Things to do in  Madrid

Madrid is known for its art galleries, architecture, royal palaces, buzzing nightlife, and its famous fried calamari sandwiches. People often flock to see the Golden Triangle of Art—an area that’s home to three art museums; the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Yes, a 2-day trip is a perfect introduction to Madrid. Take a stroll through Plaza Mayor; visit Mercado de San Miguel to feast on tapas and wine; admire artistic masterpieces at the Prado Museum; and if the weather’s nice, visit Retiro Park or Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid.

Madrid is famous for its bocadillo de calamares, or calamari sandwiches, made with deep-fried squid in a crusty baguette. It’s also known for cocido madrileño (a traditional chickpea-based stew), decadent donut-like churros with chocolate sauce, and its tapas scene as a whole. Be sure to visit Cava Baja—Madrid’s tapas street.

Madrid’s continental Mediterranean climate means a lot of favorite local activities center around spending time outdoors; such as meeting up at Retiro Park. Madrileños (Madrid locals) also live and breathe tapas culture, and it’s perfectly acceptable to sit outside and enjoy tapas and drinks at pretty much any time of day.

The most visited attraction in Madrid is the Prado Museum, a world-renowned art museum that’s home to paintings and sculptures by European artists such as Botticelli and Bosch. Puerta del Sol—one of Madrid’s most famous squares—is one of the most visited outdoor spaces and a popular meeting point.

No, Madrid isn’t dangerous. It’s seen as a safe city, but just like other European capital cities, pickpockets operate in crowded and touristy areas. Be sure to keep your belongings close to you and watch out for pickpockets in busy areas such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Gran Via.