Get all arty-party at The Prado Museum
Think you know art? The Prado’s ready to school you. Stroll past Goya’s moody masterpieces, Velázquez’s royal portraits, and El Greco’s dramatic skies. And if you spot the Naked Maja giving zero cares about modesty… well, Madrid’s never been shy.
Have a royal rendezvous at The Royal Palace
Buckingham who? This place is dripping in chandeliers, silk walls, and “I could live here” daydreams. Wander the grand staircases, peek into throne rooms, and if you happen to wave regally from the balcony, we’ll back your claim to the crown.
Go greener than your salad at El Retiro Park
Retiro’s not just a park – it’s Madrid’s open-air living room. Picnic beside the glassy Crystal Palace, paddle across the boating lake, or people-watch while a floating Yoda defies gravity nearby. (Yes, it’s a trick. No, we won’t tell you how.)
Feast your way through Mercado de San Miguel
If there’s a better place to “just try one more thing,” we haven’t found it. From silky jamón ibérico to bite-sized tapas and crisp local wines, this food market is basically a Spanish flavour rollercoaster. Your waistband might not thank you – your taste buds will.
Catch the passion at a flamenco show
At Corral de la Morería, flamenco isn’t just dance – it’s fire, stomp, and soul in motion. The guitar hums, the singers wail, and the dancers’ footwork is faster than your camera shutter. Sit close, feel the rhythm, and clap like you mean it.
What events are on in Madrid?
Calling all culture vultures, we've got a jam packed events itinerary that'll see you through from Jan to Dec... okay, maybe not quite, but there's plenty going on to keep you busy on your Madrid holidays. Don't believe us? Check out the below list... we'll wait:
Three Kings Parade (January) - who needs Santa when you've got THREE kings bringing gifts to town? Watch as the city lights up with parades, candies, and a touch of regal magic.
Madrid Gastrofestival (February) - taste buds, unite! Dive into a culinary fiesta that’s more diverse than your playlist. From tapas to avant-garde creations, this is foodie heaven.
San Isidro Festival (May) - grab your fanciest chulapo hat and celebrate Madrid's patron saint with dances, music, and (you guessed it) more food!
Madrid Pride (June) - a rainbow explosion! Madrid's Pride is a mega party championing love and diversity. Everyone's invited, and glitter is the dress code.
Noche en Blanco (July) - who needs sleep? For one night, Madrid becomes an insomniac's dream with cultural events, music, and art lasting 'til dawn.
La Paloma Festival (August) - time to embrace tradition with dances, costumes, and yes, some cheeky drinks in the historic La Latina district.
DCODE Festival (September) – Madrid’s big outdoor music bash mixing indie, rock, and pop – the perfect excuse to ditch sightseeing for stage-hopping.
Open House Madrid (October) – architecture nerds rejoice – get a peek inside some of the city’s most striking buildings, many normally closed to the public.
Madrid Jazz Festival (November) – smooth sounds and big-name acts take over venues across the city. From sultry sax solos to toe-tapping swing, it’s pure ear candy.
Christmas Lights & Markets (December) – the city turns into a festive wonderland. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, and enough decorations to make an elf jealous.
What's the nightlife like in Madrid?
Alright, night owls and dancefloor divas, you’re about to delve into Madrid's nocturnal scene, and oh boy, it's a wild ride! They say New York's the city that never sleeps, but clearly, they haven't partied in Madrid. Let’s dive into the crème de la crème of the Spanish capital's moonlit escapades:
Teatro Kapital - seven floors of pulsating beats and eclectic vibes. From R&B to classic Spanish hits, Kapital is the nightclub equivalent of a pick-n-mix candy store. And did we mention the karaoke room? Yup, unleash that inner Shakira or Enrique.
The Hat Madrid - sip your cocktail while soaking in the skyline. It's a bit hipster, a bit chic, and 100% the place where memories (and some fantastic Insta stories) are made.
Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco - if you're on your holidays to Madrid and you don't experience some flamenco, are you even doing it right? Cardamomo serves passion on a platter – fiery dance moves, soulful strums, and vocals that'll give you chills.
La Latina's Cava Baja Street - winding streets brimming with tapas bars, quirky pubs, and spontaneous dance-offs. Dive into the maze and let the night surprise you. And if you end up singing with locals, well, that's just a typical Tuesday.
Mondo Disko - for the techno heads and electronic enthusiasts, Mondo Disko spins tracks that'll keep you grooving 'til the sun says "Hola!"
What's the food like in Madrid?
So, you've come to Madrid, ready to dive fork-first into the Spanish food scene? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because Madrid is about to take your taste buds on a sabroso spin. Here's the lowdown on the must-try delicacies this city has to offer:
Tortilla Española – thick, golden, and gooey in the middle, this potato-and-egg masterpiece makes all other omelettes look basic. Best enjoyed with a cold cerveza.
Cocido Madrileño – a hearty, chickpea-based stew with chorizo, beef, and more. It’s basically Madrid in a pot, and yes, it will defeat your hunger.
Churros con Chocolate – crispy fried dough sticks begging to be dunked into thick, molten hot chocolate. Morning, night, or post-night-out – they’re always a good idea.
Callos a la Madrileña – tripe stewed in rich, spicy tomato sauce. Bold, brash, and full of flavour – the definition of Madrid on a plate.
Bocadillo de Calamares – crispy squid rings tucked in fresh bread. Add aioli and you’ve got street food perfection.
Horchata – sweet, chilled, and nutty (made from tiger nuts). Your go-to refresher for Madrid’s hot summer afternoons.
You’ve got the cravings sorted – now here’s where to actually sink your teeth into the finest bites (and maybe unbutton the jeans after) on your Madrid holidays...
Mercado de San Miguel – a food market wonderland where you can graze your way from Iberian ham to artisan pastries, one stall at a time.
Plaza Mayor cafés – perfect for soaking up the city’s atmosphere over a lazy sangria or a plate of paella.
Sobrino de Botín – officially recognised as the oldest restaurant in the world, this wood-fired wonder specialises in roast suckling pig and lamb that melts in your mouth.
Taberna El Sur – cosy, friendly, and famed for its generous tapas portions, from patatas bravas to sizzling prawns, all at wallet-friendly prices - sounds like a dream to us.
Chocolatería San Ginés – serving up iconic churros con chocolate since 1894; open into the small hours - that sweet tooth can kick in when you least expect it, we don't judge.
