Madrid trips and vacations

Spain’s artistic legacy is renowned for good reason. Spend some of your vacation to Madrid in the Golden Triangle, a trio of museums with priceless collections, and you’ll see why. Museo Nacional del Prado (the Prado) is a treasure trove of Spanish masterpieces. Reina Sofia showcases modern marvels like Picasso’s anti-war epic, ‘Guernica’. The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum houses a vast collection spanning seven centuries.

The best way to explore Madrid is to taste your way through it. Your first stop should be Mercado de San Miguel, the soul of the city’s culinary scene. Here you’ll find everything from fresh oysters and artisanal pastries to Iberian ham, exquisite cheeses and iconic ‘bocadillo de calamares’ (calamari rolls). And no trip to Madrid is complete without an evening in a cozy tapas bar with delectable eats and sips of sangria.

Spain may have Roman Catholic roots, but its other great religion is soccer. Home to two of the nation’s top teams, Madrid worships the game in all of its forms. Tour the legendary Santiago Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid, and Wanda Metropolitano, the new fortress of Atletico Madrid. Soccer fans should plan a trip to Madrid for fall when ‘la liga’ (the league) is in full swing.

Chueca is fun-loving, eccentric and LGBTQ+ friendly. It’s also one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Madrid for great food, including some of the city’s best classic tapas joints. Spend the day in bustling markets, lively plazas and lush green spaces. When the sun sets, watch Chueca transform into a nightlife sensation. Its central location makes exploring Madrid’s iconic sites a breeze.

Good for: LGBTQ+, nightlife, dining

Built on a medieval Islamic fort, La Latina is one of Madrid’s most historically significant neighborhoods. Its ancient cobblestone streets and buildings coexist with a modern spirit. It’s where to stay in Madrid to see Goya’s art at the Basilica de San Francisco el Grande. You can also dine at the world’s oldest restaurant and experience the chaotic energy of the El Rastro flea market.

Good for: Historic architecture, vintage shopping, markets

Once the center of the city’s countercultural movement, Malasana is now an ultra-cool neighborhood and one of the best places to stay in Madrid. Modern dining and trendy boutiques rub shoulders with generations-old bars and markets. Take a tour of the local street art, catch live music of all kinds, and try the city’s latest foodie trends in the restaurants and gastro bars that pop up almost weekly.

Good for: Nightlife, live music, cafes

If you’re traveling with the kids in tow, you’ll find lots of things to do with family in Madrid. Pick up goodies for a picnic at Mercado de San Miguel, or breeze through El Retiro Park on a rented bike. Kids can geek out at the Museum of Natural Sciences, and soccer fans will love joining the frenzy at Real Madrid’s home ground, Santiago Bernabeu.

The shopping in Madrid is world class, so mix up your sightseeing with some retail therapy. Enjoy the buzz of Gran Via, the famous street boasting local gems and international brands. Serrano is the place to go for upscale browsing, with luxury goods sold in former palaces. For a bargain, catch a bus to Las Rozas Village, where you can shop top brands at outlet prices.

The Golden Triangle of Art is home to the best museums in Madrid and is a must-see for anyone interested in viewing masterpieces. From there head to the Literary Quarter and find verses of poems by Spain’s legendary writers etched into the cobblestones. Don’t miss the Royal Palace and the lively Rastro Flea Market. Also in this area is Madrid’s very own ancient Egyptian temple, sent brick by brick from the Egyptian government in the 1960s.

Malasana’s intimate bars are ideal for pre-dinner drinks while Chueca’s gay clubs and dance venues offer fun-filled revelry. Salamanca guarantees an exclusive, upscale night. But no trip to Madrid would be complete without a flamenco show. Hit Cardamomo for a spectacle or Las Tablas for authenticity. Things don’t kick off until midnight, but when they do the nightlife in Madrid is the stuff of legend.

From fine dining to street food bites, Madrid is a feast for every foodie. Whether you crave fragrant paella, crispy croquettes or velvety flan, you’ll find a venue to spot your needs. Sample your way around Mercado Maravillas and Mercado de Chamartin, two of Madrid’s best markets. La Latina neighborhood has some of the finest tapas, while elegant Almagro hosts a handful of the best restaurants in Madrid, including Michelin-starred Coque.

Walk the lush paths of Parque del Buen Retiro, and explore its shimmering Palacio de Cristal. Marvel at the grandeur of Basilica de San Francisco el Grande — as much a house of religious worship as it is a temple of Spanish masterpieces. And for free things to do in Madrid for bookworms, there’s Biblioteca Nacional and Museu del Libro.