Must Do's
Plaza Mayor
We are unsure of who likes this plaza more.... Paloma? or Cade? This is an iconic Spanish Plaza filled with cafes, restaurants (geared for tourists), street performers and shops. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture make it the perfect spot to soak up the culture. We recommend having a cappuccino or glass(es) of Sangria or Tinto de Verano.
Gran Vía
Gran Via is a major shopping hub, featuring a wide range from high-end boutiques to popular fashion chains, like Zara, Stradivarius, H&M and many others.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Palacio Real is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family in Madrid. The wallpapers, chandeliers, curtains, dining table and tiles throughout are beautiful. We recommend booking tickets ahead of time online as there are two separate lines: ticket holders and non-ticket holders.
El Rastro
El Rastro is one of the largest and most famous outdoor flea markets that takes place every Sunday in La Latina neighborhood in Madrid. Whether you are looking for furs, antiques, silverware, books, collectibles or clothing, el Rastro has it all!
Calle Serrano
While all the streets in the Salamanca district exude class and elegance, Calle Serrano is the most renowned for luxury shopping.
El Retiro Park
This is an incredible green oasis in the heart of the city that was named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. In it you will find monuments, trees galore, gardens and a small artificial lake with paddle boats. Grab a sandwich, bottle of wine and a blanket and head down to the park for a picnic and then end with a short paddle boat ride. You might even get proposed to while on the boat ;)
Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena
Located beside the Palacio Real in Old Madrid, you will find the gorgeous Almudena Cathedral. Visitors are allowed to enter daily and it is worth it!
Museo Nacional del Prado
The Museo del Prado is a world famous museum that contains masterpieces from artists like Velazquez, Goya, and El Greco. It is a must-see for art lovers and history enthusiasts. (Admission to this museum is free two hours before close everyday of the week!)
Mercado de San Miguel
This is an enchanting market filled with fresh produce, delectable tapas, and Spanish delicacies. This market is beautiful, and we recommend stopping in for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
ZARA
This is the LARGEST Zara in the world!
El Corte Ingles
El Corte Ingles is a European department store that sells clothing, shoes, electronics, perfumes and just about anything you can think of! There are a handful of these scattered throughout Madrid. Be sure to ask for a tourist card at check out if you plan to do a lot of shopping here. This is a great store!!