What to Do in Madrid? Our Top Picks for a Weekend Getaway

What to Do in Madrid?

Nestled in the heart of the arid landscapes of Spain’s Central Sierra, Madrid has long been overshadowed by festive Barcelona and the sunny beaches of Andalusia. But the Spanish capital, with its Franco-era legacy, has since reinvented itself and emerged in a new light. Slightly more populous than its Catalan cousin (6 million residents) but six times larger in area, Madrid stands out for its airy historic center and its sense of space, with its wide avenues built in the 19th century. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife,the “Villa y Corte” is also a renowned artistic destination.

A weekend visit to Madrid offers a dazzling experience for art lovers: on the Paseo del Prado, just a few hundred meters apart, stand three of Europe’s most prestigious art museums, forming Madrid’s famous Golden Triangle of Art. The Museo del Prado offers an exceptional overview of European painting from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Nearby, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza houses a remarkable collection that traces the evolution of European painting from the Renaissance to Pop Art. Finally, the Reina Sofía, housed in a former convent, is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and showcases Picasso’s iconic *Guernica*.

Dalí, Hemingway, and Pedro Almodóvar have all left their mark on Madrid, a vibrant metropolis with a strong identity. Huge tree-lined boulevards flanked by imposing imperial buildings crisscross the city, whose lively atmosphere seems to whisper an invitation to celebrate at every intersection. With its baroque cityscapes, post-industrial neighborhoods, dynamic culinary scene, and green spaces like Madrid Río, the Spanish capital has never looked better. Here’s a selection of must-visit spots in Madrid for a weekend under the Spanish sun.

10 Great Places to Visit in Madrid

1. The Prado Museum: A true gem of Madrid’s art scene—much like the Louvre in Paris—the Prado captivates visitors with one of the world’s largest collections of European art, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Francisco de Goya, and El Greco. During our visit, we were lucky enough to see Caravaggio’s *Ecce Homo*, displayed in dim lighting that accentuates its mystical aura. To fully enjoy your visit to this must-see spot in Madrid, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the long lines. You can also opt for a visit at 5:00 p.m., when the museum opens its doors for free for the last two hours of the day, although this option is often very popular.

Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

2. Retiro Park: If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid and you love green spaces, head to this huge park at the foot of the Golden Triangle of Art. There, you can rent a rowboat on the lake, visit the Crystal Palace, or simply stroll through the gardens along the shaded paths.

3. The Royal Palace: Sometimes overlooked by visitors, the official residence of the kings of Spain is well worth a visit, with its rooms sumptuously decorated with frescoes, silk damask, porcelain, and gleaming armor. Its gardens are impressive.

Centro, 28071 Madrid, Spain

4. La Latina neighborhood: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic neighborhood, built on the site of an ancient medieval fort. Famous for its labyrinth of narrow alleys, this neighborhood is brimming with cantinas, colorful market stalls, and lively tapas bars, and is home to the Church of San Pedro el Real, an imposing Moorish-style building. On Sundays, the neighborhood takes on a special atmosphere as crowds flock to the El Rastro flea market before heading to the local taverns.

5. Gran Vía: East of Plaza de España, where the statue of Cervantes stands contemplatively at the foot of Franco-era buildings, stroll along this bustling avenue where theaters, shops, and skyscrapers line the street, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the other side of the Atlantic. Take a break at one of the many rooftop bars to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Look up to admire the architectural diversity: the brutalist style of certain monumental buildings contrasts with the elegance of the richly ornate Gothic and neoclassical facades, such as the French-influenced Metropolis building with its slate dome.

6. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: Located just a stone’s throw from the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum houses an exceptional collection spread across three floors. This extensive collection from the eponymous family spans a period ranging from primitive art to contemporary art, featuring nearly 1,000 works from the 19th and 20th centuries. You can view paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Paul Klee, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Gustave Courbet, and Max Ernst, which demonstrate the evolution and richness of art throughout the ages.

P.º del Prado, 8, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

7. The Reina Sofía Museum: Housed in the historic building of Madrid’s former general hospital, this art center designed by Jean Nouvel is considered one of the most important in Spain. Don’t miss the chance to admire Picasso’s famous “Guernica,” a monumental painting on permanent display. The museum also houses other major works from the 20th-century Spanish art scene.

C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain

8. Chueca and Malasaña: Discover Madrid’s nightlife by exploring the gay neighborhood to the east and the bohemian neighborhood to the north, where trendy bars, hip restaurants, and vintage thrift stores abound.

9. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: For soccer fans, a tour of Real Madrid’s iconic stadium is a must!

Av. de Concha Espina, 1, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid, Spain

10. The Temple of Amun: Also known as the Temple of Debod, the Temple of Amun is one of Madrid’s most astonishing and unusual attractions. Located near Plaza de España, this Nubian temple—a gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968 as a token of gratitude for Spain’s help in preserving the monuments of Nubia—dates back to the 2nd century BCE. From the exit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Opera House and the Royal Palace. Admission is free, but the wait can be long.

Where can I eat and have a drink?

1. Brach Madrid's restaurant: Located on the hotel’s first floor, this Madrid's restaurant pays a vibrant tribute to Madrid’s literary cafés of the 1920s, once haunts of the artistic and intellectual elite. Under the guidance of Chef Adam Bentalha, the open kitchen unfolds like a theater stage where fire reigns supreme: the Josper grill and plancha sizzle to bring sun-kissed cuisine to life. On the menu? The flavors of Southern France and the Mediterranean blend brilliantly, featuring dishes meant for sharing such as wood-fired grilled cauliflower, sea bass, or confit lamb shoulder. Don’t miss the pastry corner on the ground floor: pastry chef Fabien Emery celebrates French culinary artistry by infusing it with a Spanish soul through generous use of almonds, honey, and a reimagined version of turrón. A popular Sunday brunch and sophisticated cocktails at the bar round out this gourmet and festive experience.

Brach Madrid - Evok Collection
Gran Vía, 20, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Official website

2. Golda: In the trendy Salesas neighborhood, Golda—with its distinctive canary-yellow tilework—is a great weekend spot in Madrid that draws a crowd of foodies with its healthy breakfast featuring Middle Eastern influences. Must-try items include toast topped with creamy hummus, roasted tomatoes, feta, and sumac, as well as the delicious chocolate-and-pistachio marbled babka.

C. de Orellana, 19, Local 1, Centro, 28004 Madrid

3. Mercado de San Miguel: Have lunch at the Mercado de San Miguel, a covered market built in 1916 where tourists and regulars, young and old alike, gather for a quick lunch washed down with a cold beer or a glass of wine. About twenty stalls offer local products straight from Galicia: Iberian ham, empanadas, baos filled with chorizo or octopus (9 euros for two), seafood…

Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain

4. Moustache icecreams: This summer of 2026, Madrid welcomes one of France’s most prominent artisanal ice cream shops. Just a stone’s throw from the Plaza Mayor, the Breton-based brand is opening its first Spanish location. Behind the Saint-Malo-based brand is Gérard Sanchez, nicknamed “the ice cream magician,” who has been hunting for the perfect ingredients at local markets since 1992. Everything is conceived and crafted in Saint-Malo before arriving in Madrid. Its signature style is recognizable at first glance: black-and-gold decor, display cases reminiscent of a jewelry shop. Up to 38 flavors await their cones: you’ll be torn between the “Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla”—honored by Gault & Millau—the gold-medal-winning “Amour de Glace” from the Lyon International Competition, or the “Bretonne” with salted butter caramel slowly cooked in a cauldron. This season’s new offering, “Le goût des couleurs,” shakes up the norm: strawberry and peppermint, apricot and rosemary, mandarin and tarragon… nine sorbets that play with unexpected flavor pairings. The shop also offers sweet treats: ice cream sundaes, waffles, and crêpes made to order, as well as pastries inspired by its signature flavors. A taste of Brittany right in the heart of Madrid, perfect for enjoying on hot days.

Calle de Atocha, 4, Centro, 28012 Madrid.

5. Vinos Gonzalez Tapas: Behind the unassuming facade of a gourmet grocery store in the Las Letrasse neighborhood lies this wine bar known only to insiders. At the back of the shop, a few tables welcome guests to enjoy simple yet hearty Spanish cuisine. The appeal of this spot lies in the opportunity to purchase products of unquestionable quality (wines, cheeses, Iberian cured meats) right there to take home or enjoy on the spot. The wine list showcases Spanish wines, served by the glass or by the bottle at reasonable prices.

Calle de León 12, 28014, Madrid, Spain

What can you do in Madrid if you love wine?

6. La Fisna: Located in the cosmopolitan Lavapiés neighborhood, La Fisna stands out for its extensive selection of over 300 wines, both domestic and international, with a special focus on natural and biodynamic wines. To pair with these wines, the menu offers a variety of tapas, cheeses, and cold cuts, crispy croquettes, and fresh salads.

Calle del Amparo, 91, Centro, 28012 Madrid

7. La Venencia: La Venencia is another great spot in Madrid that transports its guests to the sunny south of Spain with its exclusive selection of sherries carefully chosen from Jerez de la Frontera and Andalusia. At La Venencia, the experience is one-of-a-kind: order a glass of sherry, and it will be poured directly from the barrels lining the bar’s walls. Opened in the 1930s, this wine bar has remained one of the city’s most traditional, making it a must-visit spot for residents of the capital.

Calle de Echegaray, 7, Centro, 28014 Madrid

8. Angelita: one of the city’s pioneers. Tucked away right next to Gran Vía in the vibrant Chueca neighborhood, this wine bar impresses with its extensive selection of… 500 bottles. In addition to this vast collection, Angelita offers more than 25 wines by the glass.

Calle Reina, 4, Madrid

Where to stay?

Mandarin Oriental Ritz

The hotel? The Mandarin Oriental Ritz stands as a true ambassador of Madrid’s prestige and reinforces the city’s image as a premier tourist destination. Opened in 1910 in the famous “Golden Triangle” of the arts, this Belle Époque-style palace owes its existence to the legacy of the legendary hotelier César Ritz, who collaborated with French architect Charles Mewes to bring this hotel—the third Ritz in the world—to life. King Alfonso XIII, after staying at the Ritz hotels in Paris and London during his honeymoon, wanted to give Madrid a hotel of the same caliber. Once you step into the lobby, greeted by the warm welcome of the smartly dressed doormen, an artistic feature immediately catches your eye:suspended from the lobby ceiling, a vast crystal canopy adorned with gold and silver leaf sparkles in the daylight. The sculpture, created by the artist Mercerie, is inspired by the nearby Buen Retiro Park. Further on, the Palm Court, located beneath an impressive glass dome in the lobby, is bathed in a soft, milky light that illuminates armchairs, flowers, and columns, providing an elegant setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Closed in 2018 for a major renovation—the most extensive in its 110-year history— the 5-star hotel was modernized under the direction of Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz and French designers Gilles and Boissier, who successfully preserved the building’s soul and essence while adapting it to the demands of the 21st century.

The Rooms and Suites? The hotel now features 100 guest rooms and 53 suites, each designed to offer unparalleled comfort. Artistic details abound, starting with the custom-made Cordoba leather headboards that frame sumptuous beds draped in delicate linen. The bathrooms are adorned with marble and white Dolomite stone and equipped with rain showers as well as separate bathtubs featuring Natura Bissé products scented with rosemary and white tea. From one of the junior suites tested by our editorial team, the view is breathtaking: you can admire the Stock Exchange, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, its charming surrounding park, and the Paseo del Prado, the city’s main avenue.

The dining options? Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta, the culinary experience is just as impressive. Whether at the Palm Court, where the tradition of afternoon tea is reimagined, or at Deessa, which has been awarded two Michelin stars. The cocktail bar charms guests with its original creations and a gallery of portraits inspired by Velázquez, while outside, El Jardín del Ritz offers light and refined dishes (lobster gazpacho, bluefin tuna ceviche, grilled sea bass…) in an enchanting setting.

What sets it apart? Its spa, featuring a 14-meter heated pool, a sauna, and a 24-hour fitness center. Finally, the hotel’s location in the heart of Madrid’s cultural district offers convenient access to the nearby Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which is right across the street.

Mandarin Oriental Ritz
153 rooms, starting at €1,155 per night
Pl. de la Lealtad, 5, Retiro, 28014 Madrid

Brach Madrid

Following the success of its Parisian counterpart, the Evok Group is bringing its lifestyle concept to the legendary Gran Vía, in a former 1920s corner palace where Victor Hugo spent part of his childhood. Completely reimagined by the ever-reliable Philippe Starck, this 5-star hotel with 57 guest rooms (including 4 spectacular suites featuring private terraces with jacuzzis and panoramic views of Madrid’s rooftops) reveals, behind its theatrical façade, an exuberant and poetic aesthetic, blending weathered leather, jatoba wood, mimbre (local wicker), stone, and terracotta, which coexist with a profusion of contemporary artworks and objects sourced from all corners of the world.

Conceived as a lived-in home brimming with memories, this luxury hotel captivates with its interplay of textures and contrasts between the elegance of the materials and surrealist touches. The highlight of the experience? In the basement, La Capsule, a 400 m² futuristic and holistic spa featuring a 20-meter pool beneath a mirrored ceiling that invites you to relax, while cutting-edge amenities—such as a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and a floatation tank—promise total disconnection. An arty, vibrant, and unique spot that perfectly captures all the magnetic energy of the Spanish capital.

What sets it apart? We love its ultra-central location and Starck’s theatrical vision.

Brach Madrid – Evok Collection
57 rooms (53 standard rooms and 4 suites) starting at 430 euros per night for a superior room.
Gran Vía, 20, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Official website

But what else?

Gran Hotel Inglés: This luxury hotel combines the timeless charm of Art Deco with refined modernity, featuring lovely rooms, a great restaurant, and a superb spa. Although located right in the heart of the city, this member of The Leading Hotels of the World exudes an intimate atmosphere, particularly in the lobby bar.

Calle de Echegaray, 8, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Tótem Madrid: Located in one of Madrid’s most chic neighborhoods, the Tótem exudes understated urban elegance. With its soothing contemporary design, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World property offers a peaceful retreat in the midst of the bustling city. Its bar and restaurant are particularly popular among the city’s affluent residents.

C. de Hermosilla, 23, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain