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The City

Madrid is not as large as it might seem, especially the central districts. Right in the middle of the city lies the Puerta del Sol, a traffic nexus that is the point from which all distances are measured. Also, the house numbering on every street starts at the end nearest the Sol. West and south of the Sol are the oldest areas of the city, Los Austrias, which contains the royal palace (Palacio Real) and the historic and well-trodden square, Plaza Mayor.

The triangular area to the east and south of the Sol—with the Plaza de Cibeles, Atocha Station, and the Sol at its corners—is one of the liveliest districts in Madrid, home to countless bars and restaurants. This is also where the three big museums stand in a row, and beyond them, the largest park in central Madrid, Parque del Buen Retiro.

Directly south of the Sol is Lavapiés: formerly a working-class area, but now the most ethnically interesting part of the city thanks to a significant influx of immigrants from Africa and Asia.

North of the Puerta del Sol and the parade avenue of Gran Vía, you will find the Malasaña and Chueca districts. The former is an old residential area that has been cleaned up in the last twenty years whilst remaining one of the city’s most relaxed bar districts. The latter has also undergone a rebirth: today, it is Madrid’s hippest quarter, a centre for a culture of clubbing, restaurants and clothing shops. Originally a gay district, it is now best described as broad-minded.

Explore the city like a local and discover the top things to do and see in Madrid, as well as the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and hotels Spain's capital city has to offer, with our comprehensive, up-to-date, and free Madrid travel guide.

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Top 10

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Do & See

Madrid is a wonderful city, from casual strolls around green areas to world-renowned museums to frantic nights on the town. People fill the streets at every hour of the day, and culture is ever-present. You don't have to be a history buff to appreciate the architecture and constant reminders of this city's long and rich history.

Below is a list of the best things to do and see in Madrid, Spain:

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Dining

The varied culinary traditions of the entire Iberian Peninsula come together in Madrid to such a degree that experts discuss whether Madrid actually has a distinct culinary style of its own.

The culinary culture of Spain’s capital city has been enriched by immigrants from Andalucia, Galicia, Asturia, and a number of other regions in Spain and around the world.

Below is a list of the best places to eat in Madrid, Spain:

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Cafes

Spanish coffee culture is a social and animated affair. Café con leche usually accompanies breakfast, preferably with a croissant. Around mid-day, especially after a meal, locals have an espresso, café solo, or a cortado, which is an espresso with milk. Café Americano is what some would call watered-down versions of the first two coffees. In the afternoon, or after dinner, order a café solo corto, a strong espresso, or a carajillo—a café solo with Spanish brandy.

Below is a list of some of the best cafes in Madrid, Spain:

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Bars & Nightlife

Because the clever Spaniards think you should always eat when drinking, most bars also serve food—usually tapas. And despite the efforts of the authorities, Madrid's nightlife still happens later than in most other cities and goes on for longer as well.

For the real party animals, the neighbourhoods of Malasaña and La Latina are a mandatory stop at night.

With that said, here's a list of the best bars and nightclubs for a fun night out in Madrid, Spain:

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Shopping

Put simply, there are three main shopping areas in Madrid: Centro, located between Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía; Chueca, directly to the north and east of Centro; and Salamanca, slightly further to the east. These represent three different types of shopping, especially with regard to the range of products offered. It’s middle-of-the-road in Centro, trendy in Chueca, and expensive designer fashion labels in Salamanca.

And here are the best places for shopping in Madrid, Spain:

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