Spain’s capital offers something for everyone – art, wine, tapas, sport, culture, shopping, and it’s the perfect launching point to explore Spain. Known as “The Capital City with a Thousand Options,” there’s something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a European city to visit in 2024, I’ve got a hot tip: Madrid, Spain. I might be biased – I’ve been there 18 times, with my first trip as a disco-jacket-clad 9-year-old in 1980. Something about Madrid captured my soul, even as a nine-year-old who initially just wondered if Madrid had McDonald’s. Since that maiden voyage,  I’ve been back time and again, and not just for the burgers.

But don’t just take my word for it; tourism to Madrid is on fire, with over 6 million visitors reported in 2022 and no sign of slowing down. In fact, Euromonitor ranked Madrid as the world’s third most popular city destination for 2023, trailing Dubai and Paris. Spend even a day in Madrid, and it’s easy to see why everyone is flocking there. 

Known as “the capital city with a thousand options,” Madrid attracts art or museum lovers, foodies, wine connoisseurs, shoppers, soccer fans, and urbanites. The internet is full of information about Madrid, but for the purpose of this article, I went beyond the “top ten lists” and asked my friends in Madrid to reveal places the average traveler might not know about. My “Madrid panel” consisted of six Spaniards, a Canadian, and two expats living in Madrid – one, an Executive and Life Coach from New Zealand, and the other, an American author. I met all of them while volunteering in an English immersion in Spain.  

GETTING TO & AROUND MADRID

First, let’s get there! Flying into Madrid, you’ll land at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. From here, you’ll find plenty of transportation options to take you to the city center. The great thing about Madrid is that it’s walkable, safe (beyond the normal cautions of urban pickpockets), and full of public transportation options such as the Madrid Metro, bus system, taxis, and electric bikes. 

If Madrid is a launching pad to other Spanish cities, note that flights within Spain are reasonably priced, or consider the AVE – Madrid’s long-distance high-speed trains, buses that travel throughout the country, or car services such as BlaBlaCar. Also note you can take a variety of day trips from Madrid – Toledo, Avila, Segovia and Cuenca are just a few.

ART, MUSEUMS & CULTURE

Head to the Paseo del Prado, and you’ll find an area known as Madrid’s Golden Triangle, which includes the top three art museums in Spain – the Prado, Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Beyond the triangle are many other museums and cultural attractions, including  Fundación MAPFRE, a gorgeous art gallery located along the Paseo del Prado. Tourists might not know about it or its amazing exhibitions. 

Two other local favorites tourists often miss are the Museum of Romanticism, complete with a lovely tea garden and best appreciated with a guide, and the Sorolla Museum, found in painter Joaquin Sorolla’s house. Go for the art and tour the gardens. For the contemporary art lover, the locals recommend a stop at the Matadero. This former slaughterhouse is now an art mecca featuring visual arts, installations, performance art, dance, outdoor concerts, and cinema. Nearby, find Rio Manzanares – a beautiful new park that’s becoming a hotspot.

PARKS AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS

A trip to Madrid isn’t complete without a visit to one of its many parks or gardens, the most famous being Retiro Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and city garden with paths, fountains, and its famous Crystal Palace and boating pond.  Another option that even some locals don’t know about is the enchanting Capricho Park, located on the outskirts of Madrid, accessible via Metro Line 5. 

Moving along, you’ll want to hit major attractions like Puerta del Sol, where you’ll find the famous Bear and Strawberry Tree statue.  Nearby is Plaza Mayor – go for the atmosphere and a coffee or drink, but perhaps dine elsewhere as meals tend to be overpriced in this touristy area. Also, watch your belongings, as pickpockets like spots like these.  

While in the area, visit the historic San Miguel Market (try their Vermouth), Royal Palace, and the Teatro Real (Real Theatre). Another great spot is the Barrio de las Letras, or Literary Quarter, where famous Spanish writers once lived. It’s now a booming cultural scene, with outdoor patios, bistros, and boutiques.

Soccer fans will definitely want to check out Real Madrid’s newly remodeled Bernabeu Stadium. Watch a match or tour the stadium. 

If all of these options have you wondering where to start, maybe it’s best to hire a guide – here’s a great one recommended by a Barcelona native who often visits Madrid. 

SHOPPING

I can’t imagine Madrid without shopping. The shoe stores alone will blow you away. Find the most up-to-date fashion and unique treasures throughout the city, including Madrid’s most popular street, Gran Via. Other shopping hotspots include Calle Fuencarral, a hip area lined with shops and cafes, the Salesas District, or the Chueca neighborhood.  A hot tip – find noteworthy gifts at various markets, boutiques, and museum gift shops, and save room in your carry-on for your return flight – Barajas Airport has great shops!

FOOD & BEVERAGES

Did you know that Madrid has as many restaurants as NYC?  In addition to being known for its delicious tapas (appetizer-sized foods offered at local bars, cafes, and restaurants), and typical Spanish foods (Spanish tortilla, Iberian ham, gazpacho, and olives), Madrid features many unique food markets, diverse restaurants, and charming cafes. 

Spain is known for cava, sherry, Vermouth, and a variety of red and white wines, as well as many Spanish beers. Stop at one of the many affordable cafes for beer and tapas, or try some of Madrid’s famous Vermouth bars. Local recommendations include Bar Manero for elegant tapas and wine and Patio Mahou for the atmosphere (and their Mahou beer).  I always appreciate the views from one of Madrid’s many rooftop bars, especially Terraza Cibeles. American author Marsha Scarbrough recommends Mandela 100, Bar Colores, or Africa Fusion for Senegalese food, noting that “Spain is less than 10 miles from Africa. Evidence of the continent’s culture is one of the colorful threads that make up the tapestry of Iberia.”

WHERE TO STAY

Madrid offers hotels for all budgets and charming, unique options that will absolutely amaze you.  In general, keep in mind your hotel’s proximity to Metro stops, and note that the areas known for nightlife may be noisier, so you may benefit from booking interior rooms or rooms on higher floors. Consider boutique hotels like local favorite Only You, where you can stay, dine, or take advantage of their wellness massage services. 

A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

Madrid’s location is ideal for travel to other places throughout Spain, and the climate in Madrid makes it a great place to visit all year long. January and February are the coolest months (40s) while July and August can be toasty in the city (80s and above). However, if the weather is too warm, you can hit the surrounding area known as Sierra de Madrid – for hiking, horseback riding, golf, or a  visit to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. 

Whatever season you visit Madrid, you’re sure to appreciate many attractions, festivals, and celebrations and the incredible Spanish vibe that makes this city irresistible.  For a city that checks all the boxes – culture, art, recreation, gastronomy, and European flair – and is also home to warm and inviting people, put Madrid on your list. 

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*Special thanks to Rocio Herrero Riquelme, Rodrigo Zapardiel, Cristina Barrios Montalvo, Beatriz Martinez-Falero Garcia, Lorraine Delgadliesh, Amelia Gain, Marsha Scarbrough, Carmen Munoz-Almagro, and María Fernanda Piñero Montes for their input and being the best Madrid guides over the years.

Cover Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash.

Abbey Algiers is a freelance writer specializing in golf, travel, Spain, and lifestyle. She writes regularly for the LPGA Women’s Network and has written for GoNOMAD.com, including an account of her trip along the Camino de Santiago – one of GoNOMAD’s “Best of 2022.” Find more about Abbey on her website or in her weekly lifestyle newsletter.