Looking to explore European cities beyond London, Paris and Amsterdam? This article will convince you why Madrid should be on your travel bucket list next!
Photo credit: Florian Wehde via Unsplash
Did you know that Spain is the second most visited country in the world, just after France? Yup, me neither.
But that goes to show how much people love the country, and it’s no wonder why — with its rich culture, delicious tapas and beautiful cities like Barcelona. We’d know, cause we spent more than a week on a road trip exploring the Catalonia region!
Photo credit: David Carrero Fernández-Baillo via Unsplash
One place we regretfully missed out on though, is Madrid! But you can bet it’s the next go-to destination on our bucket list ✈️
Spain’s capital city is full of unique charms and definitely worth a visit! For one, it’s home to a few record-breaking landmarks, and it’s also a great base for day trips to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
*Pro-tip: Check out Changi Airport Group’s curated campaign page for what else there is to do in Madrid, as well as essential info like if you’ll need a visa and the best time to visit!
From visiting Spain’s only Egyptian temple to “hanging houses” perched on cliffs, here are 11 reasons why you should travel to Madrid 👇
1) Marvel at the all-white architecture of Madrid City Hall
Photo credit: @sha.do.ws via Instagram
Featuring an all-white, gothic-inspired decor, Madrid City Hall is an architectural wonder that’s perfect for your IG feed!
Formerly the main office of the Spanish postal service, it’s now home to a large cultural space with various restaurants and exhibitions across six floors.
Photo credit: @proudbasque via Instagram
Housed within the building is CentroCentro, which occasionally holds art exhibits and workshops on various floors, and the Glass Gallery, which is a multi-purpose space featuring a glass dome!
Visitors can also head up to the highest floor to soak in a panoramic view of Madrid city and its well-known landmarks like Gran Via and El Retiro Park from the observation deck. Do take note that there’s a fee of €3 per person for entry.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM, timings may differ for different attractions
Address: C. de Montalbán, 1, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 6min walk from Apollo Fountain (Google Maps)
2) Visit the Temple of Debod, the only Egyptian temple in Spain
Photo credit: Yoav Aziz via Unsplash
Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Debod is Spain’s only Egyptian temple!
It was a gift to Spain from the Egyptian government in the 1960s, as thanks for helping to save the Monuments of Nubia from being damaged by floods following the Aswan High Dam construction.
Photo credit: @christabelsmoon via Instagram
Many may not know this, but the temple was dismantled and transported stone by stone to Madrid before finally reopening to the public in 1972. 🤯
You can explore its various rooms, with the Adijalamani Chapel at the heart. This is the oldest part of the temple, inscribed with hieroglyphs of Egyptian kings making offerings to different gods and goddesses.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM, closed on Mon
Address: C. de Ferraz, 1, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 7min walk from Plaza de Espana (Google Maps)
3) Explore iconic areas like Puerta del Sol and Gran Via
Photo credit: Instituto De Turismo De Espana – Turespana
Located right in the heart of the city, Puerta del Sol is one of the busiest places in Madrid! This public square serves as an intersection of historical Spanish roads like Calle de Alcalá (Madrid’s longest street spanning 11km) and Calle del Arenal (shopping street leading to the famed Teatro Real opera house).
Some attractions to look out for here include the clock tower, the fountain and the statue of a bear nuzzling a strawberry tree — the official symbol of the city!
Photo credit: @nikol.hendrychova via Instagram
Another notable street is Gran Via, just a 9-minute walk from Puerta del Sol. The area is more than 100 years old and features unique architecture derived from the Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Modernist, and Neo-classical styles.
Photo credit: Felipe Gabaldón via Wikimedia Commons
Spot famous buildings like the Telefónica Building, inspired by the skyscrapers of America, and the Capitol Building, with its huge Schweppes sign! The street is also lined with numerous shops, theatres and bars, so you can spend a whole day here either taking photos, shopping or eating.
Puerta del Sol
Address: Puerta del Sol, 28013
How to get there: 5min walk from Plaza Mayor (Google Maps)
Gran Via
Address: CalleGran Vía, s/n28013
How to get there: 9min walk from Puerta del Sol (Google Maps)
4) Enjoy a unique Flamenco show at Teatro Flamenco Madrid
Photo credit: Teatro Flamenco Madrid via Facebook
Cue the powerful singing (cante), dancing (baile), and guitar playing (toque) — and you’ll have flamenco, a unique and iconic Spanish art form. 💃
Madrid has a vibrant flamenco scene, with plenty of establishments like theatres and bars offering lively performances. One of the best places to watch a show is at Teatro Flamenco Madrid, the world’s first theatre dedicated to the art!
Photo credit: Teatro Flamenco Madrid via Facebook
It has daily shows which run for an hour, three times a day at 6PM, 8PM and 9:45PM. You can also choose from different seating areas like general (seats at shared table, welcome drink) or VIP Box, which grants you priority access and meet-ups with the artists after the show.
Plus, the theatre even offers separate classes for those who are passionate about learning the art form. 😉
Cost: From €39/adult (~S$56)
Show timings: 6PM, 8PM, 9:45PM
Address: C. del Pez, 10, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 2min walk from La Fiambrera Art Gallery (Google Maps)
5) Go on epic day trips out of the city to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Madrid city has many interesting places to see and visit, but once you’re done exploring, why not rent a car and go on epic day trips? Here are a couple of must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all less than a 2-hour drive away!
Avila
Photo credit: Instituto De Turismo De Espana – Turespana
Named a World Heritage Site in 1985, the first thing you’ll notice about Avila is the 2.5km-long medieval wall surrounding the city! And yes, there are several tours which you can join to view the walls up close, with a local guide to share about its history.
Be sure to drop by the Avila Cathedral too, one of the first Gothic cathedrals in Spain dating back to the 12th century. And here’s a fun fact, the cathedral was actually built into the city wall as part of defense fortifications.
How to get there: 1hr 30min drive from Madrid (Google Maps)
Cuenca
Photo credit: Eduardo Casajús Gorostiaga via Unsplash
Another place to visit is the Old Town of Cuenca, situated high above the gorges of the Huécar and Júcar rivers.
It’s best known for its casas colgadas (hanging houses) on cliffs overlooking the Huécar river, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved medieval castle ruins — earning recognition as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
How to get there: 1hr 50min drive from Madrid (Google Maps)
Alcala de Henares
Photo credit: FDV via Wikimedia Commons
Last but not least, Alcala de Henares is the world’s first planned university city! This means that the town was designed and built around a university (now known as the Complutense University of Madrid), instead of adding it to an existing city.
The buildings, layout and even infrastructure were meant to facilitate the gathering of academics, students and university functions — making it an educational hub of sorts. Due to its unique past and historic buildings, it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998.
How to get there: 50min drive from Madrid (Google Maps)
*Pro-tip: Take a look at Changi Airport Group’s curated campaign page for more day trip ideas from Madrid!
6) Dine at Restaurante Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world
Photo credit: Restaurante Botin via Facebook
According to the Guinness World Records, Restaurante Botin is the world’s oldest restaurant, open since 1725!
The restaurant spans four floors and has a charming and cosy decor, complete with wooden furniture and brick walls. It’s famous for its Castilian cuisine, such as roast suckling pig and lamb, cooked in the original wood-fired oven from centuries ago.
Photo credit: Restaurante Botin via Facebook
You can even book a restaurant tour (€93/pax) to learn about its history from a local guide, as well as taste the Botin experience set menu. It includes various dishes like Iberian ham and chicken croquettes, roasted red peppers with tuna belly, and of course the signature roasted suckling pig!
*Note: We recommend making online reservations in advance to secure your spot as the restaurant is usually fully booked!
Opening hours: 1PM – 4PM, 8PM – 11:30PM
Address: C. de Cuchilleros, 17, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 10min walk from Royal Palace of Madrid (Google Maps)
7) Catch a football match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Photo credit: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu via Facebook
Football fans will want to bookmark this — Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is home to Real Madrid, one of Spain’s three professional football teams! ⚽ Built in 1947, it was named after Santiago Bernabéu, a legendary player and president of the club from 1943 to 1978.
It’s an iconic landmark in Madrid, having hosted significant events like the European Cup and World Cup matches.
And after completing its renovation in 2024, the stadium now holds a seating capacity of around 85,000 and has a new retractable roof and a 360° video scoreboard! Fun fact: The new stadium even hosted Taylor Swift’s concert for the Spain leg of her global Eras Tour in May 2024!
Photo credit: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu via Facebook
Do check the official website for dates and tickets to upcoming football matches or concerts. Alternatively, you can also visit the location itself on a tour, which’ll include a panoramic view of the indoor stadium and access to the Real Madrid C.F. Museum.
*Pro-tip: Book your tour slots online in advance for a discount, as it’ll cost €3 more if you buy onsite at the ticket office!
Cost of tour: €35/adult (~S$51) for self-guided tour, €47/adult (~S$68) for guided tour
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM (Mon – Sat), 9:30AM – 6:30PM (Sun)
Address: Av. de Concha Espina, 1, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 20min drive from Temple of Debod (Google Maps)
8) Peek into royalty at the Royal Palace of Madrid
Photo credit: Patrimonio Nacional
With over 3,418 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in Western Europe 👑. Fun fact: It’s estimated to be twice the size of Buckingham Palace!
While none of the current royal family resides in the palace, it still serves as the official residence of Spanish royalty and is used for state ceremonies.
Photo credit: Patrimonio Nacional
That said, a couple of rooms are open to the public! For instance, the Throne Room (adorned with red velvet walls, impressive sculptures and a pair of thrones) and the Royal Armoury (housing weapons and armour once worn by the kings of Spain since the 13th century).
Plus don’t miss the Changing the Guard ceremony, where you’ll see soldiers dressed in uniforms marching past the front of the palace! It’s held bi-weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 11AM to 2PM.
Entrance fee: €14/adult (~S$20) for self-guided visit, €20/adult (~S$29) for guided visit
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM (Mon – Sat), 10AM – 4PM (Sun)
Address: Centro, 28071 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 14min walk from Temple of Debod (Google Maps)
9) Feast on Spanish tapas and drinks at Mercado San Miguel
Photo credit: Mercado de San Miguel via Facebook
Mercado de San Miguel is a gourmet food market featuring more than 30 stalls! It’s popular among locals and tourists for having a wide range of Spanish cuisine from all over the country.
Get ready to feast on tapas (snacks) prepared with fresh seafood from the Galician coast, as well as different types of cheese from Castile, Asturias and the Basque Country! Not forgetting stalls selling meat, fruits, vegetables, baked goods and drinks like beer, wine and champagne. 🥂
Photo credit: @sbelousovamadrid via Instagram
And then there’s desserts — psst, Rocambolesc has artisanal ice cream made by three-star Michelin chef Jordi Roca! For a complete list of stalls there, check out the official website.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 12AM (Sun – Thu), 10AM – 1AM (Fri – Sat)
Address: Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 3min walk from Plaza Mayor (Google Maps)
10) Tour Madrid’s famed Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art refers to the three well-known art museums situated along the Paseo del Prado, one of the city’s main boulevards.
They are within walking distance of each other, and visitors can get the Paseo del Arte Pass for entry to all three museums at only €32.80, which is slightly cheaper than buying individual tickets!
Prado Museum
Photo credit: @oleur via Instagram
First is Prado Museum, which showcases a collection of 8,600 paintings and over 700 sculptures of European art.
It houses some of the greatest works of artists from the Spanish Golden Age such as Ribera, Murillo and Velázquez! There are also galleries dedicated to Goya’s artworks, like the Third of May and Black Paintings.
Entrance fee: From €15/adult (~S$22)
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM (Mon – Sat), 10AM – 7PM (Sun)
Address: Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 6min walk from El Retiro Park (Google Maps)
Reina Sofía Museum
Guernica by Picasso. Photo credit: @erinmorganheller via Instagram
Next is Reina Sofía Museum, known for modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. One notable work here is Guernica by Picasso, depicting the suffering from the Guernica bombing during the Spanish Civil War.
The museum also holds works from different art movements like the Spanish collective El Paso, the French Nouveau Réalisme and the Italian Arte Povera!
Entrance fee: From €12/adult (~S$18)
Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM (Mon), 10AM – 9PM (Wed – Sat), 10AM – 2:30PM (Sun), closed on Tue
Address: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 10min walk from Prado Museum (Google Maps)
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Photo credit: Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza via Facebook
Lastly is Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, displaying European art from the 13th to 20th centuries.
There are more than 1,000 artworks from Italian primitives, the German Renaissance, 19th-century American art, Impressionism, German Expressionism and Russian Constructivism! Some international names you might be familiar with are Friedrich, Monet and Van Gogh.
Entrance fee: €14/adult (~S$20)
Opening hours: 12PM – 4PM (Mon), 10AM – 7PM (Tue – Sun)
Address: Paseo del Prado, 8, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 6min walk from Prado Museum (Google Maps)
11) Shop at El Rastro, Spain’s largest open-air flea market
Photo credit: Instituto De Turismo De Espana – Turespana
With over 3,000 stalls, El Rastro is Spain’s largest open-air flea market! It’s located in Madrid’s La Latina neighbourhood and is held every Sunday and public holiday.
Expect thrifting of second-hand clothes, artisanal goods, accessories, kitchenware and even vintage cameras. You might find what you need and probably buy what you don’t need (still great for impromptu souvenirs though). P.S. Be sure to have cash on hand, as smaller stalls may not accept cards!
Photo credit: @lauhga via Instagram
While the market is mostly held on Sundays, there’s a special Saturdays at El Rastro event in Plaza del General Vara del Rey every first and third Saturday of each month. It’s a fair featuring antiques, vintage pieces and collector’s items for those who love old-school knick-knacks.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 3PM (Sun)
Address: Pl. de Cascorro, 4, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
How to get there: 1min walk from Plaza de Cascorro (Google Maps)
Why Madrid should be next on your travel bucket list
Photo credit: @travelimprint via Instagram
Madrid is a culturally rich city with plenty of unique landmarks to discover, which I’ll definitely be adding to my travel bucket list. I mean, it’s not every day that you can visit Spain’s only Egyptian temple or dine at the world’s oldest restaurant. 🤯
While there is currently no direct flight from Changi Airport to this vibrant city, an upside is that you can explore another city during the layover before reaching your final destination. So, that’s pretty much killing two birds with one stone!
Psst, for more ideas on things to see, eat and do in Madrid, check out Changi Airport Group’s curated campaign page! Plus, it even has information on whether you’ll need a visa and the best time to visit 😉
Did we miss out on any other iconic things to do for your Madrid travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
This post is brought to you in partnership with Changi Airport Group.
