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Top 10 attractions in Madrid

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Royal Palace of Madrid
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Royal Palace of Madrid

10
4.6/5
2k reviews
• Witness the history and royal anecdotes of Spain • Approx. 2 million travelers visit annually • Combining traditional Spanish royal architectural style with Baroque style, it covers a total area of approx. 130,000 m² with over 3,000 rooms △In the 9th century, this was once the castle of Arab rulers. After being recaptured by Christians, it became the residence of successive kings. A fire in 1734 destroyed the castle, and the royal palace seen today was rebuilt in 1764. △The Royal Palace of Madrid is an exquisitely crafted architectural marvel and one of the best-preserved palaces in the world. The entire palace is magnificent, with over 3,000 rooms in total, though only around fifty are open for travelers to visit. Particularly noteworthy is the palace's preserved set of five Stradivarius string instruments—two violins, one viola, and two cellos. △Adorned with golden ornaments, royal red velvet floors and walls, and chandeliers as magnificent as the room itself, while admiring the ceiling painted by Tiepolo. Marvel at the grand staircase designed by Sabatini, with over 70 steps in total.Madrid · 900m from downtown
Prado Museum
2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Prado Museum

9.9
4.7/5
1.3k reviews
The building that today houses the Museo Nacional del Prado was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785. It was constructed to house the Natural History Cabinet, by orders of King Charles III. However, the building's final purpose - as the new Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures - was the decision of the monarch's grandson, King Ferdinand VII, encouraged by his wife Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza. The Royal Museum, soon quickly renamed the National Museum of Paintings and Sculptures and subsequently the Museo Nacional del Prado, opened to the public for the first time in November 1819. Since it was founded in 1819 and over its multi-century history, the Museo Nacional del Prado has performed the important task of conserving, exhibiting and enriching a set of collections and works of art which, due to their close ties with Spanish history, are recognized as one of the most valuable compendiums of artistic expression known to humanity. Loans to temporary exhibitions are the Museum's most direct means of communication with society. They offer the opportunity of reinterpreting the collections while linking them to currentl issues. At the same time, they also provide an especially attractive scope for museography allowing for experimentation on new styles and technologies. They contribute to projecingt a new identity of the Museum by encouraging innovation, research and the public interest in its collections. With this intention in mind, the Museo Nacional del Prado offers its visitors a wide exhibition program while contributing to the promotion of its collections through the loan of works from its collection to exhibition projects organised by other cultural institutions, both national and international.Madrid · 1 km from downtown
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

8.8
4.6/5
610 reviews
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the home stadium of Real Madrid. Superstars such as Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, Raúl González Blanco and Zinedine Zidane are have all played on all Bernabéu's famous pitch. In case visitors come to Madrid in the off-season, tours of the stadium can be arranged. You can take a moment to sit on the sidelines, in the coach's seat or on the replacement players' bench. You can walk around the display case full of trophies and even take a look at the media center and locker rooms.Madrid · 4.2 km from downtown
Las Ventas Bullring
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Metropolitan Area and Henares Corridor

Las Ventas Bullring

8.8
4.2/5
304 reviews
The Las Ventas Bullring is built with red brick walls adorned with intricate arabesque carvings and semi-arched windows, exemplifying the unique Neo-Mudéjar architectural style of the Iberian Peninsula. It is Spain's premier venue for high-level bullfighting performances, where bullfighters from across the nation and the world take pride in performing. Located in Madrid's Salamanca district, the bullring was completed in 1929 and inaugurated on June 17, 1931. With a diameter of approx. 65 m and four levels, it can accommodate approx. 23,000 spectators, making it Spain's largest and most magnificent bullring. Bullfighting is Spain's traditional national sport, with the season in Madrid running from late March to early October. Performances are held every Sunday, with the San Isidro Bullfighting Festival in May being the most prestigious, attracting top bullfighters and often selling out. During the season, flags flying atop the bullring's gatehouse signal an upcoming event. The tour begins at the main entrance, one of 18 gates, distinguished by its grandeur and mosaic-adorned brick walls featuring the coats of arms of Spanish provinces. Victorious bullfighters exit through this gate to cheers. From the upper stands, visitors can observe the arena's layout: a circular sand-covered ring surrounded by multiple barriers to prevent bulls from leaping into the stands, with two escape gates for endangered bullfighters and additional gates for participants, medical staff, bulls, and cleaners. Visitors may then enter the arena itself, where fine sand quickly absorbs blood, sweat, and rain. This is the main "battlefield," where each performance typically features three matadors facing six bulls in 20-30 minute matches. Assistants (peones) provoke bulls with red capes, mounted picadors spear the bull's shoulders, banderilleros charge to plant barbed sticks in its neck, and finally, the torero duels the bull alone, delivering the fatal sword thrust. Exiting through the matadors' gate leads to the bullfighting museum, divided into five sections showcasing Spain's bullfighting history and art, including Goya's bullfighting scenes in the gallery.Madrid · 3.8 km from downtown
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Metropolitan Area and Henares Corridor

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

8.5
4.6/5
437 reviews
•It saves one of the world's most representative modern art masterpieces—Picasso's Guernica—along with other related works from the late 19th century to the present •Explore dedicated to showcasing Spanish expressionist and impressionist artNational Museum of China • ShockMarvel at the masterpieces of Spain's three great 20th-century masters: Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró △This is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, one of the world's most significant contemporary art museums, showcasing works by Spanish and international artists. It is a pioneer in the art world and part of the beloved "art corridor" of Madrid.Madrid · 1.3 km from downtown
Puerta del Sol
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Metropolitan Area and Henares Corridor

Puerta del Sol

7.7
4.6/5
594 reviews
Puerta del Sol is the central square of Madrid, surrounded by many historic buildings. The square was once the place where Napoleon's army invaded Madrid and confronted the citizens. Now it is a place for major parades and gatherings and leisure and entertainment for citizens and tourists. No matter day or night, it is always crowded and full of vitality. Plaza Building The Puerta del Sol square is semicircular, surrounded by houses and buildings, many of which can be called the essence of Madrid's urban architecture. On the south side of Puerta del Sol stands the iconic old postal building (LaCasadeCorreos), an old red and white building in the square that resembles a majestic palace. The bell tower in the middle of the building is very famous. Every New Year's Eve, Madrid people will gather here to celebrate the arrival of the new year by eating 12 grapes symbolizing good luck when the clock strikes 12 midnight. There is a sign on the pedestrian walkway in front of the "zero point sign" postal building, which is marked "zero point" (Kilómetro Cero). All road milestones in Spain are calculated from here, and the house number of the city of Madrid is also here. for the starting point. "Bear and Raspberry Statue" The symbol of Madrid City The "Bear and Raspberry" statue (Estatua del Osoyel Madroño) is located in the east of Puerta del Sol. This statue replaces the previous ruins of Puerta del Sol, and is now a very popular landmark in Madrid. The little bear stood upright, holding the raspberry tree in front of his front paws, lifelike. Now it is also a meeting place for many locals. Statue of Carlos III In the center of the Puerta del Sol Square stands the equestrian statue of Carlos III (EstatuaecuestredeCarlosIII). Next to the statue is a large fountain surrounded by flowers and steps for visitors to rest. In addition, the building itself of the Puerta del Sol (Sol) station on the square is also a highlight. The arched glass building shines in the sun, and the avant-garde shape like a shell is quite eye-catching among the traditional and classical buildings in the square. . Square Activities You can watch and take pictures at will in the square, or you can sit by the fountain, feed the pigeons, and enjoy the wonderful street performers. Puerta del Sol is also a commercial area. You can find flagship stores around Topshop, Sephora, Springfield, and Real Madrid. You can also see the building of the wine cellar TioPepe. The Ingles department store is also close at hand. To the Grand Avenue, to the west is the Callao business district, which is definitely a good place for shopping. In addition, there are many bars and cafes in the alley on the south side of the square, which are very local in Madrid, and the prices are very close to the people. You might as well try the feeling of beer with tapa (Madrid snacks). Puerta del Sol Square is also very lively at night with beautiful scenery at midnight. At the beginning of the lanterns, people are surging. At this time, Puerta del Sol Square may better interpret the essence of Madrid nightlife. Street teenagers dancing in the square, sentimental saxophone players, whispering couples...all are a beautiful scenery. If you happen to come here at midnight, facing the still crowded crowd in the square, and the cheers one after another, please don't be surprised, this city is saying to you in a unique way: Welcome to Puerta del Sol, welcome to Puerta del Sol. Come to sleepless Madrid!Madrid · 29m from downtown
Teatro Flamenco Madrid
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Metropolitan Area and Henares Corridor

Teatro Flamenco Madrid

7.5
4.5/5
44 reviews
Experience flamenco at the flamenco theater, located next to Madrid's Gran Vía. “Emociones” is a show that brings together the three essential pillars of flamenco—singing, dancing, and guitar—performed by professional artists. Enjoy a unique experience in an intimate theater setting, free from distractions, with meticulous staging, professional sound, and the power of live flamenco art. Choose from standard tickets, premium options with preferred seating and a complimentary drink.Madrid · 723m from downtown
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Metropolitan Area and Henares Corridor

Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

7.4
4.7/5
121 reviews
• Discover one of Madrid's important cultural centers • Here you can see with your own eyes the authentic works of painting masters from the 19th to 20th centuries such as Picasso, Miro, and Dali. You can also appreciate some early Italian paintings and continental European art from the 16th to 18th centuries. • Visit the museum's rich permanent collection and temporary exhibitions △ The Thyssen Museum of Art is located in the famous "Golden Triangle of Art" in Madrid. It is known as the three major exhibition halls in Madrid together with the Prado Museum and the Sofia Art Museum.Madrid · 754m from downtown
Parque Warner Madrid
2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Parque Warner Madrid

6.9
4.6/5
74 reviews
• Have a variety of entertainment facilities, themed shops and parades, including the mine roller coaster, western style haunted house, etc • Present streets, factories, and buildings in characteristic American styles • Experience exciting rides such as thrilling roller coasters, or hug cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny △ Warner Park is located in the southern suburbs of Madrid. Almost all Warner Animation characters can be seen here, such as Batman, Tom Cat, Jerry Mouse, etc. A grand parade and float event will be held every festival, which is the best choice for parent-child trips, couples, and literary and artistic youths. △ La Atracción de Acero, a roller coaster that simulates Superman's flight. It rotates at high speed, free falls, and dives in circles. You will re-see the world from Superman's perspective! △ Embrace every superhero and cartoon character in your childhood memories here, forget all your worries, and have fun in the fairy tale world.San Martin de la Vega · 22.6 km from Madrid
El Retiro Park
2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

El Retiro Park

6.8
4.7/5
269 reviews
Retiro Park boasts numerous main attractions, including the Statue Avenue, the Crystal Palace, the artificial lake and more, making it a great place to relax and unwind. You can sit on a bench in the park, or lie on the grass, bask in the sun, watch the little squirrels or pigeons play and watch the Spanish children playing in the grass. Have fun and enjoy some free time in Madrid.  Statue Avenue and Rose Garden The statues displayed along the statue avenue in the park are similar to those in the Oriental Square. They are all 20 emperors in Spanish history. The Rose Garden was designed and built by the chief designer of Retiro Park according to the design and construction of the Reed Rose Garden in the Bois de Boulogne Park in Paris. At that time, different varieties of roses collected from various botanical gardens in Europe were gathered here. Now there are more than 4,000 roses in the garden. When the roses bloom in May and June, the garden is full of fragrance. King Alfonso XII Monument and Artificial Lake The artificial lake in the center of Retiro Park is very popular. On one side of the lake stands the Monument to King Alfonso XII, about 32 meters high. The bronze statue of the twelfth century, the columns below it are arranged in a half-moon shape, which is very spectacular. There are bronze lion statues on both sides of the monument, which are lifelike and majestic. In the artificial lake, in addition to admiring the majestic King Alfonso XII Monument, you can also rent pedal boats to go boating on the lake, with black swans and teal ducks swimming by, which is very interesting. Crystal Palace and Velasquez House The Crystal Palace next to the artificial lake is one of the famous attractions in Retiro Park. This crystal clear glass house is currently open to the public as an exhibition hall like the nearby Velasquez House. Mainly used for art exhibitions.Madrid · 1.7 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Madrid

Featured Day tours in Madrid

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Madrid: F1 Arcade — Formula 1 Simulation & Food & Drinks
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Flamenco Show at the Tablao de la Villa Madrid
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4.4/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 1–2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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Special Discount Offer: Warner Park Madrid - Ticket
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Duration: 24 hrs
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Guadarrama National Park Private Day Trip
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Duration: 24 hrs
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El Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen Private Tour
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Duration: 24 hrs
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Toledo, Ávila and Segovia Private Trip from Madrid
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Duration: 24 hrs
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Alcalá de Henares Private Day Trip from Madrid
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Duration: 24 hrs
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Toledo Private Day Trip from Madrid
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Duration: 24 hrs
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Featured Cultural experiences in Madrid

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Atlético de Madrid: Self-Guided Tour + Museum Entry
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Madrid: Happiness Museum Interactive Experience Ticket
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4.5/5
· 32 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
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Museo Reina Sofía: Skip The Line Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
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Museo Reina Sofía: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
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Combined admission ticket to San Antonio de los Alemanes and the Monastery of San Plácido
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Featured Food & drink in Madrid

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Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor in Madrid
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4.8/5
· 198 reviews
Duration: 80 mins
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Madrid: 10 Tapas 2.5-Hour Cooking Class
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Segovia and Avila 1-day tour (city wall tour included + optional featured lunch)
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Duration: 8.7 hrs
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Madrid: Paella Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine Pairing
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4.9/5
· 638 reviews
Duration: 150 mins
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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Toledo 1-day tour (departing from Madrid/including cathedral guided tour/optional tapas package)
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The Most Fun Paella & Tapas Cooking Class with Chef - Madrid
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3.5 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Madrid

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Tour from Madrid to Cuenca and the Enchanted City
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4.6/5
· 141 reviews
Duration: 690 mins
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Day Trip From Madrid: Hidden Spain for Foodies & Nature ️'s
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Madrid: 2-Hour Private Off-Road Segway Tour of Casa de Campo
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Madrid: Tour to Cuenca and the Enchanted City from Madrid
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4.7/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 11.5 hrs
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Madrid Hiking Tour: Nature, Views, and Fresh Air
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 7 hrs
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Madrid: Canyoning Tour - Water Adventure with an Expert Guide
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Madrid: 1.5-Hour Retiro Park Guided Walking Tour
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What travelers say about Madrid

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201***83October 10, 2026
5.0
Actually, I missed the meeting point because I didn't pay attention to the ticket instructions; the meeting point wasn't at the palace entrance. I had to buy a separate ticket to get in, but it was definitely worth it. The palace is incredibly luxurious and magnificent, with stunning interiors. It was a truly worthwhile trip.

Royal Palace of Madrid

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wendy0511October 12, 2026
5.0
The good thing about the Prado is that photography isn't allowed, so I can't upload photos of the exhibition halls, but I can upload a picture of the entrance. The classic Las Meninas is still very impressive, and there were many people looking at it. There are also many famous works by Goya, Velázquez, Bosch, and many others. Last time, I visited three floors and countless halls, but I couldn't see everything. It was a visual feast, and I can only marvel at how talented the older generation of European painters were! The paintings are so beautiful!

Prado Museum

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TTTTTTeddyXXXXXXOctober 17, 2026
5.0
When traveling to Spain, if you're passing through Madrid, a visit to Real Madrid's home stadium is a must. Buying tickets online and checking in directly via QR code is incredibly convenient. You can tour the stadium, see past trophies, and visit the fan shop, but the itinerary is a bit rushed; one hour is a bit tight.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

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Captain Wang 冲上云霄😎July 26, 2026
5.0
The Las Bantas bullring is a highly controversial traditional cultural landmark in Madrid, and we came specifically to watch a live bullfight. The neo-Mudéjar style red-brick amphitheater is magnificent, with a fantastic atmosphere. Learning about the complete process and history of bullfighting beforehand makes it easier to introduce this Spanish tradition to children objectively. The entire performance is highly ceremonial, with the bullfighters' elaborate costumes and elegant movements being extremely entertaining. However, the performance involves bloodshed, as the bull expends its energy before its demise. Watching it up close evoked complex emotions; we understood its role in carrying centuries of local culture, but also felt a pang of pity for the bull. We recommend that tourists traveling with children prepare themselves mentally beforehand and approach this controversial tradition with a rational perspective. A once-in-a-lifetime experience to feel a unique culture is sufficient; those who are sensitive to graphic violence should consider carefully before purchasing tickets.

Las Ventas Bullring

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300***66October 11, 2026
5.0
This museum visit was incredibly rewarding! I saw classic works by Picasso, Dali, and Miró, as well as masterpieces from many other outstanding artists. The exhibition areas were well-organized and the pace of the tour was comfortable. I managed to see a large number of famous paintings in a short amount of time. I highly recommend it to art lovers.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

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Traveller00001August 1, 2023
5.0
travelled to Madrid during summer weather was hot lots of people, tourists great view enjoyed their facility, safety, stays, and people. public transports are convenient. very very amazing trip. good thing about Madrid was their gelato were amazing, especially yogurt ice cream. during summer, nights were short. so you can enjoy endless view and endless evening. definitely great to travel during summer but price is a little bit off, but definite worth I would say. great overall!

Puerta del Sol

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137***20February 10, 2026
5.0
It's a small theater production, but the dancers performed with great passion and energy. The price is reasonable; after all, the complimentary drink alone makes it worth half the price. I don't particularly like restaurants with performances; I prefer pure entertainment. It was almost full and worth seeing to experience local culture. Actually, I always try to learn about the local art in every country I visit, and this one is incredibly moving—the continuous applause speaks for itself.

Teatro Flamenco Madrid

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Anonymous userJanuary 30, 2026
5.0
With its rich and high-quality collection, it truly deserves its status as a world-class art museum. Spanning two floors, the second floor houses Impressionist and Modern art, while the third floor features Renaissance and Baroque art. It boasts not only Spanish paintings but also masterpieces by Dutch, French, and Italian artists. A thorough visit would take at least four to five hours. A must-see for art lovers.

Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

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MezzcalicoOctober 24, 2024
5.0
Great theme park, with attractions for all the ages and enthusiasm. I reccomend the Superman ride, the stunt fall and the visit to the rapids. And the Stunt show is really nice!

Parque Warner Madrid

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WHH12April 10, 2023
5.0
Madrid’s Retiro Park occupies a very large area and is well worth a visit, but when people enter the park, they dress up as Disney dolls, such as Cardchao and Super Sonic Mouse, which are out of place!

El Retiro Park

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Madrid?

Don't miss these attractions in Madrid: Royal Palace of Madrid, Prado Museum, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. If you like Day tours, try Madrid: F1 Arcade — Formula 1 Simulation & Food & Drinks. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Atlético de Madrid: Self-Guided Tour + Museum Entry.

You can give Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor in Madrid and La Raza Madrid viral restaurant reservation service in Madrid, Spain a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Madrid: F1 Arcade — Formula 1 Simulation & Food & Drinks, Flamenco Show at the Tablao de la Villa Madrid, and Special Discount Offer: Warner Park Madrid - Ticket. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 23, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Madrid is around USD 31.32 – USD 767.38. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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