Things to do in Madrid

Madrid, Maryland, is a small town with a surprisingly big list of things to do.

Neighborhoods

Madrid, Maryland, is a small town with a surprisingly big list of things to do. The local scene leans heavily on food and drink, with nearly 200 places to eat and drink. You'll also find plenty of parks, museums, and nightlife spots that punch above their weight for a town this size.

Start with the classics: El Retiro Park has boating and a rose garden, while the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Prado Museum are top picks for art and history lovers. For a different pace, the Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple with sunset views. When you're hungry, Mercado de San Miguel is a covered market with local delicacies, or grab churros at the historic Chocolatería San Ginés. Nightlife runs from multi-story clubs like Kapital to live music at Sala La Riviera. Families can spend a day at the Zoo Aquarium or Parque de Atracciones.

Frequently asked questions about Madrid

What are the best outdoor spots in Madrid, Maryland?▾

El Retiro Park is the go-to for a leisurely stroll, renting a rowboat on the Estanque Grande, or checking out the rose garden. Casa de Campo is much larger and dog-friendly, with hills and a boating lake. For something quieter, the Real Jardín Botánico has greenhouses and walking trails.

Where can I get authentic churros in Madrid?▾

Chocolatería San Ginés has been serving chocolate with churros since 1894. Another old-school option is Churrería Chocolateria 1902, which also has gluten-free choices. Both are local institutions.

What museums should I visit in Madrid?▾

The Museo Nacional del Prado is the big one, with works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. The Reina Sofía covers 20th-century Spanish art, including Picasso. The Thyssen-Bornemisza fills in the gaps with European masterpieces from the Renaissance to Pop Art.

Are there good places for families with kids?▾

Yes. The Zoo Aquarium de Madrid has a dolphinarium and petting zoo, and Faunia focuses on polar and jungle ecosystems. Parque de Atracciones de Madrid is a full theme park with rides for all ages. Bowling Chamartín and Colors by Experiencity Escape Room are also kid-friendly.

What's the nightlife like in Madrid?▾

It's lively. Kapital is a seven-story club with multiple bars and a rooftop. For live music, check Sala La Riviera or the more intimate Clamores. If you prefer dancing to Latin beats, Discoteca El Son plays salsa, merengue, and bachata.

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Things to do in Madrid

StadiumPhoto of Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium — Stadium

Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium

Madrid, MD|5
Event VenuePhoto of Movistar Arena Madrid — Event Venue

Movistar Arena Madrid

Madrid, MD|5
Shopping MallPhoto of Centro Comercial Islazul — Shopping Mall

Centro Comercial Islazul

Madrid, MD|4
CastlePhoto of Royal Palace of Madrid — Castle

Royal Palace of Madrid

18th-century, ridge-top palace for state occasions, plus tours with rooms full of art and antiques.

Madrid, MD|5
Shopping MallPhoto of La Gavia — Shopping Mall

La Gavia

Madrid, MD|4
Art museumPhoto of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía — Art museum

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Sprawling museum for Spanish 20th-century art collection with works by Gris, Dali, Picasso & Miro.

Madrid, MD|5
PlazaPhoto of Plaza Mayor — Plaza

Plaza Mayor

Cafes & restaurants line the arches of this stately square with Philip III's statue in the center.

Madrid, MD|5
Event VenuePhoto of IFEMA Madrid — Event Venuevia Google Maps

IFEMA Madrid

Madrid, MD|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Centro Comercial Plenilunio — Shopping Mall

Centro Comercial Plenilunio

Madrid, MD|4
Clothing StorePhoto of Primark — Clothing Store

Primark

Discount fashion chain offering clothes and accessories for all ages, plus homewares.

Madrid, MD|4
MonumentPhoto of Puerta de Alcalá — Monument

Puerta de Alcalá

Triumphal arch near to Parque del Buen Retiro & rich with stone carvings & elegant sculptures.

Madrid, MD|5
Shopping MallPhoto of La Vaguada Shopping Center — Shopping Mall

La Vaguada Shopping Center

Madrid, MD|4
Photo of Cibeles Fountain

Cibeles Fountain

18th century neoclassical fountain depicting the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by 2 lions.

Madrid, MD|5
MarketPhoto of Mercado de San Miguel — MarketOur original photo

Mercado de San Miguel

Circa-1916 covered market offering local food, delicacies & events in an elegant ambiance.

Madrid, MD|4
ParkPhoto of El Retiro Park — Park

El Retiro Park

Expansive, 19th-century park with boating lake & rose garden, plus numerous fountains & statues.

Madrid, MD|5
ParkPhoto of Casa de Campo — Park

Casa de Campo

Expansive park & former royal hunting ground, with small hills, streams & a boating lake.

Madrid, MD|5
Art museumPhoto of Museo Nacional del Prado — Art museum

Museo Nacional del Prado

Art museum with Velazquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces in vast 12th- to 19th-century collection.

Madrid, MD|5
MonumentPhoto of Temple of Debod — Monument

Temple of Debod

Ancient Egyptian temple & museum moved from Aswan & rebuilt in lush parkland, with sunset views.

Madrid, MD|4
Dessert ShopPhoto of Chocolatería San Ginés — Dessert Shop

Chocolatería San Ginés

Founded in 1894, this cafe is known for its chocolate with churros.

Madrid, MD|4
Art museumPhoto of Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum — Art museum

Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

Museum housing collection of 13th-20th-century European masterpieces, from Renaissance to Pop Art.

Madrid, MD|5