there’s a game during their stay. Dubbed as Real Madrid’s home stadium, it has been a mecca for the famous football club. Watch as how fans go wild in support of their own teams in this part of Madrid.
- Enjoy the Nightlife
If time is a luxury yet want to experience them all, visit the Gran Via. It’s a huge food district serving all the best Spain has to offer. It has bars, restaurants, and a shopping center and you will never get bored once you get there. It also has the best nightclubs in Madrid, and a trip to the city will never be complete without enjoying a drink or two.
You may also consider having a night at the escape room Madrid. It offers medium to a high difficulty that will definitely test all your strength. Have yours booked at the Darkest Room days before.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the culture, history, or the nightlife of a city, Madrid has everything for you. The city may be old but it still a modern metropolis. A European tour will never be complete without visiting this great city.
