The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a perfect city break destination. A city break in Madrid is ideal for those who want a weekend getaway, as even if you have only a short time, you can discover many of Madrid’s attractions. In addition to the city’s highlights, there are plenty of fun things to do in this lively capital. The friendly atmosphere, delicious tapas and Spanish wines, beautiful culture, and great shopping streets – Madrid has all the ingredients for a delightful city break! And with these 10 tips, you’ll see even more of the city. Here are what we think are the best things to do and the most beautiful sights in Madrid to discover during your weekend away.
Street Performers at Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is one of the most famous squares in Madrid and therefore one of the top attractions. Actually, it’s a fantastic place to soak up the atmosphere. This large, centrally located square is full of life and street performers. It’s a great place to experience the vibe of the city during your city break in Madrid.
City Tour of Madrid’s Attractions
Every day, various city tours depart from Plaza Mayor. A city walk with a guide is one of the best things to do during your city break in Madrid. During the tour, you’ll discover not only the main attractions but also the city’s secrets that you might otherwise miss. Plus, you can ask your guide for more tips on Madrid, helping you get to know the city even better during your trip. Think of tips for nice restaurants, bars, or lesser-known attractions.
Explore Madrid by Bike
Another fun way to explore the city is by bike! In a short time, you can see a lot and discover more of Madrid than with a walking tour. Baja Bikes offers a great bike tour where an enthusiastic guide shows you the city in a different way. This ensures you don’t miss any of Madrid’s attractions and discover some extra highlights of the city. You can also rent a bike from Baja Bikes if you prefer to explore without a guide. This is also a fun way to see the surroundings of the city.
Tapas Tour During Your City Break in Madrid
When you think of Spain, you think of tapas. In the capital, eating these small Spanish dishes is a real treat. Finding the best spots can be a challenge, though. By taking a tapas tour at the beginning of your city break in Madrid, you’ll find these places and get to know a variety of tapas. There are several tapas tours you can book online. It’s recommended to do this at the beginning of your trip, so you have the rest of your weekend in Madrid to follow your guide’s restaurant and tapas tips and discover even more delicious Spanish cuisine.
The Ham Museums of Madrid
You can enjoy a cheap coffee, juice, or beer (for 1 euro) with a sandwich in the so-called ham museums, which you’ll find throughout your city break in Madrid. They’re not actual museums, but they do have lots of hanging hams, hence the name. Locals often stop by these places for a quick bite in the afternoon. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy a tasty snack and drink.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Madrid
It may seem like a typical tourist activity, but a hop-on hop-off bus is an efficient way to navigate a city and quickly reach the main attractions. You don’t have to follow the entire route; you can create your own routes. Especially if you want to see a lot in a short time during your city break in Madrid, a hop-on hop-off bus is ideal. The price of a ticket for 2 days is only slightly more expensive than for 1 day, making it a better choice. The bus in Madrid operates two routes: one through the new part of Madrid and one through the old part of the city.
Free Museum Entry in Madrid
Many museums in Madrid offer free admission at certain times. For example, the Prado Museum offers free entry between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. If you are under 25, admission is always free. Don’t be discouraged by the long line; it moves faster than you might think.
Parque del Buen Retiro
Parque del Buen Retiro is a large park in the center of Madrid and, with an area of 1.4 km², lives up to its name: you can indeed find a pleasant retreat here. In this beautiful park, there is a large lake where you can rent a rowboat if you like. It’s a perfect way to relax and one of the enjoyable things to do during a city break in Madrid in the summer.
Footbridge in Arganzuela
278 meters: that’s the length of the remarkable pedestrian bridge in the Arganzuela district. Literally a stunning piece of work, designed by the French architect Dominique Perrault and completed in 2011. The bridge consists of two parts, one crossing the Manzanares River and one over Arganzuela Park. The unique design of the bridge makes it one of the special attractions in Madrid that is definitely worth a visit.
The Markets of Madrid
Madrid may not be renowned for an endless array of attractions like Barcelona, but it is home to numerous covered food markets, known as mercados. The most famous is Mercado San Miguel, although it is also the most touristy. Nonetheless, this mercado is worth a visit, if only because it frequently appears on lists of top attractions in Madrid. Prefer something more local? Then Mercado San Anton is definitely worth a visit. This market is less touristy than the well-known San Miguel, making it less crowded. There is an enormous selection of different dishes, and there is a large rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your chosen snacks and a drink. Another absolute must-visit is the food market San Ildefonso. Here you will find a truly local, cozy atmosphere. It’s a great place to combine a bite to eat with some drinks during your weekend in Madrid, as the central “square” of this food market most closely resembles a lively café.
View Over Madrid from Azotea
When you go on a city trip, it’s always fun to seek out some height by climbing a tower, for instance. In Madrid, for just 3 euros, you can go all the way to the roof of the Circulo de Bellas Artes building. The lift takes you to the top in just a few minutes. From here, you have a breathtakingly beautiful view over all of Madrid. Definitely a fun thing to do during your city trip!
Madrid offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and local charm. Whether you’re savoring diverse dishes in its vibrant food markets or taking in panoramic views from rooftop terraces, the city provides plenty of memorable activities. So, while it might not have as many famous landmarks as some other cities, Madrid’s mercados and scenic viewpoints ensure you’ll have a rich and enjoyable visit.
